cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Integrating Memory-Based and Constructionist Processes in Accounts of Reading Comprehension

Memory-based and constructionist processes have both been proposed as essential components of the activation of concepts (e.g., propositions) and the establishment of meaningful connections between concepts during reading. In this article, we argue that a comprehensive theory of reading comprehension should include both sets of processes. In support of this view, we summarize the results of several studies that support the contribution of both processes during reading. In addition, we describe the conceptual framework of the Landscape Model, in which memory-based and constructionist processes are explicitly interconnected and dynamically interact in an account of reading comprehension.
Optimal rate allocation in progressive joint source-channel coding for image transmission over CDMA networks

This paper presents an optimal rate allocation scheme in joint source-channel coding (JSCC) for image transmission over CDMA networks. Our scheme first uses progressive joint source-channel codes [V. Stankovic et al., Sep. 2002] to generate operational transmission rate-distortion (TR-D) functions of different multiple-access channels with different BERs. The Lagrange multiplier is then employed to set the optimal rate allocation among different channels, subject to a total transmission rate constraint. Progressive JSCC offers the scalability feature that is very attractive for handling bandwidth variations in wireless communications. By extending the rate-distortion function in source coding to the TR-D function in JSCC, our work borrows the "equal slope" argument [Y. Shoham and A. Gersho, Sep. 1988] to effectively solve the rate allocation problem in JSCC for multi-channel image transmission. Experiments show that our scheme runs in real time and provides competitive performance at all intermediate transmission rates.
The inverse water wave problem of bathymetry detection

The inverse water wave problem of bathymetry detection is the problem of deducing the bottom topography of the seabed from measurements of the water wave surface. In this paper, we present a fully nonlinear method to address this problem in the context of the Euler equations for inviscid irrotational fluid flow with no further approximation. Given the water wave height and its first two time derivatives, we demonstrate that the bottom topography may be reconstructed from the numerical solution of a set of two coupled non-local equations. Owing to the presence of growing hyperbolic functions in these equations, their numerical solution is increasingly difficult if the length scales involved are such that the water is sufficiently deep. This reflects the ill-posed nature of the inverse problem. A new method for the solution of the forward problem of determining the water wave surface at any time, given the bathymetry, is also presented.
Outcome-adaptive randomization for a delayed outcome with a short-term predictor: imputation-based designs

Delay in the outcome variable is challenging for outcome-adaptive randomization, as it creates a lag between the number of subjects accrued and the information known at the time of the analysis. Motivated by a real-life pediatric ulcerative colitis trial, we consider a case where a short-term predictor is available for the delayed outcome. When a short-term predictor is not considered, studies have shown that the asymptotic properties of many outcome-adaptive randomization designs are little affected unless the lag is unreasonably large relative to the accrual process. These theoretical results assumed independent identical delays, however, whereas delays in the presence of a short-term predictor may only be conditionally homogeneous. We consider delayed outcomes as missing and propose mitigating the delay effect by imputing them. We apply this approach to the doubly adaptive biased coin design (DBCD) for motivating pediatric ulcerative colitis trial. We provide theoretical results that if the delays, although non-homogeneous, are reasonably short relative to the accrual process similarly as in the iid delay case, the lag is also asymptotically ignorable in the sense that a standard DBCD that utilizes only observed outcomes attains target allocation ratios in the limit. Empirical studies, however, indicate that imputation-based DBCDs performed more reliably in finite samples with smaller root mean square errors. The empirical studies assumed a common clinical setting where a delayed outcome is positively correlated with a short-term predictor similarly between treatment arm groups. We varied the strength of the correlation and considered fast and slow accrual settings.
Attitudes toward Male and Female Speech: Experiments on the Effects of Sex-Typical Language.

Two experiments were conducted to test the effects of messages containing sex‐based language distinctions on subjects’ evaluations of the speaker, attitudes toward the message, and attributions of sex‐role characteristics to the speaker. Results of Experiment I indicated that evaluation of the source‐anonymous female speaker differed significantly from evaluation of the source‐anonymous male speaker on the dimensions of sex, command, self‐orientation, and compliance. Results of Experiment II indicated that source‐anonymous sex‐typical speakers were differentially evaluated on the dimensions of command, accomodation, plausibility, and sex. Differential evaluations occurring as a consequence of sex‐based linguistic features has implications for further research on sex effects in communication.
Up in the air: Untethered Factors of Auxin Response

As a prominent regulator of plant growth and development, the hormone auxin plays an essential role in controlling cell division and expansion. Auxin-responsive gene transcription is mediated through the TRANSPORT INHIBITOR RESPONSE1/AUXIN SIGNALING F-BOX (TIR1/AFB) pathway. Roles for TIR1/AFB pathway components in auxin response are understood best, but additional factors implicated in auxin responses require more study. The function of these factors, including S-Phase Kinase-Associated Protein 2A (SKP2A), SMALL AUXIN UP RNAs (SAURs), INDOLE 3-BUTYRIC ACID RESPONSE5 (IBR5), and AUXIN BINDING PROTEIN1 (ABP1), has remained largely obscure. Recent advances have begun to clarify roles for these factors in auxin response while also raising additional questions to be answered.
Modern spectacle and American feminism’s disappointing daughters: Writing fantasy echoes in The Portrait of a Lady

Joan Scott’s ‘fantasy echo’ is deployed to analyse the trope of the mother/daughter relationship in contemporary laments about feminism’s failures, exemplified by Susan Faludi’s ‘American Electra: ...
Sodium and potassium excretion in pinealectomized and adrenalectomized rats.

Summary1. Pinealectomized rats retained more sodium than sham-operated or unoperated control rats. 2. The amount of sodium retained by adrenalectomized-pinealectomized rats was not different from t...
Web application hacking 101: pre-conference workshop

While most security precautions focus on web server infrastructure, 75% of security attacks today are now at the application layer. You will learn in this workshop why hacking has shifted to the application tier, what are the top 10 web application vulnerabilities and what enterprise development teams are doing about it. The presenter will demonstrate the top two vulnerabilities: Cross Site Scripting and SQL Injection. Six hands-on labs will be offered that you can do in the workshop (assuming Internet access is available) or that you can do later as a demo for your students. This is a beginner's workshop geared to those who want an overview of web application vulnerabilties and those who look for resources to teach their students.
ArP laser system for turbulence measurements

A two-channel digitized system for measuring small density and temperature fluctuations in turbulent air (e.g., in flow in a wind tunnel) is described. The method is based on the fact that ten rotational lines of the X(v" = 0) to B(v′ = 4) absorption manifold of O2 fall within the tuning range of the ArF excimer laser. Although fluorescence from the excited B states of O2 is weak due to predissociation, it is sufficient to provide a sensitive means of monitoring small changes in the ground state populations induced by temperature or density fluctuations. This can be done with a single-laser pulse, and the fluorescence is collected at 90° from the incident 193-nm laser beam; hence excellent temporal and spatial resolution is achieved.
Ethanol-induced changes in poly (ADP ribose) polymerase and neuronal developmental gene expression

Prenatal alcohol exposure has profound effects on neuronal growth and development. Poly-ADP Ribose Polymerase (PARP) enzymes are perhaps unique in the field of epigenetics in that they directly participate in histone modifications, transcription factor modifications, DNA methylation/demethylation and are highly inducible by ethanol. It was our hypothesis that ethanol would induce PARP enzymatic activity leading to alterations in neurodevelopmental gene expression. Mouse E18 cortical neurons were treated with ethanol, PARP inhibitors, and nuclear hormone receptor transcription factor PPARγ agonists and antagonists. Subsequently, we measured PARP activity and changes in Bdnf, OKSM (Oct4, Klf4, Sox2, c-Myc), DNA methylating/demethylating factors, and Pparγ mRNA expression, promoter 5-methylcytosine (5MC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5HMC), and PPARγ promoter binding. We found that ethanol reduced Bdnf4, 9a, and Klf4 mRNA expression, and increased c-Myc expression. These changes were reversed with a PARP inhibitor. In agreement with its role in DNA demethylation PARP inhibition increased 5MC levels at the c-Myc promoter. In addition, we found that inhibition of PARP enzymatic activity increased PPARγ promoter binding, and this corresponded to increased Bdnf and Klf4 mRNA expression. Our results suggest that PARP participates in DNA demethylation and reduces PPARγ promoter binding. The current study underscores the importance of PARP in ethanol-induced changes to neurodevelopmental gene expression.
Culturally Responsive Mathematics Teaching and Young Learners

This abbreviated literature review features studies regarding elementary mathematics instruction and the mathematics teachers that act in ways that lend to and further cultural responsiveness. Teachers presented in the review utilized a pedagogical style referred to as responsive teaching (Empson, 2014) and studies were re-read and analyzed with a lens of cultural responsiveness, specifically that of culturally responsive teaching (CRT). The analysis exposed common practices across this vein of mathematics teaching that uphold the tenets of cultural responsiveness. The value that this form of instruction holds for young learners is also presented.
High-temperature condensate clouds in super-hot Jupiter atmospheres

Deciphering the role of clouds is central to our understanding of exoplanet atmospheres, as they have a direct impact on the temperature and pressure structure, and observational properties of the planet. Super-hot Jupiters occupy a temperature regime similar to low mass M-dwarfs, where minimal cloud condensation is expected. However, observations of exoplanets such as WASP-12b (Teq ~ 2500 K) result in a transmission spectrum indicative of a cloudy atmosphere. We re-examine the temperature and pressure space occupied by these super-hot Jupiter atmospheres, to explore the role of the initial Al- and Ti-bearing condensates as the main source of cloud material. Due to the high temperatures a majority of the more common refractory material is not depleted into deeper layers and would remain in the vapor phase. The lack of depletion into deeper layers means that these materials with relatively low cloud masses can become significant absorbers in the upper atmosphere. We provide condensation curves for the initial Al- and Ti-bearing condensates that may be used to provide quantitative estimates of the effect of metallicity on cloud masses, as planets with metal-rich hosts potentially form more opaque clouds because more mass is available for condensation. Increased metallicity also pushes the point of condensation to hotter, deeper layers in the planetary atmosphere further increasing the density of the cloud. We suggest that planets around metal-rich hosts are more likely to have thick refractory clouds, and discuss the implication on the observed spectra of WASP-12b.
Tips for battling billion-dollar beetles

In the never-ending war on insect pests, the widespread soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis ( Bt ) is one of the greatest heroes. Insecticidal crystalline (Cry) proteins and vegetative insecticidal proteins (Vips) from Bt are treasured for their effectiveness against some devastating pests and their safety for beneficial insects, wildlife, and people ( 1 ). Sprays containing Bt proteins have been used for more than 70 years and remain valuable in organic and conventional agriculture, forestry, and vector control ( 1 ). Crops genetically engineered to produce Bt proteins were introduced 20 years ago and quickly became a cornerstone of pest management. They have suppressed pest populations, reduced reliance on insecticide sprays, enhanced control by natural enemies, and increased farmer profits ( 2 – 4 ). In 2015, Bt crops were planted on 84 million hectares globally ( 5 ), including 81% of the corn and 84% of the cotton in the United States ( 6 ). But with increasingly rapid evolution of pest resistance to Bt crops ( 7 , 8 ) (see the figure), alternatives are urgently needed. On page [634][1] of this issue, Schellenberger et al. ( 9 ) report the discovery of tiny insecticidal proteins (Tips) from other soil bacteria that could be part of the solution. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.aaf6056
Scale-Dependent Data Assimilation of Solar Photospheric Magnetic Field

Abstract: Modeling the evolution of the solar photospheric magnetic flux, typically used to drive coronal and solar wind models, is a key challenge to forecasting near earth space weather variability. Accurate estimations of the solar global magnetic field are paramount in predicting space weather events that effect terrestrial communication and guidance systems. The magnetic flux is difficult to model due to the emergence of magnetic active regions which arise from unobservable zones below the photosphere. For this reason the model used in our forecast has severe bias at the scale of emerging active regions. We use wavelet based multiresolution analysis to separate scales in model and observations during the application of an ensemble Kalman filter. Our method of assimilation for the photospheric flux demonstrates a unique version of a scale-dependent EnKF. We demonstrate that our assimilation method allows accurate data assimilation of observed active regions despite large, scale-dependent model bias.
Autoignition Study of 1-Methylnaphthalene in a Rapid Compression Machine

1-Methylnaphthalene (1-MN), also known as α-methylnaphthalene, is a substituted diaromatic hydrocarbon that is widely used as one of the representative aromatic hydrocarbons in surrogate fuels of diesel. The ignition characteristics of 1-MN have been investigated in the present study using a rapid compression machine (RCM) at compressed pressures of PC = 15–40 bar, low-to-intermediate compressed temperatures of TC = 837–980 K, and varying equivalence ratios of ϕ = 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 in air. The current RCM ignition delay measurements were found to complement the existing shock tube ignition delay data in the literature. The performance of two of the latest literature chemical kinetic models in estimating the ignition characteristics of 1-MN has been assessed and discussed. In addition, reaction path analyses and brute force sensitivity analyses have been conducted to identify the important oxidation pathways of 1-MN described by the two literature models. Based on the results from these chemical kinetic an...
POSTER: IOGP: An Incremental Online Graph Partitioning for Large-Scale Distributed Graph Databases

Large-scale graphs are becoming critical in various domains such as social network, scientific application, knowledge discovery, and even system software, etc. Many of those use cases require large-scale high-performance graph databases, which are designed for serving continuous updates from the clients, and at the same time, answering complex queries towards the current graph in an on-line manner. Those operations in graph databases, also referred as OLTP (online transaction processing) operations, need specific design and implementation in graph partitioning algorithms. In this study, we designed an incremental online graph partitioning (IOGP), optimized for OLTP workloads. It is designed to achieve better locality, generate balanced partitions, and increase the parallelism for accessing hotspots of the graph. Our evaluation results on both real world and synthetic graphs in both simulation and real system confirm a better performance on graph queries (as much as 2X) with small overheads during graph insertion (less than 10%).
Origins of Quality Metrics

The evidenced based health care (EBHC) movement has restructured the practice of medicine in recent decades. A direct result of this movement has been the trend of using evidence derived from clinical trials to develop best practice guidelines for clinical care. In recent years these guidelines have been at the forefront of an effort to improve outcomes and standardize care. A number of national organizations have led the effort to develop quality metrics thereby creating a heterogeneous landscape that at times contains redundancies. Nevertheless, recent trends have seen the gradual incorporation of heart failure quality metrics into “pay for performance” incentive schemes. The movement to broadly use heart failure quality metrics has not been without its limitations and challenges as collecting information to calculate quality metrics can be resource intensive and it is not entirely clear that tailoring care to satisfy these metrics results in consistently improved patient outcomes.
Abstract IA12: Variation in genetic ancestry proportions among Latinos and its impact on cancer risk, prediction, and outcomes

Latinos are a heterogeneous group, encompassing individuals with diverse genetic and sociocultural backgrounds. Reports on U.S. cancer incidence rates and cancer mortality in Latinos have only recently started to provide information by national origin, which has unveiled disparities that were not apparent in analyses that grouped all Latinos together. Genetic ancestry is another important factor in the characterization of Latin American populations. Mainly composed of European, Indigenous American and African ancestral influences, it can reflect socioeconomic/sociocultural differences as well as genetic ones. There have been studies testing the association between genetic ancestry and cancer risk, and genetic ancestry and cancer survival. However, there is a lack of published investigations assessing the performance of cancer risk prediction models in Latinos with different ancestry proportions. In this presentation, I will provide an overview of what we know about cancer risk and mortality in Latinos with different ancestry proportions and present preliminary results of an ongoing study of breast cancer risk prediction in U.S. Latinas. Citation Format: Laura Fejerman. Variation in genetic ancestry proportions among Latinos and its impact on cancer risk, prediction, and outcomes. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Ninth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2016 Sep 25-28; Fort Lauderdale, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2017;26(2 Suppl):Abstract nr IA12.
Reactive Oxygen Species, Kinase Signaling, and Redox Regulation of Epigenetics

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) cause alterations in the cellular redox status (GSH/GSSG ratio) and hence activate various kinase signaling pathways, redox sensitive transcription factors (NF-κB and AP-1), and chromatin modification enzymes leading to increased pro-inflammatory and immunological responses. Chromatin modification enzymes include histone acetyltransferases (HATs), histone and non-histone deacetylases (HDACs, sirtuins), histone methyltransferases (HMTs) and histone demethylases (HDMs). Activation of these enzymes results in transcriptional gene activation/repression. Histone methyltransferases are enzymes that dynamically cause histone mono-, di- or tri-methylation at lysine residues, which either result in gene activation (H3K4, H3K36, and H3K79) or repression (H3K9, H3K27, and H3K20). Histone demethylases catalyze the removal of methyl groups from lysine or arginine residue of histones, hence regulating gene expression. Recent evidences have indicated that oxidative stress and environmental agents can alter nuclear histone acetylation/deacetylation/methylation, allowing access for transcription factor DNA binding and leading to enhanced pro-inflammatory gene expression. Cross-talks between histone modifications and DNA methylation also occur during inflammation. Understanding the mechanisms of ROS and redox epigenetic regulation via stress signaling kinases, redox sensitive transcription factors, the balance between histone acetylation/deacetylation and histone methylation/demethylation may lead to the development of novel therapies based on epigenetics against chronic inflammatory diseases, and cancer.
On the optimum data carrier for intra-body communication applications

This paper provides a comparative study between the different available mediums, to be used as data carriers, for intra-body communications. Properties of these data carriers experienced while propagating through the body tissues are calculated using sets of experimental data available in literature and then compared to show which carrier has higher potential to meet the intra-body communication requirements. A simple accurate model is then presented for the signal transmission through the body. Parameters studied are the attenuation and delay while factoring the effect of biological differences due to age, gender etc.
The case for tau

Pathology consistent with chronic traumatic encephalopathy was found in postmortem brains of teenagers after concussion and was reproduced in a mouse model of traumatic brain injury.
Wage Stagnation and Buyer Power: How Buyer-Supplier Relations Affect U.S. Workers’ Wages, 1978 to 2014:

Since the 1970s, market restructuring has shifted many workers into workplaces heavily reliant on sales to outside corporate buyers. These outside buyers wield substantial power over working condit...
Vacuum stabilized by anomalous magnetic moment

An analytical result for Euler-Heisenberg effective action, valid for electron spin $g\ensuremath{-}$factor $|g|l2$, was extended to the domain $|g|g2$ via discovered periodicity of the effective action. This allows for a simplified computation of vacuum instability modified by the electron's measured $g=2.002319$. We find a strong suppression of vacuum decay into electron positron pairs when magnetic fields are dominant. The result is reminiscent of mass catalysis by magnetic fields.
From Data to Knowledge, the Role of Formal Ontology

The increasing availability of large amounts of data and the growing capability of accessing and processing them, gives us today unprecedented opportunities to advance in many fields, including science, commerce, social relations, government, and business, through information technologies. However, in order to have computing machines supporting this progress, data must be turned into processable knowledge. This “epistemic ascent” cannot be driven by data themselves, as some technologist suggests, but requires hypotheses, theories, and models. Formal ontology is part of the theoretical framework that technology needs in order to get computing systems working with networked data in a consistent way. Formal ontology, however, roots in still open philosophical hypotheses. Yet, only formal ontology has the key of notions such as parthood or dependence, that are relevant when discovering knowledge into data. This paper wants to argue that, regardless of philosophy, formal ontology can already provide computer science with many useful tools. On the other hand, without stepping into metaphysics, business communities are on the way of using commonsense notions with more formal consciousness. Making more clear the role of formal ontology can help this process and boost progress towards new frontiers in information management.
Biochemical and Biological Problems and Pitfalls of Cell Culture for Prenatal Diagnosis

The analysis of cultivated amniotic fluid cells has proved to be the most reliable tool for the prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities and inborn errors of metabolism. It is of paramount importance that extreme caution be exercised in the interpretation of results obtained from the analysis of these cells. In many instances, a decision as to whether or not a pregnancy will be continued is based on the result of a single laboratory study. The responsibility entrusted to those involved in prenatal diagnostic studies is therefore great. It is essential that everyone involved in such studies be thoroughly familiar with the origin and morphology of normal amniotic fluid cells as well as their growth properties and cytogenetic and biochemical characteristics. The normal variability in each of these parameters must be well defined before the results obtained from a particular sample are assumed to represent fetal abnormality.
Validity of self-assessed physical fitness.

This study compared self-ratings of components of physical fitness with objective measures of physical fitness. We made comparisons in two groups of male infantry soldiers ( n = 96 and π = 276) and one group of older male military officers ( n = 241). To obtain self-ratings of physical fitness, we asked subjects, “Compared to others of your age and sex, how would you rate your (a) endurance, (b) sprint speed, (c) strength, (d) flexibility?” Subjects responded to each of the four questions on a five-point scale. Self-ratings of endurance were systematically related to three measures of aerobic capacity, including V02max, peak V02, and two-mile run time ( r = 0.29 to 0.53). Self-ratings of sprint speed showed only weak relationships to measures of anaerobic capacity assessed by the Wingate test, pushups, and sit-ups ( r = 0.10 to 0.17). Strength ratings were systematically related to measures of maximal strength ( r = 0.28 to 0.53). Upper body strength measures were more closely associated with the self-ratings of strength than were measures of lower body strength. Responses to the flexibility question were systematically related to measures of hip/low back flexibility ( r = 0.30 and 0.48) but not to other measures of flexibility. Apparently, physically active subjects can approximately classify their aerobic capacity, muscle strength, and some types of flexibility.
D4 – Diagnosis of neonatal infections

This chapter reviews the occurrence of pneumonia and meningitis, especially as invasive infections in preterm infants, and details appropriate laboratory techniques for proper diagnosis. The widespread occurrence of animal mollicute infections with their important economic impact has continued to stimulate the development of diagnostic techniques that define new mollicute species and promote rapid detection procedures in the hosts. Clinical, radiographic, or laboratory evidence of pneumonia, central nervous system infection, overall instability, or septic appearance, particularly in a preterm neonate, are reasons to contemplate the possibility of invasive infection with Ureaplasma urealyticum or Mycoplasma hominis . Culture techniques are the current diagnostic methods of choice. Consideration of mycoplasmal or ureaplasmal infection is more important in neonates who have clinical signs of infection and no other identifiable microbial etiology, or if there is failure to respond to antimicrobial treatment with aminoglycosides. Serial dilution is an extremely important step in the cultivation process for mycoplasmas as it helps in overcoming possible interference by antibiotics and other inhibitors that are present in clinical specimens.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Arcobacter mytili Type Strain LMG 24559.

ABSTRACT Multiple Arcobacter species have been recovered from fresh and contaminated waters, marine environments, and shellfish. Arcobacter mytili was recovered in 2006 from mussels collected from the Ebro River delta in Catalonia, Spain. This study describes the complete whole-genome sequence of the A. mytili type strain LMG 24559 (=F2075T =CECT 7386T).
Size-growth asymmetry is not consistently related to productivity across an eastern US temperate forest network

Modeling and forecasting forests as carbon sinks require that we understand the primary factors affecting productivity. One factor thought to be positively related to stand productivity is the degree of asymmetry, or the slope of the relationship between tree size and biomass growth. Steeper slopes indicate disproportionate productivity of big trees relative to small trees. Theoretically, big trees outcompete smaller trees during favorable growth conditions because they maintain better access to light. For this reason, high productivity forests are expected to have asymmetric growth. However, empirical studies do not consistently support this expectation, and those that do are limited in spatial or temporal scope. Here, we analyze size–growth relationships from 1970 to 2011 across a diverse network of forest sites in the eastern United States (n = 16) to test whether asymmetry is consistently related to productivity. To investigate this relationship, we analyze asymmetry-productivity relationships between our 16 forests at non-overlapping annual, 2-, 5-, 10-, and 20-year sampling intervals and find that asymmetry is negatively related to productivity, but the strength depends on the specific interval considered. Within-site temporal variability in asymmetry and productivity are generally positively correlated over time, except at the 5-year remeasurement interval. Rather than confirming or failing to support a positive relationship between asymmetry and productivity, our findings suggest caution interpreting these metrics since the relationship varies across forest types and temporal scales.
Dlia McDonald Woolery

Poet Dlia McDonald Woolery is one of today's most prominent Afro-Costa Rican writers. A brief presentation of her publications, critical attention, and themes appears before a set of her unpublished poems.
A Hustle Here and a Hustle There: Lou Reed in the City of Night

Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side” has become a symbol of sexual openness in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Even so, it is easy to feel that Reed’s engagement with matters of gender and sexuality is inadequate to the complexities of his subject matter. Set against a backdrop of musical irony and camp disavowal, the song all-too glibly presents the difficulties experienced by LGBTQ people, women, and people of colour. In this chapter, I argue that the song inherits its contradictory mix of sincerity and flippancy from Stonewall era representations of New York’s LGBTQ community. Reed provides a musical depiction of what the novelist John Rechy calls the City of Night, the nocturnal queer community hiding in the City that Never Sleeps. In this spirit, the record captures both a sensibility of freedom, the possibility and experimentation offered by the shadows, but also the darkened affect of a world experienced in terms of secrecy, defensiveness and shame. For better and worse, then, “Walk on the Wild Side” embodies the doubled hopefulness and despair of the City of Night.
Microfluidic Isolation and Enrichment of Nanoparticles.

Over the past decades, nanoparticles have increased in implementation to a variety of applications ranging from high-efficiency electronics to targeted drug delivery. Recently, microfluidic techniques have become an important tool to isolate and enrich populations of nanoparticles with uniform properties (e.g., size, shape, charge) due to their precision, versatility, and scalability. However, due to the large number of microfluidic techniques available, it can be challenging to identify the most suitable approach for isolating or enriching a nanoparticle of interest. In this review article, we survey microfluidic methods for nanoparticle isolation and enrichment based on their underlying mechanisms, including acoustofluidics, dielectrophoresis, filtration, deterministic lateral displacement, inertial microfluidics, optofluidics, electrophoresis, and affinity-based methods. We discuss the principles, applications, advantages, and limitations of each method. We also provide comparisons with bulk methods, perspectives for future developments and commercialization, and next-generation applications in chemistry, biology, and medicine.
Recovery of consciousness and cognition after general anesthesia in humans

Anesthesia is a state of reversable, controlled unconsciousness. It has enabled countless medical procedures. But it also serves as a tool for scientists to study how the brain regains consciousness after disruptions such as sleep, coma or medical procedures requiring general anesthesia. It is still unclear how exactly the brain regains consciousness, and less so, why some patients do not recover normally after general anesthesia or fail to recover from brain injury. To find out more, Mashour et al. studied the patterns of reemerging consciousness and cognitive function in 30 healthy adults who underwent general anesthesia for three hours. While the volunteers were under anesthesia, their brain activity was measured with an EEG; and their sleep-wake activity was measured before and after the experiment. Each participant took part in a series of cognitive tests designed to measure the reaction speed, memory and other functions before receiving anesthesia, right after the return of consciousness, and then every 30 minutes thereafter. Thirty healthy volunteers who did not have anesthesia also completed the scans and tests as a comparison group. The experiments showed that certain normal EEG patterns resumed just before a person wakes up from anesthesia. The return of thinking abilities was an extended, multistep process, but volunteers recovered their cognitive abilities to nearly the same level as the volunteers within three hours of being deeply anesthetized. Mashour et al. also unexpectedly found that abstract problem-solving resumes early in the process, while other functions such as reaction time and attention took longer to recover. This makes sense from an evolutionary perspective. Sleep leaves individuals vulnerable. Quick evaluation and decision-making skills would be key to respond to a threat upon waking. The experiments confirm that the front of the brain, which handles thinking and decision-making, was especially active around the time of recovery. This suggests that therapies targeting this part of the brain may help people who experience loss of consciousness after a brain injury or have difficulties waking up after anesthesia. Moreover, disorders of cognition, such as delirium, in the days following surgery may be caused by factors other than the lingering effects of anesthetic drugs on the brain.
Immediate effects of vibration biofeedback on ankle kinematics in people with chronic ankle instability.

Abstract Background People with chronic ankle instability are more inverted during initial contact and loading response which may increase the risk of subsequent ankle injuries. Vibration feedback gait retraining causes medial center of pressure shifts but its impact on ankle kinematics remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to understand kinematic ankle changes in people with chronic ankle instability following vibration feedback gait retraining. Methods Nineteen participants with chronic ankle instability walked with vibration feedback for 10 min on a treadmill and for one mile in the real-world. A vibration stimulus occurred at the lower leg when pressure under the 5th metatarsal exceeded a threshold. Three-dimensional kinematics of the ankle were recorded in the lab before and after training. Paired t-tests compared baseline and posttest ankle, hindfoot, and forefoot positions during initial contact and loading response for the lab and real-world conditions. Findings After lab training the ankle (mean difference:-1.68 ± 1.62°, effect size:0.95) and forefoot (mean difference:-1.68 ± 1.67°, effect size:0.92) were more abducted. After real-world training, the ankle (mean difference:-1.19 ± 2.12°, effect size:0.54) and forefoot (mean difference:-1.87 ± 3.00°, effect size:0.63) were more everted. Similarly the ankle (mean difference:-2.37 ± 4.79°, effect size:0.46) and forefoot (mean difference:-2.78 ± 4.91°, effect size:0.51) were more abducted after real-world training. Interpretation Vibration feedback decreases inversion and adduction during loading response. However, RW compared to lab training may have more beneficial frontal plane changes for people with chronic ankle instability.
Renal Dysfunction in Pediatric Acute Leukemia Patients after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation with Total Body Irradiation-Containing Conditioning Regimen.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) Renal dysfunction after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a multi-factorial disorder. Studies have linked dose and fractionation with the incidence of late renal dysfunction in patients who underwent total body irradiation (TBI)-based myeloablative conditioning, but the effect of dose rate remains under studied. We conducted a single-institution retrospective study to elucidate the effect of TBI parameters and peri-HCT factors on late renal dysfunction among pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML) after allogeneic HCT. MATERIALS/METHODS 123 patients (age 1-22) with acute leukemia (38 AML, 85 ALL) underwent HCT using a TBI-based regimen at our institution from 2006-2019. HCT conditioning regimen included cyclophosphamide with or without fludarabine followed by TBI (13.2 Gy in 8 twice-daily fractions over 4 days). TBI dose rate was limited to 15 cGy/min; 35%) or low-dose-rate (LDR; ≤15 cGy/min; 65%) TBI. All patients received a calcineurin inhibitor to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Serum creatinine (Cr) was recorded at baseline and trended post-HCT. Late renal dysfunction was defined as persistent increase of Cr > 1.2 mg/dL or ≥ 1.25 times the upper limit of age-dependent normal, onset ≥ 3 months after HCT. Using a statistical software, dichotomous variables were tested using Chi-square or Fisher's exact test; and continuous variables using Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to examine the association of these variables with late renal dysfunction. RESULTS A total of 14 patients developed late renal dysfunction (11%): 6/38 patients in HDR group (14%) vs. 8/79 patients in LDR group (10%, P = 0.03). Comparison between HDR and LDR groups found no difference in age, sex, remission status, HCT comorbidity index (HCT-CI, predictive of late organ dysfunctions, factoring in baseline Cr) or baseline Cr. More patients in the HDR group were cord blood recipients taking cyclosporine/mycophenolate mofetil (37% vs. 19% in LDR, P 12), intermediate-high HCT-CI (22% vs. 6% low HCT-CI) and HDR (24% vs. 8% in LDR). On multivariate regression, late renal dysfunction remained associated with age, HCT-CI, and HDR (P = 0.01, 0.02, and < 0.01 respectively). CONCLUSION Patient's age ≤12 at HCT, intermediate-high HCT-CI, and HDR were associated with late renal dysfunction post-HCT. Since dose rate is the only modifiable factor, adoption of LDR TBI is recommended.
Nurse editors' roles and practices.

Purpose While nurse editors carry great responsibility for the scientific literature in the nursing profession, little has been published about this unique role. The purpose of this study was to examine contemporary nurse editors' roles and practices. Design In early 2019, a sample of 129 nurse editors participated in a cross-sectional study using survey methods. Methods The online survey was based on an instrument used in a prior study and included 43 primarily multiple-choice questions. Findings were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings Beyond the expected roles of journal management, editorial decision making, leadership for the profession, and specific journal focus, some aspects of the nurse editor role have remained unchanged. The role continues to be learned mostly on the job and nurse editors still find satisfaction in helping other nurses publish and disseminate their work. Nurse editors are older and better educated. They also are receiving more manuscripts submitted to their journals and perceive this role as hard work but worth it. This is also the first study to report on the role of other levels of editors. Conclusion This study provides a description of the current roles and practices of nurse editors. Nurse editors can bring more attention to the role and encourage more nurses to consider this role as an attainable and a satisfying one. Clinical relevance Being a nurse editor is a leadership role and one that many nurses may not consider as a career goal. Nurse editors can increase the visibility of this role and engage, encourage, and support nurses who are interested in this role.
Limited Variation in BK Virus T-cell Epitopes Revealed by Next-Generation Sequencing

BK virus (BKV) infection causing end-organ disease remains a formidable challenge to the hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) and kidney transplant fields. As BKV-specific treatments are limited, immunologic-based therapies may be a promising and novel therapeutic option for transplant recipients with persistent BKV infection. Here, we describe a whole-genome, deep-sequencing methodology and bioinformatics pipeline that identify BKV variants across the genome and at BKV-specific HLA-A2-, HLA-B0702-, and HLA-B08-restricted CD8 T-cell epitopes. BKV whole genomes were amplified using long-range PCR with four inverse primer sets, and fragmentation libraries were sequenced on the Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine (PGM). An error model and variant-calling algorithm were developed to accurately identify rare variants. A total of 65 samples from 18 pediatric HCT and kidney recipients with quantifiable BKV DNAemia underwent whole-genome sequencing. Limited genetic variation was observed. The median number of amino acid variants identified per sample was 8 (range, 2 to 37; interquartile range, 10), with the majority of variants (77%) detected at a frequency of <5%. When normalized for length, there was no statistical difference in the median number of variants across all genes. Similarly, the predominant virus population within samples harbored T-cell epitopes similar to the reference BKV strain that was matched for the BKV genotype. Despite the conservation of epitopes, low-level variants in T-cell epitopes were detected in 77.7% (14/18) of patients. Understanding epitope variation across the whole genome provides insight into the virus-immune interface and may help guide the development of protocols for novel immunologic-based therapies.
Research for agriculture in developing countries: The US role

Abstract The author argues that the USA can make a great contribution to research on food and agriculture in developing countries. He outlines the organizational and attitudinal constraints to this contribution, reviews previous studies that have recommended a redistribution of research resources, and analyses the reasons why resources should be redirected to increase the US contribution to the solution of world hunger problems.
The Political Economy of Corruption: A Philippine Illustration a

This essay explores the nature, causes, and consequences of corruption as it pertains to entire regimes. Grand corruption is modeled as a type of unproductive rent-seeking at the highest levels of government. The economic costs of corruption are assumed to increase in the decentralization (and relaxation) of its governance, increase convexly in the percentage extracted, and decreasing in the opportunities for productive rent-seeking. Combining these assumptions with the benefits of corruption yields the results that optimal corruption revenues are increasing in greed of the regime and in economic opportunities but that the economic costs of corruption may be highest in the least avaricious regime. The theory is illustrated with a stylized account of corruption in three Philippine administrations, from 1973-1998. Policy implications are discussed, including the role of the economist in making corruption less attractive.
From Ecological Behaviorism to Response Generalization: Where Should We Make Discriminations?

Abstract The concept of response generalization is addressed, as it was discussed in a symposium at the 2001 meeting of the International Association for Behavior Analysis and presented in three articles in this journal issue. Relationships between behavioral ecology, social validity, and response generalization are examined from the perspective of behavioral community psychology, especially research conducted by the author and colleagues to increase safe driving practices. The challenge of moving beyond evaluating intervention side effects to planning for a beneficial spread of effect is entertained, including theory to predict whether treatment generality will be desirable or undesirable. The issue of whether intervention side effects should be termed “response generalization” is covered by pinpointing critical distinctions made in the preceding articles, one claiming the spread of effect discussed here is response generalization and the other two articles proclaiming it is not. These latter two present...
Independence of data points in the measurement of hand preferences in primates: statistical problem or urban myth?

Lack of independence of data points or the pooling fallacy has been suggested as a potential problem in the study of handedness in nonhuman primates, particularly as it relates to whether hand use responses should be recorded as individual events or bouts of activity. Here, I argue that there is no evidence that the concept of statistical independence of data points or the pooling fallacy is a problem in the evaluation of population-level handedness in previous studies in nonhuman primates. I further argue these statistical concepts have been misapplied to the characterization of individual hand preferences. Finally, I argue that recording hand use responses as bouts rather than events has no significant effect on reports of hand use in nonhuman primates and, in fact, may unintentionally bias hand use toward the null hypothesis. Several suggestions for improvement in the measurement and statistical determination of individual handedness are offered in the paper.
An Ecological Perspective on Rural, Low-Income Mothers' Health

Using structural equation modeling, this study examined interactions among factors traditionally associated with health outcomes within a sample of rural low-income mothers. Prior research has established that education, employment, income, marital status, and health insurance coverage independently predict health outcomes. However, no studies have examined the simultaneous influence of these factors as conceptualized from an ecological systems perspective. Results indicate that when the multiple factors are considered simultaneously, different effects emerge. Implications are that the context in which these women live and the interactions between and among key influencing factors must be considered when addressing health challenges in rural areas.