cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Correlated changes in male plumage coloration and female mate choice in cardueline finches

The coevolution of extravagant male traits and female mate preferences is a central tenet of sexual selection theory. In lineages in which males have developed more elaborate sexual characters, females favour the most extreme expression of the trait. In some taxa, however, ornamental displays have evolved from more to less exaggerated states. Under these circumstances, it is unclear whether females show preferences for an ancestral male condition or for the current, less elaborate display. Here, we tested female mate preferences relative to male ornamental coloration in two species of cardueline finch (the American goldfinch, Carduelis tristis, and pine siskin, Carduelis pinus) that have evolved less elaborate carotenoidbased colour displays from more elaborately coloured ancestral states. We presented females of each species with a choice of males having either large patches of red colour (the elaborate, ancestral condition) or with species-typical patches of yellow colour (the less elaborate, derived state). Female goldfinches and siskins showed consistent preferences for the natural colour displays of males, and not for the more elaborate, ancestral colour pattern. Previous research on another cardueline finch taxon (a subspecies of the house finch, Carpodacus mexicanus griscomi), however, showed that females prefer more elaborate, ancestral coloration to the current form of reduced colour expression. The lack of congruence between male trait expression and female trait preference in the lineage with the most recently derived reduction in trait expression suggests that there may be evolutionary lags in the correspondence between male traits and female preferences. A shift in the expression of male coloration appears to be the first step towards the evolution of reduced colour displays in these finches.
AGE-VARYING EFFECTS OF FAMILY, SCHOOL, AND PEERS ON DELINQUENCY: A MULTILEVEL MODELING TEST OF INTERACTIONAL THEORY*

Few criminologists have directly examined whether the importance of family, school, and peers in the etiology of delinquency changes over the developmental period of adolescence. This study tests hypotheses, derived from Thornberry's (1987) interactional theory, about the age-varying effects of attachment to parents, commitment to school, and association with delinquent peers on delinquency by applying Bryk and Raudenbush's (1992) hierarchical linear models to analyze the first five waves of data from the National Youth Survey. Results show that the direct as well as total effects of delinquent peers and school on delinquency tend to increase from early to middle adolescence, reach a peak at the age of mid-13 and mid-15, respectively, and then decline. This curvilinear pattern of change is interpreted as reflective of the process of adolescent development and the age-delinquency relationship. On the other hand, both direct and total effects of family on delinquency are found to be significant throughout the period of adolescence, but the effects do not systematically vary as hypothesized. Theoretical, methodological, and policy implications of the findings are also discussed.
Pigmentation of Egg Yolks with Astaxanthin from the Yeast Phaffia rhodozyma

Abstract The red yeast Phaffia rhodozyma was tested as a dietary pigment source for egg yolks of laying hens and Japanese quail. It was found that astaxanthin from broken yeast or prepared yeast oil but not from intact yeast cells was deposited in egg yolks. The efficiency of carotenoid deposition was approximately 4%, and it was only slightly dependent of the astaxanthin concentration in the diet. Astaxanthin was probably deposited without metabolic alteration in egg yolks. When P. rhodozyma was fed to laying hens at several concentrations and in combination with marigold flower pigments or yellow corn, a wide range of colors was achieved; depending on the yeast concentration in the feed, the dominant wavelength of chicken egg yolks ranged from 571 nm to 593 nm.
NURBS: a database of experimental and predicted nuclear receptor binding sites of mouse

Summary: Nuclear receptors (NRs) are a class of transcription factors playing important roles in various biological processes. An NR often impacts numerous genes and different NRs share overlapped target networks. To fulfil the need for a database incorporating binding sites of different NRs at various conditions for easy comparison and visualization to improve our understanding of NR binding mechanisms, we have developed NURBS, a database for experimental and predicted nuclear receptor binding sites of mouse (NURBS). NURBS currently contains binding sites across the whole-mouse genome of 8 NRs identified in 40 chromatin immunoprecipitation with massively parallel DNA sequencing experiments. All datasets are processed using a widely used procedure and same statistical criteria to ensure the binding sites derived from different datasets are comparable. NURBS also provides predicted binding sites using NR-HMM, a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) model. Availability: The GBrowse-based user interface of NURBS is freely accessible at http://shark.abl.ku.edu/nurbs/. NR-HMM and all results
Precise automated control of fluid volumes inside glass capillaries

A precise automated apparatus for controlling the position of small fluid sample volumes inside glass capillaries has been developed as part of an automated system for handling submicroliter reaction volumes for genomic analysis. The apparatus uses a linear charge-coupled device (CCD) array, dc motor, pneumatic pump, feedback controller, and a digital signal processor (DSP) to detect the menisci and control in real-time the position of fluid in a clear glass capillary with a resolution of 50 /spl mu/m. This information is used to infer fluid volumes and control aspiration and dispensing to within 15 nanoliters depending on the inner diameter of the capillary. A computer simulation was developed to determine the effect of thick- and thin-walled capillaries on the detected signals. This simulation showed that, with a geometry appropriate for the overall automated system, a capillary with an inner diameter greater than 0.6 times the outer diameter is optimal to detect the presence of fluid inside the capillary. Thicker walled glass capillaries may be employed if a focusing lens is placed between the light source and the capillary. This result was verified experimentally.
G-CSF-activated STAT3 enhances production of the chemokine MIP-2 in bone marrow neutrophils

Neutrophil mobilization from the bone marrow is a critical aspect of the innate immune response, enabling a rapid deployment of phagocytes to infected or inflamed tissue. The cytokine G-CSF, which is induced rapidly during infection, elicits a swift and potent mobilizing response, yet its mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. Here, we studied the role of G-CSF and its principal signal transducer STAT3 in regulating expression of the neutrophil chemoattractant MIP-2. Our studies revealed Gr-1hi mature neutrophils as major sources of Cxcl2 (MIP-2) mRNA in bone marrow and G-CSF-responsive MIP-2 protein production. Induction of Cxcl2 was regulated directly by G-CSF-activated STAT3 via interaction at a STAT consensus element in the Cxcl2 promoter. G-CSF coordinately stimulated the association of STAT3, induction of the transcriptionally active H3K4me3 modification, and recruitment of RNA Pol II at the Cxcl2 proximal promoter, as well as the promoter region of Il8rb, encoding the MIP-2 receptor. These results suggest that the G-CSF–STAT3 pathway directly regulates transcriptional events that induce neutrophil mobilization.
Early hypothermia improves survival and reduces the rise of serum biomarkers after traumatic brain injury in swine

Poor outcomes in clinical trials on the use of therapeutic hypothermia following traumatic brain injury (TBI) may be due to the delay in reaching target temperature [1]. We hypothesize that early and rapid induction of hypothermia will mitigate neuronal injury and improve survival in a swine model of TBI.
Successful Use of Biliary Duct Balloon Dilator in Repairing Post-Surgical Esophageal Stricture in premature infant

Congenital esophageal atresia needs to be surgically corrected as soon as possible. Some will present with post surgical stricture that needs to be dilated by a balloon dilator. This procedure is difficult in premature born due to infant esophageal size and availability of equipments. We herby report the first case in a premature infant with post surgical esophageal stricture of esophageal atresia by the use of biliary duct balloon dilator.
Molecular Identification of Staphylococcus aureus in Airway Samples from Children with Cystic Fibrosis

Background Staphylococcus aureus is a common and significant pathogen in cystic fibrosis. We sought to determine if quantitative PCR (qPCR) and 16S rRNA gene sequencing could provide a rapid, culture-independent approach to the identification of S. aureus airway infections. Methods We examined the sensitivity and specificity of two qPCR assays, targeting the femA and 16S rRNA gene, using culture as the gold standard. In addition, 16S rRNA gene sequencing to identify S. aureus directly from airway samples was evaluated. DNA extraction was performed with and without prior enzymatic digestion. Results 87 samples [42 oropharyngeal (OP) and 45 expectorated sputum (ES)] were analyzed. 59 samples (68%) cultured positive for S. aureus. Using standard extraction techniques, sequencing had the highest sensitivity for S. aureus detection (85%), followed by FemA qPCR (52%) and 16SrRNA qPCR (34%). For all assays, sensitivity was higher from ES samples compared to OP swabs. Specificity of the qPCR assays was 100%, but 21.4% for sequencing due to detection of S. aureus in low relative abundance from culture negative samples. Enzymatic digestion increased the sensitivity of qPCR assays, particularly for OP swabs. Conclusion Sequencing had a high sensitivity for S. aureus, but low specificity. While femA qPCR had higher sensitivity than 16S qPCR for detection of S. aureus, neither assay was as sensitive as sequencing. The significance of S. aureus detection with low relative abundance by sequencing in culture-negative specimens is not clear.
Making what’s advanced today routine tomorrow

Statistical principles and ongoing proliferation of novel statistical methodologies have dramatically improved the clinical drug development process. This journey over the last seven decades reshaped the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory agencies, highlighted the importance of statistical thinking in drug development and decision-making, and, most importantly, improved the lives of countless patients around the world. Some significant highlights in the history of this journey are recounted here as well as some exciting opportunities of what the future may hold for the science and profession of statistics.
"Bringing Workers Back In: Native-Place Networks, Solidarity, and Labor Standards in China"

Drawing on prior literature on labor standards, social networks, and industrial relations in China, I argue that given the weak union tradition there, alternative organizational bases for workers’ mobilization and solidarity in local contexts have become an important factor for improving labor standards. Using a mixed method, including 54 in-depth interviews and a unique survey of 105 firms and 1,270 workers in these firms, this article specifies two findings: 1) despite the ever-increasing top-down regulatory efforts by the state and multinational corporations (MNCs), exploitative labor relations still exist as approximately ten percent of surveyed workers reported the experiences of labor abuses; only 53 percent of surveyed firms paid above minimum wages; and 2) the unique native-place networks among rural-to-urban migrant workers are a primary source of solidarity and have been crucial to preventing labor abuses; however, similar to immigrants’ ethnic enclaves in the U.S. and European contexts or the g...
Identification of a gene at 16q24.3 that restores cellular senescence in immortal mammary tumor cells.

We have mapped a cellular senescence gene, SEN16, within a genetic distance of 3 – 7 cM, at 16q24.3. Microcell mediated transfer of a normal human chromosome 16, 16q22-qter or 16q23-qter restored cellular senescence in four immortal cell lines, derived from human and rat mammary tumors. The resumption of indefinite cell proliferation, concordant with the segregation of the donor chromosome, confirmed the presence of a senescence gene at 16q23-qter. While microcell hybrids were maintained in selection medium to retain the donor chromosome, sporadic immortal revertant clones arose among senescent cells. Reversion to immortal growth could occur due to inactivation of the senescence gene either by a mutation or a deletion. The analysis for chromosome 16 specific DNA markers, in revertant clones of senescent microcell hybrids, revealed a consensus deletion, spanning a genetic interval of approximately 3 – 7 cM at 16q24.3.
Predicting the population density of Aedes albopictus according to meteorological data

Objective To search for the method predicting the population density of Aedes albopictus according to meteorological data so as to provide reference evidence for the precaution of arthropod-borne infectious diseases.Methods The relationship between meteorological data such as monthly average temperature and total precipitation and the population density of Aedes albopictus were analyzed.The regression equation was established by SPSS software package to predict the population density of Aedes albopictus.Results The computative population density of Aedes albopictus larvae according to meteorological data are approximately equal to the monitoring data.Conclusion Population density of Aedes albopictus larvae can be approximatively predicted according to monthly average temperature and total precipitation,thereby,providing reference evidence for the precaution of arthropod-borne infectious diseases such as dengue fever.
Application of letrozole for ovulation induction in patients with poor ovarian response

Objective:To investigate the effect of letrozole for ovulation induction in patients with poor ovarian response during in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer(IVF-ET).Methods:The data of 62 cycles from infertile patients who accepted letrozole for ovulation induction in IVF-ET(group A)were retrospective1 y analyzed.Another 62 cycles as the control(group B)were randomly selected from the infertile patients who were older than 35 years and underwent IVF-ET with shot GnRH-agonist(GnRH-a)and gonadotropin(Gn)for ovulation induction.The clinical data and pregnancy outcomes,such as the number of oocytes retrieved,fertilization rate,embryo implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate,were compared between the two groups.Results:The duration and dose of Gn used in group A were significantly less than those in group B(P0.01).The endometrial thickness and the levels of serum estradiol(E2)or progesterone on human chorionic gonadotrophin(HCG)injection day in group A were significantly less than those in group B(P0.01).Otherwise,the levels of serum luteinizing hormone(LH)in group A were significantly higher than those in group B(P0.01).The rate of no oocytes retrieved cycle in group A was significantly higher than that in group B(P0.01).The number of oocytes retrieved and high-quality embryo number in group A were significantly lower than those in group B(P0.01).However,no statistical difference was found in fertilization rate and cleavage rate between the two groups(P0.05).Cancel cycle rate in group A was significantly higher level than that in group B(P0.01).The clinical pregnancy rate of oocytes retrieved cycles in group A was significantly lower than that in group B(P0.01),but there was no statisticaldifference in embryo implantation rate,the clinical pregnancy rate of transplantation cycles,and abortion rate between the two groups(P0.05).Conclusions:In the cycles with using letrozole for ovulation induction cycles,the number of retrieved oocytes was less,but the fertilization rate and cleavage rate were well.Moreover,it could improve endometrium status and implantation rate.It may be suitable for patients with poor ovarian response in IVF-ET.
Spin: Examining the Role of Engagement, Integration, and Modularity in Supporting Youth Creating Documentation

While sharing design projects is often seen as an essential component of participating in the maker community, ways in which young people can meaningfully participate have only begun to be supported. In this paper, we contribute an evaluation of Spin, a system for youth to capture and share animations of physical design projects. We describe how educators and students used Spin in 16 different K-12 makerspaces over 6 months, ranging from 2-hour-long workshops to extended 8-week engagements. Through our analysis of over 450 animations created during this timeframe and interviews and surveys with users, we outline the role of engagement, integration, and modularity for making documentation practice relevant and meaningful. We distill these ideas into design principles for creating documentation tools to support young makers.
The Case for the Welfare State

(1978). The Case for the Welfare State. Journal of Economic Issues: Vol. 12, No. 4, pp. 958-960.
The infamous conduct of the Prussians

Yorck’s van – a combined-arms detachment commanded by Lobenthal – spearheaded the drive into the neutral zone. Departing from Lorzendorf (Wawrzenczyce), the Prussians marched almost twenty miles northwest to secure Mertschutz, itself halfway to Liegnitz. From Panzkau (Peczkow), one cavalry detachment under Major Schenk consisting of two squadrons each from the 2nd Leib Hussars and the Brandenburg Hussars established communication with Sacken’s corps. Yorck’s main body trooped to Saarau and Konradswaldau (Mrowiny) in three columns. For added security, the Prussian corps commander kept the cavalry of each of his four brigades close to the infantry. To the left of the Prussians, Langeron’s vanguard reached Jauer; the main body halted ten miles to its southeast at Striegau, itself four miles west of Yorck’s main body. Two hundred Cossacks maintained communication between Yorck’s and Langeron’s vanguards. On Blucher’s right, Sacken’s corps marched into Breslau but did not achieve its objectives of Neumarkt and Deutschlissa. After occupying the provincial capital, the Russian corps commander continued only to Breslau’s western suburbs instead of the Schweidnitz stream. He pushed six Cossack regiments to Deutschlissa rather than Neumarkt. Purportedly, Sacken admitted to purposefully deviating from the disposition. On Blucher’s extreme left wing, Kaysarov led Pahlen III’s van of four Jager battalions and three Cossack regiments only to Schmiedeberg, likewise falling short of his objective of reaching Hirschberg. Blucher’s headquarters moved to Wurben, four miles north of Schweidnitz (see Map 2).
Photothermal heating of nanoribbons

Nanoscale optical materials are of great interest for building future optoelectronic devices for information processing and sensing applications. Although heat transfer ultimately limits the maximum power at which nanoscale devices may operate, gaining a quantitative experimental measurement of photothermal heating within single nanostructures remains a challenge. Here, we measure the nonlinear optical absorption coefficient of optically trapped cadmium-sulfide nanoribbons at the level of single nanostructures through observations of their Brownian dynamics during single-beam laser trapping experiments. A general solution to the heat transfer partial differential equation is derived for nanostructures having rectilinear morphology including nanocubes and nanoribbons. Numerical electromagnetic calculations using the discrete-dipole approximation enable the simulation of the photothermal heating source function and the extraction of nonlinear optical absorption coefficients from experimental observations of single nanoribbon dynamics.
Fourth Amendment Anxiety

In Birchfield v. North Dakota (2016), the Supreme Court broke new Fourth Amendment ground by establishing that law enforcement’s collection of information can be cause for “anxiety,” meriting constitutional protection, even if subsequent uses of the information are tightly restricted. This change is significant. While the Court has long recognized the reality that police — just like any other actor — cannot be trusted to always follow the rules, Birchfield changes how that concern is implemented in Fourth Amendment law, and importantly, in a manner that acknowledges the new realities of data-driven policing. Beyond offering a careful reading of Birchfield, this Article has two goals. First, we compare Birchfield to two fixtures of Fourth Amendment law that likewise stem from distrust of state power: the warrant requirement and the exclusionary rule. Like traditional warrants, “Birchfield warrants” have a prophylactic quality; they enable ex ante judicial supervision. But Birchfield warrants also go further than traditional warrants; they aim to anticipate — and preempt — disregard for the rules later on, not just to safeguard particularity in the immediate search or seizure. In this sense, Birchfield warrants do ex ante what the exclusionary rule does ex post: deter abuse. Second, we connect Birchfield’s “anti-anxiety” logic to two other areas of constitutional criminal procedure. The first are settings — speedy trial and double jeopardy cases, most notably — where the Court has recognized that potential uses of state power can provoke anxiety and, accordingly, require constitutional accommodation. We refer to this as the “Sword of Damocles” problem. The second area is Miranda, which, like Birchfield, deals with a problem of “closed-door” policing. In both Miranda and Birchfield, protective rules are necessary because law enforcement decisions happen in the dark — in Miranda, due to the realities of traditional custodial interrogation, and in Birchfield, because collected information simply disappears into a government vault. Birchfield is, in effect, the Court’s first “big data collection” case, having doctrinal implications for the seizure and use of any information-rich evidence, including support for Fourth Amendment use restrictions. In this sense, Birchfield is best understood as continuous with other recent jurisprudence — most notably, United States v. Jones and Riley v. California — in which the Supreme Court has revitalized the ideal of judicial supervision in the age of data-driven policing.
Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering analysis of urine from deceased donors as a prognostic tool for kidney transplant outcome

We report the utility of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) analysis of urine from deceased donors for prognosis of kidney transplant outcomes. Iodide-modified silver nanoparticles were used as the enabler for sensitive measurements of urine proteins. Principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were employed for the statistical analysis of the SERS data. Thirty urine samples in three classes were analysed. The ATN class consists of donors whose kidneys had acute tubular necrosis (ATN), the most common type of acute kidney injury (AKI) with high risk of poor graft performance in recipients, yet yielded acceptable transplant outcome. The DGF class is comprised of donors whose kidney had delayed graft function (DGF) in recipients. The control class includes donors whose kidneys did not have donor ATN or recipient DGF. We show a sensitivity of more than 90 % in differentiating the ATN class from the DGF and control classes. Our methodology can thus help clinicians choose kidneys in the high-risk ATN category for transplant which would otherwise be discarded. Our research is impactful in that it could serve as a valuable guidance to expand the deceased donor pool to include those perceived as high-risk AKI type based on common urinary biomarkers. Picutre: Scheme of SERS analysis of urine samples from deceased donors for kidney transplant outcome indication.
The Vibronic Theory of Size Effects in CO Oxidation by Gold Nanocatalysts

A theoretical model, based on the vibronic theory of catalysis, has been developed for the CO oxidation reaction catalyzed by gold nanoparticles. The charge fraction transferred between the catalyst and the adsorbed CO molecule depends upon the relative positions of the size-dependent Fermi level of the cluster and the energy levels of the molecular orbitals of CO adsorbed onto the cluster. The charge transferred from the nanocluster to the adsorbed CO molecule increases the absolute values of forces deforming the molecule chemical bond and force constants defining the curvature of potential for nuclear oscillation leading to the decrease in activation energy for CO oxidation. The application of vibronic and jellium theories to CO oxidation provides an explanation of the observed cluster size effects. The relative locations of electronic energy levels of a gold cluster and a CO molecule before and after the adsorption onto the cluster surface
Oral mucosal injury caused by denture cleanser tablets: A case report

A case of chemical injury to the oral mucosa that resulted in obstructive sialadenitis of the submandibular glands is presented. The injury occurred when a patient chewed, swished, and expectorated an immersion-type denture-cleansing tablet attempting to clean a fixed bridge. The literature is reviewed for similar oral mucosal injury caused by improper use of denture-cleansing products. Suggestions for the prevention of such injuries are made.
Organizational Behavior Management: An Enabler of Applied Behavior Analysis

Organizational behavior management (OBM) is a discipline within applied behavior analysis (ABA) that seeks to solve organizational problems through the application of behavioral principles within the work context. Over the past 30 years, researchers and practitioners of OBM have developed and empirically tested numerous behavioral assessment techniques and real-world interventions to understand and manage the complexity of organizational contingencies and metacontingencies. In the same time frame, other areas of ABA have also demonstrated their efficacy in delivering behavior analytic services to clients in human services, education, and many other areas. The industry of behavior analysis is a service industry that can be faced with the same organizational challenges that OBM seeks to solve. After all, the behaviors of employees and managers within clinics, schools, agencies, and governments operate under the same principles of behavior as do our clients. This chapter introduces organizational behavior analysis and describes how OBM can enable and enhance the delivery of behavior analytic services by managing the contingencies operating on the service providers.
Adjuvant chemotherapy improves survival in patients with completely resected T3N0 non–small cell lung cancer invading the chest wall

Abstract Objective Adjuvant chemotherapy prolongs survival in patients with non–small cell lung cancer with N1 disease or tumors larger than 4 cm. Patients with T3N0 disease due to chest wall invasion often receive adjuvant chemotherapy because their disease is classified as stage II non–small cell lung cancer. This study evaluated whether chemotherapy improves survival after complete resection of T3N0 non–small cell lung cancer with invasion of the chest wall. Methods Patients who underwent complete resection of N0 non–small cell lung cancer with invasion of the chest wall were identified in the National Cancer Database. We performed propensity matching of patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy and patients who did not and examined survival. Results We identified 2326 eligible patients; 1050 patients (45%) received adjuvant chemotherapy, and 1276 patients (55%) did not. Patients who received chemotherapy after surgery had significantly better median survival than patients who did not (71 vs 39 months, P P Conclusions In this large database study, adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved survival in patients with T3 (chest wall) N0 non–small cell lung cancer after complete resection. Further studies are required to confirm our findings.
EFFECT OF CHARACTER AND TECHNICAL DIMENSIONS OF ETHICAL LEADERSHIP ON EMPLOYEE COMMITMENT IN THE TRANSPORT SECTOR PARASTATALS IN KENYA

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the character and technical dimensions of ethical leadership on employee commitment among senior managers in the transport sector parastatals in Kenya. Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive correlational research design. The target population consisted of 253 senior managers in the transport sector parastatals. A sample of 153 senior managers was selected from the target population using the stratified random sampling technique. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from senior managers. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Correlation analysis revealed a positive and significant relationship between the character dimension and employee commitment, r (111) = .72, p < .05, and also between the technical dimension and employee commitment, r (111) = .56, p < .05, Analysis of variance showed that employee commitment was significantly affected by the character dimension, F (1, 111) = 197.56, p < .05 as well as the technical dimension, F (1, 111) = 55.23, p < .05. Results of multiple linear regression indicated that 64% of the variance in employee commitment were caused by the character dimension, R 2 = .64, F (1,111) = 197.56, p < .05; β = .78, p < .05 while 33% of the variance in employee commitment were caused by the technical dimension, R 2 = .33, F (1,111) = 55.23, p < .05; β = .65, p < .05. Ethical climate was found to significantly moderate the relationship between the character and technical dimensions of ethical leadership and employee commitment, R 2 = .67, F (7,105) = 30.56, p < .05; β = .24, p < .05. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Previous studies on ethical leadership have focused on the ethical characteristics of the leader and behavioral traits in the Western settings. This study has provided an in-depth examination of ethical leadership and its effect on employee commitment in the African context. In addition, the application of ethical climate as a moderating variable in this study presented the opportunity to further test its moderating effect on the relationship between the character and technical dimensions of ethical leadership and employee commitment in public organizational settings.
Risk Assessment: The Role of Government in a Multiple Objective Framework

One could argue rather persuasively that the only proper role of government is that of risk mitigation in a multiobjective framework. This might require broader or narrower definitions of these terms than their customary usage, particularly that of “proper,” but by and large these are precisely the kinds of interpersonal problems which long ago constituted the basis for the original creation of governments. It is admitted that such governments, once created, have commonly usurped broader roles, but the basic reasons for their existence and their character reflect a necessity for a community or group action to avoid or mitigate risks associated with accomplishing the many objectives of the people concerned.
The Treatment of Psychosomatic Disorders

It is the intention of this chapter to describe and review critically some recent research concerning the psychological treatment of childhood asthma. Although it is well beyond the scope of this endeavor to discuss current notions regarding the pathophysiology of asthma, or to review exhaustively and critically the rapidly expanding experimental literature in the area of asthma research generally, some background orientation is necessary. In particular, before commencing the review an attempt will be made both to present an informal model concerning the psychological aspects of asthma, and to provide a brief summary of the current status of our knowledge in the latter area.
GABA | Molecular Pathology of Genetic Epilepsy Associated with GABA A Receptor Subunit Gene Mutations

Mutations in ligand-gated ion channel genes associated with idiopathic generalized epilepsies (IGEs) have been reported in excitatory acetylcholine receptor α4 and β2 subunit genes linked to autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy, and in inhibitory GABAA receptor α1, β3, γ2, and δ subunit genes associated with childhood absence epilepsy, juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, pure febrile seizures, generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus, and generalized epilepsy with tonic-clonic seizures. Recent studies suggest that these mutations alter receptor function or alter receptor biogenesis, including impaired receptor subunit messenger RNA stability, receptor subunit protein folding and stability, receptor assembly, and receptor trafficking.
[2] Purification of receptors

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the experimental approaches that have been used successfully for purification of neurotransmitter receptors and other receptors of interest in neuroscience and behavior and the types of problems that are typically encountered in such studies. Purification of receptors for neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, opiates, drugs, and other chemical agents that act in the central nervous system, as well as the periphery, have become an essential step in molecular characterization of such receptors and facilitates elucidation of the biochemical and physiological events that take place on interaction of these agents with their binding sites. Based on pharmacological data, it is now clear that many neurotransmitter receptors exist as multiple subtypes, as in the case of dopamine (D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5 thus far) and serotonin (of which there are at least seven subtypes, e.g., 5HT1A, 5HT1B, and 5HT2), which differ markedly in their affinity for various receptor agonists and antagonists.
Effects of shape and misalignment of fibers on the failure response of carbon fiber reinforced polymers

An integrated computational framework is presented for the automated modeling and simulation of the failure response of carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs) with arbitrary-shaped, randomly-misaligned, embedded fibers. The proposed approach relies on a new packing/relocation-based reconstruction algorithm to synthesize realistic 3D representative volume elements (RVEs) of CFRP. A non-iterative mesh generation algorithm is then employed to create high-quality finite element models of each RVE. The failure response of CFRP is simulated using ductile and cohesive-contact damage models for the epoxy matrix and along fiber-matrix interfaces, respectively. In addition to studying the impact of fiber misalignments, this computational framework is employed to investigate the effect of cross-sectional geometry of fibers (circular versus oval shaped) on the strength, ductility, and toughness of CFRP subject to tensile and compressive loads applied transverse to the fibers direction.
Pancreas cancer, careful improvements and human connections

“Pancreas cancer is a deadly disease.” That sentence, or something like it, appears at the beginning of almost every paper on pancreas cancer that I’ve ever read or written. For decades practitioners have constantly striven to hone their skills and improve outcomes, yet the prognosis remains stubbornly poor.
Acquired cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator dysfunction

Abstract Sinonasal respiratory epithelium is a highly regulated barrier that employs mucociliary clearance (MCC) as the airways first line of defense. The biological properties of the airway surface liquid (ASL), combined with coordinated ciliary beating, are critical components of the mucociliary apparatus. The ASL volume and viscosity is modulated, in part, by the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). The CFTR is an anion transporter of chloride (Cl−) and bicarbonate (HCO3−) that is located on the apical surface of respiratory epithelium and exocrine glandular epithelium. Improved understanding of how dysfunction or deficiency of CFTR influences the disease process in both genetically defined cystic fibrosis (CF) and acquired conditions has provided further insight into potential avenues of treatment. This review discusses the latest data regarding acquired CFTR deficiency and use of CFTR specific treatment strategies for CRS and other chronic airway diseases.
Behavior Analytic Perspectives on Teaching Complex Social Behavior to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Social behavior ranges from simple responses (e.g., making eye contact when speaking to another, imitating the behavior of others, initiating conversations) to complex responses such as understanding and taking the perspective of others, empathizing with others, maintaining conversations, using and understanding figurative language, understanding when someone is lying or being deceitful, and also knowing when to lie. Children with autism spectrum disorder often demonstrate deficits in social behaviors, thus requiring intervention. Although there is a growing body of behavior analytic literature related to teaching the simple, early social skills, behavior analysts have only recently begun discussions related to the component skills involved in complex social behavior and conducting research on strategies for teaching these advanced social skills. In this chapter, behavior analytic perspectives on perspective taking, empathy, advanced conversation skills, figurative language, and lying and deceit are described. Recent research and clinical recommendations for teaching each of these complex social behaviors to children with autism spectrum disorder are also described.
Detection of Random Correction from Source Code Snapshots

Classifying student's situation helps teachers to improve educational effect. In this paper, authors propose two metrics to classify the student's "random correction." Random Correction is an action that source code correction without understanding the exercise contents. We select a programming course with Online Judge System as a target, then analyze the characteristics of random correction from recorded snapshots. The result of the experiment showed that students who cannot reach perfect score have high value of both metrics; 1) a degree of imbalance corrections between source code lines, 2) the number of submitted revisions.
Specification of Optical Surfaces with Anisotropic Mid-Spatial Frequency Errors

Mid-spatial frequency (MSF) errors impact optical performance. Conventional surface specification methods assume isotropy, which gives misleading results for surfaces with anisotropic errors. We propose an alternate surface specification method.
ON VARIETIES WITH TRIVIAL TANGENT BUNDLE IN CHARACTERISTIC

In this article, I give a crystalline characterization of abelian varieties amongst the class of smooth projective varieties with trivial tangent bundles in characteristic is true for smooth projective surfaces. I give a new proof of a result by Li and prove a refinement of it. Based on my characterization of abelian varieties, I propose modifications of Li’s conjecture, which I expect to be true.
Content Discriminatory Patents: A Response to Professor Chiang

Recent scholarship, including a new paper by TJ Chiang, has begun seriously examining the relationship between patents and the First Amendment. In this response to Professor Chiang’s paper, I expand on my previous work in this area to consider the question of content discrimination in the patent system. This jurisprudential metric plays a pivotal role in setting the standards for First Amendment judicial review of governmental regulation, demarcating the boundary between strict scrutiny of state action and more permissive forms of judicial scrutiny. By tracing recent trends in the Supreme Court’s content discrimination jurisprudence, I argue that strict scrutiny of expressive patents may occur more often than either Professor Chiang or I have previously suggested. In particular, the Supreme Court’s trend toward expansion of heightened scrutiny, together with its curtailment of information-oriented regulation via the First Amendment, indicates that the frequency and severity of conflicts between patent law and the First Amendment may be dramatically increased.
Fatigue and Bloody Diarrhea

A 19-year-old female presents with fatigue for the past 3 months. She is of Ashkenazi Jewish origin. She reports a 2-year history of diarrhea accompanied by abdominal pain and cramping. Her stool is sometimes tinged with blood as well as mucus. She also has intermittent aches and malaise. Her stature is short relative to her parents. She smokes ½ a pack of cigarettes per day. On physical examination, the patient appears pale and thin. She has several small painful sores inside her mouth. Her abdominal exam is unremarkable. Her legs demonstrate several red nodules that are tender to palpation. Anal exam reveals perianal skin tags. Her laboratory studies demonstrate a hemoglobin of 7.5 g/dL (normal 12–15.5 g/dL).
The Effect of Erasure Coding on the Burstiness of Packet Loss

The perceived quality of real-time media delivered over IP networks depends on both the rate and burstiness of packet loss. In this paper, we develop a new mathematical model for the residual burstiness of loss under erasure coding. We derive the expected number of consecutive losses in a burst as a function of erasure coding parameters and the network loss probability assuming a Bernoulli model for network losses.
Prolonged exposure of cognitieve herstructurering voor de behandeling van PTSS en gerelateerde zelfverwonding

In dit hoofdstuk wordt het tweede onderdeel van Stap 3 van het stepped-caremodel besproken (zie fig. II.1 in de inleiding van deel II). Stap 3 van het model is bestemd voor individuen die een combinatie van meerdere zelfbeschadigende gedragspatronen vertonen, waaronder zelfverwonding. Meestal hebben personen bij wie Stap 3-interventies nodig zijn een verleden van fysieke mishandeling en/of seksueel misbruik of andere traumatische/stressvolle ervaringen, zoals beschreven in H. 15. Twee behandelingen die hun effectiviteit bij deze problemen hebben bewezen worden in dit hoofdstuk besproken.
Supervised Learning on Relational Databases with Graph Neural Networks.

The majority of data scientists and machine learning practitioners use relational data in their work [State of ML and Data Science 2017, Kaggle, Inc.]. But training machine learning models on data stored in relational databases requires significant data extraction and feature engineering efforts. These efforts are not only costly, but they also destroy potentially important relational structure in the data. We introduce a method that uses Graph Neural Networks to overcome these challenges. Our proposed method outperforms state-of-the-art automatic feature engineering methods on two out of three datasets.
Examining Developmental Transitions in Civic Engagement across Adolescence: Evidence from a National U.S. Sample

how much and what type(s) of change are evident in civic engagement across adolescence is a fundamental starting point for advancing developmental theory in the civic domain. Using five annual waves of data from a large national U.S. sample spanning 8th-12th grades, our study describes civic engagement typologies and transitions in and out of typologies across adolescence. Four distinct civic typologies were identified across indicators of civic values, behaviors, and future expectations. Two-thirds of youth demonstrated ipsative continuity, i.e., within-class stability over time. Transitions indicated gradual stepwise change in both upward and downward directions and thus provided only modest support for age-related gains. Our study has the potential to spur theoretical progress regarding civic development by documenting developmental change as a series of transitions that vary across people. Results help to clarify the diverse civic pathways that youth experience across adolescence.
Expression of Adhesion Molecules in a Gastroduodenal Reflux Murine Model.

Abstract Background Various adhesion molecules, including intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), have been shown to play a role in inflammation as well as contribute to tumor progression and prognosis. We hypothesized that gastroduodenal reflux upregulates ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression in the distal esophagus, serving as possible early markers of pathologic esophageal disease. Methods Normal human esophageal epithelial cells (HET1A), Barrett cells (CPB), and esophageal adenocarcinoma cells (FLO1 and OE33) were treated with deoxycholic acid at increasing concentrations for 24 hours. Adhesion molecule expression was assessed using immunoblotting. A surgical mouse reflux model was generated by performing a side-to-side anastomosis between the gastroesophageal junction and the first portion of the duodenum (duodenum-gastroesophageal anastomosis). Esophageal sections were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Result Deoxycholic acid induced a significant increase in ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression in HET1A, CPB, FLO1, and OE33 cells. Animals undergoing duodenum-gastroesophageal anastomosis demonstrated a significant increase in mucosal hyperplasia (P Conclusions Our results reveal that ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 are upregulated in response to in vitro reflux treatment of normal esophageal epithelial cells. However, our investigation using a mouse reflux model found ICAM-1 is noticeably upregulated without a concomitant increase in VCAM-1. These findings identify ICAM-1, but not VCAM-1, as a potential player in early esophageal disease developing from chronic reflux exposure.
Adapt-NoC: A Flexible Network-on-Chip Design for Heterogeneous Manycore Architectures

The increased computational capability in heterogeneous manycore architectures facilitates the concurrent execution of many applications. This requires, among other things, a flexible, high-performance, and energy-efficient communication fabric capable of handling a variety of traffic patterns needed for running multiple applications at the same time. Such stringent requirements are posing a major challenge for current Network-on-Chips (NoCs) design. In this paper, we propose Adapt-NoC, a flexible NoC architecture, along with a reinforcement learning (RL)-based control policy, that can provide efficient communication support for concurrent application execution. Adapt-NoC can dynamically allocate several disjoint regions of the NoC, called subNoCs, with different sizes and locations for the concurrently running applications. Each of the dynamically-allocated subNoCs is capable of adapting to a given topology such as a mesh, cmesh, torus, or tree thus tailoring the topology to satisfy application’s needs in terms of performance and power consumption. Moreover, we explore the use of RL to design an efficient control policy which optimizes the subNoC topology selection for a given application. As such, Adapt-NoC can not only provide several topology choices for concurrently running applications, but can also optimize the selection of the most suitable topology for a given application with the aim of improving performance and energy efficiency. We evaluate Adapt-NoC using both GPU and CPU benchmark suites. Simulation results show that the proposed Adapt-NoC can achieve up to 34% latency reduction, 10% overall execution time reduction and 53% NoC energy-efficiency improvement when compared to prior work.