cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Out of the tropics: a phylogeographic history of the long-tailed weasel, Mustela frenata

The long-tailed weasel (Mustela frenata) has the largest distribution of any mustelid in the Western Hemisphere, yet little is known of its genetic history. As a result of its broad distribution, the species provides an excellent model for identifying potential barriers influencing general phylogeographic patterns shared across multiple taxa. Here we used mitochondrial DNA with phylogenetic, phylogeographic, and molecular dating techniques to investigate molecular and geographical structure, as well as demographic history of M. frenata. Samples encompass 38 of the 42 recognized subspecies ranging from southern Canada to Bolivia. Our results suggest that long-tailed weasels are divided into distinct genetic clades, with eastern and western groups present in North America, 2 distinct lineages in Mexico and Central America separated by the trans-Mexican volcanic belt, and 1 clade in South America. Unlike other Mustela in North America, long-tailed weasels appear to have originated in the tropical areas of Mexico and Central America prior to dispersing 1st to the south before also expanding north in the Pleistocene.
Benzaldehyde formation from aspartame in the presence of ascorbic acid and transition metal catalyst

Benzaldehyde was produced from aspartame in aqueous acidic solutions containing ascorbic acid and Cu(II) or Fe(III) ion. Benzaldehyde was identified in the system by GC-MS. The yield of benzaldehyde decreases dramatically as the pH of the medium increases above 2.0. EDTA and DTPA completely inhibited benzaldehyde production, while desferrioxamine inhibited only the Fe(III)-catalyzed reaction. Benzaldehyde is not produced under anaerobic conditions unless H2O2 is added to reaction mixtures. H2O2 is produced by reduction of atmospheric oxygen under aerobic conditions. Benzaldehyde production was dependent on ascorbic acid concentration, but the yield of benzaldehyde decreased as the concentration of ascorbic acid exceeded that of aspartame. Addition of ethanol to the reaction mixture had little or no effect on benzaldehyde production, suggesting a mechanism that may not involve free hydroxyl radical. A mechanism is proposed for the reaction.
Paleomagnetism and K-Ar Age of Mafic Dikes from the Wind River Range, Wyoming

Potassium-argon ages have been determined on fresh pyroxenes from three of five dikes in the Louis Lake quadrangle of the Wind River Range, Wyoming. They indicate a minimum apparent age of intrusion at 1880 m.y. This is older than published whole-rock ages from the same dikes, but is consistent with whole-rock ages of up to 2060 m.y. from other dikes in this area. The within-dike dispersion of the directions of natural remanent magnetization decreases during alternating field demagnetization up to 1400 oe. Thermal demagnetization, however, is not effective in removing secondary magnetizations. After structural correction according to overlying Cambrian sediments, an over-all mean paleomagnetic pole from four dikes is obtained at 121° W., 43° N., which is in agreement with poles from Canadian Shield rocks of similar age. There is evidence in two of the dikes for a remagnetization episode, and the equivalent pole positions suggest that this may have occurred at the time of deposition of the Cambrian Flathead Sandstone. Alteration has greatly influenced the magnetic and isotopic properties of the dikes.
Insights and inferences about integron evolution from genomic data

Integrons are mechanisms that facilitate horizontal gene transfer, allowing bacteria to integrate and express foreign DNA. These are important in the exchange of antibiotic resistance determinants, but can also transfer a diverse suite of genes unrelated to pathogenicity. Here, we provide a systematic analysis of the distribution and diversity of integron intI genes and integron-containing bacteria. We found integrons in 103 different pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria, in six major phyla. Integrons were widely scattered, and their presence was not confined to specific clades within bacterial orders. Nearly 1/3 of the intI genes that we identified were pseudogenes, containing either an internal stop codon or a frameshift mutation that would render the protein product non-functional. Additionally, 20% of bacteria contained more than one integrase gene. dN/dS ratios revealed mutational hotspots in clades of Vibrio and Shewanella intI genes. Finally, we characterized the gene cassettes associated with integrons in Methylobacillus flagellatus KT and Dechloromonas aromatica RCB, and found a heavy metal efflux gene as well as genes involved in protein folding and stability. Our analysis suggests that the present distribution of integrons is due to multiple losses and gene transfer events. While, in some cases, the ability to integrate and excise foreign DNA may be selectively advantageous, the gain, loss, or rearrangment of gene cassettes could also be deleterious, selecting against functional integrases. Thus, such a high fraction of pseudogenes may suggest that the selective impact of integrons on genomes is variable, oscillating between beneficial and deleterious, possibly depending on environmental conditions.
Forecasting Sales by Exponentially Weighted Moving Averages

The growing use of computers for mechanized inventory control and production planning has brought with it the need for explicit forecasts of sales and usage for individual products and materials. These forecasts must be made on a routine basis for thousands of products, so that they must be made quickly, and, both in terms of computing time and information storage, cheaply; they should be responsive to changing conditions. The paper presents a method of forecasting sales which has these desirable characteristics, and which in terms of ability to forecast compares favorably with other, more traditional methods. Several models of the exponential forecasting system are presented, along with several examples of application.
A Longitudinal Investigation of Inattention and Preliteracy Development

Objective: The link between significant attention problems and reading difficulties among school-age children is clear, but few have examined the impact of early inattention on preliteracy development. This longitudinal study examines this link. Method: A total of 47 children had repeated measures of teacher-rated attention problems and three key preliteracy skills (phonemic awareness, letter knowledge, and rapid naming) in both preschool and kindergarten. Results: Teacher-reported attention problems in preschool significantly and negatively predicted both phonemic awareness and letter naming scores 1 year later, even after controlling for initial language ability and preschool performance on these tasks. Levels of preschool inattention did not significantly predict rapid automatic naming 1 year later. Likewise, preschool preliteracy scores did not predict attention problems in kindergarten. Conclusion: Early attention problems may interfere with the acquisition of certain preliteracy skills. Implications...
Design and analysis of a reconfigurable dual-beam grating antenna for low-cost millimeter-wave beam-steering

This paper presents a reconfigurable dual-beam grating antenna for low-cost millimeter-wave beam steering. Experimental results indicate that this multibeam approach provides over /spl plusmn/50/spl deg/ beam steering at fixed frequencies across the entire 35 to 40 GHz band, with excellent radiation patterns maintained across the scans. An approximate analysis developed for the reconfigurable antenna closely predicts the observed scan angles and main beam radiation patterns across the complete range of scan states. These results should have numerous applications in millimeter-wave beam-steering technology.
Assessment of a Mouse Model of Neutropenia and the Effect of an Anti-Candidiasis Monoclonal Antibody in These Animals

As previously reported, monoclonal antibody (MAb) B6.1 increases resistance to hematogenous disseminated candidiasis in normal and SCID mice. In this study, MAb B6.1 was examined in a mouse model of neutropenia. The neutropenia was induced for a short period of time by a single dose of the anti-neutrophil antibody, MAb RB6-8C5, or for a protracted period by doses of MAb RB6-8C5 every other day. At low doses ( or = 50 microg/mouse), lymphocytes were also depleted. Mice given either single or multiple doses of MAb RB6-8C5 were more resistant to experimental hematogenous disseminated candidiasis if they received MAb B6.1 before and after challenge with Candida albicans yeast cells intravenously. These results show the utility of MAb RB6-8C5 for induction of a protracted neutropenia in mice and demonstrate that MAb B6.1 can enhance resistance against candidiasis under neutropenic conditions.
Early Neuroimaging in Molybdenum Cofactor Deficiency

Investigators at Wakayama Medical University, Japan, report the neuroimaging features soon after birth in 2 siblings with molybdenum cofactor deficiency (MoCoD) type A.
Rethinking Economic “Sanctions”

What do democracies do by refusing to trade with dictatorships? The conventional view assumes that: (1) a democratic refusal to trade with dictators is an exception that requires special justification; (2) following customary international law, dictators should normally be recognized as legitimate in selling their peoples' resources; (3) a refusal to trade is one policy option which democratic governments may choose; and (4) a refusal to trade succeeds only when contributing to change in the “target” country. Focusing on natural resource trade, I develop an alternative view which holds that: (1) democracies owe no special justification for refusing to trade; (2) dictators have no right to sell their peoples' natural resources; and (3) democratic refusal to purchase natural resources from dictators should be the norm. It follows that (4) such refusal achieves an important moral goal simply by preventing corporations based in democratic countries from partaking in crime.
Boom or Bust? U.S. Television News Industry is Booming But Burnout Looms for Some

AbstractStudies indicate that U.S. television newsrooms are booming with increases in staff size, news content and profitability. In light of the changes, a survey of 887 examines burnout levels of television journalists, and their workload and perceived organizational support. Results indicate that TV news workers are experiencing average rates of burnout, however 22% (n = 196) show signs of burnout with high levels of exhaustion and cynicism as indicated by the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey. Results also show that those experiencing signs of burnout are overburdened by their workload and do not perceive high levels of organizational support.
Effect of phlorhizin on intestinal absorption of glucose, galactose, fructose, mannose, and sorbose.

SummaryPhlorhizin has been found to inhibit the intestinal absorption by rats of glucose, galactose, and possibly of mannose and sorbose, but not of fructose. This may indicate the presence in the intestinal mucosa of a specific enzyme for fructose phosphorylation which is not inhibited by phlorhizin.
Narcissism, Well-Being, and Observer-Rated Personality Across the Lifespan:

Previous studies have noted that narcissists do, in some cases, experience benefits. The current study adds to this discussion by examining whether age might moderate the links between narcissism and a self-reported benefit (life satisfaction) and an observer-reported benefit (observer ratings of personality). In a sample of college students and their family members (N = 807), the authors demonstrate that narcissism positively correlates with life satisfaction for adolescents and emerging adults, but not for adult participants. In addition, the relationship between narcissism and observer-reported neuroticism was weakly negative for undergraduate students, but significant and positive for their mothers. Taken together, these results suggest that narcissism is more beneficial for adolescents and emerging adults than for adults. Both sets of analyses also pointed to the importance of studying narcissism as a multifaceted construct. Findings are discussed with respect to personality development theories that...
Naturally Processed Tissue- and Differentiation Stage-Specific Autologous Peptides Bound by HLA Class I and II Molecules of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Blasts

Structural analysis of naturally processed peptides bound to the HLA class I and class II molecules of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) blast cells was performed to characterize the antigen processing and autoantigen repertoire in this hematopoietic malignancy. Self-peptides derived from the carboxy-terminal end of the breakpoint cluster region (bcr) protein, as well as several differentiation stage- and tissue-specific self-antigens characteristic of early stages of myeloid differentiation, such as c-fes, c-pim, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor alpha chain, proteinase 3, and cathepsin G, were identified. A common characteristic of several of the high copy-number self-peptides identified in this study is the participation of their parent proteins in signal transduction or myeloid effector function. Because bcr-abl junctional peptides bind to a limited number of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I alleles, an effective peptide-based immunotherapy strategy for CML requires identification of further tumor-associated or tissue-specific peptide antigens binding to common MHC alleles such as HLA-A2. The differentiation stage- and tissue-specific MHC-bound peptides found in this study, as well as the naturally processed proteins from which they are derived, may represent autoantigens towards which T-cell responses may potentially be developed for immunotherapy of hematopoietic malignancies such as CML.
Apologia of St. Ignatius Loyola's Cura Personalis: Brigham Young University's Positive Behavioral Support Initiative Compared to the Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School's 7th and 8th Grade Literacy Program: A Qualitative Analysis (Abridgment)

The following is an abridged version of the author's original Master's thesis written in 2008 for LeMoyne College in Syracuse, New York. This qualitative, structural, comparison determined if twelve Character Education studies of Brigham Young University, specifically the Positive Behavioral Support Initiative, assessed the same literacy program components this author designed in spring 2008 for the Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School in Syracuse, New York. Based on McConnell and LoGiudice's (1998) That's Life! Social Language, five main curricular units connected student communication, conversation, emotions, peer relationships, and collaboration. This study found that the Society of Jesus and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints upheld the importance of an educational setting beginning at home and continuing eligious objectives within K-12 academia. Still, future research was needed to analyze the level of impact of parochial curricula on U.S. Federal mandates.
A GDP Model of Dynamics and Monetary Policy

This paper adopts the approach of dynamics to study the laws of motion of money in the complex system of social and economic motion and describe the characteristics of motion of money within the framework of social system in the formation process of GDP. Based on the assumption that human pursuit of money expenditure gains is a natural and rational process, the expression of velocity of money circulation is defined and the basic differential equation of money motion derived. By finding the solution to the equation, the dynamic expression of GDP is derived. The empirical testing of the expression indicates that under invariant monetary and financial system, there is a unique positive correlation between GDP and cash in circulation(M_0).
How to Improve the Quality of the CDC Laboratory Quality Control Personnel

The Laboratory of CDC detecting mass is related to people's good health and life safety directly.The effect has important effect's to laboratory quality control is quality of quality control personnel.This article is emphasized discussing how to improve the quality of the CDC laboratory quality control personnel.
Economic conditions and health behaviors: are recessions good for your health?

328 Health Insurance and Access to Care The majority of North Carolinians receive their health insurance through their employer. Unfortunately, NorthCarolina is experiencing thehighest unemployment rateswehave seen in decades, which has created a growing percentage of uninsured residents. More families with less income essentially leads to more people dependent on public assistance programs and safety net health care providers. In fact some of our public assistance benefits are based on recipients getting jobs. (“Workfare” Reform, 1996.) Butwhat happenswhen there are no jobs? Access to care declines. With every 1% increase in the unemployment rate, an estimated one million people lose their health insurance. In addition, even people with health insurance are reluctant to seek appropriate medical care and fail to comply with needed medications because they worry they can’t afford the prescription medications. Social Influences Social determinants of health such as increased poverty, decline in education levels, and inadequate housing play a significant role in health status. This is particularly true for vulnerable populations, who already experience significant health disparities. There is a long-standing debate amonghealth services researchers about whether a sharp socioeconomic decline causes a decline in health or if this sharp decline only affects poor, less healthy peoplemore. But does it reallymatter? The point is that health suffers when basic human living conditions are compromised.
Effects of urinary organic macromolecules on crystallization of calcium oxalate: enhancement of nucleation.

AbstractThe urine of normal persons, as well as that of stone formers, contains inhibitors to crystallization of calcium oxalate. To ascertain differences, if any, between these 2 groups we measured nucleation rate, growth rate and total mass produced in an analytic system with 5 per cent urine added to 95 per cent synthetic urine that did not contain large organic molecules. We also observed the effects of addition of uromucoid to the synthetic solution. Normal urine and stone-forming urine contained significant inhibitors to total mass of calcium oxalate dihydrate crystals precipitated but total crystal mass was not significantly different between the 2 groups. Growth rate was significantly less in experiments with the urine of stone formers. The other major difference found in stone-forming urine was significant enhancement of nucleation rate when compared to normal urine. Since addition of uromucoid produced these same growth inhibition and nucleation enhancement effects but did not affect total cryst...
Chapter 14 Variational methods for hamiltonian systems

Publisher Summary This chapter presents some variational formulations for the problems of periodic solutions and connecting orbits and surveys some of the representative problems and results for Hamiltonian systems that have been obtained via variational methods. The chapter presents an indication of some of the variational tools behind the results. It discusses periodic solutions of (HS) and (HS2) and homoclinic and heteroclinic solutions. The chapter discusses the existence results for basic homoclinic or heteroclinic solutions of (HS2). Then more complicated solutions—the so-called multibump solutions—that are found variationally near formal sums of basic solutions are discussed in the chapter.
Capital Controls: No Longer Unorthodox

Lack of significant reforms of regional and international financial architecture have meant that emerging economies have decided to take things into their own hands. Apart from stockpiling international reserves as a precaution against future capital account reversals and implementing stronger domestic prudential regulations, there has been a resurgence of interest in the issue of capital controls.
The Contest Problem Book VII: American Mathematics Competitions, 1995-2000 Contests

Contest Problem Book VII chronicles 275 problems from the American Mathematics Contests (AMC 12 and AMC 10 for the years 1995 through 2000, including the 50th Anniversary AHSME issued in 1999. Twenty-three additional problems with solutions are included. A Problem Index classifies the 275 problems in to the following subject areas: Algebra, Complex Numbers, Discrete Mathematics (including Counting Problems), Logic, and Discrete Probability, Geometry (including Three Dimensional Geometry), Number Theory (including Divisibility, Representation, and Modular Arithmetic), Statistics, and Trigonometry. For over 50 years many excellent exams have been prepared by individuals throughout our mathematical community in the hope that all secondary school students will have an opportunity to participate in these problem solving and enriching mathematics experiences. The American Mathematics Contests are intended for everyone from the average student at a typical school who enjoys mathematics to the very best student at the most special school.
Tumor necrosis factor-Alpha stimulates cytokine expression and transient sensitization of trigeminal nociceptive neurons.

Abstract Objective Elevated levels of tumor necrosis factor- alpha (TNF-α) in the capsule of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are implicated in the underlying pathology of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). TMD are a group of conditions that result in pain in the TMJ and/or muscles of mastication, and are associated with significant social and economic burdens. The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of elevated TNF-α levels in the TMJ capsule on nocifensive behavioral response to mechanical stimulation of trigeminal neurons and regulation of cytokines within the trigeminal ganglion. Design Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected bilaterally in the TMJ capsule with TNF-α and changes in nocifensive head withdrawal responses to mechanical stimulation of cutaneous tissue directly over the capsule was determined using von Frey filaments. Cytokine levels in trigeminal ganglia were determined by protein array analysis at several time points post injection and correlated to nocifensive behavior. Results TNF-α caused a significant increase in the average number of nocifensive responses when compared to naive and vehicle treated animals 2 h post injection, but levels returned to control levels at 24 h. Based on array analysis, the levels of eight cytokines were significantly elevated above vehicle control levels at 2 h following TNF-α injection, but all eight had returned to the vehicle control levels after 24 h. Conclusions Our findings provide evidence that elevated levels of TNF-α in the joint capsule, which is reported to occur in TMD, promotes nociception in trigeminal ganglia neurons via a mechanism that temporally correlates with differential regulation of several cytokines.
Lumifoil and Tschumi: Virtual projections and architectural interventions:

This article introduces the theoretical and technical framework for the design of a temporary rooftop canopy on the red generator—one of the buildings designed by Bernard Tschumi for the Florida International University School of Architecture. The project, Lumifoil, was designed using both top-down and bottom-up computational techniques, including surface modeling via projected geometries and scripted cellular subdivisions and assemblies. Lumifoil attempts to synthesize these two often-conflicting design approaches into a generative design process which leverages context, form, surface, and structure as affective and effective actors. Lumifoil is the result of a design methodology which is both active and reactive to existing conditions of the site and new opportunities afforded by the program. It is contextual in its top-down relationship to Tschumi’s existing building and theory, generative in how details emerge bottom-up through scripts which lack any reference to site, and emergent in the resulting sy...
Fragment Acceleration Modeling for Pressurized Tank Burst

As part of comprehensive efforts to develop physics-based risk assessment techniques for space systems at NASA, coupled computational fluid and rigid-body dynamic simulations are carried out to inv...
A Generic Approach to Flow-Sensitive Polymorphic Effects

Effect systems are lightweight extensions to type systems that can verify a wide range of important properties with modest developer burden. But our general understanding of effect systems is limited primarily to systems where the order of effects is irrelevant. Understanding such systems in terms of a lattice of effects grounds understanding of the essential issues, and provides guidance when designing new effect systems. By contrast, sequential effect systems --- where the order of effects is important --- lack a clear algebraic characterization. We derive an algebraic characterization from the shape of prior concrete sequential effect systems. We present an abstract polymorphic effect system with singleton effects parameterized by an effect quantale --- an algebraic structure with well-defined properties that can model a range of existing order-sensitive effect systems. We define effect quantales, derive useful properties, and show how they cleanly model a variety of known sequential effect systems. We show that effect quantales provide a free, general notion of iterating a sequential effect, and that for systems we consider the derived iteration agrees with the manually designed iteration operators in prior work. Identifying and applying the right algebraic structure led us to subtle insights into the design of order-sensitive effect systems, which provides guidance on non-obvious points of designing order-sensitive effect systems. Effect quantales have clear relationships to the recent category theoretic work on order-sensitive effect systems, but are explained without recourse to category theory. In addition, our derived iteration construct should generalize to these semantic structures, addressing limitations of that work.
Intermolecular Hydroamination of 1,3-Dienes To Generate Homoallylic Amines.

We report a Rh-catalyzed hydroamination of 1,3-dienes to generate homoallylic amines. Our work showcases the first case of anti-Markovnikov selectivity in the intermolecular coupling of amines and 1,3-dienes. By tuning the ligand properties and Bronsted acid additive, we find that a combination of rac-BINAP and mandelic acid is critical for achieving anti-Markovnikov selectivity.
MicroRNAs in neuroblastoma differentiation and differentiation therapy

Neuroblastoma is one of the most common and aggressive types of pediatric cancers, making up about 7% of all childhood cancers. Neuroblastoma arises from the failure of neural crest cell precursors to differentiate, and inducing cell differentiation is one of the most important treatment approaches for neuroblastoma. MicroRNAs regulate gene expression by performing post-transcriptional gene modification by mainly translational suppression and mRNA degradation. The dysregulation of these molecules has been shown to be related to tumor development, tumor metastasis and drug resistance, and the promise of developing microRNA-based therapeutics for cancers has been demonstrated. Many recent studies have also provided evidence for the involvement of microRNAs in differentiation of neuroblastoma cells, suggesting the potential of developing microRNA-based differentiation therapies for neuroblastoma. Here we review the recent findings on the role of microRNAs in regulating cell differentiation, with a main focus on neuroblastoma cells. The investigations on the therapeutic potential of microRNAs in neuroblastoma therapy and differentiation therapy are also reviewed.
Correction to: Sexual Minority Stress, Coping, and Physical Health Indicators.

The original version of this article unfortunately contains a mistake. In page 229, first paragraph, line 5, the value 0.353 should read as 0.347. In page 230, first paragraph, line 10, the value 0.121 should read as − 0.121.
Does Intraoperative Fluoroscopy Improve Limb-Length Discrepancy and Acetabular Component Positioning During Direct Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty?

Abstract Background One potential benefit of the direct anterior approach (DAA) for total hip arthroplasty is the ability to use intraoperative fluoroscopy for acetabular cup positioning and limb-length evaluation. Previous studies comparing the use of fluoroscopy with an anterior approach to a posterior approach have reported conflicting results. To our knowledge, no prior study has compared acetabular cup position and limb-length discrepancy (LLD) using a DAA with and without fluoroscopy. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 298 patients who underwent direct anterior total hip arthroplasty with or without intraoperative fluoroscopy. All procedures were performed by 2 surgeons who use DAA as their primary approach. Preoperative and 6-week postoperative low anteroposterior pelvis and cross-table lateral radiographs were reviewed by 3 independent surgeons. Acetabular cup inclination, anteversion, and LLD were measured and compared. Results Thirty-three patients were excluded for inadequate imaging, leaving 125 patients in the fluoroscopy group and 140 patients in the nonfluoroscopy group. Mean inclination, anteversion, and LLD were 39.4° (95% confidence interval [CI], 38.5°-40.2°), 30.2° (95% CI, 29.2°-31.2°), and 1.1 mm (95% CI, 0.1 mm-2.2 mm) for the fluoroscopy group and 39.9° (95% CI, 39.3°-40.5°), 31.1° (95% CI, 30.0°-32.2°), and 0.8 mm (95% CI, −0.1 mm to 1.6 mm) for the nonfluoroscopy group. There was no significant difference in acetabular inclination (P = .35), anteversion (P = .22), or postoperative LLD (P = .64) between groups. Conclusion This study found no clinically or statistically significant difference in acetabular inclination, anteversion, or LLD between the fluoroscopy and nonfluoroscopy groups. Both surgeons achieved a similar mean acetabular cup position and an equivalent mean LLD.
Obesity: role of physical activity.

The prevalence of obesity defined as having a body mass index greater than or equal to 30 kg/m 2 . Despite methodological issues that preclude accurate assessment of the relationship of physical activity to body weight and adiposity, an inverse association between physical activity and exercise and body weight is reported in many cross-sectional epidemiologic studies. The observation has often been made that the level of physical activity is a better predictor of weight gain than estimates of energy or fat intake. A decrease in physical activity is inferred in several studies that have reported secular decreases in energy intake concurrent with increases in weight or fatness. Epidemiological studies suggest that physical inactivity is related to obesity and that active adults are less likely to be obese or to gain weight as they age; however, it is unclear whether a sedentary lifestyle actually causes obesity or that physical activity prevents weight gain or promotes normal weight. There is ample biological rationale to support the contention that being more physically active and maintaining lean body mass, through resistance exercise and possibly aerobic exercise, which facilitates weight control. The value of exercise may be best seen in older adults, for whom preserving lean body mass may be as important as reducing body fat.
Role of cigarette smoking as a gateway drug to alcohol use in Hispanic junior high school students.

Background Many studies have examined predictors of alcohol and other substance use in adolescents, but few have looked specifically at Hispanic adolescents in their junior high school years. Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore the extent to which tobacco use may contribute as a gateway drug for subsequent alcohol use among Hispanic adolescents in San Diego, Calif. Methods A multiple regression procedure was used to test if 7th-grade to 9th-grade change in smoking status predicted 9th-grade alcohol use while controlling for a variety of other variables. Results Among the variables analyzed, increased level of smoking was the strongest predictor of subsequent 9th-grade alcohol use, followed by stronger intentions to drink, female sex, and having grades below a "C." Conclusion 7th- to 9th-grade smoking change is highly predictive of subsequent alcohol use. Implications The study findings suggest that preventive intervention for alcohol use among Hispanic adolescents should focus on changes in smoking status as a significant risk factor and should examine the role of acculturation and other variations that make this population different from other U.S. subgroups.
A Bargaining Theory of Menarcheal Responses in Preindustrial Cultures

The biological event of menarche is of immense social importance in all world societies. It is recognized everywhere as the best observable indication of a daughter’s biological capacity to produce offspring. The most dramatic indicator of the social significance of menarche is that of the large and elaborate puberty ceremonies held in a large proportion of tribal societies in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, Polynesia, North America, and elsewhere. In these societies, preparation for the ceremony takes months with relatives and friends assisting the daughter’s family in making costumes and masks for special dances, weaving new mats for guests to sit on, and promising to contribute enough food for a large public feast. Ethnographic accounts of these elaborate rituals make clear that tribal peoples are well aware that the appearance of budding breasts and pubic hair precedes the onset of menstruation by a few months, since the appearance of these physical characteristics in a young daughter frequently marks the beginning of preparations for the forthcoming menarcheal rite (see, for example, Powdermaker, 1971; Blackwood, 1935). When the daughter begins to menstruate, she may be kept in seclusion for the length of the flow. When she emerges, her family entertains relatives and neighbors for days and even weeks. During these community celebrations, marriage plans that have been negotiated during childhood may be finalized or new marriage proposals considered. Although premenarcheal betrothals are exceedingly common among tribal and peasant societies, the onset of menstruation is almost invariably a prerequisite to marriage.
Generalized Kochen-Specker theorem

A proof of the generalized Kochen-Specker theorem in two dimensions due to Cabello and Nakamura [A. Cabello, Phys. Rev. Lett. 90, 190401 (2003)] is extended to all higher dimensions. A set of 18 states in four dimensions is used to give closely related proofs of the generalized Kochen-Specker, Kochen-Specker, and Bell theorems that shed some light on the relationship between these three theorems.
Vortex Dynamics of Delta Wings

The typical angle of attack for maximum lift of a delta wing is about 35°, which is much higher than for a two-dimensional airfoil. The delta wing is, therefore, suitable for highly maneuverable aircraft. In this paper, experimental results for delta wings is reviewed. The review is made from the perspective of fundamental fluid dynamic mechanisms. In particular, the balance between vorticity generation on the surface and freestream convection of it is used to understand how different parameters affect the leading edge vortices which dominate the aerodynamics of a delta wing at high angles of attack.
Issues and Ideas: Organization, Administration and Supervision:

This article discusses the basic characteristics of organization, administration, supervision and specific problems of human service organizations, and relates them to the concept of power. It illu...
Cancer prevention and screening: the next step in the era of precision medicine.

A primary mode of cancer prevention and early detection in the United States is the widespread practice of screening. Although many strategies for early detection and prevention are available, adverse outcomes, such as overdiagnosis and overtreatment, are prevalent among those utilizing these approaches. Broad use of mammography and prostate cancer screening are key examples illustrating the potential harms stemming from the detection of indolent lesions and the subsequent overtreatment. Furthermore, there are several cancers for which prevention strategies do not currently exist. Clinical and experimental evidence have expanded our understanding of cancer initiation and progression, and have instructed the development of improved, precise modes of cancer prevention and early detection. Recent cancer prevention and early detection innovations have begun moving towards the integration of molecular knowledge and risk stratification profiles to allow for a more accurate representation of at-risk individuals. The future of cancer prevention and early detection efforts should emphasize the incorporation of precision cancer prevention integration where screening and cancer prevention regimens can be matched to one’s risk of cancer due to known genomic and environmental factors.
Succession as a Conceptual Event: Algeria and Tunisia

This study proposes to consider elite succession as a political concept and independent variable. Succession has long been studied as a dependent variable, usually of no special depth or dimension. Particular antecedents are generally seen to produce a particular type of succession, which is then considered to be a door through which history marches, but without any real effect on what ensues. There is no denying that succession is the result of previous causes, but there is too little recognition that particular types of succession are independent variables in their own rights, causing different types of events by their very nature. The problem then becomes, What is the nature of these different types of successions and what are their implications?
Prophylactic Fentanyl Sublingual Spray for Episodic Exertional Dyspnea in Cancer Patients: A Pilot Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Context The optimal dose of fentanyl sublingual spray (FSS) for exertional dyspnea has not been determined. Objectives We examined the effect of two doses of prophylactic FSS on exertional dyspnea. Methods In this parallel, dose-finding, double-blind randomized clinical trial, opioid-tolerant cancer patients completed a shuttle walk test at baseline. Patients completed a second shuttle walk test 10 minutes after a single dose of FSS equivalent to either 35%–45% (high dose) or 15%–25% (low dose) of the total daily opioid dose. The primary outcome was change in modified dyspnea Borg scale (0–10) between the first and second shuttle walk tests. Secondary outcomes included adverse events as well as changes in walk distance, vital signs, and neurocognitive function. Results Thirty of the 50 enrolled patients completed the study. High-dose FSS (n = 13) resulted in significantly lower dyspnea (mean change −1.42; 95% CI −2.37, −0.48; P = 0.007) and greater walk distance (mean change 44 m; P = 0.001) compared to baseline. Low-dose FSS (n = 17) resulted in a nonsignificant reduction in dyspnea (mean change −0.47; 95% CI −1.26, 0.32; P = 0.24) and significant increase in walk distance (mean change 24 m; P = 0.01) compared to baseline. Global evaluation showed high-dose group was more likely to report at least somewhat better improvement (64% vs. 24%; P = 0.06). No significant adverse events or detriment to vital signs or neurocognitive function was detected. Conclusion Prophylactic FSS was well tolerated and demonstrated a dose-response relationship in improving both dyspnea and walk distance. High-dose FSS should be tested in confirmatory trials.
Habitat loss, fragmentation, and the genetic status of Roanoke bass

Roanoke bass (Ambloplites cavifrons) persist in five river basins in the eastern US, where they are threatened by invasive species, habitat loss and degradation, and hydrologic fragmentation. We co...
Knowledge & Motivation: How Failures in New and Experienced Domains Affect Firm Action & Performance

When is failure good or bad for the organization’s subsequent performance? Prior research has been split on this issue, with some suggesting that failures spur the firm to beneficial action and provides knowledge that informs future success, but others suggesting that failures discourage action and may not produce usable learning. To reconcile these perspectives, we offer both organization-level and mechanism-level theory building on the roles of motivation to change or repeat behavior and the existing knowledge the firm possesses. Our theory suggests that failures in new domains are particularly damaging to organizational performance, while failures in experienced domains can produce positive outcomes. Using data on all U.S. mutual fund companies during 1962 to 2002, we find firm-level support for our theory, and offer detailed follow-up empirical analyses showing (among other findings) that failure in new domains leads to costly retreat from opportunities and failure in experienced domains leads the organization to work to fix the problem, while successes in new domains provide long-term growth opportunities and successes in experienced domains leads to a damaging cannibalization cycle. The study has implications for research on both learning from failure and behavioral response to failure.
Curriculum Design Requirements and Challenges for the First Bachelor’s Degree on IoT in the US

Internet of Things (IoT) devices have become part of our lives through their roles in smart and connected living. As they are increasingly deployed in various industries and residential areas, they are now readily accessible to the end users who need to manage them on a daily basis. However, management of these devices includes many aspects such as hardware troubleshooting, operating systems updates, security configuration, connectivity maintenance and scripting, etc. Given the complexities of these tasks, there is a need to educate and train technical people who will eventually form a new workforce to handle these issues on behalf of the ordinary users. This brings the need for a new IoT related curriculum that will serve to undergraduate students to acquire the above skills. In this paper, we present the first undergrad IoT curriculum in the US offered by Florida International University (FIU) by discussing the requirements and challenges. We explain how this new curriculum addresses the key aspects of IoT technologies and opportunities that come with the proposed IoT degree. We also highlight other related issues regarding the focus of this type of degrees and interdisciplinary aspects with other academic units and industry.
Multi-Level Neuromorphic Devices Built on Emerging Ferroic Materials: A Review

Achieving multi-level devices is crucial to efficiently emulate key bio-plausible functionalities such as synaptic plasticity and neuronal activity, and has become an important aspect of neuromorphic hardware development. In this review article, we focus on various ferromagnetic (FM) and ferroelectric (FE) devices capable of representing multiple states, and discuss the usage of such multi-level devices for implementing neuromorphic functionalities. We will elaborate that the analog-like resistive states in ferromagnetic or ferroelectric thin films are due to the non-coherent multi-domain switching dynamics, which is fundamentally different from most memristive materials involving electroforming processes or significant ion motion. Both device fundamentals related to the mechanism of introducing multilevel states and exemplary implementations of neural functionalities built on various device structures are highlighted. In light of the non-destructive nature and the relatively simple physical process of multi-domain switching, we envision that ferroic-based multi-state devices provide an alternative pathway toward energy efficient implementation of neuro-inspired computing hardware with potential advantages of high endurance and controllability.
Exploiting Interdependence in Autonomous Human-Machine Systems to Avoid Disaggregation and Vulnerability

We review the interdependence theory of complementarity for autonomous human-machine teams (A-HMTs) operating in open systems. In open systems, interdependence theory is state dependent, reactive to every situation, including uncertainty. Reactiveness to uncertainty explains why the best teams are highly interdependent, outperforming the same members of a team when they are acting independently as disaggregated individuals. A key ingredient we argue is that highly-effective team members are in orthogonal roles, reducing the degrees of freedom and entropy. In contrast, we also briefly review the competing, rational theories of interdependence that promote disaggregation: social interdependence (cooperation theory), games (applied social interdependence theory), innovation (the atomistic, rational “homo economicus” of economics theory), and system dynamics (the interdependence of feedback under certainty); in conjunction, we review the problems with generalizing, applying or scaling rational but closed system theories to the design and operation of A-HMTs and systems facing uncertainty.
Interstate Rivalries and Expansions in Military Capacity

This article addresses the scholarly debate on the relationship between interstate rivalry and military capacity. We draw on Tilly's bellicist theory of state formation in early modern Europe and T...
Evolution of crustal thickening in the central Andes, Bolivia

Abstract Paleoelevation histories from the central Andes in Bolivia have suggested that the geodynamic evolution of the region has been punctuated by periods of large-scale lithospheric removal that drive rapid increases in elevation at the surface. Here, we evaluate viable times and locations of material loss using a map-view reconstruction of the Bolivian orocline displacement field to forward-model predicted crustal thicknesses. Two volumetric models are presented that test assumed pre-deformation crustal thicknesses of 35 km and 40 km. Both models predict that modern crustal thicknesses were achieved first in the northern Eastern Cordillera (EC) by 30–20 Ma but remained below modern in the southern EC until ≤10 Ma. The Altiplano is predicted to have achieved modern crustal thickness after 10 Ma but only with a pre-deformation thickness of 50 km, including 10 km of sediment. At the final stage, the models predict 8–25% regional excess crustal volume compared to modern thickness, largely concentrated in the northern EC. The excess predicted volume from 20 to 0 Ma can be accounted for by: 1) crustal flow to the WC and/or Peru, 2) localized removal of the lower crust, or 3) a combination of the two. Only models with initial crustal thicknesses >35 km predict excess volumes sufficient to account for potential crustal thickness deficits in Peru and allow for lower crustal loss. However, both initial thickness models predict that modern crustal thicknesses were achieved over the same time periods that paleoelevation histories indicate the development of modern elevations. Localized removal of lower crust is only necessary in the northern EC where crustal thickness exceeds modern by 20 Ma, prior to paleoelevation estimates of modern elevations by 15 Ma. In the Altiplano, crustal thicknesses match modern values at 10 Ma and can only exceed modern values by 5 Ma, post-dating when modern elevations were thought to have been established. Collectively, these models predict that the timing of crustal thickening is consistent with paleoelevation data without requiring large-scale removal of lower crust and mantle lithosphere.