cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On supporting time-constrained communications in WDMA-based star-coupled optical networks

We devise a preallocation based single hop wavelength division multiple access (WDMA) scheme to support time constrained communication in star coupled optical networks. We consider a star coupled broadcast and select network architecture in which N stations are connected to a star coupler with W different wavelength channels. Each of the W wavelength channels is slotted and shared by the N stations by means of time division multiplexing. Networks with different transceiver configurations, i.e., TT-FR, FT-TR, and TT-TR systems, are investigated. We characterize each real time message stream M, with two parameters, relative message deadline D/sub i/ and maximum (total) message size C/sub i/ that can arrive within any time interval of length D/sub i/. We then discuss a restricted case in a TT-FR system in which the message streams from a source station are assumed to be all going to the same destination station. Under this assumption, no source/destination conflicts may occur. We propose a preallocation based slot assignment scheme to allocate slots to a set of isochronous message streams, {M/sub i/=(C/sub i/, D/sub i/))|1/spl les/i/spl les/n}, so that in any time window of size D/sub i/ slots, at least C/sub i/ slots on a wavelength channel are allocated to M/sub i/ for all i. With the solution derived in the restricted case as a basis, we then consider slot assignment in a (general) TT-TR system, and propose a binary splitting scheme to assign each message stream sufficient and well spaced slots to fulfill its timing requirement, subject to source/destination conflict constraints. We rigorously prove the invariant properties and the correctness of the binary splitting scheme.
On Huberized Calibration Regression for Censored Medical Cost Data

Authors have observed that the distribution of medical expenditures has features that do not lend it to parametric modeling and can present significant challenges for least-squares-type estimators, even on a logarithmic scale. In this note, we discuss caveats and extensions of coefficient estimation in the bivariate accelerated lifetime model of medical cost and survival time on covariates. We consider the setting where medical cost is observed only when the event occurs and potential right-censoring of the event time induces a dependent censoring mechanism on cost. We adopt Huang's (2002) estimation framework using the weighted log-rank estimating equations and investigate his proposal for robust mark-scale coefficient estimation. Due to modeling restrictions on the joint distribution of survival time and cost, we conclude that his robust mark-scale coefficient estimator would benefit from a time-scale adjustment. We use basic principles from robust estimation to define a new weighted marked process that subsequently leads to a new time-corrected robust regression calibration estimator. Our simulation studies illustrate how the proposed estimator has desirable operating characteristics, including reduced sensitivity to extreme values in the cost distribution, smaller finite sample bias and variance than earlier proposals. We illustrate the method in an analysis of lifetime medical cost data from a lung cancer study conducted by the Southwest Oncology Group.
A modified method for production of hydrogen from methane

SUMMARY The steam–methane-reformation (SMR) reaction has been modified by including sodium hydroxide in the reaction. It is found that the reaction: 2NaOH+CH4+H2O = Na2CO3+4H2 takes place at much lower temperatures (300–600°C) than the SMR reaction (800–1200°C). The reaction rate is enhanced with a nickel catalyst. We have studied the effect of variously ball-milled nickel on the reaction rate and determined the optimum particle size of the catalyst. Best results were achieved by grinding the catalyst for 2 h. Prolonged ball milling caused the nickel platelets to coalesce and grow in size decreasing the reaction rate. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developing and maintaining partnerships as the foundation of implementation and implementation science: reflections over a half century.

Public health depends on its base of community support, and each public health program depends on this support for its survival. As a broad field public health is dramatically intrusive; it invades the most private lives of citizens, including instructions how to brush your teeth, injections of bacterial vaccines into your body against disease, guidelines on what to eat, prohibitions against smoking, limits on ages of individuals allowed to use of alcohol and prohibitions against use while driving, prohibitions against use of illicit drugs at all. Even sexual practices receive strong instructions such as promoting safe sex behavior such as condom use. Public health law requires vaccinating the community’s children before school entry, and even requires chlorine—a poison—in the community’s drinking water. In teaching public health I have often cited the first rule: “Don’t get kicked out of the community”. And that brings us to the issue of partnerships, the foundation on which all public health is built. These reflections are about the required but complex nature of relationships among community organization constituents, service delivery agencies, and research institutions and investigators to carry out programs–from priority setting to their initial testing of efficacy, then effectiveness, and now into implementation and “going-to-scale”.
Delay and Capacity Optimization in Multi-radio Multi-channel Wireless Mesh Networks

The technology of wireless mesh network (WMN) provides a flexible Internet access service in a wide region by employing multi-hop wireless routing and enhances the network performance by utilizing multi-radio and multi-channel. Delay analysis is a fundamental issue for delay-sensitive application such as VoIP and video conference, and delay constrained capacity is essential for a network to provide satisfied service. This paper models such a network and obtains the packet delay and network capacity by considering a queueing network formed by multi-radio mesh routers (MRs) and carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) mechanism is assumed for packet transmissions over links between MRs. We investigate the problems of intercluster dominated traffic, study the impact of the number of radios and channels to the delay and the capacity, and optimize the network performance by adjusting the MR deployment and the transmission power.
Induction of E-Selectin Expression by Double-Stranded RNA and TNF-α Is Attenuated in Murine Aortic Endothelial Cells Derived from Double-Stranded RNA-Activated Kinase (PKR)-Null Mice

The adherence of leukocytes on the endothelium is mediated in part by the transient expression of the E-selectin adhesion molecule. Because we have previously shown that the dsRNA-activated kinase PKR mediates dsRNA induction of NF-κB, we used murine aortic endothelial (MuAE) cells isolated from wild-type and PKR-null mice to investigate the role of PKR in the induction of E-selectin expression by dsRNA (pIC) and TNF-α. E-selectin mRNA and protein expression was inducible by both pIC and TNF-α in wild-type MuAE cells, whereas induction of E-selectin expression by these agents was defective in PKR-null MuAE cells. Induction of E-selectin promoter activity and NF-κB DNA binding activity were substantially reduced in pIC- or TNF-α-treated PKR-null cells, indicating a role for PKR in both pIC and TNF-α induction of E-selectin via an NF-κB-dependent pathway. In PKR-null cells, pIC-mediated degradation of IκBβ is deficient. Activation of this pathway requires the PKR-dependent degradation of the IκBβ protein. Moreover, both phosphorylated and unphosphorylated activating transcription factor 2 DNA-binding activities were reduced in PKR-null aortic endothelial cells. These results indicate that the PKR is required for full activation of E-selectin expression by pIC and TNF-α in primary mouse aortic endothelial cells identifying activating transcription factor 2 as a new target for PKR-dependent regulation and suggest a role for PKR in leukocyte adhesion.
Altered cardiac excitation-contraction coupling in mutant mice with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Excitation‐contraction coupling in cardiac muscle of familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHC) remains poorly understood, despite the fact that the genetic alterations are well defined. We characterized calcium cycling and contractile activation in trabeculae from a mutant mouse model of FHC (Arg403Gln knockin, α-myosin heavy chain). Wild-type mice of the same strain and age (~20 weeks old) served as controls. During twitch contractions, peak intracellular Ca 2+ ([Ca 2+ ]i) was higher in mutant muscles than in the wild-type (P 0.003), with no changes in the [Ca 2+ ]i required for 50% activation or maximal Ca 2+ -activated force. Thus, calcium cycling and myofilament properties are both altered in FHC mutant mice: more Ca 2+ is mobilized to generate force, but this does not suffice to maintain contractility at high stimulation rates.
Public Religiosity, Religious Importance, and Substance Use Among Latino Emerging Adults

Objective: This study examined the relationship between religiosity (religious importance and public religion) and substance use (binge drinking and marijuana use) among Latino emerging adults. Method: Study utilized data (N = 2,442; 51.9% male) from wave 3 of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). Results: Only public religion was found to be a protective factor for both binge drinking and marijuana use. Conclusion: The study results suggest the potential for public forms of religion, such as attendance to services and activities, to act as a protective factor for substance use.
Self-competence and self-liking in the prediction of change in bulimic symptoms.

Objective To examine the relationship of self-competence and self-liking (two distinct dimensions of self-esteem) to bulimic symptoms. Method Two separate longitudinal studies were conducted on undergraduate women from two universities (Study 1, N = 129; Study 2, N = 406). Measures of self-competence, self-liking, and bulimic symptoms were administered on two occasions, separated by several weeks. Results Self-competence demonstrated a stronger relationship than self-liking to change in bulimic symptoms over time. Discussion These findings have significant theoretic implications for the construct of self-esteem and implications for risk for and treatment of bulimia. © 2003 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 34: 361–369, 2003.
Homology of Lie algebra of supersymmetries and of super Poincare Lie algebra

Abstract We study the homology and cohomology groups of super Lie algebras of supersymmetries and of super Poincare Lie algebras in various dimensions. We give complete answers for (non-extended) supersymmetry in all dimensions ⩽11. For dimensions D = 10 , 11 we describe also the cohomology of reduction of supersymmetry Lie algebra to lower dimensions. Our methods can be applied to extended supersymmetry Lie algebras.
Distribution of Pancreatic Endocrine Cells Including IAPP-expressing Cells in Non-diabetic and Type 2 Diabetic Cases

There is a lack of agreement on the distribution of islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) in the pancreases of healthy and diabetic subjects. Therefore, a detailed morphometrical and immunohistochemical study was performed to obtain information on the distribution of cells expressing insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, pancreatic polypeptide (PP), and IAPP in the pancreases of non-diabetic (n=4) and diabetic individuals (n=6). In the non-diabetic cases, beta-cells contributed to approximately 64%, alpha-cells to 26%, delta-cells to 8%, PP cells to 0.3%, and IAPP cells to 34% of the islet cell population. The ratio of IAPP/insulin was approximately 1:2. In diabetic cases, beta-cells were decreased by 24%, and IAPP was decreased by 57%. The alpha- and delta-cells were increased by 40% and 58%, respectively. IAPP/insulin ratio was decreased by 41%. Thus, only 50% of the beta-cells in non-diabetics and only 30% in diabetics coexpressed IAPP. In diabetics, more delta-cells coexpressed IAPP than in non-diabetics. The results seem to argue against the notion that the secretion of IAPP is increased in diabetics. It is possible that an increase in somatostatin and glucagon plays a greater role in diabetes than IAPP.
Stealing cycles: Can we get along?

The exploitation of networked workstations as a set of under-utilized computational resources is an attractive idea for cost-effective parallel computing. The use of these resources, however, raises a number of interesting policy and performance questions (e.g. what impact will a parallel application have on the normal workstation user, what performance levels can be expected when many users are logged on?). We present performance models for parallel computations executing on shared, networked workstations that can help to address these questions. >
Release and monitoring of Larinus minutus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a biological control agent of spotted knapweed in Arkansas.

Spotted knapweed (Centaurea stoebe ssp. micranthos (Gugler) Hayek) is an invasive plant from Eurasia that degrades pastures and rangelands in the western United States and Canada. A biological control program for spotted and diffuse (C. diffusa Lamarck) knapweeds was initiated in the 1960s, with 13 species of insects introduced and established in the United States and Canada. The program has largely been considered a success and Larinus minutus Gyllenhal (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is considered to be one of the key agents responsible for the reduction of knapweeds. Spotted knapweed expanded its range into the southeastern United States, but biological control was not used against the weed in this region until recently. Larinus minutus were released in 6 counties in Arkansas from 2008 through 2012. Weekly sweep-net sampling to monitor weevil activity showed establishment of the weevils in 5 counties. The numbers of L. minutus captured at each site increased from 2010 to 2012. Larinus minutus in Arkansas was univoltine and sex ratios were 1:1, except during flowering, when the proportion of females captured increased. Eggs were not present in females until 1 week after flowering of spotted knapweed.
Evolving an integrated curriculum for object-oriented analysis and design

Object-Oriented Analysis and Design has established itself as an integral and critically vital part of the software development process. In this paper, we describe an integrated approach to teaching this subject so that it covers vital components of this vast field: analysis, object-oriented design principles such as the Liskov Substitution Principle, the design process, which shows how and where the rules are applied, modeling, design and architectural patterns, language features, and refactoring. The course has evolved over the past 10 years to one that revolves around three major case studies. This evolution has resulted in a course that covers all important aspects of OOAD in a manner that emphasizes their inter-relatedness and hence their relevance to overall design process. Feedback suggests that this approach has improved students' understanding of the OOAD concepts.
Prototype extraction and adaptive OCR

To maintain OCR accuracy with decreasing quality of page image composition, production, and digitization, it is essential to tune the system to each document. We propose a prototype extraction method for document-specific OCR systems. The method automatically generates training samples from unsegmented text images and the corresponding transcripts. It is tolerant of transcription errors, so a transcript produced automatically by an imperfect omnifont OCR system can be used. The method is based on new algorithms for estimating character widths, character locations in a word, and match/nonmatch probabilities from unsegmented text. An experimental word recognition system is designed and developed to combine prototype extraction algorithms and segmentation-free word recognition. The system can adapt itself to different page images and achieve high recognition accuracy on heavily degraded print.
Significant life events and the shape of memories to come: A hypothesis

Much has been said about how significant life events modulate our response to stimuli that are integral to those events. However, we know less about the more general consequences of these events, that is, how they affect subsequent learning abilities that are seemingly irrelevant to the initial event. Here, it is proposed that significant life events, most often stressful in nature, alter future learned responses by inducing nonspecific and persistent changes in neuroanatomical structures. These changes are induced in the presence of sex and stress hormones, which are released either in response to the event itself or as a consequence of stages of life. To illustrate, the effects of acute stressful experience on learning processes and their regulation by the release of hormones are reviewed. I discuss how these events and their hormonal consequences alter anatomical substrates such as those involved in neurogenesis and synaptogenesis. It is proposed that these modulatory processes allow past experiences to change the shape of memories to come. In this way, memorable life events become less about the past and more about the future.
Oppression Through Acceptance? Predicting Rape Myth Acceptance and Attitudes Toward Rape Victims

Feminist theories of rape motivation are based on research suggesting a relationship between dominance and sexual aggression. However, the relationship between dominance and rape myth acceptance (RMA), a predictor of rape proclivity and sexual aggression and a key component in feminist theory, is understudied. The current study tests the hypotheses that individuals' scores on sex-based oppression and intergroup dominance measures will improve the predictive models for RMA and attitudes toward rape and rape victims. The hypotheses are supported. Individuals' general intergroup dominance and sex-based oppression attitudes provide significant unique prediction beyond previously studied predictors of attitudes about rape and rape victims.
Verification of fatal gasoline intoxication in confined spaces utilizing gas-liquid chromatography.

Two cases of fatal gasoline intoxication in confined spaces are presented, with a procedure for analysis of hydrocarbons in tissue utilizing gas-liquid chromatography. Possible mechanisms causing death are discussed. It is suggested that with the advent of more sensitive technics, which enable the investigator to detect and identify hydrocarbonsm qualitatively in the range of 0.1 mg. per Gm. of tissue, more useful data may be accumulated to clarify further the dynamics of acute hydrocarbon intoxication in confined spaces.
Climate impacts on the ice regime of an Atlantic river

Although the sensitivity of river ice processes to climatic inputs is well known, there is very little information on how a changing climate can affect the severity and frequency of ice jam events and their numerous ecological and socio-economic impacts. The present study adds to this information by examining the ice regime of the Southwest Miramichi River, New Brunswick, and identifying recent trends that may be linked to concomitant climatic variations. The timing of freeze-up and breakup, as well as the thickness of the winter ice cover, do not exhibit significant temporal trends. However, spring ice jamming is becoming more severe, and there is increasing potential for devastating mid-winter breakup events. These findings are consistent with increasing rainfall and snowfall amounts, as well as increasing river flows, during the winter and early spring. Unlike in most parts of Canada, slight cooling during the winter months was detected, consistent with cooling trends found elsewhere in Atlantic Canada. Implications for adaptation and infrastructure design are discussed.
Bringing It All Together Bedside to Bench and Back Again

Titin Mutations in iPS Cells Define Sarcomere Insufficiency as a Cause of Dilated Cardiomyopathy Hinson et al Science . 2015;349:982–986. doi: 10.1126/science.aaa5458. A recent report illustrates the power of combining recent technological advances to define important, organ-specific phenotypes of previously refractory proteins. Genetic variants in the protein titin have been understudied because of the difficulties in handling enormous sequences and the cognate protein. But the giant protein is beginning to yield its secrets with the advent of Nex-Gen sequencing, our developing ability to create stable cardiomyocytes from patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and the creation of 3-dimensional (3D) microtissues capable of recapitulating the stress, strain, and contractile properties of a myofibril. The ability to accurately model a patient’s pathology in isolated systems holds the promise of translating laboratory findings into effective, prospective surveillance and even therapy. Titin is the largest characterized protein in the human body with the gene TTN consisting of 363 coding exons that theoretically could encode a 4200-kDa protein containing 38 138 residues.1 Because of multiple alternative splicing events, the 3 characterized isoform classes range from ≈3000 to 3800 kDa. The location and organization of the protein are both striking. Extending some 1.0 to 1.2 μm in length, a single titin spans half the sarcomere, with the protein stretching from the sarcomere’s central M line (carboxyl terminus) to a securely anchored position in the Z disk (N-terminus) where it is closely associated with or bound to a titin molecule from the adjacent sarcomere (Figure).2 Thought to play important roles in sarcomerogenesis,3 mechanosensing mechanisms,4 and overall stabilization of the filament systems that make up the sarcomere,5 titin is an important determinant of cardiac muscle’s passive tension because of its elastic properties at low sarcomere lengths.6 The 3 TTN isoform classes found …
High-frequency, highly directional short-range underwater acoustic communications

The underwater acoustic channel is a challenging environment for achieving high data rate communications due to multipath, attenuation, noise and propagation delay. Performing and maintaining adaptive channel equalization requires significant computational overhead, leading to costly and power-hungry devices. Here we describe a high-frequency acoustic modem design intended to mitigate the equalization requirement through highly directional, high frequency transmissions centered at 750 kHz. The high frequency additionally confers a data rate of up to 125 kbps between modems spaced on the order of meters apart. The modems are designed to record ambient noise before re-transmitting the recorded data in an encoded manner using high frequency transmissions through a separate, directional transducer. Such modems could be used to facilitate a cable-less benthic hydrophone array made from on-the-fly replaceable nodes. In order to determine inter-element spacing and to perform beamforming on the recorded data between modems, a synchronized yet independent Symmetricom® chip-scale atomic clock (CSAC, model SA.45s) was incorporated into a custom signal conditioning and timing board inside each modem. Lab-based experimental results show the feasibility of high-frequency acoustic communication (ACOMMS) between these modems.
MEMORY OF FOOD INTAKE IN THE DISTANT PAST

Long term recalls of dietary intake are frequently used in case-control studies, but their validity and reliability have not been established. In this study, 91 middle-aged adults (median age, 50 years) who were participants in the Longitudinal Study of Child Health and Development at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, Massachusetts, starting in the early 1930s, were asked in 1984-1985 to report present food intake and to recall food intakes at ages 5-7 years. 18 years, and 30 years using food frequency questionnaires. Their recalled intakes were validated by comparison with historical records of intake collected during the earlier time periods. Recall of food intake in the distant past was a better predictor of historical intake than was current diet. However, correlations between recalled and historical consumption for individual foods and food groups were generally low, rarely exceeding 0.3. Current intakes exerted a powerful influence on accuracy of recall. The consideration of participant characteristics did not prove to be consistently useful in explaining variations in food item and food group-related recall. The authors conclude that recall of food intake in the distant past may be a sufficiently valid estimate of past intake to justify its collection.
Observation Of Real-Time Thin Film Evolution Using Microcantilever Sensors

Adsorption and desorption kinetics of thin film formation on metal surfaces has been directly monitored in real-time by optically measuring the deflection of activated atomic force microscope microcantilevers. Microcantilever deflection is caused by stress generated during the formation of an adsorbate layer on one side of the microcantilever. In this work, rapid adsorption of carboxylic acid in hydrocarbon solvent onto a gold surface was directly observed as a compressive stress developed on the microcantilever substrate. Upon exposure to alkylthiol, acid desorbed and was displaced by alkylthiol; this process was continuously monitored in real-time. Experiments suggest that some film organization and intermolecular interaction are required before substantial surface stress can be detected.
Adjuvant docetaxel for node-positive breast cancer.

954 n engl j med 353;9 www.nejm.org september 1, 2005 Despite the consistency of our findings, observational studies are not equivalent to randomized clinical trials, and thus we agree with the conclusion of Maisonneuve and Lowenfels that placebo-controlled trials are required to clarify further the potential relationship between statins and the risk of colorectal cancer. Jenny N. Poynter, Ph.D. Stephen B. Gruber, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H. University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0638 sgruber@umich.edu Gad Rennert, M.D., Ph.D. Clalit Health Services National Cancer Control Center 34362 Haifa, Israel
Attitudes on and usage of balloon catheter technology in rhinology: A survey of the American Rhinologic Society

IntroductionUse of balloon catheter dilation in the management of paranasal sinus diseases, including chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and recurrent acute rhinosinusitis, remains controversial. In an e...
Colpocervicitis emphysematosa; report of a case.

Abstract A case of colpocervicitis emphysematosa has been presented and the pathologic features illustrated.
The Bacterial Microbiome and Virome Milestones of Infant Development

The human gut harbors a complex community of bacteria, viruses, fungi, protists, and other microorganisms (collectively termed the microbiome) that impact health and disease. Emerging studies indicate that the gut bacterial microbiome and virome play an important role in healthy infant development. In turn, the composition of the microbiome during development can be influenced by factors such as dietary, environmental, and maternal conditions. As such, the microbiome trajectory during early infancy could be predictors of healthy development. Conversely, adverse early events in life may have consequences later in life. This review focuses on our understanding of the bacterial microbiome and virome during early development, conditions that might influence these processes, and their long-term implications for infant health.
Epidemiology of Migraine

Headache disorders cause significant disability. The public and most health professionals tend to perceive migraine as a minor or trivial complaint. In the past decade, important epidemiologic studies enjoining extensive surveys, pathophysiologic and genetic insights, and revised headache classification paradigms have produced clear evidence of the public health importance of headache disorders. The Global Campaign to reduce the burden of headache worldwide known as "Lifting the Burden" was launched in 2004 by the World Health Organization, the International Headache Society, the World Headache Alliance, and the European Headache Federation. This paper reviews salient progress in the neuroepidemiology of migraine headaches.
Ensemble statistical and subspace clustering model for analysis of autism spectrum disorder phenotypes

Heterogeneity in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is complex including variability in behavioral phenotype as well as clinical, physiologic, and pathologic parameters. The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) now diagnoses ASD using a 2-dimensional model based social communication deficits and fixated interests and repetitive behaviors. Sorting out heterogeneity is crucial for study of etiology, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. In this paper, we present an ensemble model for analyzing ASD phenotypes using several machine learning techniques and a k-dimensional subspace clustering algorithm. Our ensemble also incorporates statistical methods at several stages of analysis. We apply this model to a sample of 208 probands drawn from the Simon Simplex Collection Missouri Site patients. The results provide useful evidence that is helpful in elucidating the phenotype complexity within ASD. Our model can be extended to other disorders that exhibit a diverse range of heterogeneity.
Study of Fitness, Virulence, and Fungicide Sensitivity of Lambertella corni-maris Causing Yellow Rot on Apple.

Very little is known about the biology, epidemiology, and best practices to manage Lambertella rot, a newly identified postharvest disease caused by Lambertella corni-maris on apples in the United States. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of L. corni-maris in 92 grower lots throughout Washington State in 2016, evaluated the effect of nutrient availability on L. corni-maris growth, and L. corni-maris sensitivity to pH, osmotic stress, and fungicides in vitro. We assessed pathogen aggressiveness on major apple cultivars and the efficacy of pre- and postharvest fungicides to control L. corni-maris on detached fruit. L. corni-maris was widespread and was found in 40% of the growers lots surveyed at frequencies ranging from 2 to 40% of the total decay. The fungus grew faster on acidic media such as apple juice agar and V8 agar media and was able to grow equally at pH values ranging from 3 to 7. L. corni-maris isolates showed relatively low sensitivity to osmotic stress and grew evenly at 1M KCl. Al...
Value and Nature: Rethinking Capitalist Exploitation and Expansion

ABSTRACTValue is central to the political economy of capitalism, but Marxian value theory has generally been abandoned when it comes to including nature in the analysis. An important exception is the recent work of Jason Moore, and in this paper an effort is made to fill several lacunae in Moore’s approach. I argue for a unified measure of labor-nature time and joint exploitation of surplus value, then explore the significance of that for capitalist growth via rising productivity and cheap inputs, as well as what these mean for geographic expansion in search of labor and resources. I finish on the classic note of the insatiable drive for capital accumulation and its implications for the fate of the earth.
On the diagonal ideal of $(\mathbb{C}^2)^n$ and $q,t$-Catalan numbers

Let $I_n$ be the (big) diagonal ideal of $(\mathbb{C}^2)^n$. Haiman proved that the $q,t$-Catalan number is the Hilbert series of the graded vector space $M_n=\bigoplus_{d_1,d_2}(M_n)_{d_1,d_2}$ spanned by a minimal set of generators for $I_n$. We give simple upper bounds on $\textrm{dim} (M_n)_{d_1, d_2}$ in terms of partition numbers, and find all bi-degrees $(d_1,d_2)$ such that $\textrm{dim} (M_n)_{d_1, d_2}$ achieve the upper bounds. For such bi-degrees, we also find explicit bases for $(M_n)_{d_1, d_2}$.
Management of soft tissue tumors of the upper extremity: a review.

Introduction : Management of malignant tumors of the hand and wrist is challenging and is generally approached by limb salvage or amputation. With advances in care, amputation has been superseded by limb salvage as the treatment of choice. Methods : A narrative literature review was performed to identify articles on the topic of management of soft tissue tumors of the upper extremity, including surgical management, adjuvant radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Results : A total of 29 articles were selected. Earlier reports favored radical tumor resection, which often led to amputation, whereas later articles demonstrated limb salvage as the preferential treatment modality. Conclusions : Given the detrimental effects on function and psychologic outcomes, amputation has been superseded by limb salvage in most cases, although it can occasionally be the only option. A variety of adjuvant therapies have been described, including radiation or brachytherapy, chemotherapy, and regional hyperthermia. Radiation treatment, and specifically brachytherapy, is beneficial to select patients. Controversy surrounds chemotherapy in certain subtypes, and regional hyperthermia requires further investigation.
Epidemiologic characteristics of health care-associated outbreaks and lessons learned from multiple outbreak investigations with a focus on the usefulness of routine molecular analysis.

Background Single outbreaks have often been reported in health care settings, but the frequency of outbreaks at a hospital over time has not been described. We examined epidemiologic features of all health care–associated outbreak investigations at an academic hospital during a 5-year period. Methods Health care–associated outbreak investigations at an academic hospital (2012-2016) were retrospectively reviewed through data on comprehensive hospital-wide surveillance and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis. Results Fifty-one health care–associated outbreaks (annual range, 8-15), including 26 (51%) outbreaks in intensive care units (ICUs), and 263 infected-colonized patients involved in these outbreaks were identified. The frequency of pathogens varied by affected location, specifically multidrug-resistant organisms (20/26 outbreaks, 77% in ICUs vs 2/25 outbreaks, 8% in non-ICUs; P Conclusions This study demonstrated epidemiologic characteristics of multiple outbreaks between ICUs and non-ICUs and the value of molecular typing in understanding the epidemiology of health care–associated outbreaks.
Predicting ecosystem vulnerability to biodiversity loss from community composition

Ecosystems vary widely in their responses to biodiversity change, with some losing function dramatically while others are highly resilient. However, generalizations about how species- and community-level properties determine these divergent ecosystem responses have been elusive because potential sources of variation (e.g., trophic structure, compensation, functional trait diversity) are rarely evaluated in conjunction. Ecosystem vulnerability, or the likely change in ecosystem function following biodiversity change, is influenced by two types of species traits: response traits that determine species' individual sensitivities to environmental change, and effect traits that determine a species' contribution to ecosystem function. Here we extend the response-effect trait framework to quantify ecosystem vulnerability and show how trophic structure, within-trait variance, and among-trait covariance affect ecosystem vulnerability by linking extinction order and functional compensation. Using in silico trait-based simulations we found that ecosystem vulnerability increased when response and effect traits positively covaried, but this increase was attenuated by decreasing trait variance. Contrary to expectations, in these communities, both functional diversity and trophic structure increased ecosystem vulnerability. In contrast, ecosystem functions were resilient when response and effect traits covaried negatively, and variance had a positive effect on resiliency. Our results suggest that although biodiversity loss is often associated with decreases in ecosystem functions, such effects are conditional on trophic structure, and the variation within and covariation among response and effect traits. Taken together, these three factors can predict when ecosystems are poised to lose or gain function with ongoing biodiversity change.
Older adults’ readiness to engage with eHealth patient education and self-care resources: a cross-sectional survey

This study examined access to digital technologies, skills and experience, and preferences for using web-based and other digital technologies to obtain health information and advice among older adults in a large health plan. A primary aim was to assess the extent to which digital divides by race/ethnicity and age group might affect the ability of a large percentage of seniors, and especially those in vulnerable groups, to engage with online health information and advice modalities (eHIA) and mobile health (mHealth) monitoring tools. A mailed survey was conducted with age-sex stratified random samples of English-speaking non-Hispanic white, African-American/black (black), Hispanic/Latino (Latino), Filipino-American (Filipino), and Chinese-American (Chinese) Kaiser Permanente Northern California members who were aged 65–79 years. Respondent data were weighted to the study population for the cross-sectional analyses. Older seniors and black, Latino, and Filipino seniors have less access to digital tools, less experience performing a variety of online tasks, and are less likely to believe that they would be capable of going online for health information and advice compared to younger and white Non-Hispanic seniors. Consequently, they are also less likely to be interested in using eHIA modalities. The same subgroups of seniors that have previously been shown to have higher prevalence of chronic conditions and greater difficulties with healthcare access are also less likely to adopt use of eHIA and mHealth monitoring technologies. At the patient population level, this digital divide is important to take into account when planning health information and chronic disease management programs. At the individual patient level, to provide good patient-centered care, it is important for providers to assess rather than assume digital access, eHealth skills, and preferences prior to recommending use of web-based resources and mHealth tools.
Optimal Control of Populations of Competing Species

The optimal control problem of populations of two competing species isstudied by using the simple cell mapping method. Two control strategiesfor pursuing the extinction of one species are considered. The controlsinclude the inclusion of population of the other species from anexternal habitat and the parametric manipulation of the intrinsicgrowing rates of the targeted species. A control to maintain bothspecies alive in the long term is also studied by manipulating thecoupling coefficients.
MUTATION INDUCTION IN VEGETATIVE AND DEVELOPING CELLS OF DICTYOSTELIUM DISCOIDEUM

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the mutation induction in vegetative and developing cells of Dictyostelium discoideum. Dictyostelium discoideum is a good model eukaryotic organism, to study the enzymatic repair of DNA following damage by radiation and chemicals. The chapter presents results on the quantitation of mutation production and phenotypic expression following exposure to 254 nm ultraviolet light or Co gamma ray: (1) as a functions of developmental state and (2) in one repair defective strain as compared to its repair-proficient parent. Methanol resistance in D. discoideum has been characterized genetically and is associated with the AcrA locus of linkage group II. The molecular basis of the resistance is not known.
Adapting a wargame for multiskill tasks

ABSTRACT The workshop described here aimed to look at ways in which a wargame could be adapted for other uses. An outline is provided of the original objectives of the workshop and a brief account is given of what happened during play and the debriefing. The game materials as used during the workshop are included here to enable others to pursue ideas.
CONTROL OF SECRETION IN REPTILIAN SALT GLANDS

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the control or regulation of secretion in reptilian salt. There are five different kinds of head glands in reptiles that have become modified into salt glands: (1) lachrymal, (2) lingual, (3) nasal, (4) posterior sublingual, and (5) premaxillary. All reptilian salt glands have one feature in common, that is, the presence of a major cell type, the principal cell. Less numerous cell types are probably either early stages of the principal cells or involved in minor functions of the salt gland. The main features of the principal cells are the degree to which they differ from avian salt gland principal cells in surface membrane architecture and the nature of the apical junctions between cells. Salt glands and mechanisms of osmoregulation often represent a major component of a reptile's adaptation to rigorous environments or to special foods.
Domain Structures and Zig-Zag Patterns Modeled by a Fourth-Order Ginzburg-Landau Equation

Domain walls between spatially periodic patterns with different wave numbers, can arise in pattern-forming systems with a neutral curve that has a double minimum. Within the framework of the phase equation, the interaction of such walls is purely attractive. Thus, they annihilate each other and, if the total phase is not conserved, the final state will be periodic with a single wave number. Here we study the stability of arrays of domain walls (domain structures) in a fourth-order Ginzburg-Landau equation. We find a discrete set of domain structures which differ in the quantized lengths of the domains. They are stable even without phase conservation, as, for instance, in the presence of a subcritical ramp in the control parameter. We attribute this to the spatially oscillatory behavior of the wave number which should lead to an oscillatory interaction between the domain walls. These results are expected to shed also some light on the stability of two-dimensional zig-zag structures.
Evaluating Neighborhood Correlates and Geospatial Distribution of Breast, Cervical, and Colorectal Cancer Incidence.

Introduction: Though cancer research has traditionally centered on individual-level exposures, there is growing interest in the geography of both cancer and its risk factors. This geographic and epidemiological research has consistently shown that cancer outcomes and their known causal exposures exhibit geographic variation that coincide with area-level socioeconomic status and the composition of neighborhoods. A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate geospatial variation for female breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer incidence in Baltimore City. Materials and Methods: Using a Maryland Cancer Registry dataset of incident breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers (N=4,966) among Baltimore City female residents diagnosed from 2000 to 2010, spatial and epidemiological analyses were conducted through cholorpleth maps, spatial cluster identification, and local Moran’s I. Ordinary least squares regression models identified characteristics associated with the geospatial clusters. Results: Each cancer type exhibited geographic variation across Baltimore City with the neighborhoods showing high incidence differing by cancer type. Specifically, breast cancer had significant low incidence in downtown Baltimore while cervical cancer had high incidence. The neighborhood covariates associated with the geographic variation also differed by cancer type while local Moran’s I identified discordant clusters. Discussion: Cancer incidence varied geographically by cancer type within a single city (county). Small area estimates are needed to detect local patterns of disease when developing health and preventative programs. Given the observed variability of community-level characteristics associated with each cancer type incidence, local information is essential for developing place-, social- and outcome-specific interventions.
The Use of Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) to Support Chemical Safety Decisions Within the Context of Integrated Approaches to Testing and Assessment (IATA)

New streamlined approaches that use fewer resources and animals are needed for the safety assessment of chemicals. Data gathering should be streamlined to fit regulatory need and the specific properties of the chemicals being assessed. Toward this goal, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has introduced the concept of integrated approaches to testing and assessment (IATA) to inform hazard or risk assessment. An IATA is designed to address a specific question, and may include exposure or regulatory considerations, depending on the context. IATA can be informed by mechanistic information about the chemical and related biology. OECD’s of Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) framework is designed to gather biological information related to adverse outcomes of regulatory significance. An AOP is the collected chemical and biological information about a particular biological pathway. The OECD has developed guidance for building and assessing AOPs, and is coordinating development of the AOP Knowledge-base (AOP-KB) for collecting and using this information. The AOP-KB also accepts information about the perturbations of these pathways caused by chemical exposure – information can be used to design prediction models. AOPs can form the logical basis for the integration of information and the design of integrated testing strategies (ITS), within the context of an (IATA), to more effectively and efficiently inform hazard or risk determination.
Liquor Advertisements on Television: Just Say No:

The author addresses the end of the hard liquor industry's voluntary ban on televised advertising and argues that such advertising will have adverse effects on viewers, especially youths. The autho...
Addressing the Internalizing Behavior of Students in Schools: Applications of the MTSS Model

This paper describes the growing literature on school-based mental health and the articles included in the current special issue.
Modified Tauc–Lorentz dispersion model leading to a more accurate representation of absorption features below the bandgap

Abstract We reviewed studies reporting the applications of the Tauc–Lorentz (TL) parameterization for the complex dielectric function in spectroscopic ellipsometry. Since this model became very popular for representation of the dielectric functions of amorphous semiconductors and dielectrics, there is a need for an improved multi-oscillator TL model with a constraint on the band-gap parameter E g , which forces it to be common for all TL oscillators, and possibility to represent weak absorption features below the bandgap which previously very often were associated with the exponential Urbach tail. In this paper we propose an extended TL model by inclusion of additional unbounded Lorentz and/or Gaussian oscillators with transition energies located below the bandgap. We conclude that the proposed model is the most appropriate for the characterization of various materials with sub-band absorption features and gives meaningful value for the energy bandgap. A few examples to illustrate practical use of modified model have been provided.
Childhood Adversity and Internalizing Problems: Evidence of a Race Mental Health Paradox:

Health disparities scholars describe the existence of a race mental health paradox—specifically, when black adults face higher levels of adversity compared with whites yet have similar or better me...
Impact on Composite Structures

1. Introduction 2. Contact laws 3. Impact dynamics 4. Low velocity impact damage 5. Damage prediction 6. Residual properties 7. Ballistic impact 8. Repairs 9. Impact on sandwich structures References.