cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
‘Aid for gays’: the moral and the material in ‘African homophobia’ in post-2009 Malawi*

In recent years, ‘African homophobia’ has become a spectacle on the global stage, making Africa into a pre-modern site of anti-gay sentiment in need of Western intervention. This article suggests that ‘homophobia’ in post-2009 Malawi is an idiom through which multiple actors negotiate anxieties around governance and moral and economic dependency. I illustrate the material conditions that brought about social imaginaries of inclusion and exclusion – partially expressed through homophobic discourse – in Malawi. The article analyses the cascade of events that led to a moment of political and economic crisis in mid-2011, with special focus on how a 2009 sodomy case made homophobia available as a new genre of social commentary. Employing discourse analysis of newspaper articles, political speeches, the proceedings of a sodomy case, and discussions about men who have sex with men (MSM) as an HIV risk group, I show how African homophobia takes form via interested deployments of ‘cultural’ rhetoric toward competing ends. This article lends a comparative case study to a growing literature on the political and social functions of homophobia in sub-Saharan Africa.
Early detection of brine and CO2 leakage through abandoned wells using pressure and surface-deformation monitoring data: Concept and demonstration

Abstract In this paper, we develop a methodology for early detection of potential CO2 leakage from geological storage formations using pressure and surface-deformation anomalies. The basic idea is based on the fact that leakage-induced pressure signals travel much faster than the migrating CO2; thus such anomalies may be detected early enough for risk management measures taking effect in avoiding substantial CO2 leaks. The early detection methodology involves automatic inversion of anomalous brine leakage signals with efficient forward pressure and surface-deformation modeling tools to estimate the location and permeability of leaky features in the caprock. We conduct a global sensitivity analysis to better understand under which conditions pressure anomalies can be clearly identified as leakage signals, and evaluate signal detectability for a broad parameter range considering different detection limits and levels of data noise. The inverse methodology is then applied to two synthetic examples of idealized two-aquifer-and-one aquitard storage systems, with an injection well and a leaky well, for different monitoring scenarios. In Example 1, only pressure data at the monitoring and injection wells are used for leakage detection. Our results show that the accuracy of leakage detection greatly depends on the level of pressure data noise. In Example 2, joint inversion of pressure and surface-deformation measurements significantly improves the speed of convergence toward the true solution of the leakage parameters and enables early leakage detection. In both examples, successful detection is achieved when two monitoring wells are appropriately placed within up to 4 km from the leaky well.
Eco-efficiency of Service Co-production Connecting Eco-certifications and Resource Efficiency in U.S. Hotels

This study investigates the relationship between eco-certifications (second or third party certified with an audit requirement) and resource efficiency in the U.S. hotel industry. Hotel properties become eco-certified by voluntarily conforming to environmental practice guidelines established by a certifying body, which assesses and recognizes the properties that meet their criteria. Eco-certifications therefore are key environmental sustainability initiatives that address both the internal operations and external customers. Based on regression analysis of 2,893 U.S. hotel properties for the year 2011, this analysis shows that eco-certified hotels maintain higher operational efficiency, as well as greater customer-driven resource efficiency, in comparison with properties with lesser or no eco-certifications. These results suggest that eco-certifications influence the resource consumption behavior of both the operators and the customers, although these effects are not consistent for all properties. The impr...
Albumin cayemite: A Negro plasma albumin variant

An inherited variant of human serum albumin has been found in a Negro family from Haiti. The variant is electrophoretically distinguishable from ten different previously reported types of albumin variants.
Optimization approach to edge detection

Most methods for finding the edges in a gray-scale image suffer from poor performance in a noisy environment. A novel optimization solution to this problem is explored. An optimization function, based on the output of a threshold-dependent edge detector, is constructed for modeling an a posteriori probability function for the edge image. The prior distribution for the edge image is formed as a Markov random-field model imbued with properties of edge images obtained in a noise-free environment. The edge image that maximizes the optimization function is generated with the simulated annealing algorithm. This edge-detection method, though computationally intensive, explores the use of higher-order Markov random fields that hold rich potential for varied applications. The performance of this approach at four signal-to-noise ratios is compared with that of standard gradient-based edge detection with real and simulated images.
Molecular targets for treatment of kidney fibrosis

Renal fibrosis is the culmination of processes driven by signaling pathways involving transforming growth factor-β family of cytokines, connective-tissue growth factor, nuclear factor κB, Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and other growth factors. Many studies in experimental animal models have directly targeted these pathways and demonstrated efficacy in mitigating renal fibrosis. However, only a small fraction of these approaches have been attempted in human and even fewer have been successfully translated to clinical use for patient with kidney diseases. Drugs with proven efficacy for treatment of kidney diseases and tissue fibrosis exert some of their effects by interfering with components of these pathways. This review considers key molecular mediators of renal fibrosis and their potential as targets for treatment of renal fibrosis.
The neighborhood method and its coupling with the wavelet method for signal separation of chaotic signals

Signal separation, i.e., the elimination or suppression of extraneous components from measured signals, is an essential module of modern signal analysis. We report the development of two novel signal separation methods--(i) the neighborhood method (NM) and (ii) a modified wavelet method (MWM)--that seem to be aptly suited for signals acquired from machining process sensors, i.e., for chaotic signals with small, uniform Lyapunov exponents. For the NM, a variant of shadowing signal separation methods used for signal separation of chaotic signals, we establish theoretical bounds on performance under various noisy conditions and analyze its algorithmic complexity. Our MWM is an adaptation of Donoho's wavelet method to nonlinear, and possibly chaotic, signals with multiplicative noise. It incorporates certain features of the NM and it has lower algorithmic complexity than the NM, and is, therefore, more suitable for on-line implementation. Both methods were tested on chaotic signals corresponding to the reconstructed Rossler attractor. A discussion on the application of both methods to signals obtained from actual machining process sensors is provided in order to motivate their suitability to real-world nonlinear processes.
Images of the Recent Past: Readings in Historical Archaeology, edited by Charles E. Orser Jr. Altamira Press, Walnut Creek, 1996

When searching for a reader in historical archaeology this volume is the place to start. Charles Orser has collected some fine examples of historical archaeology for this publication that spans over a decade of research. They introduc emethod, theory, the underlying philosophical issues behind theory, and the appli­cation of all of these to archaeological data sets of the historic period. The volume is organized thematically into six sections each with its own introduction. In all there are twenty chapters and Orser's introduction to the volume. The first and final sections offer perspectives on the state of historical archaeology as an endeavor, both in the United States and abroad. The remainder of the volume presents case studies in several categories. Though these categories seem somewhat arbitrary given the breadth of the material covered, they do serve to juxtapose articles facilitating an appreciation for the complementarity of varied approaches.
Cardiopulmonary bypass with adequate flow and perfusion pressures prevents endotoxaemia and pathologic cytokine production

Endotoxin and cytokine inflammatory mediators comprise the afferent and efferent limbs of the 'acute phase response'. During cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) there may be gut translocation of endotoxin and contact activation of lymphocytes. It has been hypothesized that the haemodynamic instability encountered following CPB is caused by the 'acute phase response'. In this study we attempted to quantify the acute phase response in patients undergoing open-heart surgery and determine the influence of these cytokines on perioperative morbidity. Four perioperative blood samples were drawn from 20 consecutive patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). These samples were assayed for endotoxin and four cytokines. In all cases the cardiac index was maintained > 2.4 l/min/m 2 during nonpulsatile normothermic bypass (37°C) and > 1.8 l/min/m 2 during nonpulsatile hypothermic bypass (28°C), and the perfusion pressure > 60 mmHg.Endotoxin was not detected in any of the test samples despite positive nonpati...
EVALUATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF IRON- AND NICKEL-BASED ALLOYS FOR MICROTURBINE RECUPERATORS

The effects of stress, temperature and time of exposure to microturbine exhaust gases on the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of alloys HR-120® and 230® was investigated at turbine exhaust temperatures between 620°C and 760°C. It was found that the ultimate tensile strength and ductility of alloy 230® decreased by 30% and 60%, respectively, after 500 hours exposure at 752°C. At the lowest exposure temperature of 679°C the ultimate tensile strength and ductility decreased by 10% and 25%, respectively. The ultimate tensile strength and ductility of HR-120® alloy decreased by 15% and 50%, respectively, after 500 hours exposure at 745°C. At the lowest exposure temperature of 632°C the ultimate tensile strength and ductility decreased by 10% and 23%, respectively. The microstructural changes associated with exposure to microturbine exhaust gases are analyzed and discussed.
A genome-wide screen for copy number alterations in an adolescent pilot cohort with müllerian anomalies.

Objective To examine whether pathogenic copy number changes (CNCs) can be identified in deoxyribonucleic acid from females with different classes of mullerian anomalies. Design We conducted array-based copy number variant (CNV) analysis using an oligonucleotide array from deoxyribonucleic acid in 12 adolescent females with various mullerian anomalies. Setting University-affiliated tertiary care institution. Patient(s) Twenty adolescent females with clinically confirmed mullerian anomalies. Intervention(s) Array-based CNV analysis. Main Outcome Measure(s) Copy number changes and/or regions with absence of heterozygosity. Result(s) A total of 192 CNVs identified in these samples were previously annotated as polymorphic. Three CNCs that were identified in regions with minimal to no overlap with annotated polymorphisms failed significance criteria with detailed inspection. One subject harbored a 5.1-Mb region of absence of heterozygosity at Xq23 that is of unknown significance. Conclusion(s) We did not identify pathogenic CNCs in this small pilot cohort of patients with various mullerian anomalies, but larger studies will be needed to further investigate whether CNCs are associated with all classes of mullerian anomalies.
Distributed computing with parallel networking

For many large scientific applications, computing on a cluster is a viable, economical alternative to a dedicated parallel machine. Application performance on a cluster is largely determined by the speed of the underlying communication network. The authors use a parallel network approach to improve the communication network performance. More specifically, they use multiple networks based on Ethernet to improve the performance. The authors modified the parallel virtual machine (PVM) environment to take advantage of multiple Ethernets by using round robin scheduling strategy. The modified PVM, referred as PPVM, showed an improvement of 35% over PVM under no background load, and an improvement of 100% under background load on two channels. >
Interrelation of creep and relaxation for nonlinearly viscoelastic materials: application to ligament and metal

Creep and stress relaxation are known to be interrelated in linearly viscoelastic materials by an exact analytical expression. In this article, analytical interrelations are derived for nonlinearly viscoelastic materials which obey a single integral nonlinear superposition constitutive equation. The kernel is not assumed to be separable as a product of strain and time dependent parts. Superposition is fully taken into account within the single integral formulation used. Specific formulations based on power law time dependence and truncated expansions are developed. These are appropriate for weak stress and strain dependence. The interrelated constitutive formulation is applied to ligaments, in which stiffness increases with strain, stress relaxation proceeds faster than creep, and rate of creep is a function of stress and rate of relaxation is a function of strain. An interrelation was also constructed for a commercial die-cast aluminum alloy currently used in small engine applications.
Attitude Comparison: Is There Ever a Bandwagon Effect?1

Will exposure to others' attitudes merely stimulate conformity to the observed norm? We predicted-and observed in an opinion polling experiment-that learning others' attitudes can effect a small, but significant, intensification of attitude responses.
Pakistan's Economy since 1999 Has There Been Real Progress?

Military governments in Pakistan and elsewhere claim legitimacy based on superior economic management and the pretext for assuming power is usually corruption and economic mismanagement of incumbent political regimes. Ever since the current military government seized power in Pakistan in October 1999, it has, like earlier military governments, claimed to have turned the economy around citing selective statistics. A more careful and comprehensive review of the same statistics suggests that this claim is exaggerated. Also, like past military governments, this one has ignored investing in people, and the human condition as measured by unemployment and poverty has worsened and as measured by other social indicators the progress has notably slackened. Most now agree that improving the human condition is a necessary condition for robust and sustainable economic growth and by this criterion the military government has not done well.
Evaluation of Transthickness Tensile Strength of SiC/SiC Composites

The transthickness tensile strength (TTS) of 2-D CVI-SiC/SiC composites reinforced with Tyranno SA fibers was evaluated by the diametral compression test. The effect of specimen size and specimen shape on the magnitude of the TTS were studied and the results were analyzed using Weibull statistics. Specimens failed along an interlaminar plane adjacent to the line of action of the applied load and fractographic analyses revealed that the crack had propagated through matrix pores and along interfaces between the fiber, fiber coating and matrix. The magnitude of the TTS was found to be independent of specimen size or shape for the range of specimen dimensions investigated, although the amount of scatter was largest for the results obtained from the evaluation of the smallest specimens. The characteristic value of the TTS and the Weibull modulus for the distribution of TTS values were 24.9 MPa and 6.48, respectively.
Averting "disruption and reversal": Reassessing the logic of rapid trade reform in Latin America

This study revisits the debate on trade reform in Latin America, focusing specifically on what combinations of conditions were necessary and sufficient for very rapid trade liberalization. It departs significantly from two types of studies that have been previously used to examine Latin American trade reform: (1) those using large samples and linear statistics to test the mean effects of variables on levels of trade protection and (2) those isolating necessary conditions for rapid reform but using a small number of case studies. Using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis and short case studies, the study considers trade policy in sixty-one administrations. It finds that a key motivating factor for rapid trade opening is potential resistance from protected industry; it further identifies several other important enabling conditions, such as hyperinflation, devaluation, and an unconstrained executive. In combination, these enabling conditions are sufficient to account for a high percentage of rapid ref...
Embodied Pedagogy: The Body and Teaching Theology

This essay is a reflection on my own experience of teaching undergraduates in light of research on proxemics (social and personal space) and kinesics (body language). I discuss ways to structure classroom space to encourage interaction and discussion, using Edward Hall's distinctions between three types of space (fixed feature, semi-fixed feature, and informal). I explain the importance of body language in verbal communication and describe how I use my own body to illustrate and reinforce what I say in class. I then offer strategies to incorporate students' bodies in the learning process. I conclude by arguing that embodied pedagogy calls us to look beyond the classroom and to acknowledge the importance of our bodies in all aspects of our lives.
Decentralized Computation of Homology Groups in Networks by Gossip

In this paper, we present an approach towards the computation of certain topological invariants in real sensor networks. As shown by many researchers, these invariants are relevant for modeling certain properties of the network such as coverage and routing. What has been lacking so far is a concrete decentralized method to compute these invariants for proper implementation. In this paper, we give an approach towards such an implementation. The main tools being used here are the the so-called higher order Laplacian operators and distributed methods for their spectral analysis that resemble gossip algorithms.
Soil Ripping and Herbicides Enhance Tree and Shrub Restoration on Stripmines

I evaluated responses by 16 native woody species to differential soil compaction and density of ground cover. The trees and shrubs studied represent sites in southern Illinois that commonly have restrictions to root growth from soil or drainage conditions. The study site was a restored surface coal mine in southern Illinois with a rooting medium compacted by grading and a dense ground cover of pasture species. Soil compaction was alleviated in half the study area before tree planting by mechanically ripping the soil to a depth of 1.2 m. Roots of half the trees and shrubs were dipped in a Terra® slurry before planting, and the ground cover around all planting spots was afterwards sprayed with herbicide. In year 2 after planting the ground cover in half of the unripped and half of the ripped area was further controlled by repeated application of herbicides. Ripping significantly increased height growth of all trees combined and all species individually in each year of the study. Second-year control of ground cover increased height growth of all trees combined and of seven species individually. Some species were damaged by herbicides. Terra® had little evident effect on species performance. Animal damage reduced early survival and growth, especially of Acer (maple) and Cornus (dogwood) species, and later growth of Quercus rubra (red oak). Removal of ground cover with herbicides tended to increase deer browse. Soil ripping, herbicide application, and choosing tree species unattractive to deer can be recommended to increase success in planting trees for forest restoration.
Interexpert agreement of plus disease diagnosis in retinopathy of prematurity.

Objective To measure agreement of plus disease diagnosis among retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) experts. Methods A set of 34 wide-angle retinal photographs from infants with ROP was compiled on a secure Web site and was interpreted independently by 22 recognized ROP experts. Diagnostic agreement was analyzed using 3-level (plus, pre-plus, or neither) and 2-level (plus or not plus) categorizations. Results In the 3-level categorization, all experts agreed on the same diagnosis in 4 of 34 images (12%), and the mean weighted κ statistic for each expert compared with all others was between 0.21 and 0.40 (fair agreement) for 7 experts (32%) and between 0.41 and 0.60 (moderate agreement) for 15 experts (68%). In the 2-level categorization, all experts who provided a diagnosis agreed in 7 of 34 images (21%), and the mean κ statistic for each expert compared with all others was between 0 and 0.20 (slight agreement) for 1 expert (5%), between 0.21 and 0.40 (fair agreement) for 3 experts (14%), between 0.41 and 0.60 (moderate agreement) for 12 experts (55%), and between 0.61 and 0.80 (substantial agreement) for 6 experts (27%). Conclusions Interexpert agreement of plus disease diagnosis is imperfect. This may have important implications for clinical ROP management, continued refinement of the international ROP classification system, development of computer-based diagnostic algorithms, and implementation of ROP telemedicine systems.
Two-dimensional pseudospectral modeling of cardiac reentry

Most previous monodomain simulations have been performed with the finite-difference method. Due to the large computational requirement, unfortunately, an adequate discretization of a tissue with realistic dimensions is still difficult. Recently, a new pseudospectral method has been proposed which demonstrates a higher computational efficiency than the finite-difference method in modeling the cardiac propagation initiated by a point stimulation. Here, modeling of the more complex reentry phenomenon in a two-dimensional tissue using the new technique is studied. Details on the pseudospectral approach are presented together with computational performance results.
Obesity and hypertension

This article has discussed some of the mechanisms involved in the causal relation between obesity and hypertension. Obesity causes a constellation of maladaptive disorders that individually and synergistically contribute to hypertension, among other cardiovascular morbidities. Well-designed population-based studies are needed to assess the individual contribution of each of these disorders to the development of hypertension. In addition, because the control of obesity may eliminate 48% of the hypertension in whites and 28% in blacks, this article has offered an up-to-date on the management of this problem. It is hoped that this article will help scientists formulate a thorough understanding of obesity hypertension and form the basis for more research in this field, which has a huge impact on human life.
Mutant female mice carrying a single mZP3 allele produce eggs with a thin zona pellucida, but reproduce normally

The mouse egg zona pellucida (ZP) is composed of three glycoproteins, called mZP1-3. Disruption of the mZP3 gene by targeted mutagenesis yields mice that are homozygous (mZP3-/-) for the null mutation; although the mutant mice are viable, females are infertile and their eggs lack a ZP. On the other hand, females heterozygous (mZP3+/-) for the mutation are fertile and their eggs have a ZP. Here, we examined fully grown oocytes from mZP3+/- females and found that, although they have a ZP, it is less than half the width (approximately 2.7 microns; volume, approximately 56 pl) of the ZP of oocytes from wild-type (mZP3+/+) mice (approximately 6.2 microns; volume, approximately 145 pl). Oocyte ZP were purified from ovarian homogenates by gradient centrifugation. Immunostaining of purified ZP on Western gels permitted an estimate to be made of the relative amounts of mZP3 and mZP2 present in the ZP of oocytes from mZP3+/+ and mZP3+/- mice. We found that the ZP from mZP3+/- mice contained, on average, 55 +/- 15% of the mZP3 and 44 +/- 8% of the mZP2 present in the ZP of mZP3+/+ mice; a result quite consistent with the observed widths and calculated volumes of the ZP. Despite the presence of a relatively thin ZP surrounding their eggs, reproduction of female mZP3+/- mice was indistinguishable from female mZP3+/+ mice. These results strongly suggest that, when a single mZP3 allele is present, approximately half the wild-type amount of mZP3 and approximately half the wild-type amount of mZP2 is assembled into a ZP. While this produces a relatively thin ZP, it apparently has no affect on reproduction. Furthermore, these results are consistent with the current molecular model for ZP structure.
The Holocene History of Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) in Eastern Washington State

Historical documents are ambiguous regarding the presence/absence and distribution of pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) in eastern Washington State. Paleozoological (archaeological and paleontological) data indicate pronghorn were present there during most of the last 10,000 years, and available samples imply the boundaries of pronghorn distribution coincided with the modern distribution of shrub-steppe habitats. There is no evidence of temporal fluctuation in the abundance of pronghorn that cannot be explained by sampling error. Pronghorn were abundant relative to wapiti (Cervus elaphus) at the mouth of the Snake River but rare near the Washington–Idaho border. Pronghorn were never abundant relative to other ungulates, but were occasionally sufficiently numerous to form herds that were taken communally by groups of prehistoric hunters. Pronghorn were present but rare in the nineteenth century and did not persist into the twentieth century.
How ethics shape the policy preferences of environmental scientists: What we can learn from Lomborg and his critics.

Some environmental ethicists have proposed that different environmental values lead in principle to different environmental policy preferences. The controversy provoked by Bjorn Lomborg's book, The Skeptical Environmentalist (2001), has provided an opportunity to test this hypothesis in practice for scientists and other technical experts. In analyzing the language of the argument between Lomborg and his critics, I find that environmental scientists participating prominently in the debate fall into one of two camps according to whether their valuations of nature tend to be anthropocentric or nonanthropocentric. I find further that for these scientists moral philosophies correlate both with policy preferences and with interpretations of data. I conclude that unexplored differences in environmental values make important and underappreciated contributions to the politicization of science and to polarization among scientists and other technical experts involved in environmental disputes.
Thick PECVD silicon dioxide films for MEMS devices

Abstract This paper discusses the relationships between the deposition parameters and properties of thick (e.g., 5 μm) tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) silicon dioxide films deposited on silicon wafers using a dual-frequency plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) system. The deposition parameters, including the ratio of low frequency (LF) power to high frequency (HF) power and the TEOS flow rate, were varied to investigate their effect on the residual stress, the deposition rate, and the etch rate of TEOS silicon dioxide film. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistical technique was used to verify that the experimental data are valid rather than coincidences of random sampling. The calculated P -values of the deposition parameters verify that the ratio of LF/HF power and the TEOS flow rate significantly affect the residual stress and the etch rate of the films. For the deposition rate, only the TEOS flow rate has a significant effect. The difference in the intrinsic and thermal stresses of TEOS silicon dioxide films co-deposited on the silicon and stainless steel wafers are presented and discussed. TEOS silicon dioxide films are electrically characterized at elevated temperatures (up to 300 °C) using metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitors. The characterizations show that capacitance decreases with increasing temperature, as well as with the process thermal budget (temperature × time).
Microprocessor Architecture

Microprocessors impact many applications as they replace logic in products, act as intelligent controllers, and even carry out functions sometimes done by minicomputer systems. There is a great deal of variability among the LSI chips, microprogrammability, instruction sets, speed, their own needs and it is necessary to match the microprocessor to the application The objective of this paper is to interpret application needs in terms of microprocessor architecture and describe some the tradeoffs available.
Coral-Associated Bacterial Diversity Is Conserved across Two Deep-Sea Anthothela Species

Cold-water corals, similar to tropical corals, contain diverse and complex microbial assemblages. These bacteria provide essential biological functions within coral holobionts, facilitating increased nutrient utilization and production of antimicrobial compounds. To date, few cold-water octocoral species have been analyzed to explore the diversity and abundance of their microbial associates. For this study, 23 samples of the family Anthothelidae were collected from Norfolk (n = 12) and Baltimore Canyons (n = 11) from the western Atlantic in August 2012 and May 2013. Genetic testing found that these samples comprised two Anthothela species (Anthothela grandiflora and Anthothela sp.) and Alcyonium grandiflorum. DNA was extracted and sequenced with primers targeting the V4-V5 variable region of the 16S rRNA gene using 454 pyrosequencing with GS FLX Titanium chemistry. Results demonstrated that the coral host was the primary driver of bacterial community composition. Al. grandiflorum, dominated by Alteromonadales and Pirellulales had much higher species richness, and a distinct bacterial community compared to Anthothela samples. Anthothela species (A. grandiflora and Anthothela sp.) had very similar bacterial communities, dominated by Oceanospirillales and Spirochaetes. Additional analysis of core-conserved bacteria at 90% sample coverage revealed genus level conservation across Anthothela samples. This core included unclassified Oceanospirillales, Kiloniellales, Campylobacterales, and genus Spirochaeta. Members of this core were previously recognized for their functional capabilities in nitrogen cycling and suggest the possibility of a nearly complete nitrogen cycle within Anthothela species. Overall, many of the bacterial associates identified in this study have the potential to contribute to the acquisition and cycling of nutrients within the coral holobiont.
Linkage Studies on Bald Antenna, a Sex-Limited Mutant of Anopheles Albimanus (Diptera: Culicidae)

The linkage group of a recessive sex-limited trait, bald antenna (ba) , was determined by appropriate testcrosses using morphological and isozyme markers. Bald antenna segregated independently of green larva (gl) , which is on chromosome 2. The linkage to markers on chromosome 3 were 37.3 map units from nonstripe (st) , 44.4 from reduced palmate (rp) 48.9 from hexokinase-1 (Hk) . Three-point testcrosses along with the earlier linkage data between markers on chromsome 3 suggest the following sequence and the map distances among them: ba 37.3 st 16.5 rp 3 Hk. Esterase-8 showed 48–51% recombination with ba . Testcrosses utilizing holandric translocations with chromosomes 2 and 3 confirmed that ba is located on chromosome 3.
Meeting physical activity recommendations may be protective against temporal lobe atrophy in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease.

Introduction Physical activity (PA) is associated with brain health in older adults. However, it is unknown whether the current physical activity recommendations (PAR) impart substantive benefit. The objective of this study was to compare temporal lobe volumes between older adults who met PAR and those who did not.
Prophylactic ureteral catheterization in colon surgery. A five-year review.

PURPOSE: The preoperative placement of prophylactic ureteral catheters in operations of the distal colon is both commonplace and controversial. We assessed the frequency, safety, and effectiveness of their use over a five and one-half-year period in a teaching hospital. METHODS: The charts of 561 consecutive patients who underwent sigmoid or rectosigmoid colectomy from 1986 to 1991 were analyzed for age, sex, diagnosis, type of colectomy, placement of ureteral catheters, and ureteral complications. RESULTS: Ureteral catheterization was attempted in 92 patients (16.4 percent); it was successful bilaterally in 80 patients (87 percent) and unilaterally in an additional 10 patients (98 percent). Four (0.71 percent) transmural ureteral injuries were identified. Two surgical injuries (0.43 percent) occurred in the 469 patients without prophylactic catheter placement (95 percent confidence interval = 0.00549–0.0153). Two injuries (2.2 percent), consisting of one surgical injury and one iatrogenic injury directly related to catheter placement, occurred in the 92 patients with prophylactic catheters (95 percent confidence interval = 0.00262–0.0764). This latter injury resulting from catheter placement represents a rate of 1.1 percent per patient and 0.55 percent per ureteral catheterization attempted. Using a 24-hour staged removal, these catheterizations were associated with a 0 percent incidence of reflux anuria. CONCLUSIONS: Experienced surgeons requested prophylactic ureteral catheter placement in 16.4 percent of their sigmoid and rectosigmoid colectomies. The risk of ureteral injury (1.1 percent) as a direct result of catheter insertion is small, but not insignificant. Prophylactic ureteral catheters do not assure the prevention of transmural ureteral injuries, but may assist in their immediate recognition.
Neurolinguistic Programming: A Test of the Eye-Movement Hypothesis:

Psychological literature reflects little information about neurolinguistic programming. There are even fewer reports of research o n basic tenets. This research investigated one facet, namely, the eye-movement hypothesis of Bandler and Grinder (1975, 1979) who posited that eye movements should indicate the representational system in use by an individual, e.g., visual, auditory, or kinesthetic. Eye movements have been descr~bed elsewhere (Thomason, Arbuckle, & Cady, 1980; Dorn, Atwater, Jereb, & Russell, 1983) . In t h ~ s research 22 undergraduates, whose mean age was 21.6 yr., were asked to respond to a 30-item questionnaire of 1 0 each, visual, auditory, and kinesthetic questions. Subjects' eye movements were videotaped through a one-way mirror and later rated by five naive undergraduates. Values of chi squared, computed individually for each subject, were not significant for eye movements. One analysis indicated that 50% of the rime no movements were discernable and rhat frequencies of eye movements to questions in other modalities were 2 2 % visual, 2 2 9 6 auditory, and 696 kinesthetic. Visual responses were as frequent as auditory responses which is conrrary to the current thinking that visual responses predominate. These results are not consistent with previous research (Thomason, et al., 1980) , except rhat neither project supported the eye-movement hypothesis of neurolinguistic programming. It is questionable whether the chi squared, reported by Thomason, et al. ( 1980) , is appropriate given the assumption of independence of data. Although the developers of neurolinguistic programming reject empirical research (Brady & Biedermann, 1985) , it appears that other controlled studies are warranted.
Use of Ephedrine in Post-Lymphadenectomy Ejaculatory Failure: A Case Report

AbstractLoss of ejaculatory function following retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy is a well known phenomenon. The resulting infertility is a serious problem and, to date, no fully effective therapy has been found. We report a case of conception on 2 occasions by the same patient with the use of ephedrine.
Stepping (Forelimb Akinesia) Test

The inability to initiate stepping (akinesia) or to respond adequately, without falling, to an imposed or accidental shift of center of gravity (postural instability) is a major deficit in Parkinson's disease. These deficits can be modeled in rodents with unilateral or bilateral loss of dopamine neurons using simple forelimb tests, described in this article.
Glycoprotein IV-independent adhesion of sickle red blood cells to immobilized thrombospondin under flow conditions

The abnormal adherence of red blood cells (RBC to the blood vessel wall is believed to contribute to the vascular occlusion observed in patients with sickle call anemia. The cell adhesion receptors GPIV (CD36) and integrin alpha 4 beta 1 (CD49d/CD29) were previously identified on circulating sickle reticulocytes, and shown to mediate sickle RBC adhesion to the endothelium. The presence of damaged endothelium in these patients suggests that exposed extracellular matrix proteins could provide a potential substrate for sickle RBC adhesion. To determine whether RBC adhesion receptors could mediate adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins, we tested their ability to adhere to a variety of immobilized, purified proteins under flow conditions. Neither sickle nor normal RBC adhered to fibronectin, vitronectin, fibrinogen, or collagen. In contrast, we observed substantial adhesion of sickle but not normal RBC to thrombospondin (TSP). The adhesion was not inhibited with known antagonists of the GPIV-TSP interaction, nor by inhibitors of several other known binding domains in TSP. Moreover, the adhesion was resistant to inhibition by soluble TSP, suggesting that immobilization of TSP exposes an adhesive site that is cryptic on TSP in solution. However, the glycosaminoglycans, chondroitin sulfate A, and dextran sulfate were potent inhibitors of this adhesion. These results suggest that a mechanism distinct from GPIV is responsible for sickle RBC adhesion to immobilized TSP under flow conditions.
Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a well-recognised comorbidity in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), occurring in about 25% of patients.1 It is associated with increased mortality and worse heart failure symptoms, especially if there is concomitant outflow tract obstruction,2 and can be markedly debilitating in some individuals. The loss of atrial kick can reduce preload and worsen or unmask outflow obstruction, and higher ventricular rates can decrease cardiac outputs by reducing left ventricular (LV) filling time in the setting of diastolic dysfunction and reduced LV compliance. Rhythm control strategies are indicated with symptomatic AF, but the current antiarrhythmic choices are suboptimal. Patients with HCM have a propensity for both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, and there is little data on the safety of antiarrhythmic therapies in this population. Disopyramide is perhaps the best studied agent and may concurrently help to mitigate outflow obstruction through its negative inotropic properties. However, its use is limited by anticholinergic effects and breakthrough AF is common. Amiodarone is more efficacious, but has well described toxicities and should be used cautiously in young individuals. Sotalol, dofetilide and dronedarone may also be considered, but there is less data supporting their use, and there must be caution in monitoring the QT interval with the first two agents and heart failure symptoms with the latter.3 ,4 In this setting, the use of an AF ablation strategy for rhythm control is quite attractive. HCM may manifest as progressive fibrosis and stiffening and any interventions that can slow AF progression would be beneficial, but evidence for the efficacy of AF ablation in HCM is also lacking. In their Heart publication, Providencia et al report a systematic review and meta-analysis of AF ablation in …
The Effects of Dietary Fat and Iron Interaction on Brain Regional Iron Contents and Stereotypical Behaviors in Male C57BL/6J Mice.

Adequate brain iron levels are essential for enzyme activities, myelination, and neurotransmitter synthesis in the brain. Although systemic iron deficiency has been found in genetically or dietary-induced obese subjects, the effects of obesity-associated iron dysregulation in brain regions have not been examined. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of dietary fat and iron interaction on brain regional iron contents and regional-associated behavior patterns in a mouse model. Thirty C57BL/6J male weanling mice were randomly assigned to six dietary treatment groups (n=5) with varying fat (control/high) and iron (control/high/low) contents. The stereotypical behaviors were measured during the 24th week. Blood, liver, and brain tissues were collected at the end of the 24th week. Brains were dissected into the hippocampus, midbrain, striatum, and thalamus regions. Iron contents and ferritin-H (FtH) protein and mRNA expressions in these regions were measured. Correlations between stereotypical behaviors and brain regional iron contents were analyzed at the 5% significance level. Results showed that high-fat diet altered the stereotypical behaviors such as inactivity and total distance traveled (P<0.05). The high-fat diet altered brain iron contents and ferritin-H (FtH) protein and mRNA expressions in a regional-specific manner: 1) high-fat diet significantly decreased the brain iron content in the striatum (P<0.05), but not other regions; and 2) thalamus has a more distinct change in FtH mRNA expression compared to other regions. Furthermore, high-fat diet resulted in a significant decreased total distance traveled and a significant correlation between iron content and sleeping in midbrain (P<0.05). Dietary iron also decreased brain iron content and FtH protein expression in a regionally specific manner. The effect of interaction between dietary fat and iron was observed in brain iron content and behaviors. All these findings will lay foundations to further explore the links among obesity, behaviors, and brain iron alteration.
Integral Representations in Electromagnetic Inversion

Electromagnetic (EM) inverse methods are widely used in different technical and engineering applications. A feature common to all the above applications is that EM transmitters generate a transient EM field, which propagates through the medium and illuminates the object. The scattered back EM response from the object is recorded in the receivers as values of the electric or magnetic field components. The goal is to generate an image of the object. The image reconstruction is based on the numerical solution of an inverse scattering EM problem. This chapter presents a comprehensive description of linear and nonlinear methods for electromagnetic inversion. The key element of any inversion algorithm is the Frechet derivative calculation. We will discuss the methods of solving this problem based on different linear and nonlinear integral approximations. We also present a rigorous method of computing the Frechet derivative using the adjoint operators. In summary, this chapter outlines the basic principles of electromagnetic inversion and imaging based on integral representations of the electromagnetic field.
Techniques for Goal-Directed Fluid Management

An increasing body of evidence has demonstrated that fluid overload both in the intensive care unit (ICU) and operating room (OR) has a major impact on patient morbidity and mortality. The concept of aggressive fluid resuscitation has evolved into the concept of a physiologic, hemodynamically guided approach to fluid therapy. Fundamental to this approach is the concept of fluid responsiveness, defined as an increase in stroke of at least 10–15 % after a mini-fluid bolus. Clinical studies in diverse patient populations have consistently and reproducibly demonstrated that only about 50 % of hemodynamically unstable patients are fluid responsive. Traditional clinical signs are unable to predict fluid responsiveness with an acceptable degree of accuracy. The passive leg raising (PLR) maneuver and the fluid bolus (mini-bolus) test coupled with real-time stroke volume monitoring are the only reliable methods for determining fluid responsiveness. As the hemodynamic response to a fluid challenge is very short lived and large fluid boluses (20–30 ml/kg) are associated with severe volume overload, the mini-fluid bolus (500 ml crystaloid) approach mini-bolus (500 cc crystaloid) to fluid therapy is recommended.
“You excluded us for so long and now you want us to be patriotic?”: African American Women Teachers Navigating the Quandary of Citizenship

This qualitative study focuses on how 5 African American women social studies teachers utilized their experiential knowledge and understanding of history to make sense of the construct of citizenship. Drawing from Black feminism, this study asks how African American women social studies teachers define and teach the construct of citizenship. Multiple intersections of the participants’ identities impacted the ways in which they understood and taught citizenship to their students. Because traditional notions of citizenship failed to align with their experiences as African American women, they reinterpreted citizenship as based within their respective communities through the creation of “free spaces.” These transformative views of citizenship provide a framework into how complex perspectives on citizenship are being enacted within social studies classrooms.
Information and settlement: Empirical evidence on Daubert rulings and settlement rates

Abstract In 1993, the Supreme Court established a new standard for the admissibility of expert evidence with its decision in Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals . Although whether Daubert actually has increased the reliability of expert evidence remains an open question, empirical research generally suggests that Daubert has increased the judicial role in expert testimony as the number of challenges has increased. An unexplored topic to date is how Daubert outcomes impact litigation outcomes. This paper aims to fill that gap by examining how Daubert outcomes in federal district court affect the likelihood and timing of settlement. This paper also fits into the larger empirical literature that explores how information flows impact settlement. The sample of 2127 Daubert motions made in 1017 private cases from 91 federal district courts, spanning from 2003–2014, and involving 57 different causes of action provides the most comprehensive overview of Daubert practice in federal courts to date. The main empirical results suggest that defendant Daubert wins (plaintiff wins) are associated with a reduction (increase) in the likelihood of settlement. Results from duration analysis suggest that longer pendency time for Daubert motions are associated with lower settlement rates (a 4–7% reduction in the rate of settlement for every month that a Daubert motion goes undecided). Decomposition finds that the indirect effect of Daubert pendency (delay due to the reduction in communication between parties while Daubert motions pend before the court) accounts for the majority (70%) of the measured reduction in the settlement rate. One way that courts might reduce the cost of litigation if they were to adopt “ Lone Pine ”-type procedures that structure expert discovery and concomitant Daubert motions early, especially when expert testimony is required to prove certain elements of a claim.