cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New Patterns of Internal Migration in Emigrant‐Sending Communities: the Case of China

Despite the large number of migrants at both international and internal scales in developing countries, literature on building the links between the two migration processes is still lacking. Using survey data from China's Fujian Province, we elaborate a novel link between international and internal migration processes by examining the response of internal migration to international migration in the migrant origins. Our findings suggest that emigration of one individual initially deterred the internal migration of other family members. Yet, over time individuals from emigrant-related households had an increasing propensity to migrate internally. During the internal migration process, emigrants’ family members received greater financial returns and had reached farther destinations than other internal migrants. Those emigrant-related internal migrants with enhanced economic profiles would benefit their domestic destinations in a variety of ways. These benefits support a more optimistic view on the impact of international migration on the development of migrant-sending countries.
The Effect of ACTH in Periodic (Cyclic) Neutropenia

A case of periodic neutropenia of twenty years’ duration is presented. ACTH was administered intravenously in an attempt to abort or prevent the neutropenic cycles. No effect in raising the total leukocyte or neutrophil count was noted, and the neutropenic cycles could not be prevented by the ACTH. A striking absence of fever, stomatitis, or other secondary manifestations occurred during the neutropenic periods treated with ACTH. The background for treating such conditions with hormones is discussed.
EQUILIBRIUM ADSORPTION OF KRYPTON AND XENON ON ACTIVATED CARBON AND LINDE MOLECULAR SIEVES

Equilibrium krypton and xenon adsorption isotherms were obtained for four varieties of charcoal and for Linde Molecular Sieves Types 4A and 5A, generally at 0, 25, and 60 deg C. Such data are of interest in connection with design and evaluation of adsorbers for radioactive noble gas fission products. The isotherms were fitted, by linear regression analysis, to straight-line forms of the Freundlich and Langmuir equations. The Freundlich linear equation gave the better flt and the parameters of this equation are presented for each of the isotherms. Also presented are the constants for an equation representing the temperature dependence of arbitrary adsorption coefficients calculated from the Freundlich isotherm parameters. Some aspects of the applicability and accuracy of these results are discussed. (auth)
How Far Can the Palm Weevil, Rhynchophorus vulneratus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Fly?

The palm weevil, Rhynchophorus vulneratus, is native to Southeast Asia and was recovered from an infested Canary Islands date palm in Laguna Beach, California, USA, in 2010. The detection of this potentially destructive palm pest initiated a detection, containment, and eradication program that was reliant, in part, on the deployment of bucket traps loaded with aggregation pheromone and baited with fermenting fruit. A key question that pertained to the deployment of traps was “how far can R. vulneratus fly?” This question could not be answered and in response to this knowledge deficit, computerized flight mill studies were conducted with field-captured R. vulneratus in an outdoor screen house in Sumatra, Indonesia. Of the 63 weevils tethered to flight mills, ∼27% failed to fly >1 km in 24 h and were excluded from analyses. In total, 46 weevils (35 females and 11 males) flew >1 km on flight mills and of these adults, the average total distance flown in 24 h was significantly greater for females (∼32 km) when compared with males (∼15 km). A small proportion of females (∼16%) flew 50-80 km, and one female flew 100.1 km in 24 h. Flying weevils exhibited an average weight loss of ∼13–17% and non-flying control weevils (n=27) lost 10–13% body weight in 24 h. The distribution of flight distances for female and male weevils combined was leptokurtic, which suggests that faster than expected spread by R. vulneratus may be possible in invaded areas.
Biology and the Educational Ferment

AS WE look back over the educational L history of this country, clearly one of the most regrettable developments of the past few decades is the way in which college and university scientists have turned their backs on high school science and the high school science teacher. Preoccupied with research, we have neglected the secondary science teacher-his preparation, his welfare, and the courses he teaches. Into the vacuum thus created have moved the teachers colleges and the departments of education, until at the present time these agencies have almost complete control of the education of high school science teachers and of the courses they teach. Certainly few college scientists have much to do with the preparation of the school science instructor and they have little knowledge of the courses he teaches. Indeed, they know few high school teachers, for the latter, after suffering years of neglect on the part of their university counterparts, have affiliated themselves with professional educational organizations rather than with the science societies which are of
Novel technique of a multifunctional electrosurgical system for minimally invasive surgery

Bipolar electrosurgery in the minimally invasive endoscopic surgery theater has been traditionally limited to the use of standard bipolar forceps, which are minimally versatile, have a limited range of motion, and are associated with visualization and handling constraints. The authors designed a novel surgical device system in which commonly used surgical instruments (suction, microscissors, micrograspers, and dissectors) co-function as individually insulated and modular electrodes for bipolar electrosurgery. In this feasibility study, the successful use of these prototypes in endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery was demonstrated on 2 human cadavers, and in an in vivo arterial coagulation model on 2 live rats. This prototype system provided improved bipolar instrument mobility, minimized the requirement to exchange surgical instruments when performing electrosurgery, and allowed for new maneuvers that optimized surgical workflow, such as the ability to suction blood and smoke while cauterizing. This multifunctional bipolar cautery system may improve surgical efficiency and workflow and facilitate surgical microdissection and electrocautery during minimally invasive, endoscopic, robotic or traditional open surgery.
Hierarchical Logistic Regression Models

This chapter extends the results in Chap. 9. It is common to come into contact with data that have a hierarchical or clustered structure. Examples include patients within a hospital, students within a class, factories within an industry, or families within a neighborhood. In such cases, there is variability between the clusters, as well as variability between the units which are nested within the clusters. Hierarchical models take into account the variability at each level of the hierarchy, and thus allow for the cluster effects at different levels to be analyzed within the models (The Annals of Thoracic Surgery 72(6):2155–2168, 2001). This chapter tells how one can use the information from different levels to produce a subject-specific model. This is a three-level nested design but can be expanded to higher levels, though readily available computing may be challenge.
Sports-related wrist and hand injuries: a review

Hand and wrist injuries are common during athletics and can have a significant impact especially if initially disregarded. Due to their high level of physical demand, athletes represent a unique subset of the population. The following is an overview of hand and wrist injuries commonly seen in athletics. Information regarding evaluation, diagnosis, conservative measures, and surgical treatment are provided. Knowledge of these entities and special consideration for the athlete can help the team physician effectively treat these players and help them achieve their goals.
Size matters in planning hysterectomy approach

Hysterectomy is the second most common gynecologic surgery; approximately 600,000 women undergo hysterectomies each year in the United States. Estimated uterine size, either by bimanual examination, ultrasonography, or both, is one of the major factors in evaluating the need for hysterectomy and in selecting the surgical approach. In this article, we review how physician-estimated uterine size can be confidently used in providing optimal hysterectomy care, as data indicate estimation is closely correlated with actual post-surgical pelvic specimen weight.
“Selfish Interests,” or the Prerequisites for Political Debate: An Analysis of the 1980 Presidential Debate and its Implications for Future Campaigns

Of the six conditions for holding political debates (established in previous research), five were found to be present in the 1980 campaign debate between Carter and Reagan. In addition, the present...
Photoelectron Transfer Between Molecules Adsorbed in Restricted Spaces

The photophysics and photoelectron transfer reactions of metal complexes bound to anionic surfaces which provide restricted spaces in aqueous solutions have been investigated by steady state and time resolved luminescence spectroscopy. The electron transfer systems were generated by systematically variation of structures derived from the Ru (II) tris-bipyridyl family as electron donors and methyl viologens and other metal tris-bipyridyl complexes as electron acceptors. The structure of the bipyridyl ligand in the complex was varied with respect to its functionality, size and shape in order to provide electron donors of similar driving force for electron transfer, but of differing binding selectivity and dynamics. In the same vein, metal substitution, e.g., Co (III) for Ru (II), provides a family of acceptors whose structures may be readily varied systematically. In addition, the inherent chirality of the tris-bipyridyl complexes allows opportunities for investigation of enantiomeric selection in binding and in the electron transfer step. The anionic surfaces selected for these investigations include those provided by micelles polyelectrolyte polymers, DNA double helix and starburst dendrimers. However, only the latter two surfaces are considered in detail in this report.
P-16 Audit of adherence to prescribing standards as a means of improving prescribing practice on drug charts in a hospice in-patient unit

Background The safe and effective function of any in-patient unit depends on drug charts being clearly and correctly completed. Aims To assess the adherence of the medical team to good prescribing practices regarding completion of drug charts. To explore whether audit of this area as part of the junior doctor induction programme provides a means to improve prescribing documentation habits. Methods The audit tool analysed compliance with standards established by the Sue Ryder Management of Medicines Policy for Care Centres and Hospices (July 2014). Junior doctors analysed the notes and drug charts of 10 in-patients sampled at random. Performance of the entire medical team was audited at the beginning and end of 2 successive junior doctor placements. Standards Audited fields were Patient Identifiers . Chart completion : eg, capitals; generic names. Rewriting Technical information : eg, correct use of units, decimals etc. Prescriptions written correctly : eg, signed, dated, PRN indications etc. The standard set for all criteria was 100%. Results Each audit fell significantly short of the desired standard of 100% in the 26 possible criteria. Both audit cycles demonstrated improvement in prescribing performance. Between December 2014 and February 2015, 100% concordance rose from 32% (8/25) to 50% (11/22) of assessed criteria, with betterment seen in another 73% (8/11). Comparison of April 2015 and July 2015 saw 100% concordance increase from 28% (5/23) to 69% (18/26) with progression in a further 40% (2/5) of criteria. Discussion and conclusion Reflecting on the data, it was clear that those who had been auditors became better prescribers. Most of the remaining errors were made by consultants and registrars! This project suggests that involving junior doctors in prescribing audits is effective at educating them in good prescribing practice. Perhaps senior doctors would also benefit from engaging in such an exercise?
Introduction to Part IV: Predictors to mHealth Interventions

The previous three parts provided examples of mobile health applications, a description of methods for sensing an individual’s internal and external states (such as cognitive/emotional states or current social environment and location), and an overview of how we might use time series data to infer, detect and predict these states. In the end, this work is in service of providing the most effective mobile intervention[s]. The interventions might be in the form of various services that are available 24/7. In the lingo of mobile health, these interventions could be delivered in the form of a “pull,” that is, the user initiates access to these interventions. Pull interventions depend upon the individual to be sufficiently motivated, sufficiently in-the-moment-aware, under sufficiently low cognitive burden so as to be able to recognize that they need help, able to remember that help is available on the mobile device, and able to know exactly what help they need. In many settings, however, the participant may either be insufficiently self-aware to recognize his/her need for help or may not remember how to access help. An alternate to a pull intervention is to “push” an intervention to the user. This part is focused on the use of both sensor data and self-reports from a participant to optimize the content and delivery of pull and push interventions.
Archaeal Chaperonins: A Cornucopia of Information and Tools to Understand the Human Chaperoning System and Its Diseases

The chaperoning system in organisms across Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya encompasses a wide range of complexities. This range extends from the very simple, consisting of a few genes-proteins in the most primitive archaea to the extremely complex like the one in humans (made of many chaperones, co-chaperones, and chaperone cofactors and close interactors/receptors) and including various degrees of complexity in between. Diseases caused by defects in the chaperoning system, named chaperonopathies, are important because many are widespread and frequent and can be life threatening. Chaperonopathies are genetic or acquired. The former are caused by mutations of chaperone genes, whereas the acquired chaperonopathies are typically caused by posttranslational modifications of the chaperone proteins. In both instances, the affected chaperones are nonfunctional, or function incorrectly (e.g., gain of function), or their levels/functioning is increased or decreased. Little is known on the impact of mutations or posttranslational modifications on the properties of the chaperone molecule or on its chaperoning functions. Studies are hindered by the extreme complexity of the chaperoning machines and networks in humans and by the scarcity of experimental models. Here, we report on some archaeal chaperoning systems, focusing on the chaperonins only, which are suitable for standardizing experimental models mimicking the human situations observed in chaperonopathies. We discuss archaeal chaperonins that are similar to those of humans and present an illustrative example of the use of one of these archaeal chaperonins to elucidate the molecular abnormalities generated by a pathogenic mutation in a human chaperonin subunit that causes neuropathy.
Nonlinear Renewal Theory

This chapter is concerned with first passages of random walks to nonlinear boundaries. Suitable generalizations of the renewal theory of Chapter VIII are developed in order to justify and generalize the approximations suggested in IV.3.
The SOD Mimic, MnTE-2-PyP, Protects from Chronic Fibrosis and Inflammation in Irradiated Normal Pelvic Tissues

Pelvic radiation for cancer therapy can damage a variety of normal tissues. In this study, we demonstrate that radiation causes acute changes to pelvic fibroblasts such as the transformation to myofibroblasts and the induction of senescence, which persist months after radiation. The addition of the manganese porphyrin, MnTE-2-PyP, resulted in protection of these acute changes in fibroblasts and this protection persisted months following radiation exposure. Specifically, at two months post-radiation, MnTE-2-PyP inhibited the number of α-smooth muscle actin positive fibroblasts induced by radiation and at six months post-radiation, MnTE-2-PyP significantly reduced collagen deposition (fibrosis) in the skin and bladder tissues of irradiated mice. Radiation also resulted in changes to T cells. At two months post-radiation, there was a reduction of Th1-producing splenocytes, which resulted in reduced Th1:Th2 ratios. MnTE-2-PyP maintained Th1:Th2 ratios similar to unirradiated mice. At six months post-radiation, increased T cells were observed in the adipose tissues. MnTE-2-PyP treatment inhibited this increase. Thus, MnTE-2-PyP treatment maintains normal fibroblast function and T cell immunity months after radiation exposure. We believe that one of the reasons MnTE-2-PyP is a potent radioprotector is due to its protection of multiple cell types from radiation damage.
A novel Cep120-dependent mechanism inhibits centriole maturation in quiescent cells

Among the countless components of an animal cell, microtubules perform many important roles. These hollow filaments support the cell’s shape and help to transport different materials around within it. They also form a hair-like projection on the cell surface called the primary cilium, which helps the cell sense its environment. Most microtubules in an animal cell are organized by a structure called the centrosome, which has two smaller cylindrical structures called centrioles at its core. In cells that are not dividing, these two centrioles are different in age. The older of the two centrioles was assembled at least two cell divisions ago and is commonly called the “mother” centriole. The younger one, which was assembled the previous time the cell divided, is called the “daughter” centriole. Most activities at the centrosome are controlled by the mother centriole. For example, the mother centriole contains protein complexes called appendages that allow it to dock at the cell surface and build the cilium. The mother centriole also contains a complex of proteins called the pericentriolar material, which helps it assemble microtubules and anchor them in place. In contrast, the daughter centriole lacks appendages, does not form a cilium, has less pericentriolar material and so assembles fewer microtubules. Why the daughter centriole cannot recruit these protein complexes remains a mystery. One possibly important difference between mother and daughter centrioles is that daughter centrioles in non-dividing cells have much higher levels of a protein called Cep120. Now, Betleja et al. have studied the role of this protein in more detail. Experiments with mouse and human cells show that Cep120 plays an important inhibitory role at the daughter centriole. When the production of Cep120 was blocked, more pericentriolar material associated with the daughter centriole, and more microtubules were assembled by the centrosome. This interfered with the movement of other proteins to the centrosome, which ultimately disrupted both the centrosome’s ability to assemble cilia and the cell’s ability to sense its environment. The findings of Betleja et al. show that a Cep120-dependent mechanism actively regulates the centrosome’s function in non-dividing cells. These experiments uncover a potentially new type of molecular defect that may be responsible for diseases caused by faulty cilia, such as Joubert Syndrome and Jeune Asphyxiating Thoracic Dystrophy. The next challenge will be to understand how Cep120 inhibits the levels of pericentriolar material only at the daughter centriole but not the mother centriole.
The CD11b promoter directs high-level expression of reporter genes in macrophages in transgenic mice [published erratum appears in Blood 1995 Apr 1;85(7):1983]

CD11b is the alpha chain of the Mac-1 integrin and is preferentially expressed in myeloid cells (neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages). We have previously shown that the CD11b promoter directs cell-type- specific expression in myeloid lines using transient transfection assays. To confirm that these promoter sequences contain the proper regulatory elements for correct myeloid expression of CD11b in vivo, we have used the -1.7-kb human CD11b promoter to direct reporter gene expression in transgenic mice. Stable founder lines were generated with two different reporter genes, a Thy 1.1 surface marker and the Escherichia coli lacZ (beta-galactosidase) gene. Analysis of founders generated with each reporter demonstrated that the CD11b promoter was capable of driving high levels of transgene expression in murine macrophages for the lifetime of the animals. Similar to the endogenous gene, transgene expression was preferentially found in mature monocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils and not in myeloid precursors. These experiments indicate that the -1.7 CD11b promoter contains the regulatory elements sufficient for high-level macrophage expression. This promoter should be useful for targeting heterologous gene expression to mature myeloid cells.
Turning the corner on therapeutic cancer vaccines

Recent advances in several areas are rekindling interest and enabling progress in the development of therapeutic cancer vaccines. These advances have been made in target selection, vaccine technology, and methods for reversing the immunosuppressive mechanisms exploited by cancers. Studies testing different tumor antigens have revealed target properties that yield high tumor versus normal cell specificity and adequate immunogenicity to affect clinical efficacy. A few tumor-associated antigens, normal host proteins that are abnormally expressed in cancer cells, have been demonstrated to serve as good targets for immunotherapies, although many do not possess the needed specificity or immunogenicity. Neoantigens, which arise from mutated proteins in cancer cells, are truly cancer-specific and can be highly immunogenic, though the vast majority are unique to each patient’s cancer and thus require development of personalized therapies. Lessons from previous cancer vaccine expeditions are teaching us the type and magnitude of immune responses needed, as well as vaccine technologies that can achieve these responses. For example, we are learning which vaccine approaches elicit the potent, balanced, and durable CD4 plus CD8 T cell expansion necessary for clinical efficacy. Exploration of interactions between the immune system and cancer has elucidated the adaptations that enable cancer cells to suppress and evade immune attack. This has led to breakthroughs in the development of new drugs, and, subsequently, to opportunities to combine these with cancer vaccines and dramatically increase patient responses. Here we review this recent progress, highlighting key steps that are bringing the promise of therapeutic cancer vaccines within reach.
Dopamine receptor manipulation does not alter patterns of partner preference in long-term marmoset pairs

The relationship between socially monogamous mates is dynamic and regulated by neurobiological influences. Research in rodent models has indicated a key role for the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) and its receptors (DAR) in mediating the formation and maintenance of monogamous bonds. DAR activation was pharmacologically manipulated in marmosets housed in long-term pairs. Marmosets exposed to DAR manipulation were tested in a partner preference test under two social conditions: one in which their mate could visually observe their interactions with an opposite-sex individual, and one in which their pair mate could not visually observe these interactions. Marmosets displayed a spatial preference for the mate compared to an unfamiliar conspecific, however, they displayed a sexual preference for an unfamiliar conspecific over their mate. D1R manipulation had no impact on marmoset partner preference. However, activation of D2Rs reduced the time marmosets spent in contact with either stimulus animal, indicating a decrease in social interest, but did not reduce time spent in proximity to the stimulus animals nor number of sexual solicitations. Additionally, social context (visibility of the mate) did not influence marmoset behavior. These findings suggest that D2Rs may be involved in regulating generalized, but not partner-specific, social interest in marmoset monkeys.
Assessing the Structure and Function of Vaccinia Virus Gene Products by Transient Complementation.

Poxviruses are large, complex dsDNA viruses that are highly unusual in replicating solely within the cytoplasm of the infected cell. The most infamous poxvirus was variola virus, the etiological agent of smallpox; today, poxviruses remain of biomedical significance, both as pathogens and as recombinant vaccines and oncolytic therapies. Vaccinia virus is the prototypic poxvirus for experimental analysis. The 195 kb dsDNA genome contains >200 genes that encode proteins involved in such processes as viral entry, gene expression, genome replication and maturation, virion assembly, virion egress, and immune evasion.Molecular genetic analysis has been instrumental in the study of the structure and function of many viral gene products. Temperature-sensitive (ts) mutants have been especially useful in this endeavor; inducible recombinants and deletion mutants are now also important tools. Once a phenotype is observed following the repression, deletion, or inactivation of a particular gene product, the technique of transient complementation becomes central for further study.Simply put, transient complementation involves the transient expression of a variety of alleles of a given viral gene within infected cells, and the evaluation of which of these alleles can "complement" or "rescue" the phenotype caused by the loss of the endogenous allele. This analysis leads to the identification of key domains, motifs, and sites of posttranslational modification. Subcellular localization and protein:protein interactions can also be evaluated in these studies. The development of a reliable toolbox of vectors encoding viral promoters of different temporal classes, and the use of a variety of epitope tags, has greatly enhanced the utility of this experimental approach for poxvirus research.
Low-profile Zenith Alpha™ Thoracic Stent Graft Modification Using Preloaded Wires for Urgent Repair of Thoracoabdominal and Pararenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

Background The aim of this study is to describe a modification technique using the low-profile Cook Zenith Alpha™ thoracic stent graft, and addition of a preloaded wire system, for urgent repair of pararenal (PRA) and thoracoabdominal (TAAA) aortic aneurysms. Methods We analyzed 20 consecutive patients who underwent urgent physician modified endograft repair (PMEG) of PRA and TAAA at 2 institutions. The low-profile Cook Zenith Alpha Thoracic stent graft was modified in accordance with each specific patient anatomic characteristics. End points were technical success, 30-day mortality, and major adverse events (MAEs). Results Technical success was achieved in all patients (100%). A total of 76 renal-mesenteric arteries were incorporated by fenestrations (70%) or directional branches (30%) with an average of 3.7 ± 0.6 vessels per patient. There were 6 different types of stent configuration. The most common design consisted of 4 fenestrations (9 patients, 45%). The average of modification time was 110 ± 27 minutes. Total procedure time (including the time for open component) was 242 ± 75 minutes. There was no death within the first 30 days or hospital stay. MAEs occurred in 10 patients (50%). The most common MAEs were acute kidney injury (by Risk, Injury, and Failure; and Loss; and End-stage kidney disease criteria) in 6 patients (30%), estimated blood loss >1 L, respiratory failure requiring reintubation in 2 patients (10%) each, and paraplegia and ischemic colitis in 1 patient (5%) each. One patient (5%) required temporary, new-onset dialysis. Conclusions PMEG using low-profile Zenith Alpha thoracic stent graft was safe with no early mortality and acceptable early morbidity.
Communication Constrained Learning with Uncertain Models

We consider the problem of distributed inference of a group of agents in a social network, where the agents construct, share, and update beliefs in a non-Bayesian framework to identify the underlying true state of the world. We build upon the concept of uncertain models that accurately represents each agents knowledge of the distribution of each hypothesis based on the amount of training data collected. Then, we propose an event-triggered communication protocol that only transmits a belief for a hypothesis if new information has been incorporated since the previous communication time. We show that the proposed solution allows the agents to achieve beliefs within the neighborhood of a full communication network, while significantly reducing the amount of transmissions.
Bighorn sheep gut microbiomes associate with genetic and spatial structure across a metapopulation

Studies in laboratory animals demonstrate important relationships between environment, host traits, and microbiome composition. However, host-microbiome relationships in natural systems are understudied. Here, we investigate metapopulation-scale microbiome variation in a wild mammalian host, the desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni). We sought to identify over-represented microbial clades and understand how landscape variables and host traits influence microbiome composition across the host metapopulation. To address these questions, we performed 16S sequencing on fecal DNA samples from thirty-nine bighorn sheep across seven loosely connected populations in the Mojave Desert and assessed relationships between microbiome composition, environmental variation, geographic distribution, and microsatellite-derived host population structure and heterozygosity. We first used a phylogenetically-informed algorithm to identify bacterial clades conserved across the metapopulation. Members of genus Ruminococcaceae, genus Lachnospiraceae, and family Christensenellaceae R7 group were among the clades over-represented across the metapopulation, consistent with their known roles as rumen symbionts in domestic livestock. Additionally, compositional variation among hosts correlated with individual-level geographic and genetic structure, and with population-level differences in genetic heterozygosity. This study identifies microbiome community variation across a mammalian metapopulation, potentially associated with genetic and geographic population structure. Our results imply that microbiome composition may diverge in accordance with landscape-scale environmental and host population characteristics.
Policy Iteration for Linear Quadratic Games With Stochastic Parameters

Robustness is a key challenge in the integration of learning and control. In machine learning and robotics, two common approaches to promote robustness are adversarial training and domain randomization. Both of these approaches have analogs in control theory: adversarial training relates to H ∞ control and dynamic game theory, while domain randomization relates to theory for systems with stochastic model parameters. We propose a stochastic dynamic game framework that integrates both of these complementary approaches to modeling uncertainty and promoting robustness. We describe policy iteration algorithms in both model-based and model-free settings to compute equilibrium strategies and value functions. We present numerical experiments that illustrate their effectiveness and the value of combining uncertainty representations in our integrated framework. We also provide an open-source implementation of the algorithms to facilitate their wider use.
A Fresh Look at the Sign System of the Braille Code

An analysis of English braille as a written code from a linguistic viewpoint was undertaken as one of the steps in the development of Patterns: The Primary Braille Reading Program. The analysis led...
The effect of eltrombopag in managing thrombocytopenia associated with tyrosine kinase therapy in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia and myelofibrosis

Approximately 20-50% patients with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML-CP) treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) or with myelofibrosis (MF) treated with ruxolitinib develop grade ≥3 thrombocytopenia needing treatment interruptions and dose reductions. We conducted a non-randomized, phase II, single-arm study to determine the efficacy of eltrombopag for patients with CML or MF with persistent thrombocytopenia while on TKI or ruxolitinib. Eltrombopag was initiated at 50 mg/day, with dose escalation up to 300 mg daily allowed every 2 weeks. Twenty-one patients were enrolled (CML=15, MF=6); median age 60 years (range, 31-97 years). The median platelet count was 44x109/L (range, 3-49x109/L) in CML and 62x109/L (range, 21-75x109/L) in MF. After a median of 18 months (range, 5-77 months), 12/15 patients with CML achieved complete platelet response. The median peak platelet count among responders was 154x109/L (range, 74-893x109/L). Among CML patients 5 could re-escalate the TKI dose and 9 improved their response. None of the 6 patients with MF had a sustained response. Therapy was generally well tolerated. One patient discontinued therapy due to toxicity (elevated transaminases). One patient with CML developed significant thrombocytosis (>1000x109/L). Another CML patient developed non occlusive deep venous thrombosis in the right upper extremity without thrombocytosis, and one MF patient had myocardial infarction. Eltrombopag may help improve platelet counts in CML patients receiving TKI with recurrent thrombocytopenia. Further studies are warranted.
Replies to critics

I offer replies to critical comments on my book, Utopophobia: On the Limits (If Any) of Political Philosophy, in four pieces appearing in the same issue of this journal.
The Case of the Nosy Neighbors

Inspired by companies like Clearview AI, Nextdoor, and Amazon, this case study asks students to assume the role of a high-ranking ethics-focused employee at a (fictional) neighborhood-focused social media company. It involves challenging ethical questions around how social media services and surveillance tools are built and used, and the complicated relationship between companies, their users, and law enforcement authorities. Students should pay particular attention to the values implicated by certain design decisions, and the competing incentives for corporations that might complicate the picture for ethical decision making.
Neighborhood Economic Change in an Era of Metropolitan Divergence

This study foregrounds the metropolitan area as a key driver of contemporary neighborhood economic change. The recent “Great Divergence” in metros’ economic, social, and political conditions sugges...
Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms moderate the relation between childhood sexual abuse and disordered eating in a community sample.

OBJECTIVE Previous work has found clear associations between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and disordered eating in adulthood. However, further research is needed to clarify factors that may influence this relationship. The current study advanced existing research by examining the moderating influence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity in the association between CSA and disordered eating. METHOD Data were collected from 463 individuals with a history of sexual assault or other unwanted sexual experience(s) (Mage = 34.71, 54.9% women, 77.5% white) who were recruited from MTurk. RESULTS Results indicated significant positive relations among CSA, PTSD symptom severity, and disordered eating. CSA was found to be associated with disordered eating at high, but not low, levels of PTSD symptom severity. DISCUSSION This study highlights the importance of assessing disordered eating and PTSD symptoms in individuals who report a history of CSA. Clinicians aiming to reduce their patients' symptoms of disordered eating may benefit from considering the potential role of PTSD symptom severity as a barrier to achieving treatment gains.
Detection and treatment of cerebral toxoplasmosis in an aplastic pediatric post-allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant patient: a case report.

BACKGROUND Cerebral toxoplasmosis infection presents with non-specific neurologic symptoms in immunocompromised patients. With lack of measurable adaptive immune responses and reluctance to sample affected brain tissue, expedient diagnosis to guide directed treatment is often delayed. CASE PRESENTATION We describe the use of cerebrospinal fluid polymerase chain reaction and plasma cell-free DNA technologies to supplement neuroimaging in the diagnosis of cerebral toxoplasmosis in an immunocompromised pediatric patient following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for idiopathic severe aplastic anemia. Successful cerebral toxoplasmosis treatment included antibiotic therapy for 1 year following restoration of cellular immunity with an allogeneic stem cell boost. CONCLUSIONS Plasma cell-free DNA technology provides a non-invasive method of rapid diagnosis, improving the likelihood of survival from often lethal opportunistic infection in a high risk, immunocompromised patient population.
The Cambridge Introduction to William Faulkner

Nobel laureate William Faulkner is one of the most distinctive voices in American literature. Known for his opaque prose style and his evocative depictions of life in the American South, he is recognised as one of the most important authors of the twentieth century. This introductory book provides students and readers of Faulkner with a clear overview of the life and work of one of America's most prolific writers of fiction. His nineteen novels, including The Sound and the Fury, As I Lay Dying, Go Down, Moses and Absalom, Absalom! are discussed in detail, as are his major short stories and nonfiction. Focused on the works themselves, but also providing useful information about their critical reception, this introduction is an accessible guide to Faulkner's challenging and complex oeuvre.
Kinetic Energy Dissipation Observed in the Upper Ocean

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews kinetic energy dissipation observed in the upper ocean. Observations of vertical temperature microstructure at Ocean Station P were made with a freely falling tethered microstructure recorder. Two storms were observed during the MILE experiment, and during the second milder storm temperature gradient fluctuations were resolved to the smallest dissipative scales in more than 90% of the data. The temperature gradient profiles were broken into blocks approximately 60 cm in vertical extent and spectrally analyzed with a fast Fourier transform. A cut-off wavenumber was found for each spectrum, and a Batchelor scale was determined from the cut-off wavenumber; a detailed description of this method of calculation of the Batchelor scale is described in the chapter.
Modeling oblique rotators: Magnetospheres and winds

The upper main sequence chemically peculiar (CP) stars display evidence of trapped circumstellar gas and nonspherical outflows. These stars are also known to possess strong magnetic fields that are often highly inclined to the rotational axis. Their phenomenology can be understood by using the oblique rotator model, which has successfully accounted for the observed behavior of the cooler CP stars. This paper reviews some features of the oblique rotator model, in which the magnetic field is assumed to provide a rigid framework for the structuring of the stellar and circumstellar gas. Corotation of circumstellar plasma is enforced out to the Alfven radius in the magnetic equatorial plane, while for the hotter stars, a radiatively driven wind emerges from the magnetic polar caps. Some observable consequences of the model are discussed, especially the Hα and ultraviolet resonance line absorption and emission periodic variability that has been observed in the He-peculiar stars and nonthermal radio emission. Magnetospheres may also be present in O stars, e.g. θ 1 Ori C, and in the Herbig Ae/Be stars.
Transient 3-D TCAD simulation of multiple snapback event in mixed-mode test for mutual relation between protection devices

Mutual ESD behavior dependency between multiple devices under Transmission Line Pulse stress was investigated using transient 3-D TCAD simulation. Interestingly, the transient response of drain voltage has multiple snapback profiles in the mixed-mode test. When one of the devices in the mixed-mode test is turned on, the current waveform of the other adjacent devices shows snapback profile. This mutual relation between protection devices affects the ESD robustness. If there is a big imbalance of individual ESD characteristics between the devices under the mixed-mode test, the lattice temperature hot-spot and failure may occurs in the device even though the robustness of the other connected device is lower than that of the device in the single-device test.
Urban versus rural: fertility decline in the cities and rural districts of Prussia, 1875 to 1910.

Marital fertility in 54 Prussian cities and 407 Prussian Kreise (administrative areas) is analyzed using unusually rich and detailed socioeconomic and demographic data from eight quinquennial census between 1875 and 1910. Pooled cross-section time series methods are used to examine influences on marital fertility level and on marital fertility decline, focusing particularly on fertility differences according to level of urbanization. Increases in female labour force participation rate and income, the growth of financial services and communications, improvement in education, and reduction in infant mortality account for most of the marital fertility decline in 19th century Prussia. In 1875, rural and urban fertility were similar but by 1910, urban fertility was far lower than rural in part because the values of some of these variables changed more rapidly in the cities, and in part because some of these variables had stronger effects in urban settings.
An overview of aminoglycoside usage in the horse

With recent difficulties encountered in sourcing some of the common aminoglycosides used in veterinary practice (e.g. gentamicin, amikacin), the spotlight has been turned on this family of antimicrobials and our reliance upon them in treating the equine patient. The purpose of this article is to provide readers with a general review of the mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics and potential adverse effects of the aminoglycosides when used in the horse.
Social network analysis of virtual worlds

As 3D environments become both more prevalent and more fragmented, studying how users are connected via their avatars and how they benefit from the virtual world community has become a significant area of research. An in depth analysis of the virtual world social networks is necessary to evaluate its worlds, to understand the impact of avatar social networks on the virtual worlds, and to improve future online social networks. Our current efforts are focused on building and exploring the social network aspects of virtual worlds. In this paper we evaluate the Second Life social network we have created and compare it to other social networking sites found on the web. Experimental results with data crawled from Second Life virtual worlds demonstrate that our approach was able to build a representative network of avatars in virtual world from the sample data. The analysis comparison between virtual world social networks and others in flat web allows us to gauge measures that better explore the relationship between locations linked by multiple users and their avatars. Using this comparison, we can also determine if techniques of personalization search and content recommendation are feasible for virtual world environments.
Attitudes Toward Same‐Sex Marriage: An Essentialist Approach

The present research examines the implications of psychological essentialism for attitudes toward same-sex marriage (SSM), a hotly contested policy issue. Based on the literature on psychological essentialism, we tested the novel proposition that negative SSM attitudes are the result of essentialist thinking about the institution of marriage itself, the idea that marriage is universal, unique as a human union, invariant, and not the result of human agency. Two studies (n = 351 and n = 117) confirm these predictions, but also demonstrate the essentialist conceptions of marriage are more potent predictors of SSM attitudes than essentialist conceptions of homosexuality. Additional analyses indicated that essentialist conceptions of homosexuality and marriage did mediate the effects of religiosity and political orientation on SSM attitudes. The discussion focuses on the implications for the ongoing policy debate.
HIV: Inflammation and Bone

HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy (ART) are now established independent risk factors for osteoporosis. With a spate of recent studies reporting significant elevations in fracture prevalence in HIV patients, and a rapidly aging demographic, defining the mechanisms underlying HIV/ART-induced skeletal decline has become imperative. The recent emergence of the field of "osteoimmunology" has provided a conceptual framework to explain how the immune and skeletal systems interact. Furthermore, it is becoming clear that inflammatory states leading to perturbations in the immuno-skeletal interface, a convergence of common cells and cytokine mediators that regulate both immune and skeletal systems, conspire to imbalance bone turnover and induce osteoporosis. In this review we examine the role of inflammation in the bone loss associated with diverse inflammatory conditions and new concepts into how the underlying mechanisms by which inflammation and immune dysregulation impact bone turnover may be pertinent to the mechanisms involved in HIV/ART-induced bone loss.
Kinship, demography, and belding's ground squirrel nepotism

Social behavior and demography of a freeliving population of individually marked Belding's ground squirrels (Spermophilus beldingi) were studied from 1974 through 1980 at Tioga Pass, California. Relative frequencies of fighting, chasing, cooperation in chasing conspecifics, and assisting conspecifics who were being chased were recorded for adult (≧1-year-old) female kin of nine different degrees of matrilineal relatedness. The animals' mortality and dispersal patterns were also analyzed. Mothers and daughters, littermate sisters, and nonlittermate (half-) sisters were cooperative; their cooperation varied in proportion to relatedness. In contrast, grandmothers and granddaughters, aunts and nieces, great grandmothers and great granddaughters, aunts and half-nieces, first cousins, and first cousins once removed did not cooperate; their behavior was indistinguishable from that of nonrelatives. While there were no consistent spatial differences among the burrows of the nine categories of female kin, only mothers and daughters, littermate sisters, and nonlittermate sisters were consistently alive simultaneously. The apparent correspondence between the relatives that received social favoritism and those that consistently co-occurred suggests that demography, particularly survivorship, may have determined the extent of ground squirrel favoritism, while kinship influenced its pattern.