cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Growth and longevity in freshwater mussels: evolutionary and conservation implications

The amount of energy allocated to growth versus other functions is a fundamental feature of an organism’s life history. Constraints on energy availability result in characteristic trade-offs among life-history traits and reflect strategies by which organisms adapt to their environments. Freshwater mussels are a diverse and imperiled component of aquatic ecosystems but little is known about their growth and longevity. Generalized depictions of freshwater mussels as ‘long-lived and slow-growing’ may give an unrealistically narrow view of life-history diversity which is incongruent with the taxonomic diversity of the group and can result in development of inappropriate conservation strategies. We investigated relationships among growth, longevity, and size in 57 species and 146 populations of freshwater mussels using original data and literature sources. In contrast to generalized depictions, longevity spanned nearly two orders of magnitude, ranging from 4 to 190 years, and the von Bertalanffy growth constant, K , spanned a similar range (0.02–1.01). Median longevity and K differed among phylogenetic groups but groups overlapped widely in these traits. Longevity, K , and size also varied among populations; in some cases, longevity and K differed between populations by a factor of two or more. Growth differed between sexes in some species and males typically reached larger sizes than females. In addition, a population of Quadrula asperata exhibited two distinctly different growth trajectories. Most individuals in this population had a low-to-moderate value of K (0.15) and intermediate longevity (27 years) but other individuals showed extremely slow growth (K = 0.05) and reached advanced ages (72 years). Overall, longevity was related negatively to the growth rate, K ,a ndK explained a high percentage of variation in longevity. By contrast, size and relative shell mass (g mm −1 shell length) explained little variation in longevity. These patterns remained when data were corrected for phylogenetic relationships among species. Path analysis supported the conclusion that K was the most important factor influencing longevity both directly and indirectly through its effect on shell mass. The great variability in age and growth among and within species shows that allocation to growth is highly plastic in freshwater mussels. The strong negative relationship between growth and longevity suggests this is an important trade-off describing widely divergent life-history strategies. Although life-history strategies may be constrained somewhat by phylogeny, plasticity in growth among populations indicates that growth characteristics cannot be generalized within a species and management and conservation efforts should be based on data specific to a population of interest.
Java without the coffee breaks: a nonintrusive multiprocessor garbage collector

The deployment of Java as a concurrent programming language has created a critical need for high-performance, concurrent, and incremental multiprocessor garbage collection. We present the Recycler, a fully concurrent pure reference counting garbage collector that we have implemented in the Jalapeno Java virtual machine running on shared memory multiprocessors.While a variety of multiprocessor collectors have been proposed and some have been implemented, experimental data is limited and there is little quantitative basis for comparison between different algorithms. We present measurements of the Recycler and compare it against a non-concurrent but parallel load-balancing mark-and-sweep collector (that we also implemented in Jalapeno), and evaluate the classical tradeoff between response time and throughput.When processor or memory resources are limited, the Recycler runs at about 90% of the speed of the mark-and-sweep collector. However, with an extra processor to run collection and with a moderate amount of memory headroom, the Recycler is able to operate without ever blocking the mutators and achieves a maximum measured mutator delay of only 2.6 milliseconds for our benchmarks. End-to-end execution time is usually within 5%.
A Least-Squares Framework for Component Analysis

Over the last century, Component Analysis (CA) methods such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA), Locality Preserving Projections (LPP), and Spectral Clustering (SC) have been extensively used as a feature extraction step for modeling, classification, visualization, and clustering. CA techniques are appealing because many can be formulated as eigen-problems, offering great potential for learning linear and nonlinear representations of data in closed-form. However, the eigen-formulation often conceals important analytic and computational drawbacks of CA techniques, such as solving generalized eigen-problems with rank deficient matrices (e.g., small sample size problem), lacking intuitive interpretation of normalization factors, and understanding commonalities and differences between CA methods. This paper proposes a unified least-squares framework to formulate many CA methods. We show how PCA, LDA, CCA, LPP, SC, and its kernel and regularized extensions correspond to a particular instance of least-squares weighted kernel reduced rank regression (LS--WKRRR). The LS-WKRRR formulation of CA methods has several benefits: 1) provides a clean connection between many CA techniques and an intuitive framework to understand normalization factors; 2) yields efficient numerical schemes to solve CA techniques; 3) overcomes the small sample size problem; 4) provides a framework to easily extend CA methods. We derive weighted generalizations of PCA, LDA, SC, and CCA, and several new CA techniques.
Coarse embeddability into Banach spaces

The main purposes of this paper are (1) To sur- vey the area of coarse embeddability of metric spaces into Banach spaces, and, in particular, coarse embeddability of different Banach spaces into each other; (2) To present new re- sults on the problems: (a) Whether coarse non-embeddability into l2 implies presence of expander-like structures? (b) To what extent l2 is the most difficult space to embed into?
Constructing complex NPC behavior via multi-objective neuroevolution

It is difficult to discover effective behavior for NPCs automatically. For instance, evolutionary methods can learn sophisticated behaviors based on a single objective, but realistic game playing requires different behaviors at different times. Such complex behavior is difficult to achieve. What is needed are multi-objective methods that reward different behaviors separately, and allow them to be combined to produce multi-modal behavior. While such methods exist, they have not yet been applied to generating multi-modal behavior for NPCs. This paper presents such an application: In a domain with noisy evaluations and contradictory fitness objectives, evolution based on a scalar fitness function is inferior to multi-objective optimization. The multi-objective approach produces agents that excel at the task and develop complex, interesting behaviors.
Interpretation of Artificial Neural Networks: Mapping Knowledge-Based Neural Networks into Rules

We propose and empirically evaluate a method for the extraction of expert-comprehensible rules from trained neural networks. Our method operates in the context of a three-step process for learning that uses rule-based domain knowledge in combination with neural networks. Empirical tests using real-worlds problems from molecular biology show that the rules our method extracts from trained neural networks: closely reproduce the accuracy of the network from which they came, are superior to the rules derived by a learning system that directly refines symbolic rules, and are expert-comprehensible.
Humor Recognition and Humor Anchor Extraction

Humor is an essential component in personal communication. How to create computational models to discover the structures behind humor, recognize humor and even extract humor anchors remains a challenge. In this work, we first identify several semantic structures behind humor and design sets of features for each structure, and next employ a computational approach to recognize humor. Furthermore, we develop a simple and effective method to extract anchors that enable humor in a sentence. Experiments conducted on two datasets demonstrate that our humor recognizer is effective in automatically distinguishing between humorous and non-humorous texts and our extracted humor anchors correlate quite well with human annotations.
The Association Between Characteristics of Care Environments and Apathy in Residents With Dementia in Long-term Care Facilities

PURPOSE Apathy is highly prevalent in dementia but often overlooked. Environment-based interventions have demonstrated positive impact on apathy, yet, influential environmental components are largely understudied. This study examined the relationship between care environments and apathy in long-term care residents with dementia. DESIGN AND METHODS This study was exploratory and employed a descriptive and repeated observation design. A sample of 40 was selected from a parent study with 185 participants from 28 facilities. Three videos from each participant were coded to measure apathy and environmental stimulation. Data on ambiance, crowding, staff familiarity, light, and sounds were extracted from the parent study. Generalized linear mixed models were used for analysis. RESULTS The clarity and strength of environmental stimulation were significantly associated with a lower apathy level. An increase of 1 point on stimulation clarity and strength corresponded to a decrease of 1.3 and 1.9 points on apathy score, respectively (p < .0001). Other environmental factors did not show significant effect on apathy. IMPLICATIONS This study explored influential environmental features on apathy in dementia. Findings suggest that care environments that contain clear and sufficient environmental stimulation are significantly associated with lower resident apathy levels. Findings will guide environmental design and interventions for dementia care.
The Static and Dynamic Structure Factor of a Diblock Copolymer Melt via Small-Angle X-ray Scattering and X-ray Photon Correlation Spectroscopy

We present a detailed X-ray scattering study of the static and dynamic behavior of a styrene–isoprene diblock copolymer melt with a styrene volume fraction of 0.3468. At 115 and 120 °C, we observe splitting of the principal Bragg peak, which we attribute to phase coexistence of hexagonal cylindrical and cubic double-gyroid structure. In the disordered phase, above 130 °C, we have characterized the dynamics of composition fluctuations via X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy. Near the peak of the static structure factor, these fluctuations show stretched-exponential relaxations, characterized by a stretching exponent of about 0.36 for a range of temperatures immediately above the MST. The corresponding characteristic relaxation times vary exponentially with temperature, changing by a factor of 2 for each 2 °C change in temperature. At low wavevectors, the measured relaxations are diffusive with relaxation times that change by a factor of 2 for each 8 °C change in temperature.
Model of the Semiconductor-To-Semimetal Transition Modulation at Teraherz Frequencies

We present experimental data which show that large amplitude coherent lattice vibrations can be impulsively excited using short optical pulses of light. Furthermore, using a quasi-equilibrium model, we show how the these coherent lattice vibrations suggest a ~ 7 THz modulation of the semiconductor-to-metal transition in Ti2O3.
In-Situ TEM Deformation Studies of Dislocation Generation and Motion in High-Purity Mo Single Crystals

The generation and motion of dislocations in high-purity single crystals of Mo have been observed in real time by deforming electron-transparent samples in-situ in a transmission electron microscope. At 300 K and at low levels of stress, a novel dislocation source was observed that generated a long, straight screw dislocation. The source was a dislocation tangle that existed in the annealed material. An edge dislocation emerged from the tangle, trailing behind it the screw dislocation. These screw dislocations were immobile at this stress level. At higher stresses, the same dislocation tangle generated many dislocations, but now by a pole mechanism. The nature of these tangles and the source operation mechanisms will be described.
Actions of 2,6-diaminopurine in mice, rats, and dogs.

SummaryThe administration of large doses of 2,6-diaminopurine in mice and rats can result in death within a few hours. In dogs, large doses caused protracted vomiting, hemorrhagic diarrhea, dehydration and death within 48 hours. Doses permitting survival of rats and dogs for 24 hours or longer produced depletion of bone marrow and damage to epithelium of colon and ileum. The course of intoxication and changes in bone marrow permit a differentiation between the actions of 2,6-diammopurine and a folic acid-antagonist like 4-aminopteroylglutamic acid.
Diversity Integration in Hybrid-ARQ With Chase Combining Under Partial CSI

We consider a receiver design for a Hybrid Automatic-Repeat-reQuest (HARQ) system protected by polar codes against transmission errors. This integrated detection–decoding receiver targets a packet link for which channel state information during HARQ retransmission is unavailable at the receiver. Under such channel uncertainties, we propose a second-order cone programming (SOCP) approach for diversity combining without resorting to decision-directed channel estimation prone to error propagation. We formulate an integrated SOCP receiver by jointly exploiting the constraints from diversity channel models, subspace separation, and forward error correction codes. Unlike traditional turbo receiver algorithms that require iterative exchange of soft information between detector and decoder, our proposed SOCP receiver solves as a single-integrated convex optimization problem. This formulation is also versatile and extendable to a plurality of practical scenarios. We further investigate the means for enhancing the receiver performance and the HARQ throughput. Numerical results demonstrate the substantial performance benefits of the proposed joint SOCP receiver.
Periodic diseases in children.

Except for sharing a repetitive pattern and some of the same symptoms, the periodic diseases for the most part remain an enigma. Symptoms often occur without warning and are baffling to diagnose and difficult to manage. A number of these diseases are inherited, and even the periodic syndrome of vomiting, gastric pain, fever, headache, and limb pain may be “familial,” reflecting a family pattern of reaction to stress.
Monitoring Oxygen Dynamics During Pressure Induced Ischemia on Cancer Xenograft Models

We recently developed a multi-modal test platform for real time, non-invasive monitoring of tumor tissue structural and oxygen dynamic changes during pressure-induced ischemia. The system integrated a clinical ultrasound, a mechanical load frame, and a near infrared tissue oximeter. The system was tested on an athymic NU/NU mouse model with xenograft pancreatic cancer implanted on the back. The preliminary results demonstrated characteristic differences between the premortem tumor and the postmortem tumor in terms of physical and physiological responses to compression stimuli. These differences suggested that it might be possible to characterize suspicious tumors based on their oxygen dynamic responses to pressure-induced ischemia.
SP0164 Barriers and facilitators to adherence to medication in patients with inflammatory arthritis

Background Inflammatory arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, joint damage and even disability without proper and early guided treatment. The full benefits of several treatments recommended, can be achieved if patients strictly follow drug regimens. However, rates of adherence to prescribed medications in patients with inflammatory arthritis seem to be suboptimal. Objectives To identify the barriers and facilitators for adherence to medication on patient9s perspective and to suggest ways to facilitate the patients with chronic conditions as the inflammatory arthritis are, to understand the value of compliance to treatment. Methods The problem of poor patient compliance was detected about 2,000 years ago when Hippocrates taught his students to pay particular attention to the analysis of the causes that led their patients to lie regarding compliance with medical instructions given to them. The adherence to medication of patients suffering from chronic diseases reaches only 50% (WHO-2003) while the rate of compliance to prescribed medicines for patients with rheumatoid arthritis tend to be quite low and range from 30–80%. Fear and insecurity about the side effects of the medicines, the doubt of efficacy of medications, the refusal to accept the IA diagnosis and the long term treatments, the desire to stop treatment to be free of the ongoing dependency on medication, the lack of competence by some physicians to involve the patient in the treatment procedure and the large amount of patients co-payment are the most significant barriers to patients adherence. A survey conducted among patients of the Arthritis Foundation of Crete aiming to assess the degree of their adherence to MTX showed that 1 in 4 patients reported missing at least one dose of MTX on their own initiative during the last 6 months without referring to their doctor and the main reason was due to side-effects. Experiencing beneficial effects of the medications and being able to maintain autonomy and social participation, receiving clear and understandable information about the treatment options, having support from family and friends, having a good relationship with the treating physician and being involved in shared decision making process are the keys for leading the patients to better adherence. Conclusion A good patient-health professional relationship, knowledge about treatment options and appropriate amount of information provided by HCPs as well as the patients9 acceptance of their health condition and understanding of the necessity of long term therapy appear to improve adherence to medication for patients with inflammatory arthritis. Disclosure of Interest None declared
Effects of Injection Molding and Storage Conditions on Polypropylene Copolymer

This work focused on studying the effects of injection molding parameters (cooling time and melt temperature) and storage conditions (annealing versus cooling) on the thermal, mechanical, and optical properties of an ethylene-propylene copolymer made with and without nucleating agents. Preform properties (optical, crystallinity) affect the consistency of the preforms’ reheating via infrared lamps before stretch blow molding. The analysis of detailed preform properties as a result of both injection molding processing and postmolding treatment or preform storage conditions was lacking to correlate with the blow molding performance. This study confirmed that postmolding aging is a significant factor that affects material properties and therefore suggested subsequent blow molding. It also suggested that shorter injection molding cooling time helps to minimize the effects of aging and storage conditions. As expected, with the inclusion of the nucleating agent, clarity, yield strength, and density of the material improved.
Man, Food, and Environmental Interrelationships

Pressure on world food supplies is leading to the emergence of a global politics of food scarcity. The resulting high food prices and shortages are an inconvenience for affluent societies and individuals, but they place poor nations and the poor within them in a dangerous predicament. When global food reserves are low, the ability of the international community to provide relief and respond to emergencies such as droughts or crop failures is greatly diminished. The longterm trend is disturbing; global demand for foodstuffs is outrunning the productive capacity of the world’s farmers and fishermen.
A new simulator and ide for teaching CS220: computer architecture

In this paper we present a new computer architecture that we used for teaching CS220, Computer Architecture. We have written an integrated design tool consisting of customizable assembler, integrated editor, and customizable execution engine (ID3E). Preliminary versions of the system were used in several courses. We describe the education experience in this paper. The architecture is simple but extensible, including orthogonal instructions and addressing modes, but the key innovation is that the instruction set is partitioned into groups, which can be enabled progressively by the instructor to support the pedagogical objectives of the course. The system will enforce the active groups at the assembler level as well as at the execution level. The paper concludes with observations compiled from use of the simulated architecture in actual courses.
Accreditation Standards: Bariatric Surgery and Beyond

The dictionary defines the word “accreditation” as the process in which certification of competency, authority, or credibility is presented. Authoritative bodies concern themselves with the accreditation of processes or programs. Since the SAGES manual is concerned with the areas of patient safety, outcomes, and quality, the focus of this chapter will be to review the relevant history and experience of the accreditation process of surgical programs in this country to date, as a basis for understanding the accreditation process as it currently exists and as it interfaces with patient safety and outcomes.
Significant Alphas in Real Estate Funds: An Empirical Comparison of Alternative Estimators

Executive Summary Real estate returns recurrently show heteroscedasticity. Using Jensen's alpha as a measure of risk-adjusted returns, we compare test statistic sensitivity to alternative estimates of the standard errors. Utilizing several robust estimators, we find the wild bootstrap consistently provides the most conservative result in real estate mutual funds and REITs. Surprisingly, the Newey-West standard error increases the percentage of REITs exhibiting significant alphas. Sensitivity to specification error in the model is examined. Explanatory variables failed to systematically attenuate significant alphas. When using the wild boot-strapped HC3 standard errors, significant alphas in REITs are no greater than random chance. Our results suggest appropriate adjustment for heteroscedasticity in real estate returns would minimize the potential for erroneous interpretation.
Hydrogel particles sequester and preserve low molecular weight, low abundance cancer biomarkers in blood

2434 There is an urgent need to discover novel biomarkers that provide sensitive and specific cancer detection. One of the major problems associated with biomarker discovery has been degradation of biomarkers. Degradation can occur immediately following the collection of blood or body fluid as a result of endogenous or exogenous proteinases and can greatly bias subsequent analysis. The goal of this study was to incorporate a bait in “smart” nano-particles in order to sequester and concentrate selected classes of proteins and peptides from complex mixtures of biomolecules such as serum, and protect them from degradation during subsequent sample handling. N-isopropylacrylamide/acrylic acid (NIPAm/AAc) particles were synthesized by precipitation polymerization and characterized by means of light scattering and atomic force microscopy. The AAc component acted as bait for cationic proteins. Two different technologies were used to detect the particles’ ability to isolate low molecular weight, low abundance polypeptides, namely SDS PAGE and flow cytometry. Bait particles incubated with a solution containing platelet derived growth factor (PDGF, 14,000 Da) and bovine serum albumin (BSA, 66,000 Da) completely sequestered PDGF and totally excluded BSA, with PDGF being a representative model for low abundance low molecular weight protein biomarker in blood. By using a solution of protein molecular weight markers, the molecular weight cut off (MWCO) of the proteins sequestered by the particles was found to be around 20,000 Da, which is significant since the vast majority of possible biomarkers are thought to reside in the MW range from 0 to 20,000 Da. Flow cytometry studies demonstrated that particles captured low molecular weight protein (i.e. FITC labeled insulin) spiked in human serum. Uptake was very rapid since it occurred in less than five minutes, as was quantified by reverse phase protein arrays. Particles were incubated with human serum, and the captured proteins were electroeluted from particles. Analysis of the electroeluted proteins with mass spectrometry indicated that the particles had sequestered rare and small-sized serum proteins and peptide fragments with total exclusion of albumin and other large and high abundant proteins. By means of two different proteases (trypsin and chymotrypsin) with different incubation times (1 hour, 3 hours and overnight) it was demonstrate that NIPAm/AAc particle completely blocked protease degradation of captured proteins even at 37 oC. Taken together, these results provide evidence that such particles are a very promising tool that could help the discovery of novel biomarkers for early stage diseases such as cancer.
Product Liability Developments and the Nonmanufacturing Franchisor or Trademark Licensor

Franchisors, like other members of the distribution channel, are now increasingly exposed to product liability litigation. With the advent of strict liability for faulty products and the extension ...
Neurotrauma From Border Wall Jumping: 6 Years at the Mexican-American Border Wall.

BACKGROUND The border between the United States (US) and Mexico is an international boundary spanning 3000 km, where unauthorized crossings occur regularly. We examine patterns of neurotrauma, health care utilization, and financial costs at our level 1 trauma center incurred by patients from wall-jumping into the US. OBJECTIVE To determine the clinical and socioeconomic consequences from neurotrauma as a result of jumping over the US-Mexico border wall. METHODS Medical records of patients at (Banner University of Arizona Medical Center - Tucson) were retrospectively reviewed from January 2012 through December 2017. Demographics, clinical status, radiographic findings, treatment, length of stay, and financial data were analyzed for all patients suffering neurotrauma during that time. RESULTS Over 6 yr, 64 patients sustained cranial or spinal injuries directly from jumping or falling onto US soil from the border wall. Fifty (78%) suffered spinal injuries, 15 (23%) experienced cranial injury, and 1 patient had both. Total medical charges were available in 36 patients and summed $3.6 M, of which 22% was reimbursed, an amount significantly lower than expected from more conventional trauma. Neurotrauma steadily declined over the 6-yr observation period, dropping in 2017 to 6% of rates observed in 2012. CONCLUSION In the Southern US, neurotrauma from unauthorized border crossings occurs commonly as a result of wall-jumping. These injuries represent a clinical and costly extreme of border-related trauma, and future efforts from both sides of the border wall are needed to decrease the detrimental impacts felt both by immigrants and surrounding health care systems.
The Role of Relational Goals in Explicating Dyadic Emotional Communication Processes in Dispute Resolution: A Cross-Cultural Investigation:

This study tested theoretical models that explicate the influence of anger on disputants’ communication tactics and relational outcomes across two cultures. Participants were undergraduate students...
Are Biological Consequences of Childhood Exposures Detectable in Telomere Length Decades Later

Negative early-life exposures have been linked to a host of poor adult health outcomes, but are such early exposures associated with cellular senescence decades later? This study uses data from the Health and Retirement Study to examine the association between six childhood exposure domains (eg, socioeconomic disadvantage, risky parental behavior) and a biomarker of aging, telomere length, among 4,935 respondents. Telomere length is obtained from DNA of cells found in saliva and is measured as the telomere repeat copy number to single gene copy number ratio (T/S). Men who as children were exposed to risky parental behaviors or who reported risky adolescent behaviors have shorter telomeres (b = -0.031, p = .052; b = -0.041, p = .045, respectively); however, these relationships are attenuated after adjusting for adult risks and resources. Among women, parental substance abuse is associated with shorter telomeres even after adjusting for adult risks and resources (b = -0.041, p = .005). In addition, men and women whose mother lived at least until the age of 85 have longer telomeres than those without a long-lived mother (b = 0.021, p = .045; b = 0.032, p = .005, respectively). Taken together, the ways in which early-life exposures are associated with adult telomeres vary for men and women.
Soft Actuators using Liquid Crystal Elastomers with Encapsulated Liquid Metal Joule Heaters

We present a soft actuator composed of fluidic channels of liquid metal (LM) alloy embedded in a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE). The LM channels function as stretchable Joule heating elements that deliver heat to the LCE to induce a shape memory phase transitions. Because the heater is fluidic, it can deform with the surrounding LCE as the actuator extends and contracts during actuation. In addition to contractile actuation, the LCE can be programmed to perform in-plane or out-of-plane flexural actuation, which exhibit deformations predictable using a simple finite element analysis model. By combining a liquid metal heater with a shape memory polymer, we achieve a soft actuator that does not require an external heat source and can instead be directly activated with electrical current. Finally, we show that the liquid metal channels can also function as a sensor during the actuation cycle, allowing for closed-loop control of the soft actuator
Chapter 21 – Synthesis and Partial Characterization of Biodiesel via Base Catalyzed Transesterification

On a small scale, students make biodiesel essentially as it is produced industrially. Transesterification of a triglyceride (soybean oil) to yield a fatty acid methyl ester (biodiesel) via a base catalyzed route provides a simple and effective hands-on demonstration of the synthesis and partial characterization of an alternative fuel for students ranging from high school to college seniors. The addition of more detailed characterization methods makes the experiment suitable for college-level chemistry majors.
(RE)WRITING YOUTH: BASIC WRITING, YOUTH CULTURE, AND SOCIAL CHANGE

As an extension of Henry Giroux s critique of mainstream media and popular cultures depictions of young people, this article examines the ways in which students in basic writing respond to rhetorical constructions of their generation. It argues that compositionists ' efforts to intervene and mediate society s conceptions of youth are complicated by students' si­ multaneous acceptance and rejection of these representations and also explores the subsequent implications for students' and teachers 'responsibility and complicity in society s "demonization" of young people. Claiming that students in basic writing are uniquely situated to write across and against society s definitions of them, the author suggests approaches to critical basic writing pedagogy that bring youth culture into its critique, paying particular attention to public writing. In "Public Pedagogy and the Responsibility of Intellectuals: Youth, Littleton, and the Loss of Innocence," Henry Giroux calls on critical compositionists to factor the category of youth into broader discus­ sions on power, politics, and change. In response to what he describes as the" demonization" (35) of youth in the post-Littleton (Columbine High School shootings) climate, Giroux argues that we must consider "the question of how young people experience, resist, challenge, and mediate the complex cultural politics and social spaces that mark their everyday lives" (10). The" crisis of youth must be central to any notion of literacy, pedagogy, and cultural politics," he argues, because youth have become the "victims of adult mistreatment, greed, neglect, and domination" (10). As an extension of Giroux' s critique of mainstream media and popular cultural depictions of young people, this article examines the impact of students' own constructions of youth and youth culture, Specifically, I focus on my students in basic writing, their investment in and response to rhetorical constructions of their generation (as they define themselves in relation to news media as well as contemporary music, television, and film). 1 Using student essays and classroom tran-
Decreasing Admission for Children At Low-Risk Of Biphasic Reaction Presenting To A Pediatric Emergency Department With Anaphylaxis

Background: Anaphylaxis is common in the pediatric emergency department (PED). In patients treated with intramuscular epinephrine, the observation period following administration is not standardized, benefits of prolonged observation are unclear, and hospitalization rates vary. Concern for biphasic reaction (symptom recurrence within 72-hours) frequently contributes to admission. In children at low-risk of biphasic reaction, recent literature supports PED discharge after four hours of observation. Our 2006 PED guideline recommended 12-24 hours of observation for patients presenting with anaphylaxis and >49% of children at low-risk of biphasic reaction were admitted. The goal of this quality …
Validation of cobas 4800 HPV assay in SurePath Papanicolaou specimens for cervical cancer screening.

Introduction The cobas (Roche Diagnostics, Indianapolis, IN) HPV assay was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing in SurePath (Becton Dickinson, Franklin Lakes, NJ) Papanicolaou specimens for cervical cancer prevention. To validate the cobas HPV assay in SurePath specimens in our institution, we compared its accuracy and clinical efficacy to that of the Cervista (Hologic, Marlborough, MA) HPV HR assay. Methods This study used 138 Papanicolaou (Pap) cytology specimens collected in SurePath preservative fluid at our institution in 2018. After Pap cytology testing, the residual specimens were split for testing with the cobas and Cervista assays. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based HPV testing (GP5+/GP6+) was performed on specimens with discrepant results. Clinical follow-up data were reviewed. Results The cobas HPV and Cervista HPV HR assays showed good concordance (89.1%), with a kappa value of 0.78 (95% CI: 0.675-0.885). Fifteen specimens showed discrepant results between the 2 assays. Of 7 cases with cobas+/Cervista− results, 5 (71%) were confirmed positive by PCR. Of 8 cases with cobas−/Cervista+ results, 4 (50%) were confirmed positive by PCR. cobas HPV and Cervista HPV HR showed the same HPV-positive rate in cases of pathologically diagnosed ASC-H, LSIL, or HSIL. The sensitivities and specificities for detecting high-risk HPV of cobas HPV (93.7%, 97.3%) and Cervista HPV HR (92.1%, 94.7%) were comparable. The cobas HPV assay had false-negative results in 4 cases (5.2%) including 1 false-negative case that failed to predict CIN3. Conclusions The cobas HPV assay is valid in SurePath Pap cytology specimens for cervical cancer screening but has limitations of false-negative results with clinical implications.
Facilitating critical consciousness and advocacy through a textbook case study

Unaffordable textbooks highlight neoliberal regimes in higher education, whereby privatization and profit undermine student success. The cost of textbooks has risen more than 1,000% since 1977 (Pop...
Stable and selective catalysts for propane dehydrogenation operating at thermodynamic limit

Intentional ("on-purpose") propylene production through nonoxidative propane dehydrogenation (PDH) holds great promise for meeting the increasing global demand for propylene. For stable performance, traditional alumina-supported platinum-based catalysts require excess tin and feed dilution with hydrogen; however, this reduces per-pass propylene conversion and thus lowers catalyst productivity. We report that silica-supported platinum-tin (Pt1Sn1) nanoparticles ( 99%). Atomic mixing of Pt and Sn in the precursor is preserved upon reduction and during catalytic operation. The benign interaction of these nanoparticles with the silicon dioxide support does not lead to Pt-Sn segregation and formation of a tin oxide phase that can occur over traditional catalyst supports.
Ultrafast optical-field-induced photoelectron emission in a vacuum nanoscale gap: An exact analytical formulation

By exactly solving the one-dimensional time-dependent Schrodinger equation, we construct an analytical solution for nonlinear photoelectron emission in a nanoscale metal–vacuum–metal junction driven by a single-frequency laser field, where the impact of image and space charges is neglected. Based on the analytical formulation, we examine the photoelectron energy spectra and emission current under various laser fields and vacuum gap distances. Our calculation shows the transition from direct tunneling to multiphoton induced electron emission as gap distance increases. In the multiphoton regime, the photoemission current density oscillatorily varies with the gap distance, due to the interference of electron waves inside the gap. Our model reveals the energy redistribution of photoelectrons across the two interfaces between the gap and the metals. Additionally, we find that decreasing the gap distance (before entering the direct tunneling regime) tends to extend the multiphoton regime to higher laser intensity. This work provides clear insights into the underlying photoemission mechanisms and spatiotemporal electron dynamics of ultrafast electron transport in nanogaps and may guide the future design of advanced ultrafast nanodevices, such as photoelectron emitters, photodetectors, and quantum plasmonic nanoantennas.
Analyzing Grammar: An Introduction

1. Grammatical form 2. Analyzing word structure 3. Constituent structure 4. Semantic roles and grammatical relations 5. Lexical entries and well-formed clauses 6. Noun phrases 7. Case and agreement 8. Noun classes and pronouns 9. Tense, aspect and modality 10. N on-verbal predicates 11. Special sentences types 12. Subordinate clauses 13. Derivational morphology 14. Valence-changing morphology 15. Allomorphy 16. Non-linear morphology 17. Clitics.
Identification of Linoleic Acid Metabolism as a Component of the Epidermal Growth Factor Signal Transduction Pathway in BALB/c 3T3 Fibroblasts

Polypeptide mitogens like epidermal growth factor (EGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) stimulate quiescent cell cultures to initiate DNA synthesis and cell division. The mitogenic signal is activated via binding of the growth factor to specific high affinity cell surface receptors and elicits a variety of biochemical changes in the cell including activation of arachidonic acid metabolism (1–7).
Enhanced Deoxyribonucleic Acid Polymerase Activity in Human Embryonic Kidney Cultures Infected with Adenovirus 2 or 12

Abstract Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) polymerase activity was induced at approximately 18 to 20 hr after infection of secondary cultures of human embryonic kidney cells with adenovirus type 2 or type 12, and, at 30 to 50 hr after infection, the activity of this enzyme increased two- to threefold. The activity of thymidine kinase was also induced, but the activity of deoxycytidylic deaminase was not. The DNA content per cell at 71 hr after infection was 1.6-fold greater in adenovirus 2-infected cultures, and approximately 2.4-fold greater in adenovirus 12-infected cultures, than in the noninfected cultures. Several properties of DNA polymerase were studied. The enzymes in normal and adenovirus 2- or 12-infected cell extracts were saturated by approximately the same concentration of heat-denatured salmon sperm DNA primer (160 μg/ml); the enzyme activities had a similar broad pH optimum between 7.5 and 9. Extracts prepared from cells infected by either adenovirus did not activate DNA polymerase from noninfected cells, nor did the noninfected cell extracts inhibit enzyme activity of infected cell extracts. DNA polymerase in both normal and adenovirus 2- or 12-infected cells was located predominantly in the nucleus. In each case, the cytoplasm had only 30% of the enzyme activity of the nucleus. At 40 hr after infection with adenovirus 2 or 12, the activities of the enzyme in the nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions increased two- to threefold. Puromycin, an inhibitor of protein synthesis, prevented DNA polymerase induction when added to cultures during the 18- to 30-hr postinfection period, and it arrested the additional increase in enzyme activity when added after enzyme induction began. However, the increases in both DNA polymerase and thymidine kinase activities took place after treatment of infected cultures with 1-β-d-arabinofuranosylcytosine, an inhibitor of DNA synthesis and adenovirus growth.
Integrating reaction plans and layered competences through synchronous control

This paper describes an agent architecture and its implementation for situated robot control in field environments. The architecture draws from the ideas of universal plans and subsumption's layered control, producing reaction plans that exploit low-level competences as operators. The architecture has been implemented in an extended version of the GAPPS/Rex situated automata programming language. This language produces synchronous virtual circuits which have been shown to have formal epistemic properties. The resulting architecture exhibits robust task execution, has high-level goal representations, and maintains consistent semantics between agent states and the environment. Ongoing experiments using the architecture with two land mobile robots and one undersea mobile robot are described. The robots perform their tasks robustly during normal changes in the task environments.
Implementing a Continuous Renal Replacement Therapies Program

Initiating and maintaining a continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) program presented more challenges than first anticipated; however, problems remained within the health care team's ability to solve. Here a multidisciplinary group reflects on what was done, should have been done, and remains to be done to offer effective CRRT at this university medical center. All participating members have come to realize that communication and collaboration are necessary to accomplish implementation of a complex program such as CRRT. This is a US government work. There are no restrictions on its use.
Design and Characterization of Fibrin-Based Acoustically Responsive Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering Applications

Hydrogel scaffolds are used in tissue engineering as a delivery vehicle for regenerative growth factors. Spatiotemporal patterns of growth factor signaling are critical for tissue regeneration, yet most scaffolds afford limited control of growth factor release, especially after implantation. We previously found that acoustic droplet vaporization can control growth factor release from a fibrin scaffold doped with a perfluorocarbon emulsion. This study investigates properties of the acoustically responsive scaffold (ARS) critical for further translation. At 2.5 MHz, acoustic droplet vaporization and inertial cavitation thresholds ranged from 1.5 to 3.0 MPa and from 2.0 to 7.0 MPa peak rarefactional pressure, respectively, for ARSs of varying composition. Viability of C3H/10T1/2 cells, encapsulated in the ARS, did not decrease significantly for pressures below 4 MPa. ARSs with perfluorohexane emulsions displayed higher stability versus those with perfluoropentane emulsions, while surrogate payload release was minimal without ultrasound. These results enable the selection of ARS compositions and acoustic parameters needed for optimized spatiotemporally controlled release.
Stability of tallgrass prairie during a 19-year increase in growing season precipitation

Summary 1. Precipitation is considered to be a key driver of ecosystem processes in mesic grasslands, and climate models predict changes in the amount and intensity of precipitation under future global change scenarios. Although most experimental rainfall studies decrease precipitation, seasonal rainfall is predicted to increase in the northern Great Plains under climate change. 2. We analysed changes in community composition and structure of upland and lowland native tallgrass prairie in central Kansas, USA, subjected to 19 years of irrigation designed to eliminate moisture stress throughout the growing season. 3. Irrigation had limited effects on species richness in both upland and lowland prairie. Total cover increased significantly and consistently with irrigation in drier uplands and in more mesic lowlands. Abundance of rhizomatous, tall, perennial species as well as C3 forbs increased with irrigation. 4. The strongest response to irrigation came within the dominant functional type, C4 perennial grasses. Panicum virgatum became the dominant species in irrigated lowlands, whereas Andropogon gerardii remained the dominant species in irrigated uplands and in control plots. Overall, irrigation had less effect on community composition and structure than other known drivers of grassland structure and function. 5. In comparison with other studies, our results demonstrate that water addition has less of an impact than fire, grazing or nitrogen addition on composition and dynamics in this mesic grassland. The strongest response to long-term irrigation occurred within the dominant functional type: tall, perennial, rhizomatous, C4 grasses. Thus, functional redundancy will buffer this ecosystem from potential increases in rainfall due to climate change. Finally, our results highlight the limited utility of qualitative functional traits to predict how this mesic grassland will respond to climate change.
After the wall: touring the European border space in post-1989 French-language cinema

This article examines French-language films produced after, and sometimes inspired by, the fall of the Berlin Wall and of communism in Eastern Europe. Commentators such as Alain Badiou have argued that that post-Wall ‘borderless’ Europe has failed to live up to its promise and cinema has taken a leading role in mapping what ‘Fortress Europe’ looks like from those literally or figuratively on the outside. I propose in this essay a different angle of vision, one that takes into account cinematic representations of what I label ‘touring’, an activity related to the often-maligned practice of tourism. Tourism, however, is changing and is often seen under a new light, particularly in Europe, where it is believed to have a crucial role in the construction of European citizenship. Low-cost air travel made possible by deregulation of the airline industry has made borderless travel within Europe increasingly affordable and common. The touring on display in eight cinematic case studies addressed here combines touri...