cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A rapid FPLC method for purification of the third component of human and guinea pig complement.

Abstract A method is described for the purification of human and guinea pig C3 from small amounts of serum. This procedure requires only two steps — polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation and fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) Mono Q HR 10/10 ion exchange chromatography. The protocol takes less than two hours to complete and yields 4–6 mg of purified C3. Similar results, in terms of antigenic and functional recovery, were obtained for both human and guinea pig components. About 67% of C3 antigen was recovered from eluted fractions with fully preserved specific activity. Isolated C3 was over 95% pure as estimated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and autoradiography; this level of purity was confirmed by the absence of any observable contamination assessed by immunoelectrophoresis using high titer anti-whole human serum. This method allows rapid and reproducible purification of fully active human or guinea pig C3 on a daily basis.
Selection of Wavelengths for use in Excitation and Emission in Atomic Fluorescence Spectroscopy

Abstract In a recent paper Margoshes1 noted that selection of wavelengths for use in atomic absorption spectroscopy is usually based on published information or direct measurement on a number of lines. Further, reliance on the former may not result in the selection of the best wavelength for the experimental and instrumental conditions, and the latter can be very time consuming.
Experimental Study of Mechanical Pipe Snubber Seismic Behavior

A series of seismic tests of mechanical snubbers on a full-scale model piping system provided a unique opportunity for detailed scrutiny of snubber seismic behavior on an actual piping system. The observed snubber behavior is a complicated pattern of braking and releasing, drag and drift, and the dynamic characteristics of the snubber, as well as the input motion, play a role in the response of the snubber. The snubbers were effective in limiting pipe displacements. Relative accelerations across the snubber were larger than expected. Snubber hysteretic behavior was irregular. Results from this testing are important in understanding snubber behavior, evaluating snubber performance, and in assessing alternatives to snubbers.
Comparing antibiotic resistance in commensal and pathogenic bacteria isolated from wild-caught South Carolina shrimps vs. farm-raised imported shrimps

The objective of this study was to assess and differentiate wild-caught South Carolina (SC) shrimps from imported shrimps on the basis of microbiological analysis. Seven wild-caught SC shrimp and 1...
Multiconstrained QoS Routing: Greedy is Good

A fundamental problem in quality-of-service (QoS) routing is to find a path connecting a source node to a destination node that satisfies K ges 2 additive QoS constraints. This multi-constrained path problem (MCP) is known to be NP-complete. In a recent paper, Xue et at. showed that the shortest path with respect to a single auxiliary edge weight (obtained by combining the K edge weights into a single metric) is a if-approximation to MCP, in the sense that the largest ratio of path weight over its corresponding constraint is within a factor of K from minimum. In this paper, we present a simple greedy algorithm and prove that this greedy algorithm is also a if-approximation algorithm to MCP. Extensive computational results show that this greedy algorithm is superior to the previously best known if-approximation algorithm in terms of the quality of the path computed. Our algorithm is as simple as Dijkstra's shortest path algorithm, and is therefore suitable for implementation in Internet protocols.
Best approximation of periodic functions of several variables from the classes \( MB_{{p,\theta }}^{\omega } \)

We obtain exact-order estimates for the best approximation of periodic functions of several variables from the classes $ MB_{{p,\theta }}^{\omega } $ by trigonometric polynomials with the “numbers” of harmonics from graded hyperbolic crosses in the metric of the space L q :
Detour Admitting Short Paths

Finding the shortest path between two vertices in a weighted graph is a well explored problem and several efficient algorithms for solving it have been reported. We propose a new variation of this problem which we call the detour admitting shortest path problem (DASPP). We present an efficient algorithm for solving DASPP. This is the first algorithm that constructs a shortest path such that each edge of the shortest path admits detour with no more than k-hops. This algorithm has important applications in transportation network. We also discuss the extensions and generalizations of the proposed problem.
Changes in Cytokine Levels during Reactivation of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Lungs

We studied cytokine proteins and mRNAs in mice with two forms of Toxoplasma gondii pneumonia resulting from reactivation of infection. In the first form, mice were infected with T. gondii, developed and recovered from systemic disease, and then developed pneumonia 3 weeks later. As pulmonary inflammation developed, levels of cytokine mRNAs for gamma interferon (IFN-γ), interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, and IL-10 increased in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells or lung tissue, and the level of IFN-γ protein increased in BAL fluid. The second form of pneumonia occurred as a complication of primary cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease in mice with dormant T. gondii infection. During CMV disease, IL-2 mRNA levels decreased in lung tissue, IL-10 protein levels increased in lung tissue, and IL-10 protein levels increased in BAL fluid. As the mice recovered from CMV disease, T. gondii infection was reactivated in the lungs and was manifested as T. gondii pneumonia. During CMV-induced T. gondii pneumonia, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-10 mRNA levels increased in BAL cells or lung tissue, and both IFN-γ and IL-2 protein levels increased in BAL fluid. We concluded that both forms of T. gondii pneumonia are accompanied by increases in both type 1 T-helper and type 2 T-helper cytokine levels in lungs. The mechanism of CMV-induced reactivation of T. gondii infection in lungs may involve local decreases in IL-2 levels and/or increases in IL-10 levels.
Experimental Investigation of the Boundary Layer and Pressure Measurements on Airfoils with Laminar Separation Bubbles

In an effort to understand the behavior of the laminar separation bubbles on NACA 0012 and LA2573a airfoils at different Reynolds numbers and angles of attack, the boundary layer over the airfoils was investigated by measuring the mean and fluctuating components of the velocity profiles over the upper surfaces of the airfoils. Also, surface pressure measurements were carried out to complete the mapping of the laminar separation bubble and to calculate the lift generated by the airfoils. The surface pressure distributions were in good agreement with the results obtained from XFLR5. The locations of separation, transition and reattachment were determined as functions of angle of attack and Reynolds numbers for the two airfoils.
Personal consequences of malpractice lawsuits on American surgeons

Background Our objective was to identify the prevalence of recent malpractice litigation against American surgeons and evaluate associations with personal well-being. Although malpractice lawsuits are often filed against American surgeons, the personal consequences with respect to burnout, depression, and career satisfaction are poorly understood. Study Design Members of the American College of Surgeons were sent an anonymous, cross-sectional survey in October 2010. Surgeons were asked if they had been involved in a malpractice suit during 2 previous years. The survey also evaluated demographic variables, practice characteristics, career satisfaction, burnout, and quality of life. Results Of the approximately 25,073 surgeons sampled, 7,164 (29%) returned surveys. Involvement in a recent malpractice suit was reported by 1,764 of 7,164 (24.6%) responding surgeons. Surgeons involved in a recent malpractice suit were younger, worked longer hours, had more night call, and were more likely to be in private practice (all p Conclusions Malpractice lawsuits are common and have potentially profound personal consequences for US surgeons. Additional research is needed to identify individual, organizational, and societal interventions to support surgeons subjected to malpractice litigation.
Lymphangiogenesis Is Induced by Mycobacterial Granulomas via Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3 and Supports Systemic T-Cell Responses against Mycobacterial Antigen

Granulomatous inflammation is characteristic of many autoimmune and infectious diseases. The lymphatic drainage of these inflammatory sites remains poorly understood, despite an expanding understanding of lymphatic role in inflammation and disease. Here, we show that the lymph vessel growth factor Vegf-c is up-regulated in Bacillus Calmette-Guerin– and Mycobacterium tuberculosis –induced granulomas, and that infection results in lymph vessel sprouting and increased lymphatic area in granulomatous tissue. The observed lymphangiogenesis during infection was reduced by inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3. By using a model of chronic granulomatous infection, we also show that lymphatic remodeling of tissue persists despite resolution of acute infection and a 10- to 100-fold reduction in the number of bacteria and tissue-infiltrating leukocytes. Inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 decreased the growth of new vessels, but also reduced the proliferation of antigen-specific T cells. Together, our data show that granuloma–up-regulated factors increase granuloma access to secondary lymph organs by lymphangiogenesis, and that this process facilitates the generation of systemic T-cell responses to granuloma-contained antigens.
Highway cowboys, old hands, and Christian truckers: risk behavior for human immunodeficiency virus infection among long-haul truckers in Florida

Abstract This paper reports the results of ethnographic research to describe risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among long-haul truck drivers and the contexts and factors that influence risk and protective behaviors. Drivers were selected using purposive and snowball sampling at trucking-related businesses along major truck routes in Florida. Interview information was used to categorize truckers’ levels of potential risk, describe behavioral characteristics of each group, identify sex partners, and assess perceptions of the risk of HIV infection. One-third of the 71 men interviewed had frequent sexual intercourse on the road with multiple partners, but few ever used condoms. Commercial sex workers were their most frequent partners for on-the-road sex. The risk was compounded by occupational conditions, which motivated truckers to drive long hours, often using drugs to stay alert. Sex, alcohol, and drugs were perceived as quick, effective stress relievers during downtime on long, lonely trips. Despite their high-risk behaviors, truckers tended to consider themselves at low risk for HIV infection and expressed a number of misconceptions regarding HIV transmission. For example, many truckers did not associate HIV risk with heterosexual contact or think that condoms were effective in preventing HIV transmission. In addition, many truckers maintained strong homophobic and anti-government opinions that reinforced their suspicion of safe-sex messages. These findings suggest that high-risk sexual behavior is common among long-haul truckers in the US, who may be at risk for HIV infection primarily because of unprotected sexual intercourse with multiple sex partners. Also, drug use may be associated with HIV risk behavior. The authors recommend establishing prevention programs that are developed by and for truckers, determining HIV seroprevalence rates of truckers, addressing drug and alcohol abuse among truckers, and altering industry policy that keeps truckers on the road too long for their own and others’ safety.
Quantitative Comparison of Ice Accretion Shapes on Airfoils

The need to compare quantitatively ice accretions that form on aircraft during e ight in icing conditions has recently expanded from a research-oriented activity to more general applications. For example, verie cation of the calibration of ground-test facilities is often performed by comparing ice shapes produced at a specie c icing condition. Becauseicing tests in ground facilitiesare important in the aircraft certie cation process, concernsabout the subjectivity and consistency of these ice shape comparisons have increased. The ice accretion comparison method presented uses geometric features as well as several parameters extracted from a P-Fourier descriptor of theiceaccretionproe letodevelopasingleparameterthatcanbeused torankhowwelltwoiceshapescompare.The results of this automated method were found to be consistent with comparisons of ice accretions made visually and based on percent differences of geometric characteristics. Also, for comparisons of ice shapes having a calculated comparison parameter less than 0.075 (7.5%), the drag coefe cient of the iced airfoils differs by less than 10%. Higher values of the comparison parameter produce greater visual differences in the ice accretions and larger variations in the drag coefe cient.
Understanding the Rise of Talk Radio

The number of radio stations airing political talk shows—predominantly conservative talk radio—has surged in the past few years. This massive change in the radio industry says something about the demand for such shows, but attributing the rise of talk radio to a corresponding rise in conservative popular opinion is misleading. We argue that this remarkable growth is better explained by the collision of two changes that have transformed the radio business: deregulation and the mainstreaming of digital music technologies. Regulatory changes have shifted much of radio production and control from local to mass production (managed by industry giants such as Clear Channel Communications) and created a context ripe for nationally syndicated hosts such as Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, and Mark Levin. Meanwhile, rapid technological changes have given consumers more control over the way they listen to music. Technologies such as MP3 players, Internet radio, smart phones, and Pandora Radio have made it more difficult for stations with a music format to be profitable. As music programming has become more problematic, many stations have developed a highly successful business model by converting to talk formats airing nationally syndicated shows.
Substrate Activation and the Kinetics of Ferroxidase

Abstract The oxidation of Fe(II) and aromatic diamines as catalyzed by human ferroxidase (ceruloplasmin, EC 1.12.3.1) exhibits nonlinear kinetics in typical v against v/s plots. The possibility of two enzymes or more has been excluded by experiments indicating the chemical and kinetic homogeneity of crystalline ferroxidase. The kinetics of Fe(II) oxidation can be accounted for by a mechanism based on substrate activation resulting in a rate expression of the form: [see PDF for equation] Curves calculated from this expression fit the experimental points within allowed error at several temperatures. The rate constant, kxiii, for the proposed rate-determining step, was 7 to 10 times greater for the Fe(II)-activated reaction than for the rate constant, k13, for the nonactivated route. The loss of absorption at 610 nm in the presence of low concentrations of Fe(II) and the activation observed with other divalent metal ions, which are not substrates of ferroxidase, are also consistent with this mechanism.
Reflections on kuru

My association with kuru came long after the disease had dwindled to fewer than 25 patients annually. By the time I became interested in the disease, cannibalism had ceased (Alpers [1968][1], [1970][2]), and the suggestion had been made that kuru was a transmissible disorder based on its
Hosts Improve the Reliability of Chick Recognition by Delaying the Hatching of Brood Parasitic Eggs

Summary The reliability of information that animals use to make decisions has fitness consequences. Accordingly, selection should favor the evolution of strategies that enhance the reliability of information used in learning and decision making. For example, hosts of avian brood parasites should be selected to increase the reliability of the information they use to learn to recognize their own eggs and chicks [1–3]. The American coot ( Fulica americana ), a conspecific brood parasite, uses cues learned from the first-hatched chicks of each brood to recognize and reject parasitic chicks [3]. However, if parasitic eggs are among the first to hatch, recognition cues are confounded and parents then fail to distinguish parasitic chicks from their own chicks. Therefore, hosts could ensure correct chick recognition by delaying parasitic eggs from hatching until after the first host eggs. Here we demonstrate that discriminatory incubation, whereby coots specifically delay the hatching of parasitic eggs, improves the reliability of parasitic chick recognition. In effect, coots gain fitness benefits by enhancing the reliability of information they later use for learning. Our study shows that a positive interaction between two host adaptations in coots—egg recognition and chick recognition—increases the overall effectiveness of host defense.
Exploiting Object-Based Parallelism on Multi-core Multi-processor Clusters

Programming using message passing or distributed shared memory are the two major parallel programming paradigms on clusters. However, these two models have high programming complexity, produce less maintainable parallel code, and are not suitable for multi-core multiprocessor clusters. While object-oriented programming is dominant in serial programming, it has not been well exploited in parallel programming. In this paper, we propose an innovative automatic parallelization framework that employs past experience to parallelize serial programs and outputs the parallel code in the form of objects. Supported by a data-driven runtime environment, each parallel task is managed as a thread, exploiting the multiple processing cores on a cluster node. Based on this proposed framework, we have implemented a proof-of-concept parallelizer called PJava to parallelize Java code. The performance benefit of this framework is evaluated through case studies by comparing the execution time of the automatically generated PJava code to that of handcrafted JOPI (a Java dialect of MPI) code.
Landscape patterns of hemlock decline in New England due to the introduced hemlock woolly adelgid

Aim The hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA; Adelges tsugae Annand), a small, aphid-like insect native to Japan, is currently migrating northward through eastern North America and threatens to eliminate eastern hemlock [Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carriere], one of the most abundant, long-lived shade tolerant species, across its range. The major objectives of this study were: (1) to characterize the pre-HWA distribution, composition, and structure of hemlock stands; (2) to characterize the spatial patterns of damage generated by HWA across southern New England since the time of its arrival in 1985; and (3) to examine environmental and stand factors that are associated with declines in crown vigour and mortality of hemlock. Location Our study was conducted in a 4900-km 2 study region extending from Long Island Sound northward to the Massachusetts border and including the Connecticut River Valley in Connecticut, USA. Methods Aerial photographs and extensive field study were used to map and develop GIS overlays of 1000 hemlock stands in our study region. Intensive sampling of a random selection of 114 hemlock stands across the study area was used to document patterns of hemlock infestation, vigour, and mortality in relation to stand and site characteristics. Mantel tests were utilized to assess the relative importance of environmental and stand variables in controlling the intensity of HWA infestation and damage. Results Most stands were located along ridge tops, steep hillsides and narrow valleys. Hemlock importance values ranged from 22 to 96% and stand densities varied from 300 to 1450 stems ha ‐1 . Adelgid presence and adelgid-induced hemlock mortality were found in 88 and 74% of the sampled forests, respectively. Approximately 25% of stands were logged recently, ranging in intensity from partial hemlock cutting to large clearcuts. A geographical trend in reduced HWA infestation intensity and tree mortality and enhanced crown vigour of overstory and understory hemlock occurs from south to north, coincident with the temporal colonization pattern of HWA. Mantel analyses indicated that patterns of HWA infestation, hemlock mortality, and crown vigour were most strongly correlated with latitude. Mortality was also weakly related to aspect and stand size. Average mortality was highest on western aspects but exceeded 20% on most slopes. Remaining trees averaged over 50% foliar loss, with no significant difference among aspects.
Antimicrobial Actions of Reactive Oxygen Species

ABSTRACT Everything should be as simple as it can be, but not simpler. —Attributed to Albert Einstein (1) IMPORTANCE Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced by host phagocytes and exert antimicrobial actions against a broad range of pathogens. The observable antimicrobial actions of ROS are highly dependent on experimental conditions. This perspective reviews recent controversies regarding ROS in Salmonella -phagocyte interactions and attempts to reconcile conflicting observations from different laboratories.
Role of the Tuberculosis Sanatorium in the Community

SUMMARY There should be a closer liaison between the County Tuberculosis Sanatorium and the community. It is the duty of the sanatorium Superintendent to inform both his medical and lay constituents of the services which his institution has to offer to them. This will result in a better understanding by the public of hospital problems and accomplishments and thereby in a more effective fight against tuberculosis.
Redesigning hardware-software systems

During the life cycle of a digital reactive real-time system implemented as a hardware-software board or chip, some of its components must be redesigned, either because a refocusing of the product market resulted in a specification change, or because bugs in the specification were found at a later stage of the design. We address the problem of automatically checking if a new version of a specification can utilize a hardware-software implementation of a previous version of the same specification by just changing the software portion of the design. The redesigning strategy we propose is divided into four phases. In the first phase, we check which parts of the specification were changed. In the second phase, we extract timing constraints from the previous hardware implementation that must be satisfied by the new software implementation. Then, we schedule and select the instructions in the software routine such that the timing constraints are observed. Finally, we check if the final implementation satisfies the specification rate constraints of the design. We present an example of a keyboard/mouse device, and we show that the hardware-software synthesis system can be made robust with respect to small changes in the specification. >
SOURCE REGIONS OF SUMMERTIME OZONE AND HAZE EPISODES IN THE EASTERN UNITED STATES

During the summer of 1979, the mobile Atmospheric Research Laboratory (ARL) was sited near the Louisiana Gulf Coast to monitor the concentrations of air contaminants in air masses moving northward from the Gulf. Using the ARL data in conjunction with O3 and visibility measurements across the entire eastern United States as well as synoptic meteorological data and satellite photographs, major source areas were identified. The haze which was observed on the Louisiana Gulf Coast appears to be primarily due to aged sulfate aerosols. The evidence presented strongly suggests that the sulfates were largely due to SO2 emissions in the northeastern and midwestern United States. The haze initially formed over and downwind of these source areas and was transported to the Gulf Coast area. In the last two episodes, the haze was subsequently transported back to the Midwest source region. Elevated levels of O3 were also associated with the haze. Again, the Northeast and Midwest appear to be the most significant source areas for the regional O3 episodes. Occasionally, O3 formed from emissions in the east Texas area also appear to affect a large portion of the Gulf Coast. In addition, each episode appeared to have a significant stratospheric air component based on 7Be measurements. All three episodes followed the passage of upper levels troughs which produce stratospheric intrusions due to tropopause folding.
Constructing and Deconstructing “Illegal” Children

This article considers the implications and impact of the reactionary construct of “illegal children” within the context of language minority educational language policies. It analyzes the shift to the right in political discourse related to education and human rights. The article revisits important United States Supreme Court case, Plyler v. Doe (1982), which established the educational rights of migrant children. Next, it focuses on the U.S. national immigration debate and provides examples of the dehumanizing discourse assault on the educational rights of language minority children. The article provides a critical analysis of far right labeling of immigrants and their children and the strategic use of discourse to influence political perceptions of educational policy.
Virtual Ground Fence: A Simple Method for Protection against High Frequency Simultaneous Switching Noise

When integrating sensitive RF analog devices with complex VLSI digital components, simultaneously switching drivers cause supply voltage fluctuations which can propagate both horizontally and vertically between the power/ground planes. The same voltage source on a printed circuit board can be shared to increase power efficiency and reduce space used. In order to accomplish this, on board filtering is needed to isolate the noise between these two types of devices for proper operation. Hence, accurate estimation and improvement of the performance of power/ground planes is critical in a mixed-signal system. We present a new method to minimize the noise transfer at high frequencies to the power distribution system, called the Virtual Ground Fence. At its basic level, the Virtual Ground Fence consists of quarter-wave transmission-line stubs that act as short circuits between power and ground planes at their design frequency. We will present various configurations of Virtual Ground Fence for different coupling ...
Multifaceted Chemically Based Resistance in Plants

When one considers the fairly universal primary metabolism among plants, it might seem reasonable to expect them to be relatively equal in susceptibility to bacterial, fungal or viral pathogens as well as to animal attack. However, it is quite obvious that is not the case. Everyone has seen evidence of plant resistance to pathogens or animal attack in their own garden. One plant is covered with a blanket of aphids or blight while another species is relatively unharmed.
Direct emergency medical services transport in STEMI: breaking the bank for non-PCI capable hospitals?

Direct emergency medical services (EMS) transport of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) to a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)-capable hospital is emerging as an effective strategy to improve care and reduce costs. This approach has been shown to improve mortality,1 decrease time to reperfusion,2 and reduce overall costs.3 Accordingly, the 2013 updated American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology (AHA/ACC) Guidelines for STEMI management now include a class I recommendation for direct EMS transport to a PCI-capable hospital for patients with STEMI,4 and EMS systems of care are maturing to facilitate this approach. Despite these important trends, however, some communities remain reluctant to implement direct EMS transport for various reasons. The study by Pathak et al 5 published in Open Heart provides critical insight into one of the most frequently-cited concerns raised by skeptics: revenue loss at non-PCI capable hospitals as lucrative cardiovascular services are diverted away.6 Opponents to direct EMS transport have long perceived the practice will financially jeopardise smaller hospitals in rural and underserved communities given the large role cardiovascular services play in subsidising less reimbursed care. Pathak et al respond to this assertion with an interesting analysis of Florida's hospital discharge data from 2006. The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration includes all discharge claims from 100% of Florida hospitals due to statewide mandatory reporting. The authors defined hospitals susceptible to losing patients through direct EMS …
Adolescent experience affects postnatal ultrasonic vocalizations and gene expression in future offspring

The present study measured postnatal ultrasonic vocalization (USV) and gene expression to examine potential changes in communication and/or attachment in the offspring of mothers exposed to morphine during adolescence. Offspring of morphine-exposed (Mor-F1), saline-exposed (Sal-F1), or non-handled control (Con-F1) female Sprague-Dawley rats were tested for separation-induced distress calls and maternal potentiation of distress calls during early postnatal development. We also examined relative expression of dopamine D2 receptor and mu opioid receptor (oprm1) mRNA in the nucleus accumbens and hypothalamus in these offspring, as their activity has been implicated in the regulation of postnatal USV in response to maternal separation. The findings indicate that adolescent experiences of future mothers, including their 10 daily saline or morphine injections, can result in significant region-specific differences in gene expression. In addition, these experiences resulted in fewer numbers of separation-induced distress calls produced by offspring. In contrast, augmented maternal potentiation was only observed in Mor-F1 offspring. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 58:714-723, 2016.
A New Biological Race of Microterys flavus Introduced into California for the Control of Lecaniine Coccids, with an Analysis of its Behavior in Host Selection

In California Microterys flavus How. occurs as an internal parasite of Coccus hesperidum L., but does not attack Saissctia oleae (Bern.). The species probably was an early accidental import from the Orient, where it effectively attacks C. hesperidum and some allied lecaniine scale species. A race of M. flavus imported from West Pakistan was found to attack S. oleae , but otherwise did not differ from the California race of the parasite. The propagation and release in California of the Pakistan race of M. flavus is described. The distinctive host-preference pattern for S. oleae by the Pakistan race was examined when no other hosts were available and when a free choice of hosts was provided, and comparisons were made with the host-preference pattern of the local race. Acceptance of S. oleae by the Pakistan race was restrained when the more favored host, C. hespcridum , was present. Variations in host selection between the two races of M. flavus were due both to different host-recognition criteria and to variable responses to the stimuli inducing oviposition. Host-recognition stimuli included the attractive odor of living scale insects. Tests suggested the presence of a substance in S. oleae which inhibited host acceptance by the local race. A responsive movement within the living host body of the scale was one of the basic stimuli for oviposition. Reciprocal cross-matings between the two races showed that acceptance of S. oleae as a host was inherited by the progeny of either cross.
Notes on Boletes. VII

In Mycologia 33: 422. 1941, the species californicus Murr. was placed in Gyrodon as a new combination. This change was an unfortunate error, for study of the type-material shows that Murrill had it correctly placed in the genus Rostkovites of his system or the more recently proposed Suillus (= Ixocomus Quelet the Viscipelles of Boletus of Fries and Peck-see Mycologia 34: 406. 1942). Not only do the spores place this species in the old Viscipelles of Boletus (or the genus Suillus) but also the glandulardotted tube-walls and mouths, and stipe. The surface of the pileus is very fibrillose-tomentose to more or less fibrillose-scaly and is probably more or less viscid under moist conditions. All these characters immediately remind one, however, of the species hirtellus Peck (= tomentosus Kauff.) and especially its more fibrillose-patchy to fibrillose-scaly variety mutans Peck. The only differences are the much more tomentose or fibrillose condition of the surface of Murrill's species and the spores slightly larger (8-11.5 x 3-4.5 j as against 7-11 x 2.5-3.5 ji) and slightly deeper olivaceous. While heretofore no collection of hirtellus or its variety mutans has been seen with these extremes of surface clothing and of spore size and color, nevertheless it appears that californicus belongs in the hirtellus complex. Therefore, until more collections than the type are available for determining
High Resolution Seismic Reflection Imaging of the Emigrant Peak Fault and Associated Alluvial Material, Fish Lake Valley, Nevada

The use of high resolution geophysical techniques such as shallow seismic reflection has proven to be successful for imaging faults and fault displacement. Shallow seismic methods are non-invasive and can be used to characterize the subsurface with resolution on the meter to sub-meter scale. One of the primary benefits of shallow seismic reflection is that it can offer a more comprehensive view of the subsurface by providing data that has a greater areal extent and greater depth than methods such as trenching or drilling.
Development and Technical Strategy of Japonica Hybrid Rice in China

The ecological superiority, grain yield heterosis and the Change of needs from indica to japonica among the Chinese people were expounded. The progresses and problems in developing japonica hybrid rice further to the north and the south were introduced, and the technical strategy of breeding indica-type japonica hybrid rice by way of ″Bridging between indica and japonica″ was proposed for further developing japonica hybrid rice currently.
Islam's Political Disadvantage: Corruption and Religiosity in Quetta, Pakistan

Religion is often seen as important to voting behavior, particularly in the Islamic world, where personal piety may serve as an informational shortcut to voters otherwise unclear about candidate quality. But how do voters react when nominally pious candidates are alleged to be corrupt? Are pious candidates evaluated differently according to their sectarian affiliations? To investigate the impact of candidate piety and sectarian identity on voter choice, we conducted a survey experiment in Quetta, Balochistan, a region of Pakistan, which has experienced high levels of Sunni-Shia violence. Our results suggest that voters are significantly more punitive of corrupt behavior committed by candidates from sectarian out-groups than those belonging to their religious in-group. Further, we demonstrate that respondents react negatively to information about candidate religiosity, and uncover the existence of a “hypocrisy effect” whereby voters disproportionately punish corrupt candidates purporting to be pious compared to candidates who make no such claims.
Cerebellar Symptoms in Crigler-Najjar Type I Disease

Three children with Crigler-Najjar (CN) type I disease who had cerebellar symptoms as the initial manifestation of kernicterus are reported from the Hopital Antoine Beclere, Clamart Cedex, France.
Paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma: Importance of initial therapy.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate factors associated with progression-free and disease-specific survival in patients with paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma, we performed a cohort study. Also, since many patients present to our institution after initial therapy, we analyzed the effects of salvage therapy for scrotal violation. Patients and methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of all consecutive patients with histologically confirmed paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma treated at our institution between 1978 and 2015. Fifty-one patients were initially identified, but two with incomplete data were excluded from analysis. Variables evaluated for correlation with survival were TNM staging, Children's Oncology Group Soft Tissue Sarcoma pretreatment staging, margins at initial resection, presence of scrotal violation, hemiscrotectomy and/or scrotal radiation. The log-rank test was used to compare survival distributions. Results For the analytic cohort of 49 patients, the median age and follow-up were 15.7years (95% CI: 14.2–17.5, range: 0.8–25.1years) and 6.9years (95% CI: 4.4–9.0, range 0.2–37.5years), respectively. The 5-year overall disease-specific survival was 78.7% (95% CI: 67.7%–91.4%) and the progression-free survival was 66.9% (95% CI: 54.8%–81.6%). Median time to recurrence was 0.9years (95% CI: 0.7–0.9, range 0.1–6.2years). Scrotal violation occurred in 41% (n=20) and tripled the risk of recurrence for patients not appropriately treated with either hemiscrotectomy or scrotal radiation therapy (RR=3.0, 95% CI: 1.16–7.73). Conclusions The strongest predictors of disease-specific survival were nodal status and distant metastasis at diagnosis. Scrotal violation remains a problem in paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma and is a predictor of disease progression unless adequately treated. The risk of progression could be reduced with appropriate initial resection. Level of evidence Level IV; retrospective study with no comparison group.
Law and Reporting Compliance Confidence

This study investigates the relationship between investor protection and the reporting compliance confidence in 24 countries, reported in an EY’s survey. In particular, we examine whether differences in investor protection across countries are related to confidence in reporting compliance, reporting complexity in terms of number of reporting standards, and number of reports issued. The results suggest that firms in countries with stronger investor rights have more reporting standards to comply with, and that these firms also have an increase in reporting demand from stakeholders as compared to firms in countries with weaker investor rights. We provide empirical evidence that the strength of investor rights has a significant effect on reporting quality and practices, whereas the strength of legal enforcement does not have the same effect.
Spontaneous pneumomediastinum in a healthy young female: A case report and literature review

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) is an uncommon finding in young adults presenting usually without any comorbidities or an underlying pathology. It is most commonly due to alveolar rupture in the setting of an inciting event such an underlying asthma, barotrauma, valsalva maneuver, or esophageal rupture. Individuals can have varying presentations, from chest pain, dyspnea and dysphagia, to anxiety, weakness, or facial and neck swelling. The majority of patients have subcutaneous emphysema on examination and can have abnormal laboratory findings such as an elevated C-reactive proteins and leukocytosis. Diagnostic modalities used include chest x-ray, CT scan, ultrasound and barium swallow or esophagram. Majority of individuals and treated conservatively with rest, analgesia and oxygen administration. The prognosis of SPM is usually good with resolution within several days in most cases and the recurrence rate is very low. We report the case of a 22-year-old female presented with SPM diagnosed by chest x-ray and chest CT scan who was treated conservatively with subsequent spontaneous resolution.
Trimming a Hazard Logic Tree with a New Model-Order-Reduction Technique:

The size of the logic tree within the Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast Version 3, Time-Dependent (UCERF3-TD) model can challenge risk analyses of large portfolios. An insurer or catastrophe risk modeler concerned with losses to a California portfolio might have to evaluate a portfolio 57,600 times to estimate risk in light of the hazard possibility space. Which branches of the logic tree matter most, and which can one ignore? We employed two model-order-reduction techniques to simplify the model. We sought a subset of parameters that must vary, and the specific fixed values for the remaining parameters, to produce approximately the same loss distribution as the original model. The techniques are (1) a tornado-diagram approach we employed previously for UCERF2, and (2) an apparently novel probabilistic sensitivity approach that seems better suited to functions of nominal random variables. The new approach produces a reduced-order model with only 60 of the original 57,600 leaves. One can use t...
Health-related knowledge, beliefs and self-efficacy in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

STUDY QUESTION Do health-related knowledge, beliefs and self-efficacy differ between women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? SUMMARY ANSWER Women with PCOS felt at greater risk for adverse health outcomes, yet believed a healthy lifestyle was less beneficial to prevent weight gain relative to a comparison group. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Diet and physical activity are often used to treat PCOS, but there are high attrition rates and less engagement in self-help methods. It is unclear whether there are unique psychosocial considerations in PCOS that should be incorporated into these interventions. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This cross-sectional study enrolled 475 women with (N = 255) and without PCOS (N = 220). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Female participants were recruited through paper and web-based advertisements across the US (mean age: 28.1 ± 5.4 years). Participants were either diagnosed with PCOS by a healthcare professional (PCOS group) or had self-reported regular menstrual cycles (comparison group). A reliable and valid online instrument about health-related knowledge, beliefs and self-efficacy was administered to these participants. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Most women with PCOS had a basic understanding of nutrition (96%), but had misconceptions about diagnostic criteria for PCOS (≥86%). PCOS was associated with greater perceived susceptibility for disease and weight gain and poorer perceived control over these health outcomes (all P < 0.05), in relation to the comparison group. Women with PCOS also perceived fewer benefits of healthy behaviors on weight gain (P = 0.03) with less than half of the PCOS group attempting to follow government diet recommendations (47%). There were no differences in the self-efficacy of dietary behaviors between groups. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION It is likely that participant self-selection occurred due to the nature of recruitment in this study and results may have limited generalizability since most participants identified as Caucasian. Additionally, it is unclear whether some results may be clinically meaningful due to small effect sizes. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These findings support that behavioral interventions should incorporate the unique psychosocial considerations associated with PCOS to encourage patient participation in lifestyle interventions. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This manuscript was partially supported by Cornell University Human Ecology Alumni Association and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Alumni Association. The authors have no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT01859663.
Using provenance to disambiguate locational references in social network posts

Location data from social network posts are attractive for answering all sorts of questions by spatial analysis. However, it is often unclear what this information locates. Is it a point of interes...
Structural determination of single-walled carbon nanotube with an intramolecular junction and its electrical transport property

Abstract By utilizing a novel design of an electronic device with microfabricated through-etched slits for transmission electron microscopy (TEM), single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) suspended over two metal electrodes were successfully characterized. A semiconducting-semiconducting intramolecular junction (IMJ) was found from a change in chirality along the tube. Interestingly non-linear current-voltage characteristic was found despite almost negligible difference in the band-gap energy (13 meV). The non-linear electrical transport property can be caused by asymmetric defect states positioned in the band-gap of two semiconducting tubes, which make one as donor (similar to a p-type semiconductor) and the other as acceptor (similar to n-type semiconductor). The strain by deformation along the tube can also cause the electrical non-linearity.
The Improbable Birth and Conceivable Death of the Securities Arbitration Clinic

This article explores the birth. life and possible death of the securities arbitration clinic (SAC), a law school clinic in which students represent investors of modest means in arbitrable securities disputes with their broker-dealers. The article first describes the history of the SAC, how a SAC operates and how SAC students help investors. The article then reviews the pedagogical advantages and disadvantages of a SAC, and addresses the reluctance of many law schools to embrace this type of clinic. The article concludes by predicting whether these clinics have a future in lights of the modern challenges to legal education.
Media Concentration: Giving Up on Democracy

The permissibility of media concentration, limited only by antitrust principles, has been increasingly accepted over the last twenty years in both policy circles and lower court constitutional and administrative law decisions. This article describes and critiques this development. First, the lower court pro-corporate constitutional innovations require the lower court to ignore the views expressed by both the majority and the primary dissent in Turner Broadcasting v. FCC. This occurred even though Turner Broadcasting itself involved an innovation more supportive of corporate resistance to legal structural regulation of the media than all prior Supreme Court case law. Second, the article shows that arguments rejecting concentration (in most cases) as a problem - for example, because the concentrated media will give audiences what they want or because owners, whoever they are, will have little long term ability to deviate from market dictates - have been based on demonstrably bad economic reasoning. Moreover, these conclusions have reflected policy makers' recent and increasing inability to understand non-economic, especially democratic, concerns with the media concentration. Finally, the article describes the affirmative, often democratic arguments, for favoring limitation on media concentration beyond those offered by antitrust law and for other structural interventions targeting the distribution of media ownership and control.