cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Detecting entropy increase in categorical data using maximum entropy distribution approximations

We propose a statistical monitoring method to detect the increase of entropy in categorical data. First, we propose a distribution estimation method to approximate the probability distribution of t...
The Role of Family for Youth Friendships: Examining a Social Anxiety Mechanism.

The quality of family relationships and youth friendships are intricately linked. Previous studies have examined different mechanisms of family-peer linkage, but few have examined social anxiety. The present study examined whether parental rejection and family climate predicted changes in youth social anxiety, which in turn predicted changes in friendship quality and loneliness. Possible bidirectional associations also were examined. Data for mothers, fathers, and youth (M age at Time 1 = 11.27; 52.3% were female) from 687 two-parent households over three time points are presented. Results from autoregressive, cross-lagged analyses revealed that father rejection (not mother rejection or family climate) at Time 1 (Fall of 6th Grade) predicted increased youth social anxiety at Time 2 (Spring of 7th Grade), which in turn, predicted increased loneliness at Time 3 (Spring of 8th Grade). The indirect effect of father rejection on loneliness was statistically significant. Mother rejection, father rejection, and a poor family climate were associated with decreased friendship quality and increased loneliness over time. Finally, there was some evidence of transactional associations between father rejection and youth social anxiety as well as between social anxiety and loneliness. This study’s findings underscore the important role of fathers in youth social anxiety and subsequent social adjustment.
Vaccine failure and serologic response to live attenuated and inactivated influenza vaccines in children during the 2013-2014 season.

Abstract Background Recent observational studies in the United States indicated live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) was less effective in children against clinical influenza infection caused by A(H1N1)pdm09 relative to inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV). During the 2013–2014 influenza season, we conducted an observational study among children aged 5–17 years to compare serologic responses to LAIV and IIV and explore factors associated with vaccine failure. Methods One hundred and sixty-one children received one dose of trivalent IIV or quadrivalent LAIV according to parental preference. Baseline and postvaccination serum samples were tested with hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assays against vaccine reference strains. Geometric mean titers (GMT), geometric mean fold rise (GMFR), seroconversion, and seroprotection (HI titer ≥ 40) were used to assess response to vaccine. Active surveillance for acute respiratory illness was conducted during the influenza season and influenza cases were confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Logistic regression was used to examine the association between vaccine type and vaccine failure. Results LAIV and IIV recipients were similar with respect to demographics and baseline GMT for each vaccine strain. RT-PCR confirmed influenza (vaccine failure) occurred in 8 (13%) of 62 LAIV recipients and 3 (3%) of 99 IIV recipients (p = .02). Postvaccination GMFR for A(H1N1)pdm09 was higher for IIV vs LAIV receipt (GMFR 3.3 vs. 0.8, p Conclusion Receipt of LAIV generated minimal HI antibody response in children, including among those seronegative at baseline. LAIV recipients had significant increased risk of A(H1N1)pdm09 infection compared to IIV recipients.
Rules Governing Perception of Multiple Phosphenes by Human Observers

Stimulation of single sites in primary visual cortex results in the perception of a small flash of light known as a phosphene. Little is known about how phosphenes from multiple electrodes can be combined to form perception of coherent patterns. Here we examine the percepts reported by human observers as various spatial configurations of 2 to 5 electrodes in visual cortex were stimulated simultaneously. When two electrodes were stimulated simultaneously, subjects reliably perceived either one or two phosphenes depending on the physical distance separating the electrodes. In cases where two phosphenes were perceived, they were located in the same visual field location as when the two electrodes were stimulated separately. Adding a third electrode produced similar results. In several subjects, we obtained combination of 4 to 5 electrodes that generated individual phosphenes when stimulated concurrently. Subjects were able to reliably discriminate between different multiple electrode stimulation patterns that were presented in random order. These results demonstrate that simple pattern information can be conveyed to subjects with surface electrodes spaced at millimeters apart on the cortex.
Tumor-like Conditions and Benign Tumors of the Lung

Technically speaking any shadow or abnormality in the lung parenchyma can be considered a tumorlike lesion. However, in this chapter, we will concentrate only on all those lesions that, although unusual, represent true pathological processes. Nevertheless, it is impossible and to some extent impractical to be too inclusive; therefore, we will limit to present those lesions that not only represent a challenge in diagnosis but also may be encountered in the daily practice. It is important to note that these lesions by themselves do not have any relationship among them and truly represent miscellaneous conditions. In order to facilitate their study, we have arbitrarily divided them into histiocytic and nonhistiocytic lesions.
Central Integration of Environmental and Endogenous Signals Important in the Regulation of Food Intake and Energy Expenditure

The worsening global epidemic of obesity has necessitated intensification of research into the mechanisms of appetite regulation. Obesity can be viewed as the result of a classic gene–environment interaction where the human genotype is susceptible to environmental influences that affect energy intake and energy expenditure. The obesity epidemic can also be viewed as a problem of energy balance. Food intake and energy expenditure are processes dependent on information relayed to a central network of sensing and processing neurons through hard-wired neural, metabolic, and hormonal signals from the periphery. Complex pathways that modulate energy balance involve mainly hormonal signals released by the gut and other organs in the periphery that convey information on energy status, as well as appetite centers in the hypothalamus and brain stem. Our understanding of the neuronal pathways that initiate changes in ingestive behavior or energy expenditure as well as our knowledge of the detailed signaling modalities underlying central body weight regulation still remain largely unknown. Careful clarification of how behavioral and environmental factors interact to produce energy balance (and in states of energy excess how the system fails to achieve energy balance, with the end result being weight gain) is required in order to understand the etiology of obesity. Modification of a combination of these factors may be able to reverse the epidemic of obesity and help the population achieve energy balance and a healthy body weight. The purpose of this chapter is to summarize our current understanding of the central pathways regulating energy homeostasis. These neuronal pathways in the central nervous system receive and integrate signals from the periphery that convey information about the status of energy fluxes and stores. Understanding these mechanisms will provide insights for the development of new treatment options for obesity.
Vibrational Sum-Frequency Spectroscopic Investigations of Molecular Interactions at Liquid/Liquid Interfaces

Liquid surfaces play a key role in many processes affecting our everyday lives. Some of the most interesting chemical, industrial, biological and environmental reactions are facilitated by these interfaces. Separations, including liquid chromatographies and solvent extractions, are possible because of the hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties of liquid/ solid and liquid/liquid interfaces. Emulsification takes advantage of the interfacial properties of liquids and makes a myriad of products and processes possible, including paints, detergents, soaps, cosmetics and processed foods. Biological chemistry is highly dependent on the properties of interfacial water considering that a cell is essentially a small sack of aqueous solution that is connected to the outside world through chemical and physical interactions that are mediated by the cell membrane/water interface. In atmospheric chemistry, many important reactions occur on the surface or in the interior of water droplets. Unfortunately, few details about molecular interactions at these fluid interfaces have been uncovered, largely because of the inability of most experimental methods to access these surfaces and to distinguish the molecular properties of the thin surface region from the overwhelming properties of the adjacent bulk phases. The difficulties have been even greater for the study of liquid/liquid surfaces, which cannot be readily accessed by the scattering techniques (neutron scattering, for example) that have been very valuable for studying the air/water interface. Vibrational sum-frequency
Still Seeking Common Ground: A Response to Keyes

This response affirms that the author alone is responsible for what he “built on Keyes” and that Dr. Lucile Keyes bears no responsibility whatever for his conclusions. It reiterates the author's view that the history of antitrust shows that, in actual operation, the major purpose of the policy has always been the promotion of decentralization of ownership and control in the large-firm sector of the economy and not consumer protection. It is urged that no productive exchange of ideas between friends and critics of antitrust can take place until this fact is recognized. It is suggested that the search for common ground might begin by confining federal surveillance of mergers solely to a set of the largest firms; and that none should be allowed that did not promise a clear, non-negligible gain in efficiency.
Ia ANTIGEN CROSSREACTIONS BETWEEN SPECIES

ABSTRACT Significant crossreactions have been observed between mouse Ia k alloantigens and Ia antigens of several other species. Crossreactions with products of the mouse I-A locus were not always seen and were distinct for different species. However, crossreactions with products of the I-E/C loci were observed on all species tested and appeared to be with determinants common to all of these species. The mouse strains producing these crossreacting anti-I-E/C k antibodies were of the H-2 b and H-2 s haplotypes, and for neither of these haplotypes have we been able to demonstrate I-E/C products by the use of appropriate allo- or xenoantisera. It thus appears that the I-A crossreactions may represent true crossreactions between alleles of polymorphic systems, while the I-E/C crossreactions may result from detection of determinants common to the I-E/C analog of all species which are for some reason not expressed in certain mouse strains. These findings may thus have both practical and theoretical implications.
Traumatic biliary stricture.

Introduction Traumatic bile duct injuries usually present clinically as bile leaks. Less commonly, trauma to the bile duct can result in a biliary stricture. Because these injuries tend to be subtle, they may go unrecognized at the time of injury. Patients may have a delayed presentation of jaundice with or without abdominal pain, and such strictures may be mistaken for malignancy. We present the case of a traumatic biliary stricture manifesting as painless jaundice more than 1 year after the initial injury.
Adverse Radiation Effect and Disease Control in Patients Undergoing Stereotactic Radiosurgery and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy for Brain Metastases.

Background Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) are increasingly used together to manage brain metastases (BMs). We assessed adverse radiation effect, disease control, and overall survival in patients with BMs who received SRS with anticytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated protein 4 and/or anti– programmed cell death protein receptor/ligand therapies. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with intact or resected BMs treated with SRS and ICIs within 5 months of SRS between 2010 and 2018. Patients were defined as receiving concurrent SRS and ICI if a dose of ICI was given within 4 weeks of SRS. Local failure, distant intracranial failure, extracranial failure, and adverse radiation effect were assessed using cumulative incidence rates and competing risk regressions with death as a competing risk. Overall survival was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards models. Results A total of 97 patients with 580 BMs were included in our analysis. Competing risk analyses showed that concurrent SRS-ICI therapy is associated with higher rates of adverse radiation effect (6.4% vs. 2.0% at 1 year; multivariable hazard ratio [HR], 4.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.57–12.73; P = 0.005), lower rates of extracranial failure (69.7% vs. 80.8% at 1 year; multivariable HR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.42–0.87; P = 0.007), and better overall survival (48.6% vs. 25.4% at 1 year; multivariable HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.33–0.99; P = 0.044) compared with nonconcurrent therapy. SRS-ICI timing was not associated with local failure or distant intracranial failure. Conclusions Concurrent SRS-ICI therapy has a tolerable adverse event profile and may improve extracranial disease control and overall survival, supporting concurrent use in the management of BMs.
Abstract 4847: Investigating the impact of astrocytes on targeted therapy of melanoma brain metastases

Metastatic melanoma is a devastating disease that leads to the development of brain metastases (MBMs) in 40-60% of patients. Upon diagnosis of brain metastases, patient overall survival is less than 6 months. Poor patient survival is believed to be due to resistance driven by the brain microenvironment. Collectively, these findings underscore the need for novel therapeutic strategies to improve the survival of patients with MBMs. Development of effective therapies relies on an understanding of the interaction between MBMs and different cell types within the brain microenvironment. Astrocytes are the most abundant cell type within the brain and interact with MBMs through direct and indirect mechanisms. Astrocyte interaction with MBMs alters MBM gene expression and promotes metastatic outgrowth and resistance to cytotoxic chemotherapies. Exactly how astrocytes alter MBM response to MAPK inhibition remains unclear. Using conditioned media from primary astrocytes, as well as co-culture of primary astrocytes with either the MBM cell line WM4265-2 or the primary melanoma cell line WM983B, we found that the interaction of melanoma cells with astrocytes increased melanoma sensitivity to MEK inhibition (MEKi). RNA sequencing of WM4265-2 and WM983B cell lines treated with the MEK inhibitor PD0325901 (PD901) showed significant up-regulation of the transcriptional regulator ID3, which is known to play a role in the resistance of melanoma to MAPK inhibition. Interestingly, astrocyte conditioned media prevented the upregulation of ID3. To validate this finding, we silenced ID3 in WM4265-2 and WM983B cell lines, and showed that knockdown of ID3 caused increased sensitivity to MEKi. These combined data support the premise that the increased response to PD901 in MBMs exposed to astrocytes is due to ID3 down-regulation. How ID3 modulates resistance to MAPK inhibition remains unclear. Elucidating the mechanism of ID3 mediated resistance to MEKi may uncover new avenues for improving the treatment of melanoma brain metastases. Citation Format: Joshua Parris, Subhasree Basu, Thibaut Barnoud, Yongkang Zhao, Peter Somboonsong, Qing Chen, Maureen Murphy. Investigating the impact of astrocytes on targeted therapy of melanoma brain metastases [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4847.
Financial sector actors, the state, and the rescaling of Jakarta’s extended urban region

Abstract This article analyzes the role of financial sector actors in recent plans for the expansion of the extended urbanizing region around Jakarta. An emergent literature on financialization has argued that, in the contexts of wealthy countries, the politics of the production of urban space has been transformed by capital switching to the urban built environment in the aftermath of the crisis of profitability of industry that deepened in the 1970s. Urban planning and policy, in this view, have increasingly been shaped by the interests of banks, hedge funds, pension funds, and other financial sector actors. This article argues that a focus on the changing role of financial sector actors is highly relevant to the Jakarta case, but that theories of the financialization of urban production must take into account two significant potential sources of variation in urban contexts in the Global South. These are: variation in the role of the state, and especially the national state, in fostering regulatory, fiscal, political, and institutional environments to attract international financial actors; and variation in the sources of finance that are shaping urban outcomes. In the extended Jakarta region, the recent wave of proposals for megaproject infrastructure investments have reflected a historically and contextually specific interaction between financial capital and national state actors who seek to extend their power by maximizing their ability to direct urban development in ways that build political coalitions and feed discourses of state developmentalism. These proposals also reflect the current moment of capital switching from China, which has provided the Indonesian state with an alternative source for, and model of, financing urban development, albeit one that poses distinct geopolitical and financial risks. The result of this combination of circumstances has been a state strategy of engagement of capital, in which the Indonesian state has sought to assert new economic powers through the empowerment of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in urban development, and in which the state strategically tacks between various sources of capital to maximize its agency and autonomy. The paper illustrates these dynamics through an examination of the Jakarta-Bandung high speed rail project, a 142-kilometer rail project connecting Jakarta and the city of Bandung that is to be financed with loans from the China Development Bank and developed by a consortium if Indonesian and Chinese SOEs.
An SAS3D Analysis of Unprotected Loss-of-Flow Transients for 1200-MW(electric) Liquid-Metal Fast Breeder Reactor Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Core Designs

A safety comparison was made for two 1200-MW(electric) liquid-metal fast breeder reactor cores with homogeneous and heterogeneous fuel arrangements, respectively. The two cores were conceptually designed to be identical except for those parameters affected by different fuel arrangements. The comparison was limited to the issue of initiating phase energetics in the hypothetical core disruptive accident. Both cores were assumed to be at end-of-equilibrium cycle and subject to unprotected loss-of-flow transients. The SAS3D code was used for analyses with four sets of phenomenological assumptions at different degrees of conservatism. Results of the four corresponding cases showed that the heterogeneous core consistently behaved more mildly than the homogeneous core due to its relatively much lower effective sodium voiding reactivity worth.
Explorations in 3D web cartography

Abstract. Interactive 3D cartography has evolved substantially in the last years. New tools allow cartographers and mapping enthusiasts to create 3D web maps with a minimum effort. Technological advancements allow users to interact with 3D maps on a variety of devices, including their mobile phones or virtual reality glasses. As a result, many interactive 3D maps have been created, from which many insights on their design principles and creation process can be obtained. In this talk I will provide an overview of what is currently possible in 3D cartography and what are the current challenges and possible solutions when creating such maps. More precisely, the specifics of 3D symbology and rendering styles ranging from realistic to abstract will be discussed. In addition, 3D cartography is evolving with a heavy influence from different fields like games industry, art, data visualization or architecture, just to name a few. Hence, examples from some non-conventional 3D maps will be given that allow detecting features that come from such different fields and enhance the maps.
A companion to transport, space and equity, edited by Robin Hickman, Beatriz Mella Lira, Moshe Givoni and Karst Geurs: Cheltenham, UK, Edward Elgar Publishing, 2019

The issue of transportation equity plagues the profession; it is an issue entrenched in both institutions and transportation decisions. How can we better understand how people are affected by trans...
Atmospheric reentry hemisphere prediction for prograde orbits using logical disjunction

Abstract A unique logic-based algorithm for atmospheric reentry hemisphere prediction is presented for spacecraft in low-eccentricity, prograde low Earth orbits at altitudes of 300 km and lower. Using two-line element (TLE) data for initial orbit conditions, coupled with coarse estimates for spacecraft aerodynamic characteristics, the algorithm relies on logical disjunction operations based on a dual analysis of histogram and two-weighted Gaussian probability density function (PDF) fits of predicted reentry latitude data. The algorithm requires the execution of a series of parametric simulations to determine the reentry hemisphere for variations in spacecraft aerodynamic coefficients and drag reference area. When implemented, the algorithm yields accurate hemisphere predictions on average 15 days from reentry as demonstrated by historical reentry cases from 1979 to 2018. All reentry cases were selected to demonstrate the algorithm’s ability to deliver accurate reentry hemisphere predictions for spacecraft with varying physical size and mass, and reentering during different periods of solar cycle activity.
(Not) Forgotten: Settler Colonial Memory and Agamben’s Camp in Indigenous Minnesota

In Minneapolis, Minnesota, the Franklin/Hiawatha encampment was established in the summer of 2018 only to be forcibly terminated during the winter of 2019, then revived again in 2020. Also called the “Wall of Forgotten Natives” by its inhabitants, this cluster of tents was comprised of houseless residents of the Twin Cities, many of whom were Native American. Recognizing the continued murder, dispossession, removal, forced assimilation, under-resourcing, and invisibility of Indigenous peoples, the moniker “Wall of Forgotten Natives” seems apt. Considering Agamben’s idea of the camp as a space of exclusion that is included within the purview of law, this essay argues that the camp is also a designation of what is forgotten, or what is excluded from settler memory, yet paradoxically included within the settler prerogative of elimination.
Research Proposal Construction for The Effects of Engagement Coaching on At-Risk Community College Students in Maryland

The construction of this proposal is modeled after Maxwell’s (2013, p. 4) components for research design that consists of identifying the purpose of the study, describing the conceptual context, posing the research questions, discussing the methodology, and asserting the validity. The researcher focuses on a qualitative method of studying students' lived experiences phenomena and uses an unstructured grounded theory approach (Charmaz, 2014) to best determine the results and contribute to society’s understanding of the effects of engagement coaching on at-risk community college students in Maryland.
Water-Soluble Blue Fluorescent Nonconjugated Polymer Dots from Hyaluronic Acid and Hydrophobic Amino Acids

Fluorescent polymers have been increasingly investigated to improve their water solubility and biocompatibility to enhance their performance in drug delivery and theranostic applications. However, the environmentally friendly synthesis and dual functionality of such systems remain a challenge due to the complicated synthesis of conventional fluorescent materials. Herein, we generated a novel blue fluorescent polymer dot through chemical conjugation of hydrophobic amino acids to hyaluronic acid (HA) under one-pot green chemistry conditions. These nonconjugated fluorescent polymer dots (NCPDs) are water soluble, nontoxic to cells, have high fluorescence quantum yield, and can be used for in vitro bioimaging. HA-derived NCPDs exhibit excitation wavelength-dependent fluorescent properties. In addition, the NCPDs also show enhanced doxorubicin loading and delivery in naive and drug-resistant breast cancer cells in 2D and 3D tumor cellular systems. These results demonstrate the potential for successful synthetic scale-up and applications for HA-derived NCPDs.
Review of Ten Thousand Years of Inequality: The Archaeology of Wealth Differences

Archeologists are actively working to quantitatively measure income and wealth inequality in ancient history based on available data, some of them being quite sophisticated. Timothy A. Kohler and Michael E. Smith's Ten Thousand Years of Inequality: The Archaeology of Wealth Differences presents existing measurement efforts and insightful discussions of the challenges faced, on all continents except Oceania. These first exercises should help us over time understand better the evolution of inequality in ancient history and its determinants. Understanding better the effects of differences in institutions in the ancient past should be a crucial next step.
New strategy for RDC‐assisted diastereotopic proton assignment using a combination of J‐scaled BIRD HSQC and J‐scaled BIRD HMQC/HSQC

A new strategy to assign diastereotopic protons was developed on the basis of residual dipolar couplings (RDCs) collected in compressed poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) gels. A combination of 2D J-scaled BIRD HSQC and J-scaled BIRD HMQC/HSQC NMR experiments was used to collect the RDC data. In the proposed strategy, the first experiment is used to measure 1DCH for methine groups, the sum of 1DCHa + 1DCHb for methylene groups and the average 1DCH3 value for methyl groups. In turn, the small molecule alignment tensor is calculated using these D values without the a priori assignment of CH2 diastereotopic protons. The D values of each individual CH bond (CHa and CHb) of each methylene group in the molecule are then predicted using the calculated alignment tensor and these values compared with the results from the HMQC/HSQC experiment, leading to their unambiguous assignment. This strategy is demonstrated with the alkaloid strychnine that contains five methylene groups with diastereotopic protons, and our results fully agree with the previously reported assignment using combinations of permutated assignments. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
5 Social Suicide

At first blush suicide seems like the ultimate private action. However, it is argued that social forces and social pathologies figure prominently in the dynamics of suicide interacting with more individual characteristics. Several examples of “social suicide” (intentional cotemporaneous self-murder of two or more persons) are considered, including mass suicide, organizational self-destruction, social analogues to individual suicide, and military suicide. Suicide prevention requires social, economic, and cultural transformations at the primary prevention level, not just individual psychotherapy and dispensing of the latest antidepressants.
Generating focused pressure wave with ultrasound piezotranducers

Bubbles induced by blast waves or shocks are speculated to be the major cause of damages in the cells. We have studied the impact of the bubbles and shock waves generated by underwater discharges [1]. Microbubbles were found indeed to induce noticeable cell detachment from the cell substrate, changes in focal adhesion and biomechanics [2]. To better understand the bubble mechanism, we would like to see a “focused” pressure wave, which allows us to clearly differentiate the impact region from the non-impact region on a cell coverslip or 3-D tissue culture. Such pressure wave generation needs to be low profile in order to be placed in a microcuvette under the microscope. A piezoelectric transducer system was designed to meet the need. The system uses a spherical piezoelectric transducer that has a focal point to deliver pressure waves to cells. The transducer system was driven by a push-pull amplifier that uses two power MOSFETs so that an alternating waveform of frequency (2.1 MHz) was produced. The RF signals modulated in a pulse mode produced by a signal generator were amplified by an RF amplifier to trigger the two MOSFETs. The drain-source voltages were tested not exceeding 500V. Applying an oscillating voltage to the transducer at the frequency of resonance resulted in the generation of pressure waves and bubbles in the water. Pressure measurements were performed using a fiberoptic hydrophone.
Determination of nicotinic acid and riboflavin in multi‐vitamin tablets

Abstract Procedures for determining nicotinic acid (or its amide) and riboflavin in multi‐vitamin tablets are described in which certain of the sources of error usually encountered have been largely eliminated.
Corporate internal investigations: balancing firm social reputation with board fiduciary responsibility

Purpose – The subject of corporate internal investigations engenders a special challenge for the final arbiters of a company's strategy, the boards of directors. The taint to corporate reputation associated with allegations of improper business practices has widespread, and possibly long‐term, financial and legal implications for various key stakeholders of the corporation. The purpose of this paper is to develop a methodological approach to balancing firm social reputation with the fiduciary responsibilities inherent to directors in publicly‐traded companies.Design/methodology/approach – For boards to effectively address the issues raised by threats to corporate reputation and cooperation with US government agencies in their criminal and civil investigations, a two‐stage approach of interactive/reactive engagement (based on a typology developed in 1975) provides the theoretical foundation to formulate a firm nonmarket strategy for addressing corporate internal investigations.Findings – Recognizing the ne...
Food chain dynamics of abalone in a polyculture system

Abstract The food chain dynamics of three species of commercially important abalone — the red abalone (Haliotis rufescens), the green (H. fulgens) and the Japanese (H. discus) — were measured to determine their relative success in the multispecies aquaculture system at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. The abalone were fed sea lettuce (Ulva lactuca) used in the polyculture system to remove nutrients regenerated by the bivalves. This polyculture system was operated on a moderate-sized scale during the summer of 1973. Growth and feeding rates of the abalone were measured during a 112-day period and net growth efficiency was calculated (net production/food ingested). All three species grew during the experiment but H. rufescens had the lowest efficiency of 10.2%, and H. fulgens had the highest efficiency of 22.7%. These differences might be due to the temperature regime (16–23°C) during the experiment. H. rufescens is typically found in colder waters whereas H. fulgens is common in warmer Southern California waters. The results suggest the feasibility of the browsing role of abalone in polyculture systems.
Wear and care of the SILCS diaphragm: experience from three countries

Background: Women have been regularly underestimated in their ability to care for and wear cervical barrier devices such as diaphragms appropriately. Methods: Data from two non-randomised, non-blinded, non-significant risk acceptability studies of a novel cervical barrier device, the SILCS diaphragm, conducted in the Dominican Republic (n = 20), South Africa (n = 21) and Thailand (n = 20), are used to provide insights into the fundamental question of how women actually use an intravaginal device within the constraints of low-resource settings. In all sites, couples not at risk of pregnancy and at low risk of sexually transmissible infections used the SILCS diaphragm four times and provided feedback on acceptability, care and use of the device via product use questionnaires and gender-specific debriefing interviews. Results: Data from user acceptability studies in these three countries provide an intimate view of how women care for and store the SILCS diaphragm, and both female and male perceptions about handling and re-using it. Results support the view that women are able to wear and care for diaphragms successfully in a variety of settings. In general, male partners were also supportive of care and reuse of the diaphragm. Conclusions: While the results from these studies indicate that women are able to find ways to cope successfully with the logistics of wearing and caring for an intravaginal device, further supportive evidence from a woman-centred perspective is crucial for reproductive health policymakers and program managers. The authors contend that it is time to reassess perceived constraints to barrier protection.
Reflecting Correctors For Large Spherical Primaries

Two aspheric reflecting elements can correct exactly the spherical aberration and coma of a spherical primary mirror. The remaining off-axis aberrations depend mainly on the sizes of the secondary and tertiary mirrors. Two solutions are presented in which the secondary mirror is 1 meter in diameter. The first is for a 5-meter f/0.8 primary suitable for use as an optical Arecibo (fixed primary) telescope. The second is for a fully steerable telescope with a 12-meter f/1.33 primary. In both cases, 1 arcsecond images are formed at the edge of a field 4 arcminutes in diameter. The collimation tolerances for the corrector assemblies are stringent in comparison to most conventional telescopes, but modest in comparison to the precision required to maintain a segmented primary mirror.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Marketing’s contribution to the strategy dialogue revisited

The purpose of this commentary is to offer a different perspective on marketing’s contributions to the strategy dialogue and strategic management from that provided by Day. In this regard, the comment intends to supplement and complement his valuable insights. In closing, it is instructive to consider what is meant by strategy and consider the thoughts of Andrews (1983): It is part of the comprehensive concept of strategy that leaders of a company must be dedicated to the durable core of a company’s character ... while encouraging innovations that will bring about or respond to the changes taking place in its surroundings (p. 9). Another look at the very concept of strategy might provide marketing and strategic management scholars with the foundation upon which to build a substantive dialogue.
A Digitally Enhanced Dynamically Reconfigurable Analog Platform for Low-Power Signal Processing

We present a field-programmable analog array designed for accurate low-power mixed-signal computation. This 25-mm2 350 nm-CMOS reconfigurable analog IC incorporates digital enhancements to increase compatibility in embedded mixed-signal systems. The chip contains 78 computational analog blocks (CABs) which house a variety of processing elements. There are 36 general CABs with hundreds of common analog primitives for computation, 18 digital-to-analog converter (DAC) CABs, each with 8-b compilable DAC capabilities, and 24 vector-matrix multiplier CABs, for low-power parallel processing. A floating-gate routing matrix connects these analog elements to one another, both within individual CABs and between CABs. To facilitate digital interfacing and dynamic reconfigurability, we included a novel network of volatile switches based on digital shift and select registers that control analog switches. These dynamically controlled switches span all of the rows and columns of the internal routing, allowing for run-time system modification and scanning I/O. The digital registers can also double as on-chip memory. We introduce a new hybrid floating-gate switch matrix, which includes switches that eliminate previously observed mismatch issues to provide highly precise computation. To highlight the potential of this digitally enhanced analog processor, we demonstrate a dynamically reconfigurable image transformer, an arbitrary waveform generator, and a mixed-signal FIR filter.
Managing second molars

Second molars can create great delays in orthodontic treatment if they are not managed intelligently. The purpose of this article was to describe common torque and position problems of the second molars and techniques for managing them. A simple technique for freeing mesially impacted second molars is presented.
Dorsal and lateral fates in the mouse neural tube require the cell-autonomous activity of the open brain gene.

The processes that specify early regional identity in dorsal and lateral regions of the mammalian neural tube are not well understood. The mouse open brain (opb) gene plays an essential role in dorsal neural patterning: in the caudal spinal cord of opb mutants, dorsal cell types are absent and markers of ventral fates, including Shh, expand into dorsal regions. Analysis of the opb mutant phenotype and of opb/opb wild-type chimeric embryos reveals that early in neural development, the wild-type opb gene (opb(+)) is required cell autonomously for the expression of Pax7 in dorsal cells and Pax6 in lateral cells. Thus the opb(+) gene product acts intracellularly in the reception or interpretation of signals that determine cell types in the dorsal 80% of the neural tube. At later stages, the lack of opb(+) causes a non-cell-autonomous expansion of ventral cell types into dorsal regions of the neural tube, revealing that opb(+) controls the production of a diffusible molecule that defines the domain of Shh expression. The data indicate that opb(+) could act as either a novel component of a dorsalizing pathway or a novel intracellular negative regulator of the Shh signal transduction pathway.
Integrated knowledge representation and management in simulation-based design generation

Abstract The rising complexity of systems has increased the difficulty in managing knowledge in computer-aided design tools. Conventional representation schemes such as production rules, frames, AND⧸OR trees or semantic networks do not provide sufficient power for managing complex design knowledge. An integrated knowledge representation and management scheme, termed Frames and Rules Associated System Entity Structure (FRASES), is presented for model-based system design applications. A design methodology supported by FRASES is discussed. The methodology combines simulation and artificial intelligence to aid in the design model development and performance evaluation processes. The proposed representation scheme is fundamental to the methodology in that (a) it captures the structure of the system being designed, (b) by organizing complex design knowledge into a hierarchical and entity-based structure, it increases the efficiency of design inference, and (c) it reduces the cost and increases the reliability of a knowledge base. A comprehensive design example illustrating the proposed scheme is also presented.
Using the Solving Problems Together Psychoeducational Group Counseling Model as an Intervention for Negative Peer Pressure.

Problem-focused interventions are considered to be one of the most effective group counseling strategies with adolescents. This article describes a problem-focused group counseling model, Solving Problems Together (SPT), that focuses on working with students who struggle with negative peer pressure. Adapted from the teaching philosophy of problem-based learning, SPT provides students with the opportunity to work toward positive solutions for overcoming peer pressure, while simultaneously helping them to increase their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
On bodies and research: Transgender issues in health and HIV research articles

Transgender bodies are difficult to categorize because the numerous and varied names transgender people use to describe themselves reflect myriad body formations. This diversity among transgender individuals poses challenges to health researchers, and results from previous studies have urged researchers to examine the needs of diverse transgender populations, especially with regard to HIV. However, to date no systematic review of transgender research has been done. This article reviews 354 article abstracts on transgender health research for general trends and examines 63 research articles on transgender HIV issues for sample size, comparison groups, and methodologies employed. The trends in focus and number of articles suggest that new approaches to research need to be utilized in future research regarding transgender health care issues.
Amplifier Similariton in a Fiber Laser

Parabolic self-similar pulses in an amplifier are realized theoretically and experimentally in a fiber oscillator. Ultrashort, high-energy, parabolic pulses from a simple all-normal dispersion source will have use in applications.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone gene expression during the rat estrous cycle: Effects of pentobarbital and ovarian steroids

Although hypothalamic GnRH release is known to be modulated by neural and hormonal factors, the relationship between altered GnRH secretion and GnRH synthesis remains unclear. In an attempt to address this question, we examined GnRH gene expression in the rat hypothalamus using in situ hybridization histochemistry. An 25S-labeled antisense RNA probe was used to identify neurons expressing GnRH mRNA in an area that included the diagonal band of Broca, the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis, and the preoptic area. The number of GnRH mRNA-expressing cells was determined at various times during the rat estrous cycle. During proestrus, the number of GnRH mRNA-expressing cells decreased somewhat at 1400-1600 h, increased significantly at 1800 h (the time of the LH surge), then gradually returned to basal levels at 2200 h. Expression did not change substantially at other times during the estrous cycle. To understand this close temporal relationship between the LH surge and increased GnRH mRNA levels, we examined GnRH gene expression in proestrous animals in which the LH surge was blocked with pentobarbital. Pentobarbital treatment blocked the increase in the number of GnRH mRNA-expressing cells normally observed at 1800 h in saline-treated controls, suggesting that the increase in GnRH gene expression is closely coupled to secretion of GnRH from the hypothalamus. Finally, we addressed the question of whether ovarian steroids have direct effects on GnRH gene expression by examining GnRH mRNA levels in ovariectomized steroid-treated rats at a time before (1100 h) and a time after (1800 h) hypothalamic GnRH hypersecretion. At 1100 h, no significant changes were observed, but at 1800 h, estrogen-treated rats showed a significant increase in both the number of GnRH mRNA-expressing cells and serum LH levels. This suggests that estrogen influences GnRH gene expression indirectly, perhaps by altering hypothalamic GnRH release. Our results in each of these models suggest that GnRH mRNA levels increase in response to GnRH hypersecretion at the time of the LH surge.
Direct and Indirect Aggression During Childhood and Adolescence: A Meta-Analytic Review of Gender Differences, Intercorrelations, and Relations to Maladjustment

This meta-analytic review of 148 studies on child and adolescent direct and indirect aggression examined the magnitude of gender differences, intercorrelations between forms, and associations with maladjustment. Results confirmed prior findings of gender differences (favoring boys) in direct aggression and trivial gender differences in indirect aggression. Results also indicated a substantial intercorrelation (r = .76) between these forms. Despite this high intercorrelation, the 2 forms showed unique associations with maladjustment: Direct aggression is more strongly related to externalizing problems, poor peer relations, and low prosocial behavior, and indirect aggression is related to internalizing problems and higher prosocial behavior. Moderation of these effect sizes by method of assessment, age, gender, and several additional variables were systematically investigated.
Why Family Professionals Can No Longer Ignore Violence Toward Animals

The issue of violence to animals has been virtually ignored by family scholars and other family professionals. After looking at why animal abuse has not received attention, it is argued that those who study and work with families need to attend to animal abuse for seven reasons: (a) animal abuse is a serious antisocial behavior by children and adolescents; (b) it is a relatively common childhood occurrence; (c) it has potential negative developmental consequences; (d) violence toward animals is related to interpersonal violence; (e) it is connected to and may be a marker of family violence; (f) the well-being of companion animals is being neglected; and (g) it will help achieve a less violent society. The implications for research, policy, counseling and human services, and family life education are discussed.
The Republic of Therapy: triage and sovereignty in West Africa's time of AIDS, by Vinh-Kim Nguyen

The Republic of Therapy: triage and sovereignty in West Africa's time of AIDS, by Vinh-Kim Nguyen, Durham and London, Duke University Press, 2010, xi + 237 pp., ISBN 978 0 82234 874 0 The Republic ...
The use of the Harcourt and Esson relationship in interpreting the kinetics of rising temperature solid state decompositions and its application to pharmaceutical formulations

Abstract A new approach to establishing kinetic parameters for solid state decompositions is outlined based on the equation of Harcourt and Esson. It enables the integral method to be used without the need to make approximations. It is applied here to a study of certain pharmaceutical excipients used in the formulation of tablets.
Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α Induction of CXCL10 in Endothelial Cells Requires Protein Arginine Methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5)-mediated Nuclear Factor (NF)-κB p65 Methylation

The chemokine CXCL10/IP-10 facilitates recruitment of Th1-type leukocytes to inflammatory sites. In this study, we show that the arginine methyltransferase PRMT5 is critical for CXCL10 transcription in TNF-α-activated human endothelial cells (EC). We found that depletion of PRMT5 results in significantly reduced levels of CXCL10 mRNA, demonstrating a positive role for PRMT5 in CXCL10 induction. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments revealed the presence of the symmetrical dimethylarginine modification catalyzed by PRMT5 associated with the CXCL10 promoter in response to TNF-α. However, symmetrical dimethylarginine-modified proteins were not detected at the promoter in the absence of PRMT5, indicating that PRMT5 is essential for methylation to occur. Furthermore, NF-κB p65, a critical driver of TNF-α-mediated CXCL10 induction, was determined to be methylated at arginine residues. Crucially, RNAi-mediated PRMT5 depletion abrogated p65 methylation and CXCL10 promoter binding. Mass spectrometric analysis in EC identified five dimethylated arginine residues in p65, four of which are uncharacterized in the literature. Expression of Arg-to-Lys point mutants of p65 demonstrated that both Arg-30 and Arg-35 must be dimethylated to achieve full CXCL10 expression. In conclusion, we have identified previously uncharacterized p65 post-translational modifications critical for CXCL10 induction.