cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Social comorbidities? A qualitative study mapping syndemic theory onto gender-based violence and co-occurring social phenomena among Brazilian women

Gender-based violence is a globally recognized social problem impacting women and girls worldwide. Intimate partner violence (IPV) represents the most common form of gender-based violence. Among the countries grappling with gender-based violence is Brazil, which has identified high rates of IPV along with co-occurring social conditions such as adverse childhood experiences, community violence, and substance use. While the syndemic framework has incorporated IPV into understandings of HIV and other diseases, none have explicitly applied syndemic framework to understand IPV and co-occurring social conditions -- referred to here as “social comorbidities” -- in the absence of a biological outcome. This study aims to: (1) Examine perspectives on violence and relevant social comorbidities (substance use, community violence, and childhood abuse) among women living in Santo Andre, Sao Paulo State, Brazil; and (2) Apply the syndemic framework to a set of social comorbidities among women living in Santo Andre, Sao Paulo State, Brazil. This thematic analysis applies a syndemic framework to 28 in-depth interviews with women in Santo Andre, Brazil. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim in Portuguese. Our analysis examined themes relating to IPV, community violence, substance use, and other individual experiences and community issues using syndemics as an organizing framework (e.g. diseases, adverse interactions, disparity conditions, and enhanced disease transmission). Most participants described experiencing multiple social comorbidities including IPV, adverse childhood experiences, community violence, family violence, and substance use. Adverse interactions included increased financial conflicts, a sense of isolation, and increased severity of violence due to substance use. Long term enhanced “disease” progression included injury, increased mental health symptoms, femicide, and death. Our results suggest that using a syndemic framework to understand IPV in the context of social comorbidities could be useful for understanding how these social phenomena may mutually reinforce each other and cause adverse interactions. Similar applications across other social phenomena may also be possible.
Financializing the soul: Christian microfinance and economic missionization in Colombia:

Microfinance is the vanguard of financialization today. This is especially true in Colombia, where microfinance rivals any other type of formal credit. Entangled with Colombia’s micro-financializat...
An update on the association between traumatic brain injury and Alzheimer's disease: Focus on Tau pathology and synaptic dysfunction.

Abstract L.P. Li, J.W. Liang and H.J. Fu. An update on the association between traumatic brain injury and Alzheimer's disease: Focus on Tau pathology and synaptic dysfunction. NEUROSCI BIOBEHAV REVXXX-XXX,2020.-Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are devastating conditions that have long-term consequences on individual’s cognitive functions. Although TBI has been considered a risk factor for the development of AD, the link between TBI and AD is still in debate. Aggregation of hyperphosphorylated tau and intercorrelated synaptic dysfunction, two key pathological elements in both TBI and AD, play a pivotal role in mediating neurodegeneration and cognitive deficits, providing a mechanistic link between these two diseases. In the first part of this review, we analyze the experimental literatures on tau pathology in various TBI models and review the distribution, biological features and mechanisms of tau pathology following TBI with implications in AD pathogenesis. In the second part, we review evidences of TBI-mediated structural and functional impairments in synapses, with a focus on the overlapped mechanisms underlying synaptic abnormalities in both TBI and AD. Finally, future perspectives are proposed for uncovering the complex relationship between TBI and neurodegeneration, and developing potential therapeutic avenues for alleviating cognitive deficits after TBI.
Feasibility and Potential Benefits of Partner‐Supported Yoga on Psychosocial and Physical Function among Lung Cancer Patients

Objective Patients with lung cancer experience significant declines in psychosocial and physical function during and after treatment that impact quality of life (QOL) and survival. Yoga is a potential strategy to mitigate functional decline among patients with lung cancer. Methods A single group 12-week pilot trial of low-moderate intensity yoga among patients with stage I-IV lung cancer and their partners (n = 46; 23 patient-partner dyads) during cancer treatment from two hospital systems. Feasibility, acceptability, descriptive statistics, and Cohen d effect sizes were calculated at 6 and 12-weeks for psychosocial and physical outcomes using validated questionnaires and assessments. Results At 6 and 12-weeks, retention was 65% and withdrawals were mainly due to disease progression. Among study completers (n = 26; 13 dyads) adherence was 80%. Comparing baseline to 12-week measurements, fatigue, depression symptoms, and sleep disturbance improved in 54% of participants for all three measures (Cohen's d = 0.40-0.53). QOL improved in 77% of participants (Cohen's d = 0.34). Upper and lower body flexibility, and lower body strength improved in 92%, 85% and 77% of participants, respectively (Cohen's d = 0.39-1.08). Six-minute walk test improved in 62% of participants an average of 32 meters (SD = 11.3; Cohen's d = 0.17). No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusions Among patients with stage I-IV lung cancer including active treatment, a 12-week partner-supported yoga program is feasible, acceptable, and improved psychosocial and physical function. Low-intensity yoga may be a complimentary approach to reduce the effects of cancer treatment, however, more research is needed to determine the efficacy of partner-supported yoga to mitigate functional decline.
Exposure to climate change drives stability or collapse of desert mammal and bird communities.

High exposure to warming from climate change is expected to threaten biodiversity by pushing many species toward extinction. Such exposure is often assessed for all taxa at a location from climate projections, yet species have diverse strategies for buffering against temperature extremes. We compared changes in species occupancy and site-level richness of small mammal and bird communities in protected areas of the Mojave Desert using surveys spanning a century. Small mammal communities remained remarkably stable, whereas birds declined markedly in response to warming and drying. Simulations of heat flux identified different exposure to warming for birds and mammals, which we attribute to microhabitat use. Estimates from climate projections are unlikely to accurately reflect species’ exposure without accounting for the effects of microhabitat buffering on heat flux.
Combining ecological momentary assessment, wrist-based eating detection, and dietary assessment to characterize dietary lapse: A multi-method study protocol.

ObjectivesBehavioral obesity treatment (BOT) produces clinically significant weight loss and health benefits for many individuals with overweight/obesity. Yet, many individuals in BOT do not achiev...
Investigating Root Causes of Authentication Failures Using a SAML and OIDC Observatory

Authentication is the most critical gatekeeper to the web applications that scientists use to carry out collaborative research. While authentication rarely fails, the impact of failures is huge, and root causes are not well understood. This paper analyzes the root causes of authentication failures from a production authentication system called CIL-ogon, an ideal observatory to monitor authentication issues in a distributed identity federation. CILogon is used by 250+ identity providers and 150+ web applications while acting as a proxy to bridge different single sign-on protocols (OIDC and SAML). Our data on authentication is unique because it is: i) longitudinal (over thirty months), ii) realistic (8,000+ active users), and iii) large-scale (nearly three thousand failures out of 447,428 successful authentications). Our finding is surprising: OIDC has about double the failure rate compared to SAML, which contrasts with our prior belief that SAML is much more complex than OIDC. Our most impactful contribution is a fault tree of error types that quickly finds and mitigates the root cause of authentication errors.
The coefficient of earth pressure at rest in hydrate-bearing sediments

The presence of hydrate alters the stress distribution in sediments. Current analyses of stress state and stress path in hydrate deposits are simplistic, and no direct measurements are available. This study presents an experimental and theoretical investigation of the coefficient of earth pressure at rest K0 in tetrahydrofuran hydrate-bearing sands. Hydrate crystals creep, and thus, measured K0 values manifest time-dependent behavior. The coefficient K0 in hydrate-bearing sediments is mainly governed by hydrate cementation at low stress and by the soil particle skeleton at high stress. Estimations of K0 based on the Poissonˈs ratio from rock physics models fail to recognize plastic deformation and decementation due to loading. Particle fabric at the maximum stress in history can be partially preserved together with certain stress locked within the sediments that can significantly increase K0 values beyond usually assumed 0.5. Therefore, high lateral stress transfer is expected in the hydrate reservoir after gas production.
Exploring the motivations and repeat behavioral intentions of generation X and Y Chinese cruise tourists

This research aims to use an integrated theoretical model to explore the reasons why Chinese generation X and Y travelers cruise, and the resultant repeat behavioral intentions. As more cruise comp...
Brain innate immune response via miRNA-TLR7 sensing in polymicrobial sepsis.

Abstract Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) occurs in sepsis survivors and is associated with breakdown of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), brain inflammation, and neurological dysfunction. We have previously identified a group of extracellular microRNAs (ex-miRNAs), such as miR-146a-5p, that were upregulated in the plasma of septic mice and human, and capable of inducing potent pro-inflammatory cytokines and complements. Here, we established a clinically relevant mouse model of SAE and investigated the role of extracellular miRNAs and their sensor Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) in brain inflammation and neurological dysfunction. We observed BBB disruption and a profound neuroinflammatory responses in the brain for up to 14 days post-sepsis; these included increased pro-inflammatory cytokines production, microglial expansion, and peripheral leukocyte accumulation in the CNS. In a battery of neurobehavioral tests, septic mice displayed impairment of motor coordination and neurological function. Sepsis significantly increased plasma RNA and miRNA levels for up to 7 days, such as miR-146a-5p. Exogenously added miR-146a-5p induces innate immune responses in both cultured microglia/astrocytes and the intact brain via a TLR7-dependent manner. Moreover, mice genetically deficient of miR-146a showed reduced accumulation of monocytes and neutrophils in the brain compared to WT after sepsis. Finally, ablation of TLR7 in the TLR7-/- mice preserved BBB integrity, reduced microglial expansion and leukocyte accumulation, and attenuated GSK3β signaling in the brain, but did not improve neurobehavioral recovery following sepsis. Taken together, these data establish an important role of extracellular miRNA and TLR7 sensing in sepsis-induced brain inflammation.
TH-AB-201-07: Reducing Fluoroscopy Operator Dose by Placing Lead Aprons On the Patient: Does It Live Up to the Hype?

Purpose: Staff radiation exposure during interventional fluoroscopy procedures is an ongoing concern. Recent studies tout reduced radiation exposure to fluoroscopy operators through the use of lead-equivalent shielding placed on the surface of the patient, claiming dose reductions of up to 75%. We sought to validate this claim when lead-equivalent shielding is wrapped around the patient’s lower abdomen and upper legs during kyphoplasty. Methods: An anthropomorphic torso phantom was placed on the interventional table. The X-ray tube, detector, and table height were adjusted by a musculoskeletal radiologist who routinely performs kyphoplasty procedures. Air kerma rate (AKR) was measured using a survey meter appropriate for low-energy scattered X-rays (Unfors RaySafe) with different combinations of shielding placed on the phantom and/or in front of the survey meter. Shielding placed in front of the survey meter simulated the protective effect of an operator’s own lead apron. Measurements were made at various angles and distances around the phantom; fluoroscopic acquisition parameters were constant for all measurements. Results: 1) Wrapped shielding on the phantom reduced AKR at the meter over a very limited angle — when the wrapped shielding was directly between the phantom and the survey meter (87% AKR reduction).2) No statistically significant difference in AKR was observed when the wrapped shielding was not directly between the phantom and the survey meter (p=0.97) .3) Shielding placed in front of the survey meter, representing protection of an operator’s apron, reduced measured AKR by over 90% at all angles.4) Wrapped shielding did not provide additional dose savings when shielding was also placed in front of the survey meter. Conclusion: The use of wrapped shielding would not further reduce radiation exposure to an operator who is wearing a lead apron. Claims that wrapped shielding reduces staff dose may be vastly overstating the benefit to fluoroscopy operators.
The Science of Self-Control

This book proposes a new science of self-control based on the principles of behavioral psychology and economics. Claiming that insight and self-knowledge are insufficient for controlling one's behavior, Howard Rachlin argues that the only way to achieve such control--and ultimately happiness--is through the development of harmonious patterns of behavior. Most personal problems with self-control arise because people have difficulty delaying immediate gratification for a better future reward. The alcoholic prefers to drink now. If she is feeling good, a drink will make her feel better. If she is feeling bad, a drink will make her feel better. The problem is that drinking will eventually make her feel worse. This sequence--the consistent choice of a highly valued particular act (such as having a drink or a smoke) that leads to a low-valued pattern of acts--is called "the primrose path." To avoid it, the author presents a strategy of "soft commitment," consisting of the development of valuable patterns of behavior that bridge over individual temptations. He also proposes, from economics, the concept of the substitutability of "positive addictions," such as social activity or exercise, for "negative addictions," such as drug abuse or overeating. Self-control may be seen as the interaction with one's own future self. Howard Rachlin shows that indeed the value of the whole--of one's whole life--is far greater than the sum of the values of its individual parts.
Effects of fixation on cell volume of marine planktonic protozoa.

The effects of fixation on the cell volume of marine heterotrophic nanoflagellates and planktonic ciliates were investigated. Decreases in cell volume depended on the combination of the protozoan taxa and the particular fixative. For a particular fixative and protozoan species, degree of shrinkage was independent of physiological state. The volume of fixed cells was found to be approximately 20 to 55% lower than the cell volume of live organisms. For the heterotrophic microflagellates, the fixatives ranked, in order of decreasing effect on cell volume, as glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde, acid Lugol9s solution, and modified van der Veer solution. With oligotrichous ciliates and a tintinnid ciliate, formaldehyde caused less shrinkage than glutaraldehyde or acid Lugol9s solution. With the aldehyde fixatives, the microflagellates were found to shrink more than the ciliates. Differential effects of fixation on cell volumes may result in an underestimation of the biomass of certain protozoan taxa in natural samples.
The Gluon Chain Model Revisited

I describe how the gluon chain model of QCD string formation meets a number of criteria which are required of any theory of the confining force, including: the correct center dependence and (at large-N) Casimir scaling of the string tension, the logarithmic broadening of the QCD flux tube, and the existence of a Luscher term in the static quark potential.
Associative memory based on ratio learning for real time skin color detection

A novel approach for skin color modeling using ratio rule learning algorithm is proposed in this paper. The learning algorithm is applied to a real time skin color detection application. The neural network learn, based on the degree of similarity between the relative magnitudes of the output of each neuron with respect to that of all other neurons. The activation/threshold function of the network is determined by the statistical characteristic of the input patterns. Theoretical analysis has shown that the network is able to learn and recall the trained patterns without much problem. It is shown mathematically that the network system is stable and converges in all circumstances for the trained patterns. The network utilizes the ratio-learning algorithm for modeling the characteristic of skin color in the RGB space as a linear attractor. The skin color will converge to a line of attraction. The new technique is applied to images captured by a surveillance camera and it is observed that the skin color model is capable of processing 420/spl times/315 resolution images of 24-bit color at 30 frames per second in a dual Xeon 2.2 GHz CPU workstation running Windows 2000.
Abstract W P421: Trend in Concurrent Hospitalization for Moyamoya and Sickle Cell Disease: An Analysis of Nationwide Inpatient Sample Data

BACKGROUND: The association between Moyamoya disease and sickle cell disease is well recognized in the literature. However, there is limited data on inpatient admission of concurrent sickle cell disease and Moyamoya disease. We sought to determine the trend in incidence of admissions of concurrent Moyamoya and sickle cell disease as well as the most common presentation of these admissions. METHODS: We reviewed the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2000-2011 for concurrent Moyamoya and sickle cell admissions using the ICD 9-CM codes We obtained data on gender, clinical presentation, procedures, co-morbidities and patient outcomes RESULTS: From 2000 to 2011, an estimated patients 756 (weighted (n)=3692) with co-existing Moyamoya disease and sickle cell disease were admitted. The incidence of admission for concurrent disease increased significantly from 0.04/100,000 admissions in 2000 to 0.21/100,000 admissions in 2011(figure 1). This was very significa...
Preface for special issue on ergonomics and the older worker.

(1991). Preface for Special Issue on Ergonomics and the Older Worker. Experimental Aging Research: Vol. 17, No. 3, pp. 139-141.
Chemical vapor deposition of B 12 As 2 thin films on 6H-SiC

Icosahedral boron arsenide (B12As2) thin films were deposited on 6H-SiC substrates by chemical vapor deposition using B2H6 and AsH3 sources. X-ray diffraction analysis of the thin films showed them to have the rhombohedral crystal structure and lattice parameters of B12As2. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the films were polycrystalline with oriented crystal grains. The preferential orientation of the film with respect to the SiC substrate was determined to be: [0001]B12As 2//[0001]6H-SiC and [ % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+-% feaafiart1ev1aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn% hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr% 4rNCHbGeaGqiVu0Je9qqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Lq-Jc9% vqaqpepm0xbba9pwe9Q8fs0-yqaqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr-x% fr-xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcbaGaaGymaiaaic% daceaIXaGbaebacaaIWaaaaa!38CF! $$10\bar 10$$ ]B12As 2//[ % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+-% feaafiart1ev1aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn% hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr% 4rNCHbGeaGqiVu0Je9qqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Lq-Jc9% vqaqpepm0xbba9pwe9Q8fs0-yqaqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr-x% fr-xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcbaGaaGymaiaaic% daceaIXaGbaebacaaIWaaaaa!38CF! $$10\bar 10$$ ]6H-SiC to within 3°. Electron diffraction also revealed the extremely small lattice mismatch (<0.5%) between the B12As2 basal-plane lattice parameter and twice the SiC basal-plane lattice parameter.
Immunogenic peptides of influenza virus subtype N1 neuraminidase identify a T-cell determinant used in class II major histocompatibility complex-restricted responses to infectious virus.

Abstract Six nonoverlapping peptides of the neuraminidase (NA) glycoprotein of influenza virus A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (H1N1) (PR8 virus) were found to be immunogenic for proliferating T cells when injected into BALB/c mice in Freund adjuvant. T cells elicited by peptide immunization could recognize PR8 virus in vitro. However, only one of these peptides, corresponding to residues 79 to 93 of NA (NA 79-93), was able to restimulate T cells of mice immunized with infectious virus. T cells that recognized this peptide were uniformly I-Ed restricted, yet infectious influenza virus was required for responses. NA 79-93-specific T-hybridoma clones raised by immunization either with whole virus or with the synthetic peptide alone each responded to replicative virus and not to UV-inactivated virions. These data suggest that the NA 79-93 T-cell determinant which is commonly presented during an encounter with influenza virus in vivo is processed preferentially from NA synthesized within antigen-presenting cells.
Prevalence and Associated Conditions

This chapter addresses the issues of the incidence, or prevalence, of NVLD in the specific learning-disabled (SLD) and/or clinic populations and known associated conditions. This knowledge can be very important to both policy makers and school personnel as they think about whom they serve and what services are needed. We are looking only at the incidence of NVLD in the SLD or clinic-based populations because those are the only estimates currently available. We will also address the issue of associated conditions in two ways. First, in this chapter we will look at common co-occurring disorders. This issue is typically referred to as comorbidities, and in the area of developmental and psychiatric disorders it is often considered more the rule than the exception. Here we are referring to other disorders such as depression, ADHD, the academic disorder, and semantic-pragmatic disorders that are often found co-occurring with NVLD. Second, in the following chapter we will review the available data attempting to look at the relationship between Asperger’s Disorder (AS) and NVLD as there remains considerable controversy regarding this issue.
Marple: a demand-driven path-sensitive buffer overflow detector

Despite increasing efforts in detecting and managing software security vulnerabilities, the number of security attacks is still rising every year. As software becomes more complex, security vulnerabilities are more easily introduced into a system and more difficult to eliminate. Even though buffer overflow detection has been studied for more than 20 years, it is still the most commonly exploited vulnerability. In this paper, we develop a static analyzer for detecting and helping diagnose buffer overflows with the key idea of categorizing program paths as they relate to vulnerability. We combine path-sensitivity with a demand-driven analysis for precision and scalability. We first develop a vulnerability model for buffer overflow and then use the model in the development of the demand-driven path-sensitive analyzer. We detect and identify categories of paths including infeasible, safe, vulnerable, overflow-input-independent and don't-know. The categorization enables priorities to be set when searching for root causes of vulnerable paths. We implemented our analyzer, Marple, and compared its performance with existing tools. Our experiments show that Marple is able to detect buffer overflows that other tools cannot, and being path-sensitive with prioritization, Marple produces only 1 false positive out of 72 reported overflows. We also show that Marple scales to 570,000 lines of code, the largest benchmark we had.
Bayesian robust optimal linear filters

Qualitatively, a robust filter maintains acceptable performance for signals statistically close to those for which it has been designed. For a parameterized family of signal models, we measure the robustness as the increase in error from applying the optimal filter for one state to the model for a different state. A Bayesian approach results from assuming that the state space possesses a probability distribution. In this case, the mean robustness for a state is the expected value of the error increase when the optimal filter for the given state is applied over all states of nature. A maximally robust state is one whose mean robustness is minimal. This paper treats robustness for optimal linear filters, in which case optimality depends on second-order statistics. Formulation of robustness is achieved by placing the matter into the context of canonical representation of random functions. Specifically, we use the representation of the optimal linear filter in terms of the cross-correlation between the signal to be estimated and the white-noise expansion of the observed signal. The general robustness formulation is reduced in particular cases, such as for linear degradation models and wide-sense stationary processes. For wide-sense stationary processes, robustness becomes a function of the power spectral densities. A maximally robust state depends on both statistical characteristics of the model and the distribution of the state vector. By incorporating the characteristics and state distribution into filter design, one can define a global filter that has good performance across all states.
Personal Branding and Identity Norms in the Popular Business Press: Enterprise Culture in an Age of Precarity:

The theory of enterprise culture (du Gay, 1996) has provoked one of the more enduring strands of research on organizations and identities. Yet, after a decade and half of debate, the validity of this theory remains mired in ambiguity. In this article we revisit the theory of enterprise culture by exploring shifts in the popular business press and employee responses to them, in an effort to track the identity norms that have impinged on job seekers over time. Scrutinizing career-advice texts published between 1980 and 2010, we do indeed find partial support for the theory of enterprise culture, as the most popular renderings of work and employment have exhibited a marked yet complex turn toward entrepreneurial rhetoric. Interviews with 53 employees and job seekers suggest that a discourse of personal branding is indeed pervasive, and is often uncritically incorporated into the conceptions that job seekers bring to bear on their career horizons. Yet we also find that enterprise discourse has evolved beyond ...
A Note on Ordinary Least Squares Methods for Two-Stage Sampling

Abstract A class of linear models for two-stage sampling problems is considered. Ordinary least squares estimates are optimal for these models. For some parameters the usual least squares estimates of standard errors are shown to be appropriate.
Gel filtration chromatography of resole phenolic resins

Abstract A gel filtration chromatographic column standardization technique for a phenolic resin under a given set of operating conditions such as column, solvent and elution rate is presented. Sephacryl S-200 (high resolution) was used in this work for gel filtration chromatography fractionation of a high-molecular-weight alkaline resole phenolic resin. The individual fractions were put through the analytical column to determine their elution times. The weight-average molecular weight of each of the phenolic fractions (samples) was determined by ultracentrifuge sedimentation equilibrium methods. The chromatographic column was standardized against the readily available sodium polystyrene sulfonates. Plotted data from both the sodium polystyrene sulfonates and ultracentrifuged samples gave essentially straight lines. Subtracting the equation of the least squares line of the sodium polystyrene sulfonate from that of the phenolic gave an approximate correction factor to be added to any newly standardized sodium polystyrene sulfonate column and gives an approximate phenolic standardization without resorting to the ultracentrifuge. The standardization technique will be of interest to researchers and developers of phenolic resins and other water soluble polymers.
Preservice Teachers and Preschoolers: The Development of Thematic Literacy Play Centers.

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to share a comprehensive project developed by three early childhood teacher educators. Over the past three semesters groups of preservice teachers ranging from 16 to 25, from a small state university were asked to engage in thematic literacy play centers during the first semester of their teacher preparation program. Students worked collaboratively in groups ranging from 2 to 4 to develop, teach, modify, and re‐teach a thematic literacy play center in preschool classrooms. As three instructors worked together to create and implement this project, it resulted in an opportunity for students to synthesize and apply key concepts and skills learned from all three courses (Classroom Environments, Language and Literacy, and Introduction to Early Childhood Special Education). In addition to this integration and collaboration, the project ensured extensive reflection as it is a teach and re‐teach project. Furthermore, students implemented their centers in very diverse/multicul...
Blood polymorphisms and cognitive abilities

Data from 15 tests of cognitive ability obtained from the Hawaii Family Study of Cognition were examined for relationships with 18 blood polymorphisms. The number of significant associations did not exceed the number expected by chance alone. Significant regression of pooled verbal and spatial test scores on a constructed zygosity index demonstrated that increasing homozygosity was associated with improved scores. The effect was consistent in both parents and offspring, probably in both sexes, and for subjects of both Japanese and European ancestry. However, these blood polymorphisms contributed very little to total variation in test scores.
Cold flow properties for blends of biofuels with diesel and jet fuels

Abstract Twelve potential biofuel compounds were tested in mixtures with three diesel fuels and one jet fuel to determine the effects of different functional groups on low temperature properties. Functional groups evaluated include diesters, esters, ketones, and ethers; alkanes were used for comparison. The length of the hydrocarbon chains on either side of the oxygen-containing functional groups and branching were varied. Some test compounds are not anticipated to be commercial biofuels, but were compared to understand the effect of functional groups on cold flow behavior. Trends were observed relating to the compound class or oxygen-containing functional group present in the compound. Generally, alkanes, ethers, esters, and ketones with a low melting point temperature decreased the cloud point temperature of a fuel. Adding diesters resulted in low temperature liquid–liquid immiscibility. Multiple methods were used to confirm the presence of two liquid phases with diesters, including cold filter plugging point measurements. These general behaviors are independent of chain length and branching, as long as the melting point temperature of the compound is not significantly higher than the cloud point temperature of the fuel.
The Theory Forum Teaching Social Theory through Interactive Practice

Common concerns in required theory courses are student disengagement when encountering difficult texts and hesitation to engage in theorizing. To address these challenges, we have developed an interactive exercise, which we call the theory forum. Students work in groups to develop questions from the perspective(s) of one or more theorists, and over two class sessions, the groups ask and respond to these questions. Here we outline procedures for conducting the theory forum, assess students’ experience of the exercise, and consider its adaptability in a variety of contexts.
GaAlAs buried-heterostructure lasers grown by a two-step MOCVD process

The fabrication and characterisation of GaAlAs buried-heterostructure laser diodes having low threshold currents (10 mA), high uniformity and planar surface structure, and grown exclusively by metalorganic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) are described. Single-longitudinal and transverse-mode operation of these devices has been observed. In addition, considerable suppression of relaxation resonance effects has been observed in the high-frequency modulation of these devices.
Hold Back To Move Forward? Early Grade Retention And Student Misbehavior

AbstractTest-based accountability has become the new norm in public education over the last decade. In many states and school districts nationwide, student performance on standardized tests plays an important role in high-stakes decisions, such as grade retention. This study examines the effects of grade retention on student misbehavior in Florida, which requires students with reading skills below grade level to be retained in the third grade. The regression discontinuity estimates suggest that grade retention increases the likelihood of disciplinary incidents and suspensions in the short run, yet these effects dissipate over time. The findings also suggest that these short-term adverse effects are concentrated among economically disadvantaged and male students.
Setting a New Standard: The Person‐Centered Interviewing and Observation of Robert I. Levy

Robert I. Levy gave us a way of doing ethnographic and theoretical work that transcends his own exemplary studies of Tahiti and Nepal. I examine Levy's use of person-centered interviewing and observation to elicit and analyze psychocultural phenomena, and I suggest why this approach remains valuable to us today.
Adhesive enabling technology for directly plating copper onto glass/ceramic substrates

This study showcases that metal oxide adhesion promoters (MOAP) can function as strong adhesive layers between plated Cu and glass/ceramic. In this new approach a 10-200 nm thick metal oxide layer is deposited by a modified sol gel process followed by sintering. This enables reliable electroless and electrolytic metallization of glass or ceramic substrates. With the new approach, Cu can be plated on a variety of glass types. Substrate roughness appears to have only limited impact. The new approach also can be extended to ceramics such as Al 2 O 3 and BaTiO 3 . Cu film of over 50 μm thickness can be deposited without delamination. Adhesion of 15 μm thick Cu layers as measured by 90° peel strength tests can achieve well above 5 N/cm. The plated layer stands up well to solder reflow shock (260°C) and HAST without significant loss of adhesion. Good coverage of the MOAP layer and excellent copper adhesion inside the via holes of patterned substrates have been also demonstrated. There is no indication of blockages of holes with diameters >20 μm by the process.
Integration of high-gain and high-saturation-power active regions using quantum-well intermixing and offset-quantum-well regrowth

A novel structure and method for fabricating regions of high and low modal gain on the same chip are reported, which enable diode lasers with maximum efficiency to be monolithically integrated with multiple-section semiconductor optical amplifiers having both high gain and high saturation power. This method uses quantum-well intermixing and an offset-quantum-well regrowth to achieve regions with high and low optical confinement. Fabry-Perot broad-area lasers were used to characterise the material in both regions.
Precipitation of nitrate-cancrinite in Hanford Tank Sludge.

The chemistry of underground storage tanks containing high-level waste at the Hanford Site in Washington State is an area of continued research interest. Thermodynamic models have predicted the for...
Defining Higher Order Dimensions of Self-Reported Health Further Evidence for a Two-Dimensional Structure

We illustrate a method for understanding the extent to which a pool of fairly diverse health status questions can be examined for their dimensionality, by first fitting the data to a unidimensional measurement model, then examining item fit and residual factor analysis to determine the pattern of deviations from unidimensionality. We simultaneously administered five questionnaires to 1,714 people with cancer and HIV disease and combined all responses into one analysis. Item responses were cocalibrated onto one presumed underlying construct, often referred to as health-related quality of life (HRQOL). To identify significant, higher order substructures in the data, we then conducted a factor analysis of the data residuals, revealing two definable higher order dimensions: physical well-being and mental well-being. These results agree with other research and provide direction for further studies defining these dimensions within an item response theory (IRT) tradition.
Evaluation of 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol (TFM) residues following a lampricide treatment as a risk assessment to the endangered piping plover

Abstract To evaluate the risk to the federally endangered piping plover ( Charadrius melodus ) from exposure to 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol (TFM) during a sea lamprey control treatment we collected and analyzed a series of water, sediment, and aquatic invertebrate samples for the presence of TFM before, during, and after treatment of the Little Two Hearted River, Luce County, Michigan in July 2008. Results of the analyses in water showed the treatment resulted in a maximum concentration of 1.14 mg/L TFM. Residues of TFM in water were greatest 50 m east of the mouth (0.73 mg/L TFM) and had decreased below detection at most of the sampling sites one day after treatment. Residues of TFM in sediment were greatest 50 m east of the mouth (105 ng/g TFM) with lower levels observed west of the mouth (3-5 ng/g TFM) the day of the treatment. Residues decreased rapidly and were below detection in most of the samples the day after treatment. Residues of TFM in caged mayflies were greatest one day after treatment (3,193 ng/g wet weight), decreased substantially by 4 days after treatment (74 ng/g), but were still present 8 days after treatment (80 ng/g). Based on results from this study the overall TFM exposure to adult piping plovers (0.425 mg/kg) was 85 times less than the estimated No Observable Effects Concentration (NOEC) of 36 mg/kg and was 17 times less than the NOEC for plover chicks (2.13 mg/kg) indicating the risk from sea lamprey control operations would likely be minimal.
National Surveillance of Nosocomial Blood Stream Infection Due to Species of Candida Other than Candida albicans: Frequency of Occurrence and Antifungal Susceptibility in the SCOPE Program

Abstract A national surveillance program of nosocomial blood stream infections (BSI) in the USA between April 1995 and June 1996 revealed that Candida was the fourth leading cause of nosocomial BSI, accounting for 8% of all infections. Forty-eight percent of 379 episodes of candidemia were due to species other than Candida albicans . The rank order of non- C. albicans species was C. glabrata (20%) > C. tropicalis (11%) > C. parapsilosis (8%) > C. krusei (5%) > other Candida spp. (4%). The species distribution varied according to geographic region, with non- C. albicans species predominating in the Northeast (54%) and Southeast (53%) regions, and C. albicans predominating in the Northwest (60%) and Southwest (70%) regions. In vitro susceptibility studies demonstrated that 95% of non- C. albicans isolates were susceptible to 5-fluorocytosine, and 84% and 75% were susceptible to fluconazole and itraconazole, respectively. Geographic variation in susceptibility to itraconazole, but not other agents, was observed. Isolates from the Northwest and Southeast regions were more frequently resistant to itraconazole (29–30%) than those from the Northeast and Southwest regions (17–18%). Molecular epidemiologic studies revealed possible nosocomial transmission (five medical centers). Continued surveillance for the presence of non- C. albicans species among hospitalized patients is recommended.
Corporate Social Responsibility in the Supply Chain: An Application in the Food Industry

The food industry faces many significant risks from public criticism of corporate social responsibility (CSR) issues in the supply chain. This paper draws upon previous research and emerging industry trends to develop a comprehensive framework of supply chain CSR in the industry. The framework details unique CSR applications in the food supply chain including animal welfare, biotechnology, environment, fair trade, health and safety, and labor and human rights. General supply chain CSR issues such as community and procurement are also considered. Ultimately, the framework serves as a comprehensive tool to support food industry practitioners and researchers in the assessment of strategic and operational supply chain CSR practices.
Establishment of kura clover and red clover on surface mine spoil and soil

ABSTRACT Field trials were conducted to study edaphic and seed treatment effects on stand establishment of kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum Bieb.) compared with red clover (T. pratense L.) on surface mine spoil and undisturbed soil. Scarified kura clover seed were either left uncoated, coated with a commercial seed treatment, or coated and treated with a fungicide. Site effects on seedling stand density were small. Maximum red and kura clover stand densities near 60 and 30 plants m−1 of row, respectively, represented 53% and 33% of the germinable seed planted. In June following seeding, shoot mass of red clover was 13.6 and 4.1 times greater than that of kura clover on soil and mine spoil, respectively. Seed coating effects were small. One-yr-old kura clover plants from the soil site had greater root, crown and total plant mass plant−1 than red clover but the opposite was true on mine spoil. The consistency of reduced seedling densities for kura compared with red clover suggests that higher seeding rates m...
Mouse Models of Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is a debilitating complication of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Rodent models of DN do not fully replicate the pathology observed in human patients. We examined DN in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced [B6] and spontaneous type 1 diabetes [B6Ins2(Akita)] and spontaneous type 2 diabetes [B6-db/db, BKS-db/db]. Despite persistent hyperglycemia, the STZ-treated B6 and B6Ins2(Akita) mice were resistant to the development of DN. In contrast, DN developed in both type 2 diabetes models: the B6-db/db and BKS-db/db mice. The persistence of hyperglycemia and development of DN in the B6-db/db mice required an increased fat diet while the BKS-db/db mice developed severe DN and remained hyperglycemic on standard mouse chow. Our data support the hypothesis that genetic background and diet influence the development of DN and should be considered when developing new models of DN.
Intermediate-Term Effects of Intracardiac Communications Created Noninvasively by Therapeutic Ultrasound (Histotripsy) in a Porcine Model

The authors have demonstrated that histotripsy (pulsed cavitational ultrasound) can create atrial septal defects and ventricular septal defects (VSDs) in an open-chest canine model transcutaneously through the intact chest of neonatal pigs. To assess the potential untoward effects of these applications, the clinical, systemic, and pathologic effects of histotripsy-induced intracardiac communications were analyzed. Six neonatal pigs received noninvasive ultrasound therapy to their ventricular septa, then were allowed to survive 1 month for evaluation of intermediate-term effects. The results were compared with those of six previous animals killed immediately and three others killed 2–3 days after the procedure. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and an assessment of cardiac function were performed with long-term survivors, and pathologic specimens were obtained when the animals were killed. In all 15 animals, VSDs 2–6.5 mm wide were successfully created. No fatalities occurred, and all the animals thrived, achieving normal weight gain by the time they were killed. Brain MRI and lung pathology exhibited no evidence of thromboembolic events. No damage to intervening tissue was observed. Pathologic analysis showed demarcated damage to the ventricular septa. Flanking injury and hemorrhage observed acutely were resolved by 1 month, with tissue remodeling present. Transcutaneous histotripsy is a safe and effective technique for creating intracardiac communications noninvasively without intermediate-term untoward effects. With further refinement and development, histotripsy has the potential to become an effective tool for palliation of congenital heart disease.
Exploring the Connections Between Caring and Social Behaviors in Physical Education

Purpose: This study explored the relationship between the caring climate, empathy, prosocial behaviors, and antisocial behaviors, like bullying, in physical education, plus investigated whether empathy mediated the possible relationships between caring and social behaviors for boys and girls. Method: Middle school physical education students (N = 528) completed measures assessing a caring climate, empathy, social behaviors, and bullying. Results: A partial mediation model was supported, χ2(94) = 206.82, p < .001, comparative fit index = .97, Tucker-Lewis index = .96, root mean square error of approximation = .05, standardized root mean squared residual = .04, which was also invariant across sexes. A perceived caring climate positively predicted prosocial behavior and cognitive empathy and negatively predicted antisocial behavior, like bullying. Cognitive empathy mediated the relationship between caring and prosocial behavior. Conclusions: Collective findings suggest that creating a caring climate is one t...
Reaction of Metastable Ar*(3P2) and Kr*(3P2) Atoms with Water Vapor: Excitation Functions for Electronic Quenching Collisions†

In this paper, we examine the functional nature of the state-specific cross section for electronic quenching σ Q (E) in collisions of metastable noble gas atoms [Ar*( 3 P 2 ) and Kr*( 3 P 2 )] with ground-state water moleculesconfined to a scattering-gas cell. The relative kinetic energy range studied is E = 0.0463-0.772 eV for Ar*( 3 P 2 ) and 0.0432-0.692 eV for Kr*( 3 P 2 ). These beam-gas-luminescence experiments incorporate a novel state-specific monitor system employing Xe gas. Photon emission from a state-specific Xe state produced in quenching collisions with the respective metastable noble gas (Ng*) atoms is a direct measure of the total disappearance of the metastable state under scrutiny in the reaction with water vapor. We use the classical orbiting and absorbing sphere models with empirically derived parameters [London dispersion C d i s p , induction C i n d (spherically averaged or aligned dipole), and absorbing sphere radius r a s ] to predict energy-dependent cross sections for the total quenching reactions. The underlying premise of the models is that although the quenching process itself is envisioned to be a short-range two-electron exchange interaction, it is the long-range attractive forces between the respective collision partners that are critical in determining whether such short-range processes ultimately occur. Values of σ Q determined from the models are in very good agreement with our experiment. This work supersedes our previous study for Ar*( 3 P 2 , 0 ) [Novicki, S.; Krenos, J. J. Chem. Phys. 1988, 89, 7031].