cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Variants of intrafamilial sexual abuse experience: Implications for short- and long-term development

This study examines short- and long-term maladaptive outcomes in a sample of sexually abused females and a comparison group. The sample consists of intrafamilial sexual abuse victims ages 6-16 years at entry into the study and a demographically similar comparison group. The outcomes examined included measures of behavior and psychological problems such as aggressive behavior, depression, dissociation, and low self-esteem; and measures at two time points, first at entry into the study (median age 11 years) and approximately 7 years later (median age 18 years). The specific questions being addressed were (a) whether subgroups or profiles. based on the specific characteristics of the sexual abuse experienced, can be identified in this sample of abused females; and (b) whether these profile groups predict different patterns of adverse short- or long-term outcomes.
Playing a Musical Instrument as a Protective Factor against Dementia and Cognitive Impairment: A Population-Based Twin Study

Increasing evidence supports that playing a musical instrument may benefit cognitive development and health at young ages. Whether playing an instrument provides protection against dementia has not been established. In a population-based cotwin control study, we examined the association between playing a musical instrument and whether or not the twins developed dementia or cognitive impairment. Participation in playing an instrument was taken from informant-based reports of twins’ leisure activities. Dementia diagnoses were based on a complete clinical workup using standard diagnostic criteria. Among 157 twin pairs discordant for dementia and cognitive impairment, 27 pairs were discordant for playing an instrument. Controlling for sex, education, and physical activity, playing a musical instrument was significantly associated with less likelihood of dementia and cognitive impairment (odds ratio [OR] = 0.36 [95% confidence interval 0.13–0.99]). These findings support further consideration of music as a modifiable protective factor against dementia and cognitive impairment.
Cloud Radiative Forcing of the Arctic Surface: The Influence of Cloud Properties, Surface Albedo, and Solar Zenith Angle

Abstract An annual cycle of cloud and radiation measurements made as part of the Surface Heat Budget of the Arctic (SHEBA) program are utilized to determine which properties of Arctic clouds control the surface radiation balance. Surface cloud radiative forcing (CF), defined as the difference between the all-sky and clear-sky net surface radiative fluxes, was calculated from ground-based measurements of broadband fluxes and results from a clear-sky model. Longwave cloud forcing (CFLW) is shown to be a function of cloud temperature, height, and emissivity (i.e., microphysics). Shortwave cloud forcing (CFSW) is a function of cloud transmittance, surface albedo, and the solar zenith angle. The annual cycle of Arctic CF reveals cloud-induced surface warming through most of the year and a short period of surface cooling in the middle of summer, when cloud shading effects overwhelm cloud greenhouse effects. The sensitivity of CFLW to cloud fraction is about 0.65 W m−2 per percent cloudiness. The sensitivity of ...
Real-Time Virtual Teaching: Lessons Learned From a Case Study in a Rural School

Due to the challenges facing rural schools, many jurisdictions have resorted to the use of virtual school programs to provide curricular opportunities to their students. While the number of virtual schools that rely on synchronous instruction as a primary or significant method of delivery is quite small, there are some programs that do (and a growing number of virtual schools that use it with small groups or individuals). This case study examined the use of synchronous online instruction by one virtual school with students in a single rural school in Newfoundland and Labrador. The data from a variety of collection methods revealed three themes: similarities with online student experiences and their traditional classroom experiences, the development of local learning communities, and the preference for students to use chat over audio.
Two Cases of Sarcoma Arising in Giant Cell Tumor of Bone Treated with Denosumab

Giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone is a generally benign, but often locally aggressive, neoplasm of bone, with a propensity for recurrence. Sarcomatous transformation is rare and typically occurs with a history of recurrences and radiation treatment. Denosumab, an inhibitor of the RANK ligand involved in bone resorption in GCT, is increasingly used in treatment of recurrent or unresectable giant cell tumor of bone. We report two cases of sarcomatous transformation of GCT to osteosarcoma in patients receiving denosumab. One was a 59-year-old male with a 12-year history of GCT and multiple recurrences taking denosumab for 2.5 years. The second case was in a 56-year-old male with a seven-year history of GCT taking denosumab for six months. Review of the literature shows one case report of malignant transformation of GCT in a patient being treated with denosumab. As the use of denosumab for treatment of GCT will likely increase, larger, controlled studies are needed to ascertain whether denosumab may play a role in malignant transformation of giant cell tumor of bone.
Auburn Dam—World’s Longest Arch Dam

Auburn dam will be the principal feature in the Bureau of Reclamation’s Auburn-Folsom South Unit in California. The dam is a double curvature thin arch, 685 feet high, and will have a concrete volume of 6,000,000 cu yd of concrete. Extensive foundation investigations, including in situ and laboratory testing, were required to evaluate a complex foundation. Rock tests were utilized in the finite element method of analysis to obtain values of deformation moduli throughout the foundation. Major features of the dam including the spillway, outlet works, penstocks, power plant, and diversion tunnel are described. Methods used to analyze the dam are outlined.
Diseases of the Thoracic Aorta

Advances in imaging technologies have revealed an entire spectrum of aortic disease where previously we saw only aortic dissection. The moniker “acute aortic syndrome” is now applied to aortic dissection, intramural hematoma (IMH), and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer of the aorta (PAU).1 Collectively, acute aortic syndromes remain highly lethal conditions for which medical therapy is imperfect and for which surgical treatment carries significant risk.
A METHODOLOGY FOR THE PARAMETRIC EXPLORATION OF THE IMPACT OF PRODUCTION PLANNING ON THE EARLY STAGES OF DESIGN

The increasing use of advanced composite materials in recent aircraft programs calls for new ways to conduct design. This paper presents a methodology that brings manufacturing and production considerations in the early stages of aircraft design as a means to help alleviate some of the new design challenges that the aircraft manufacturing industry is facing. In particular, this paper discusses how the proposed methodology integrates surrogate modeling techniques with visual analytics capabilities to provide the designer with a better understanding of the interface and trades that exist between performance, manufacturing, and production at the later stages of Conceptual design. A composite redesigned F-86 Sabre wing-box is used as a proof-of-concept for this research.
Identification of Maize Chromosome Regions Associated with Antibiosis to Corn Earworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Larvae

A better understanding of the genetic basis of antibiosis to the corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), in maize, Zea nays L., silks will help breeders develop hybrids with improved resistance to this pest. We identified maize chromosome regions associated with antibiosis to the corn earworm, and compared the results with those previously obtained for concentration of silk maysin, a C-glycosyl flavone that inhibits larval growth. We evaluated antibiosis with a dried-silk bioassay of 76 (GT114 X GT119)F 2:3 lines, derived by self-pollinating F2 plants from the high and low tails of the distribution for silk maysin concentration. Variation in 8-d larval weights resulting from silks of the F 2:3 lines was compared with variation in restriction fragment length polymorphism genotypes at 39 flavonoid pathway loci or linked markers of corresponding F 2 plants. The multiple-locus model that best explained variation of larval weights included a major effect at the p1 region of chromosome 1 and smaller effects in the umc166b region (chromosome 1) and the sh1 region (chromosome 9). The model for maysin concentration of the corresponding F2 plants was nearly identical, with the exception that the sh1 locus was replaced by the nearby u1tlciosa locus. Our results provide evidence that in this population silk maysin concentration and corn earworm antibiosis are under similar genetic control and that the p1 locus plays the major role in determining variation in both traits. Because we evaluated the tails of the distribution and probed only at flavonoid pathway loci, all chromosome regions associated with corn earworm resistance in this population may not have been detected.
Strained Quantum Dots in Porous Silicon

On the basis of Raman, photoluminescence, and absorption studies of porous and nanoparticle silicon we propose that the strong luminescence in porous silicon results from strained silicon quantum dots. A silicon nanoparticle is a special Jahn-Teller system induced by extended electron states rather than localized state. Thus Raman scattering and photoluminescence in porous silicon are multi-phonon assisted free electronic transition processes, all observed anomalous properties of porous silicon can be clearly explained by using this strained quantum dot model.
Organizational cosmopolitanism and innovativeness.

The article discusses a research on organizational cosmopolitanism and innovativeness. Individual cosmopolitanism scores were correlated against the number of innovations adopted by the organizatio...
Shift the Focus of IR Studies to China,Bridge Theory and Practice

The coincidence of world transformation and China's rise broadens the space that China's international strategy can reshape.The mainstream Western IR paradigms are responding to the situation but could not effectively interpret the rise of China;while China's IR studies still remain as the follower of the Western counterpart.The author advocates that it is the hard time to shift the focus of IR studies to China and bridge the IR theoretical paradigms and the actual practices taking place in China.To reach this goal,the author suggests improving studies on China's world ideal,on the strategies of great-power-rise,and on theoretical foundations of policy analysis.
Summary of integrated diagnostics and prognostics method based on testability for electronic system

Fault diagnosis and prognostics are key technologies in prognostics and health management(PHM).By combining the design of testability with fault models and mechanism,the architecture of integrated diagnostic and fault prognostics based on testability is proposed.The current developed techniques and methods of integrated diagnostics and prognostics are classified and summarized.The methods of integrated diagnostics and prognostics are discussed from embedded diagnostics based on testability,intelligent fault diagnosis based on signal process,and fault prognostics based on testability in electronic system.Finally,the factors that constrain the developments of integrated diagnostics and prognostics in electronic system are analyzed and the developing trend is also discussed.
STUDY OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STRUC-TURAL FEATURE AND CRACK IN GUIZHOU CHISHUI REGION

The main nature-gas reservoir is carbonate rock in Guizhou Chishui region. Whether the reservoir is good or not directly is influenced by the crack growth situation in the carberhate rock layer. Drilling detection shows that where's the crack develops, there's the advantage segmentation of nature-gas res- ervoir. This article uses structure analysis method to systematically research the structural feature of Chishui region, and confirm the relationship between structure and crack, discuss the cracks increased period and times, character, distribution state and distribution realm in this region, which lightens the orientation for further nature-gas exploration.
Deep Brain Stimulation Targets, Technology, and Trials: Two Decades of Progress.

ABBREVIATIONS AD, Alzheimer diseaseDBS, Deep brain stimulationFDA, Food and Drug AdministrationMER, Microelectrode recording.
Ethanol inhibits insulin action on lipolysis and on insulin release in elderly men

We have studied effects of ethanol on insulin's ability to suppress its own release and on its antilipolytic action in 12 healthy elderly men during euglycemic hyperinsulinemia. Insulin secretion was estimated from plasma C-peptide concentrations. Lipolysis was determined with the two stable isotopes [2H5]glycerol and [1-13C]palmitate. Hyperinsulinemia (approximately 350 pM) decreased plasma C-peptide by approximately 60% (from 325 to 122 pM, P < 0.05). Ethanol (approximately 10 mM) completely prevented the fall in C-peptide concentration. Ethanol decreased the antilipolytic action of insulin by approximately 40% [with insulin alone, glycerol rate of appearance (Ra) decreased from 1.8 to 0.6 mumol.kg-1 x min-1; with insulin + ethanol, it only decreased from 1.8 to 1.1 mumol.kg-1 x min-1]. Ethanol did not affect palmitate Ra, which fell from 1.4 to 0.6 mumol.kg-1 x min-1 with insulin and from 1.4 to 0.3 mumol.kg-1 x min-1 with insulin plus ethanol. Fatty acid reesterification was not affected by insulin but tripled (from 0.6 to 1.9 mumol.kg-1 x min-1) in response to insulin plus ethanol. Our data showed that modest concentrations of ethanol suppressed the inhibitory actions of insulin on its own release and on lipolysis. The inhibition by ethanol of various insulin actions, including glucose disposal, lipolysis, and insulin release, in diverse tissues such as muscle, adipose tissue, and pancreas raises the possibility that ethanol may produce a state of generalized insulin resistance.
Enhancement of optical gain characteristics of quantum dot films by optimization of organic ligands

This work examines how the optimization of molecular dimensions and chemical functionality of the organic ligands of quantum dots (QDs) can be explored for dramatic enhancement of the optical properties of QD films, particularly, optical gain. We show that the replacement of traditional QD organic ligands with a much shorter ligand, butylamine, yields a dense QD-packing that results in a two-fold increase in optical gain. Overall, the highly packed QD films exhibit very large net gain values (∼500 cm−1) which greatly exceed typical Cd-based QD films with traditional ligands. In addition, thresholds for amplified-spontaneous emission (ASE) down to 50 μJ cm−2 were observed, which is exceptionally low for ns-pulse pumped QD systems. Our results confirm an additional route for obtaining high optical gain using QDs, and outline a strategy for modifying the optical gain characteristics by ligand exchange without needing to modify the QD selection. Consideration of the ligands along with QD compositional design could make it possible to fabricate photonic systems with exceptionally low lasing thresholds, and offers a route toward achieving high gain using steady state pumping, an extremely difficult feat to achieve in traditional QD systems.
Multi-level regulation of cellular glycosylation: from genes to transcript to enzyme to structure

Glycosylation is a ubiquitous mammalian post-translational modification that both decorates a majority of expressed proteins and regulates their function. Cellular glycan biosynthesis is facilitated by a few hundred enzymes that are collectively termed 'glycoenzymes'. The expression and activity of these enzymes is controlled at the transcription, translation and post-translation levels. New wet-lab advances are providing analytical methods to collect large-scale data at these multiple levels, relational databases are starting to collate these results, and computer models are beginning to integrate this information across scales in order to gain new knowledge. These activities are likely to enable the qualitative and quantitative mapping of pathways regulating glycan production and function in proteins, cells and tissue.
BindProfX: Assessing Mutation-Induced Binding Affinity Change by Protein Interface Profiles with Pseudo-Counts

Understanding how gene-level mutations affect the binding affinity of protein–protein interactions is a key issue of protein engineering. Due to the complexity of the problem, using physical force field to predict the mutation-induced binding free-energy change remains challenging. In this work, we present a renewed approach to calculate the impact of gene mutations on the binding affinity through the structure-based profiling of protein–protein interfaces, where the binding free-energy change (ΔΔG) is counted as the logarithm of relative probability of mutant amino acids over wild-type ones in the interface alignment matrix; three pseudo-counts are introduced to alleviate the limit of the current interface library. Compared with a previous profile score that was based on the log-odds likelihood calculation, the correlation between predicted and experimental ΔΔG of single-site mutations is increased in this approach from 0.33 to 0.68. The structure-based profile score is found complementary to the physical potentials, where a linear combination of the profile score with the FoldX potential could increase the ΔΔG correlation from 0.46 to 0.74. It is also shown that the profile score is robust for counting the coupling effect of multiple individual mutations. For the mutations involving more than two mutation sites where the correlation between FoldX and experimental data vanishes, the profile-based calculation retains a strong correlation with the experimental measurements.
Analysis of instrumentation failures after three column osteotomies of the spine.

Correction of fixed spinal imbalance in a sagittal and/or coronal plane frequently needs a tricolumnar wedge resection when the deformity is rigid. Complications associated with deformity correction surgery are pseudoarthrosis and implant failure located along the construct. The purposes of this study were to assess comparative rates of pseudoarthrosis (implant failure) at weaker points along lumbosacral junction and level of osteotomy, estimate overall incidence of implant failure, and comparatively analyze failures at different points along the construct. This was an IRB approved, single center study retrospective analysis. Twenty-six patients who underwent three column osteotomies were grouped according to procedure: pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO, (n = 18)); vertebral column resection (VCR, (n = 4)); hemivertebra excision (HE, (n = 2)); and extracavitary corpectomy (EC, (n = 2)). Follow-up data is presented on all of the study patients. Number of levels of fusion, anchors, percent saturation of fixation levels, type of bone graft and graft substitutes, and rod material and diameter were recorded. Radiographical data was reviewed preoperatively and postoperatively at 2 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months and annually to determine sagittal and coronal balance, lumbopelvic parameters, presence or absence of interbody structural support, laterality or rod failure, and time to implant failure. Twenty-seven percent (7/26) patients demonstrated rod breakage either unilaterally (N = 2) or bilaterally (N = 5) during follow-up. Seventy-one percent had increasing back pain or worsening sagittal balance, while remaining failures found incidentally. No failures in children were seen. Tricolumnar osteotomy by posterior approach is a valuable tool. Rod failures found approximately 1 year from surgery, with 86% located at level of osteotomy and 14% at lumbosacral junction. Possible reasons are increased stress in the rod at this point and relatively deficient bone stock secondary to wide laminectomy. The low rate of rod breakage at lumbosacral junction may be related to adoption of structural interbody graft and stronger iliac screws. Additional biomechanical studies needed to assess the importance of these factors. This was a level IV study.
A Third Look at the Structure of Leiomodin Bound to Actin

Our quest in science is to understand Nature by seeking the truth. One element of this quest is verification, usually by building directly on past work with new experimental data, theory, or interpretation. Progress can also be made by reevaluating published data; I have done this multiple times during my career, so it must be a common experience. Such is the case in an article on a crystal structure of the protein leiomodin bound to actin by Boczkowska et al. in this issue of the Biophysical Journal (1).
The Emergence of Manganese-Based Carbonyl Hydrosilylation Catalysts

ConspectusIn recent years, interest in homogeneous manganese catalyst development has intensified because of the earth-abundant and nontoxic nature of this metal. Although compounds of Mn have largely been utilized for epoxidation reactions, recent efforts have revealed that Mn catalysts can mediate a broad range of reductive transformations. Low-valent Mn compounds have proven to be particularly effective for the hydrosilylation of carbonyl- and carboxylate-containing substrates, and this Account aims to highlight my research group’s contributions to this field. In our initial 2014 communication, we reported that the bis(imino)pyridine-supported compound (Ph2PPrPDI)Mn mediates ketone hydrosilylation with exceptional activity under solvent-free conditions. Silanes including Ph2SiH2, (EtO)3SiH, (EtO)2MeSiH, and (EtO)Me2SiH were found to partially reduce cyclohexanone in the presence of (Ph2PPrPDI)Mn, while turnover frequencies of up to 1280 min–1 were observed using PhSiH3. This led us to evaluate the hydr...
Inhalation of Fine Particulate Matter Impairs Endothelial Progenitor Cell Function Via Pulmonary Oxidative Stress.

Objective— Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) air pollution is associated with the depletion of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), as well as vascular injury and dysfunction. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether PM 2.5 exposure leads to significant impairments in EPC function. Hence, we studied the effects of PM 2.5 on EPC-mediated recovery of vascular perfusion after hindlimb ischemia and examined the mechanisms whereby PM 2.5 exposure affects EPC abundance and function. Approach and Results— In comparison with EPCs isolated from mice breathing filtered air, EPCs from mice exposed for 9 consecutive days (6 hours per day) to concentrated ambient PM 2.5 (CAP) had defects in both proliferation and tube formation. However, CAP exposure of mice overexpressing extracellular superoxide dismutase (ecSOD-Tg) in the lungs did not affect EPC tube formation. Exposure to CAP also suppressed circulating EPC levels, VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor)-stimulated aortic Akt phosphorylation, and plasma NO levels in wild-type but not in ecSOD-Tg mice. EPCs from CAP-exposed wild-type mice failed to augment basal recovery of hindlimb perfusion when injected into unexposed mice subjected to hindlimb ischemia; however, these deficits in recovery of hindlimb perfusion were absent when using EPCs derived from CAP-exposed ecSOD-Tg mice. The improved reparative function of EPCs from CAP-exposed ecSOD-Tg mice was also reflected by greater expression of Mmp-9 and Nos3 when compared with EPCs from CAP-exposed wild-type mice. Conclusions— Exposure to PM 2.5 impairs EPC abundance and function and prevents EPC-mediated vascular recovery after hindlimb ischemia. This defect is attributed, in part, to pulmonary oxidative stress and was associated with vascular VEGF resistance and a decrement in NO bioavailability.
Dual antiplatelet therapy versus single antiplatelet therapy after transaortic valve replacement: Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND The current guidelines recommend empirical therapy with DAPT of aspirin and clopidogrel for six months after TAVR. This recommendation is based on expert consensus only. Giving the lack of clear consensus on treatment strategy following TAVR. Goal of this meta-analysis is to assess the efficacy and safety of mono-antiplatelet therapy (MAPT) versus dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). METHODS AND MATERIALS We performed a meta-analysis from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and prospective studies that tested DAPT vs. MAPT for all-cause mortality and major bleeding of 603 patients. The primary efficacy outcomes were 30 days mortality and stroke. The primary safety outcomes were major bleeding and major vascular complications. RESULTS We included 603 patients from 4 studies. The use of MAPT was associated with similar mortality rate (5.9% vs. 6.6%; RR = 0.92; 95% CI 0.49-1.71; P = 0.68) and stroke rate compared with DAPT (1.3% vs. 1.3%; RR 1.04; 95% CI 0.27 to 4.04; P = 0.81). There was no difference in major vascular complication (4.2% vs. 8.9%; RR 0.52; 95% CI 0.23 to 1.18; P = 0.17) or minor vascular complication (4.2% vs. 7.3%; RR 0.58; 95% CI 0.25 to 1.34; P = 0.14). However, MAPT was associated with significantly less risk of major bleeding (4.9% vs. 14.5%; RR 0.37; 95% CI 0.20 to 0.70; P < 0.01) but no difference in minor bleeding (4.2% vs. 3.6%; RR 1.16; 95% CI 0.43 to 3.10; P = 0.85). CONCLUSION MAPT use after TAVR is associated with lower rates of major bleeding compared with DAPT with no significant difference in mortality, stroke or vascular complications.
The development of test methodolgies for determining the formulations and mechanical properties of leadfree nano solder

This paper discusses a 6-month investigation performed at the University of Massachusetts Lowell during the first half of 2017 into developing a leadfree nanosolder Paste through different formulations and concentrations, while comparing the performance against commercially available SAC solders. This step-by-step approach to determine the optimal mechanical properties and performance of leadfree nanosolders can be useful as a blueprint for developing alternative solder alloy combinations for enhanced leadfree soldering performance. Statistical analysis was extensively used for comparison of nanopaste versus baseline SAC solder performance, and the results of each phase led to additional testing phases to further develop the nanosolder properties. In addition, the efficacy of the testing was verified using baseline SAC soldering. The resources of a research University were used to determine the best alternatives to conduct the testing using relevant Electronics industry standards. A support team of leading industry experts from the solder supply chain and the potential customer base from the local US Northeast area of solder suppliers, medical, military and commercial potential customers were available to assist the research team and directing them into the most likely successful approaches to the solution process for optimal soldering performance. This paper will summarize the results of work performed to date, and will update the technical soldering community on the progress towards achieving a superior nanosolder performance for leadfree soldering.
Brassinosteroids for phytoremediation application

Phytoremediation is a plant-based family of technologies for remediating and/or containing contamination. It has good public acceptance and is economical, compared to traditional and engineering technologies for soil treatment. Phytohormones have the specific ability to increase and support plant physiology, and are well-known and applied in horticulture, floriculture, fruit farming and other agricultural fields. The main processes of phytoremediation involve plant physiology within the plant and/or its immediate surroundings (rhizosphere); thus it can take advantage of any “assistants” that improve the efficiency of the physiological mechanisms that can make phytoremediation process more efficient. We can call “assisted phytoremediation by plant growth regulators” that phytoremediation aided by phyto-hormone treatment. Such treatment is harmless to the environment, practical and economically viable. Only recently a very few studies have revealed the possibility of applying phytohormones for phytoremediation purposes. Phytohormones in this context should increase plant resistance to stress, increase plant biomass production, increase plant metal uptake, and increase organic degradation. Brassinosteroids could enter into this class of phytohormone for “assisted phytoremediation by plant growth regulators”. This may open a new research field, intriguing experts in both phytoremediation and phytohormones.
MicroRNA Biomarkers in Melanoma

The frontiers of cell science are a terra incognita. At least some of the protein function(s) of cells and the systems biology that are emerging have been traced to single base changes in the genome, single nucleotide polymorphisms, or more rare mutations that help to explain functional alterations in the bustling life of a cancer cell. However, even the most ambitious genome-wide association studies have, in most cases, failed to adequately explain complex traits or the underpinnings of pathology, placing in doubt the dogma of the “common-disease, common-variant” hypothesis – a theory that the commonality of some diseases must imply a common set of identifiable triggers.
Models of Natural Selection

Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection has had such an immense success in explaining the historical changes that have occurred in life on earth that it has come to be regarded by many people as the model for the dynamics of all historical processes. “Evolutionary change” has become identified as identical with “change by natural selection,” although there exist, in fact, two quite different modes of explanation for the evolution of systems in time. In the variational mode, which is characteristic of Darwinism, there is variation among the individual units comprising the whole system. The system changes in time by a change in the proportions of the different kinds of units, as a consequence of the differential survival and reproduction of the units. It is interesting that the only natural system known with certainty to evolve by this variational-selectional mode is the biological diversity of species.
Enabling Interoperability of Heterogeneous ad hoc Networks

Diverse application requirements of wireless communications have resulted in multiple wireless standards. Devices using disparate wireless technologies often cannot communicate directly with each other. However, in many practical scenarios such as disaster management and public safety crises, communication amongst dissimilar wireless networks may become a necessity. Previous work related to coverage and connectivity issues consider a homogeneous network. We investigate the problem of communication in an ad hoc heterogeneous network comprising of several underlying homogeneous networks. Our proposed solution introduces special multi-interface devices, called drones, that enable communication between dissimilar networks. The optimal placement of drones with accompanying network interfaces is determined by a new placement and interface selection algorithm (PISA). PISA works in two phases. The first phase, finds coarse placements for drones by a heterogeneous clustering algorithm. Then, using well known genetic algorithms, optimal drone locations are determined based on the coarse placements derived in phase one. PISA also determines the type of interfaces for each drone. The algorithm is validated, considering example scenarios, using MATLAB simulations. Solutions achievable using PISA result in high connectivity in the heterogeneous network with minimal number of drones and network interfaces.
Preservice elementary teachers’ willingness to specialize in science and views on evolution

Acceptance and understanding of evolutionary ideas remains low in the United States despite renewed science education standards, nearly unanimous acceptance among scientists, and decades of research on the teaching and learning of evolution. Early exposure to evolutionary concepts may be one way to reduce resistance to learning and accepting evolution. While there is emerging evidence that elementary students can learn and retain evolutionary ideas, there is also emerging evidence that elementary teachers may be unprepared to teach evolution. It may not be possible to train elementary teachers like their secondary counterparts who receive specialized training in science. This exploratory study was designed to determine if the 147 surveyed preservice elementary teachers (PETs) who are most willing to specialize in science maintain a greater understanding and acceptance of evolution. Such a relationship could have implications for teacher training and science instruction at elementary schools. As willingness to specialize in science increases so too does acceptance of evolution. For both measures, there was a monotonic increase with increasing willingness to specialize in science. There was a significant correlation (p = .047) between willingness to specialize in science and acceptance of evolution as measured by the MATE. There was not a significant correlation between willingness to specialize in science and understanding of evolution as measured by the CINS (p = .21). The thirty-two PETs who are enthusiastically willing to specialize in science had the highest understanding and acceptance of evolution. It may be possible to identify prospective elementary teachers that could assume roles as specialists simply by identifying PETs’ willingness to specialize. Such students appear to enter elementary teacher preparation programs with the science background and enthusiasm for science required to be specialists without the need for much additional training. Thus, science teacher educators could help local elementary school principals identify graduating, and recently graduated, elementary teachers who are willing to specialize in science. Identified teachers could serve as specialists to work with their building and district colleagues to develop, among other topics, evolution related curricular materials and facilitate the implementation of those materials through co-teaching and peer coaching.
Hypernatremia: A systems-based approach

Hypernatremia is a commonly encountered disorder in hospitalized patients in which the plasma sodium concentration exceeds 145 mM. The clinical approach to hypernatremia is often challenging for clinicians, as the underlying pathophysiology is complex and serious complications can result from its improper management. As such, the purpose of this manuscript is to provide the reader with a systematic clinical approach to the diagnosis and management of patients with hypernatremia. The following core competencies are addressed in this article: Patient care, Medical knowledge.
Shear-wave elastography of the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow in healthy volunteers: a pilot study

To estimate the intra-observer repeatability of shear wave elastography in the UCL of the elbow, and to compare shear wave velocities between dominant and non-dominant arms. Twenty elbows in ten healthy volunteers were evaluated [five males, five females; mean age, 31.8 ± 10.3 years]. Shear wave velocity was measured on three separate days during the span of 1 week utilizing a linear 18-MHz transducer. Elastograms were obtained until ten ROIs were drawn, not drawing more than two ROIs on any elastogram. Elastograms were considered diagnostic if any portion of the UCL was colored in and free of boundary artifacts. Median velocity and interquartile range were recorded. A result was considered reliable if the IQR/median ratio of the ten measurements was < 0.3. IQR/median was < 0.3 in 88% of sessions, although in 28% of sessions fewer than 60% of elastograms were diagnostic. The ICC was 0.05 (95% CI; − 0.18–0.36; poor). Repeatability coefficient (95% limits of agreement) was 1.95 m/s (95% CI; 1.61–2.37 m/s). Mean velocity in dominant arms was 5.14 ± 0.53 m/s and 5.24 ± 0.39 m/s in non-dominant (p = 0.558). Mean shear wave velocity was similar between dominant and non-dominant arms. Although repeatability was poor as assessed by ICC, the repeatability coefficient may be a more useful indicator of clinical utility once shear wave velocities in diseased ligaments are explored. Future studies should therefore evaluate velocities in diseased ligaments and develop techniques to improve elastogram quality.
Utilizing Autoxidation of Solvents To Promote the Formation of Uranyl Peroxide Materials

Uranyl peroxide compounds are important to the nuclear fuel cycle and are typically formed from the direct addition of hydrogen peroxide or through photochemical pathways that utilize a sacrificial solvent. In this study, we explore the use of THF as a peroxide forming solvent that could be used to promote the crystallization of uranyl peroxide materials. Compound 1 (Li(H2O)2(UO2)(C7H3NO4)(C4H5NO4)·2H2O) was originally crystallized after aging for 10 days at room temperature and was characterized by X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, Raman spectroscopy, and UV/vis spectroscopy. Exposure to ambient light for one month led to the complete transformation of 1 to compound 2 ((C5NH6)2[(UO2)2(μ-O2)(H2O)2(C7NO4H3)2]·4H2O). Oxidation of the THF molecule was proposed as the major mechanism for the formation of the secondary uranyl peroxide compound, which was accelerated in the presence of the UO22+ cation and light. Presence of THF hydrogen peroxide was confirmed by spectral (NMR and Raman) analysis of the mo...
Extraterritorial Congressional Oversight

Congress has myriad legitimate interests in oversight that transcend national boundaries and extend to U.S. interests all over the world. Such interests can even reach as far as a foreign sovereign’s stewardship of U.S. resources. Extraterritorial congressional oversight and investigations present a number of practical, legal, and diplomatic challenges. In this Article, I consider those challenges and offer some practical reforms Congress could undertake to enhance its ability to project its power of inquiry overseas.
Modeling Emotion and Behavior in Animated Personas to Facilitate Human Behavior Change: The Case of the HEART-SENSE Game

The goal of this research is to determine whether a computer based training game (HEART-SENSE) can improve recognition of heart attack symptoms and shift behavioral issues so as to reduce pre-hospitalization delay in seeking treatment. Since treatment delay correlates with adverse outcomes, this research could reduce myocardial infarction mortality and morbidity. In Phase I we created and evaluated a prototype virtual village in which users encounter and help convince synthetic personas to deal appropriately with a variety of heart attack scenarios and delay issues. Innovations made here are: (1) a design for a generic simulator package for promoting health behavior shifts, and (2) algorithms for animated pedagogical agents to reason about how their emotional state ties to patient condition and user progress. Initial results show that users of the game exhibit a significant shift in intention to call 9-1-1 and avoid delay, that multi-media versions of the game foster vividness and memory retention as well as a better understanding of both symptoms and of the need to manage time during a heart attack event. Also, results provide insight into areas where emotive pedagogical agents help and hinder user performance. Finally, we conclude with next steps that will help improve the game and the field of pedagogical agents and tools for simulated worlds for healthcare education and promotion.
Regulating Bitcoin: A Tax Case Study

This chapter adapts the Coffee bonding theory to the modern context of bitcoin, using tax as a case study. As the theory predicts, tax authorities may be able to increase the legitimacy of bitcoin by improving tax compliance and reducing tax evasion. Thus, while the Coffee theory arose two decades ago to explain the cross-listing of foreign company shares, it has implications for the modern context of bitcoin.
Institutional Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic in American Prisons

The COVID-19 pandemic infiltrated the United States in early 2020, with correctional facilities becoming hot spots for the novel coronavirus shortly thereafter. Using data gathered from Departments...
Change in Health-Related Socioeconomic Risk Factors and Mental Health During the Early Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A National Survey of U.S. Women.

Background: During a pandemic, women may be especially vulnerable to secondary health problems driven by its social and economic effects. We examined the relationship between changes in health-related socioeconomic risks (HRSRs) and mental health. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 3,200 women aged 18-90 years was conducted in April 2020 using a quota-based sample from a national panel (88% cooperation rate). Patterns of change in HRSRs (food insecurity, housing instability, interpersonal violence, and difficulties with utilities and transportation) were described. Weighted, multivariate logistic regression was used to model the odds of depression, anxiety, and traumatic stress symptoms among those with and without incident or worsening HRSRs. Results: More than 40% of women had one or more prepandemic HRSRs. In the early pandemic phase, 49% of all women, including 29% with no prepandemic HRSRs, had experienced incident or worsening HRSRs. By April 2020, the rates of depression and anxiety were twice that of prepandemic benchmarks (29%); 17% of women had symptoms of traumatic stress. The odds of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress symptoms were two to three times higher among women who reported at least one incident or worsening HRSR; this finding was similar for women with and without prepandemic HRSRs. Conclusions: Increased health-related socioeconomic vulnerability among U.S. women early in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was prevalent and associated with alarmingly high rates of mental health problems. Pandemic-related mental health needs are likely to be much greater than currently available resources, especially for vulnerable women.
The power of the future: Intergenerational income mobility and child maltreatment in the United States.

Abstract Background Recent research has shown that the likelihood of children experiencing intergenerational, upward income mobility depends on the community in which they are raised. Whether parents consider their children's economic chances in their parenting decisions, however, is not well understood. Objective To examine the relationship between county-level income mobility–distinct from income inequality and poverty–and child maltreatment. Participants and setting Administrative data from the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System: Child File for 2406 counties were merged with measures of intergenerational income mobility from Chetty et al. (2014a), including the probability that a child born in the bottom quintile of the national income distribution reaches the top quintile by age thirty. Methods Weighted least squares analyses were used to empirically estimate the relationship between intergenerational income mobility and child maltreatment report rates. Maltreatment reports were also divided into subgroups by age and metropolitan status. Results Counties where children have a greater chance of moving up the income ladder have lower child maltreatment report rates, independent from income inequality and poverty rates. This relationship is consistent across all child ages (0–17). The relationship between upward income mobility and substantiated child maltreatment is also negatively correlated among non-metropolitan counties. Conclusions Children experience a lower risk for maltreatment if they are more likely to move up the income ladder in adulthood. Macroeconomic factors and policies that reduce income inequality and enhance economic mobility are likely to prevent child maltreatment.
Activity coefficients of aqueous electrolytes from implicit-water molecular dynamics simulations.

We obtain activity coefficients in NaCl and KCl solutions from implicit-water molecular dynamics simulations, at 298.15 K and 1 bar, using two distinct approaches. In the first approach, we consider ions in a continuum with constant relative permittivity (ɛr) equal to that of pure water; in the other approach, we take into account the concentration-dependence of ɛr, as obtained from explicit-water simulations. Individual ion activity coefficients (IIACs) are calculated using gradual insertion of single ions with uniform neutralizing backgrounds to ensure electroneutrality. Mean ionic activity coefficients (MIACs) obtained from the corresponding IIACs in simulations with constant ɛr show reasonable agreement with experimental data for both salts. Surprisingly, large systematic negative deviations are observed for both IIACs and MIACs in simulations with concentration-dependent ɛr. Our results suggest that the absence of hydration structure in implicit-water simulations cannot be compensated by correcting for the concentration-dependence of the relative permittivity ɛr. Moreover, even in simulations with constant ɛr for which the calculated MIACs are reasonable, the relative positioning of IIACs of anions and cations is incorrect for NaCl. We conclude that there are severe inherent limitations associated with implicit-water simulations in providing accurate activities of aqueous electrolytes, a finding with direct relevance to the development of electrolyte theories and to the use and interpretation of implicit-solvent simulations.
Timed CSP = closed timed ε-automata

We propose some mild modifications to the syntax and semantics of Timed CSP which significantly increase expressiveness. As a result, we are able to capture some of the most widely used specifications on timed systems as refinements (reverse inclusion of sets of behaviours) which may then be verified using the model checker FDR. We characterize the expressive power of the finite-state fragment of this augmented version of Timed CSP as that of closed timed e-automata--timed automata with e-transitions (silent transitions) and closed invariant and enabling clock constraints.
A method for picosecond lifetime measurements for neutron-rich nuclei: (1) Outline of the method

Abstract A general method of nuclear level lifetime measurements in the low-picosecond range for neutron-rich nuclei is proposed. This new method, designed for use at fission product mass separators, is based on standardized detector systems and procedures, and a comprehensive approach to data analysis for the whole decay scheme. Measurements utilize β-γ-γ coincidences where the fast timing information is derived from β-γ coincidences in timing detectors while the selection of the desired decay branch is obtained by using coincident γ-transitions recorded in a Ge detector with high energy resolution. The key idea is to use a thin ΔE β-detector to provide a uniform timing response for energetic betas. A BaF2 crystal is used as the timing γ-detector due to its superior energy resolution and efficiency in comparison to fast plastic scintillators. The outline of the method, which includes the experimental set-up and general techniques of data analysis, is discussed. A number of lifetime measurements in the subnanosecond range are presented to show the high selectivity of the method in identifying delayed γ-transitions.
Circuits of Culture

Over the past two decades anthropologists have directed their attention to the role of media technologies in the circulation of culture through contemporary national and transnational arenas. Jeff ...