cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential displaying of mRNAs from the atrioventricular region of developing chicken hearts at stages 15 and 21.

In an effort to isolate novel genes that may be involved in the development of the cardiac cushions and then the formation of cardiac valves and septa, we utilized the differential mRNA display method in conjunction with the whole-mount in situ hybridization. The total RNA used for differential display was prepared from atrioventricular (AV) canal regions of stage 15 and stage 21 chicken hearts because critical events known to be important for the AV valve and septum formation occur during this period of the development. We have successfully obtained 14 potential candidate genes. Three examples, 15H16 (phospholamban), E13 ( skeletal α- tropomyosin) and 21C (a novel gene), are discussed here. Levels of mRNA expression in developing hearts were determined by Northern blot analysis and their expression patterns were revealed and compared using whole-mount in situ hybridization. Both phospholamban and skeletal α-tropomyosin messages in the myocardium of the AV canal region showed significant decrease during this period of the development. The 21C differential display product detects a novel 9.5 Kb message whose expression is cardiac-specific at early stages of development. The expression level of the 21C gene appeared to be increased from stage 15 to stages 21 and 25 as determined by both Northern blot analysis and in situ hybridization. From these data, we demonstrate that the differential display method together with the whole-mount in situ hybridization could be an effective means for the isolation of novel and differentially expressed genes.
When human factors and design unite: using visual language and usability testing to improve instructions for a home-use medication infusion pump:

Use of medical devices in the home that had previously been used in a healthcare facility is increasing as more care is being transferred to the home environment. To accommodate these changes, inst...
Control of oscillating foil for propulsion of biorobotic autonomous underwater vehicle AUV

The paper treats the question of control of a laterally and rotationally oscillating hydrofoil for the propulsion of biologically inspired robotic biorobotic autonomous underwater vehicles BAUVs. Sinusoidal oscillations of foils produce maneuvering and propulsive forces. The design is based on the internal model principle. Two springs are used to transmit forces from the actuators to the foil. Oscillating fins produce periodic forces, which can be used for fish-like propulsion and control of autonomous underwater vehicles AUVs. The equations of motion of the foil include hydrodynamic lift and moment based on linear, unsteady, aerodynamic theory. A control law is derived for the lateral and rotational sinusoidal oscillation of the foil. In the closed-loop system, the lateral displacement and the rotational angle of the foil asymptotically follow sinusoidal trajectories of distinct frequencies and amplitudes independently. Simulation results are presented to show the trajectory tracking performance of the foil for different freestream velocities and sinusoidal command trajectories.
A Review of: “Care at the Close of Life: Evidence and Experience. McPhee, Stephen.”

End-of-life care is one of the most difficult situations that patients and their doctors will ever face. Patients may not have prepared for this development in the course of their treatment. This b...
Dispersion balancing of complex CPA-systems using the phase-shifting technique

Dispersion balancing in complex, high-intensity, chirped-pulse-amplification, laser systems is critical for optimizing temporal pulse fidelity. We demonstrate a method for dispersion management of the eight-beam, Petawatt Advanced Radiographic Capability Laser being built at the National Ignition Facility utilizing the phase shift technique.
Efficient integer optimization algorithms for optimal coordination of capacitors and regulators

The optimal coordination of switched capacitors and tap-changing transformers in a radial distribution system is considered. The formulation incorporates voltage constraints. The coordination problem is approximated by a constrained discrete quadratic optimization using the results from the corresponding unconstrained continuous problem. The discrepancy between the actual and approximating problem is discussed. Two algorithms are proposed to seek solutions to the approximating optimization problem. The first is a randomized algorithm that runs fast but for which there is no guarantee of optimality. The second is a deterministic algorithm, the run time of which is polynomially bounded in the problem size. For large systems the run times of these algorithms may be significantly less than the run times of explicit search or branch and bound algorithms. Test results on a 70 node system confirm the theoretical predictions. >
Patterns of Oral Contraceptive Pill-taking and Condom Use among Adolescent Contraceptive Pill Users

Purpose Imperfect oral contraceptive pill (OCP) regimen adherence may impair contraceptive effectiveness. The purpose of this study was to describe daily adherence patterns of OCP use, to analyze OCP protection on an event level basis, and to examine pill-taking and condom use during method transitions.
Dancing on the Margins: Transforming Urban Marginality Through Popular Performance

In a migrant barrio of Cochabamba, Bolivia, a community considered marginal in the social geography of the city, people struggle to assert their integration to urban and national life. They accomplish this through dance performances that are widely recognized as components of Bolivia's national Carnaval. By demonstrating mastery of national culture, barrio residents offer alternative constructions of urban space, restore community pride, and improve the area's physical infrastructure. Photographs of a local fiesta illustrate this process of contesting marginality. [Urban space, marginality, Andes, Bolivia]
Religion and Wealth: The Role of Religious Affiliation and Participation in Early Adult Asset Accumulation

Researchers have documented extreme inequalities in wealth ownership, but the processes that create these inequalities are not well understood. One important contributing factor that attracts little attention is religion. This study explores the relationship between religious participation, religious affiliation, and patterns of wealth accumulation. I argue that religion affects wealth ownership indirectly by shaping demographic behaviors. I also argue that religion directly influences wealth accumulation by identifying valuable goals, by providing a set of competencies that direct strategies of action, and by contributing to social contacts that provide information and opportunities that can enhance wealth ownership. The findings suggest that Jews enjoy tremendous gains in wealth ownership, while conservative Protestants accumulate relatively little wealth. In contrast, mainline Protestants and Catholics are indistinguishable from each other and from the general population. The results demonstrate the importance of family processes in shaping wealth accumulation, and they underscore the importance of culture in shaping economic behavior and ultimately in creating social inequality.
A 150pW program-and-hold timer for ultra-low-power sensor platforms

Lifetime and form factor are two critical concerns for emerging sensor platforms, particularly for applications such as implantable medical devices. The limited energy from power sources, typically either microfabricated batteries or scavenged energy, remains one of the biggest challenges for such platforms. Reducing power consumption can lower system volume and extend lifetime. To achieve very low power consumption aggressive voltage scaling has been applied in recent microsystems [1, 2]. The average power consumption of sensor platforms, which are often low duty cycle, can be greatly reduced by applying strong power gating while idling [3]. A key component in power gating is the timekeeping device while the system is in the idle mode. Since the timer is always active, it is often the dominant source for energy loss and must oscillate at a low frequency (e.g., from sub-Hz to 10Hz).
“Compassionate” Strategies of Managing Homelessness: Post-Revanchist Geographies in San Francisco

Abstract: After almost 30 years of Federal retraction from anti-poverty initiatives, many American cities have been left with the dual burden of intensified poverty and far fewer resources to combat the problem. At the same time, such devolution has afforded cities the authority to forge poverty policy at the local level, such that the familiar neoliberal imperatives of state retraction and the mobilization of territory for capitalist expansion are frequently tempered by more progressive political imperatives at the local scale. What has thus emerged is a deeply ambivalent policy landscape, of which “kinder and gentler” poverty management strategies are a central feature. Using the example of a recent homeless program in San Francisco, “Care Not Cash”, this paper argues that such poverty management strategies, while less punitive than their revanchist predecessors, nonetheless introduce a new set of exclusions to the service delivery system, many of which are obscured by the language of compassion. In order to illustrate those new exclusions, I describe the city's homeless geographies—the public spaces, shelters, service sites, and housing models—that have been produced and reconfigured according to a logic of managing homelessness through the provision of care.
Miscible, porous media displacements with density stratification.

A BSTRACT : High accuracy, three-dimensional numerical simulations of miscible displacements with gravity override, in both homogeneous and heterogeneous porous media, are discussed for the quarter five-spot configuration. The influence of viscous and gravitational effects on the overall displacement dynamics is described in terms of the vorticity variable. Density differences influence the flow primarily by establishing a narrow gravity layer, in which the effective Peclet number is enhanced due to the higher flow rate. Although this effect plays a dominant role in homogeneous flows, it is suppressed to some extent in heterogeneous displacements. This is a result of coupling between the viscous and permeability vorticity fields. When the viscous wavelength is much larger than the permeability wavelength, gravity override becomes more effective because coupling between the viscous and permeability vorticity fields is less pronounced. Buoyancy forces of a certain magnitude can lead to a pinchoff of the gravity layer, thereby slowing it down. K EYWORDS : miscible, porous media displacements; density stratification
Proving the existence of long periodic orbits in 1D maps using interval Newton method and backward shooting

Abstract In this paper, we present a method that can be used to find very long periodic orbits for one-dimensional maps. This new approach is a combination of the interval Newton method and the shooting technique. We also describe how to use this approach to find better approximation of position of computer generated pseudo-periodic orbit. As an example, we find very long periodic orbits for the logistic map and we calculate the Lyapunov exponents of these orbits. Finally, we investigate the performance of this method used for finding all short period cycles.
Functional outcomes after ankle arthrodesis in elderly patients.

Background: Ankle arthrodesis has been the gold standard operative treatment for ankle arthritis refractory to nonoperative treatment. Although multiple studies have evaluated the outcomes after ankle fusion, none has focused on outcomes in elderly patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes of ankle fusion in patients over the age of 70. Methods: Thirty patients (30 ankles) over the age of 70 who underwent ankle fusion were identified. Average age at the time of surgery was 74.5 years (±3.7). The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) was obtained postoperatively in 22 of the 23 patients still living. Radiographs were followed until union with an average followup of 2.2 years. Results Union was achieved in 27 of 30 ankles (90%). Postoperative radiographs showed 11 (36.6%) patients had progression of subtalar arthritis. The average postoperative FAAM score was 81.5 (±18.3) with an average followup of 8.5 years (±1.7). Subjectively, when asked to compare present function with their prearthr...
Dental Materials and Teeth: Testing Demands and Performance Challenges (Keynote)

Contact fatigue plays a critical role in performance of dental materials. Both naturally occurring materials (e.g., the tooth itself) and restorative materials, particularly ceramics are vulnerable to contact fatigue-induced and fatigue-exacerbated damage. Normal chewing functions are complex and unless accurately mimicked by test methods, do not reproduce clinically relevant failure modes. Without this, development of new material systems cannot proceed on a rational basis and will continue to rely on patients serving as the testing ground.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
A Comparative Study of Alfalfa and Medicago truncatula Stem Traits: Morphology, Chemical Composition, and Ruminal Digestibility

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is an agronomi- cally important forage, but digestibility of stem cell wall material is low. Because the tetraploid genome of alfalfa complicates genetic dissec- tion of complex pathways, the diploid M. trun- catula Gaertn. could serve as a model for stem cell wall development in alfalfa. We compared stem morphology, chemical composition (pro- tein, soluble carbohydrates, cell wall polysac- charides, and lignin), and in vitro ruminal cell wall polysaccharide digestibility of two alfalfa clones (Regen-SY27 and 718) and four M. trun- catula inbred lines (A17, A20, DZA315.16, and R108) in a replicated growth chamber experi- ment. Stem tissue development and cell wall lignifi cation observed by light microscopy were similar between the species. While differences in stem morphology, composition, and digest- ibility were observed among the germplasms, there was overlap between the alfalfa and M. truncatula germplasms for all traits except pro- tein concentration, which was greater for the two alfalfa clones. Younger stem internodes (top third of the stem) of both species had a higher protein concentration and greater cell wall polysaccharide digestibility, and lower cell wall concentration than older internodes (bot- tom third of stem). Based on the data presented here, it appears that M. truncatula is a suitable model for stem development, composition, and digestibility of alfalfa.
Analysis of Fire Barriers Within Nuclear Power Plants

This paper reviews in detail one aspect of current nuclear power plant fire hazards analysis technique that can be shown both technically conservative and easily implemented. In particular, a discussion is presented of the approaches being used today to analyze the adequacy of fire barriers (i.e., walls) located between power plant areas. A comparison is made to an alternative analysis concept that combines a knowledge of fire severity with an assessment of barrier adequacy. 27 refs.
Tunable UV lasers and their applications

Tunable sources of coherent ultraviolet radiation are required for remote atmospheric sensing, chemical and biological species detection, photolithography, and high resolution spectroscopy. For applications which require a compact, rugged device, an all-solid-state source is desirable. Two solid-state approaches for generating coherent UV radiation include direct lasing of gain media such as Ce3+:LiSrAlF6 (Ce3+:LiSAF) and frequency tripling of a tunable, near infrared laser source such as Cr3+:LiSrAlF6 (Cr3T:LiSAF). In this paper, the physical properties, laser performance, and relevant advantages of each of these laser systems are discussed.
Zika Virus and the Intersection of Medical and Legal Triage

On the heels of the 2014 Ebola outbreak (with just a few remaining cases in Sierra Leone), the world faces its next major threat from an emerging infectious agent — Zika virus (ZIKV). Originally discovered in Uganda in 1947, ZIKV, like Ebola, was largely dormant for decades. Limited outbreaks among smaller populations in the Yap Islands (2007) and French Polynesian Islands (2013) raised some public health flags. However, ZIKV's emergence in South and Latin Americas in 2015 through global migration of mosquitoes and human travel patterns escalates this threat to emergency levels.
Oyster reef die-offs in stratigraphic record of Corpus Christi Bay, Texas, possibly caused by drought-driven extreme salinity changes:

An ultra-high resolution acoustic reflection survey within Corpus Christi Bay, Texas, reveals numerous oyster reefs that have died off and been buried by subsequent sedimentation. The die-offs occu...
Radar Foundations for Imaging and Advanced Concepts

Through courses taught internally at the Institute for Defense Analysis, Dr. Roger Sullivan has devised a book that brings readers fully up to speed on the most essential quantitative aspects of general radar in order to introduce study of the most exciting and relevant applications to radar imaging and advanced concepts: Synthetic Aperture Radar (4 chapters), Space-time Adaptive Processing, moving target indication (MTI), bistatic radar, low probability of intercept (LPI) radar, weather radar, and ground-penetrating radar. Whether you are a radar novice or experienced professional, this is an essential reference that features the theory and practical application of formulas you use in radar design every day. With this book, you are taken step-by-step through the development of modern airborne microwave radar, up to the cutting edge of emergent technologies including new results on theoretical 2D and 3D SAR point-spread functions (PSF) and current discussions concerning dechirp/deskew processing, layover in SAR images, vibrating targets, foliage penetration, image quality parameters, and more. Plus, for students of electrical engineering, physics, and radar, this book provides the best source of basic airborne radar understanding, as well as a broad introduction to the field of radar imaging.
A new health care drink: coagulant milk with zingiber officinace rose juice

A method for preparing a coagulant milk based a mixture of bovine milk and zingiber officinace rose juice was described. In this paper, the mechanism of coagulat milk and the major factors which affected the product quality were discussed. Under the experimental conditions used, the formula and processing technology were set up.
Extreme sediment pulses during ice breakup, Saint John River, Canada

Abstract Highly dynamic flow conditions that often occur during the river ice breakup can cause greatly increased in-stream sediment concentrations and loads, with significant impacts on aquatic ecology and the environment. Sharp waves accompanying the releases of ice jams cause transient but very high flow velocities and shear stresses. However, very limited quantitative information is available on how such ice jam-generated waves (or “javes” for short) influence the transport of suspended sediment even though their effects on it are visually apparent. Suspended sediment concentrations (SSCs), obtained during a 5-year study of ice and sediment processes in the Saint John River (NB), reveal occasional spikes in concentration, consisting of relatively brief upward excursions to nearly order-of-magnitude higher values. Such spikes are concurrent with javes and ice runs. Documented cases of sediment pulses during river ice breakup events in the Saint John River form a unique data set demonstrating temporal and spatial characteristics. Peak SSC values approach 1 g/L and approximately coincide with peak jave stages and surface ice concentrations. Pulse durations amount to several hours, and are shorter than those of the concomitant javes. Despite their brevity, pulses can deliver sediment loads that are significant fractions of the total load for the entire breakup event. Measurement of breakup sediment pulses is not feasible under existing monitoring programs. Instead, focused short-term studies could lead to development of predictive capability, linking pulse properties to hydro-climatic variables that drive the breakup event. A strong influence of river discharge has been detected, leading to projected increases in pulse sediment amounts under a changing climate.
Pharmaceutical services in a pediatric oncology day hospital

The role of the pharmacist in a treatment center in which pediatric cancer patients receive intensive chemotherapy with a minimum of inhospital admission time is discussed. Functions of the pharmacist include: preparation and dispensing of oral and parenteral medications; monitoring of physicians' orders; maintaining patient profiles; maintaining investigational drug records; providing drug information; and conducting inservice educational programs.
JPI UML: UML Class and Sequence Diagrams Proposal for Aspect-Oriented JPI Applications

Join Point Interfaces (JPI) represent a currentAspect-Oriented Programming (AOP) methodology for solving modularization issues in classic AOP. Nevertheless, as it is for classic AOP, phases of requirement elicitation and software design are needed for the JPI software development process. In order to advance towards the solution of these issues, this article proposes and applies to a case study JPI UML class diagrams and sequence diagrams. After applying JPI UML diagrams and analyzing the code of a modeled program, our article displays theconsistency between models and the program code derived by means of our methodological approach.
Declining Mercury Concentrations in Bluefin Tuna Reflect Reduced Emissions to the North Atlantic Ocean

Tunas are apex predators in marine food webs that can accumulate mercury (Hg) to high concentrations and provide more Hg (∼40%) to the U.S population than any other source. We measured Hg concentrations in 1292 Atlantic bluefin tuna (ABFT, Thunnus thynnus) captured in the Northwest Atlantic from 2004 to 2012. ABFT Hg concentrations and variability increased nonlinearly with length, weight, and age, ranging from 0.25 to 3.15 mg kg–1, and declined significantly at a rate of 0.018 ± 0.003 mg kg–1 per year or 19% over an 8-year period from the 1990s to the early 2000s. Notably, this decrease parallels comparably reduced anthropogenic Hg emission rates in North America and North Atlantic atmospheric Hg0 concentrations during this period, suggesting that recent efforts to decrease atmospheric Hg loading have rapidly propagated up marine food webs to a commercially important species. This is the first evidence to suggest that emission reduction efforts have resulted in lower Hg concentrations in large, long-live...
PREVENTING SUBSTANCE ABUSE AMONG ADOLESCENTS: EVALUATION OF AN INTEGRATED MODEL COMBINING LIFE SKILLS TRANING AND PARENT TRANING

This study examines the effectiveness of an integrated model combining Life Skills Training (LST) for students and Love and Logic Training (LLT) for parents. 310 middle school students and 49 parents were participated in the study. A paired sample t-test was computed to compare pre and post-test scores for each participant. An independent sample t-test was used to determine if statistical differences exist between the treatment and control groups. Alcohol use and resistance to alcohol use among both treatment and control groups were significantly changed after the intervention in a positive way. No significant change in substance use was found in both groups. When it comes to comparison between treatment and control groups, a significant difference was found only in resistance to alcohol use, meaning participants in treatment group showed significantly higher level of resistance to alcohol use than control group after the intervention. Implications of these results for practice and training were discussed. Keywords Life skills training, Love and Logic, Substance abuse, Prevention, Adolescent
How Does Stress Work? The Role of Memes in Epigenesis

Stress responsiveness is affected by early experience. For example, in rats, high grooming and licking by mother in early life results in decreased reactivity to later stress by increasing the expression of glucocorticoid receptor genes in the brain. Memories of early experience and resulting changes in genes (epigenesis) determine stress sensitivity in later life. Epigenesis may result in increased or decreased susceptibility to influx of stress memes.
Mending the Lag Between Commerce and Research: A Logic-Based Workflow Verification Approach

The increasing complexity of business processes in recent years has heightened the need for workflow verification tools. However, there is a significant lag between current commercial needs and research prototypes. Our investigation indicates that existing workflow verification tools depend largely on the Petri net formalism, which is more complex than the modeling formalisms in commercial workflow systems. This makes it difficult to apply those workflow verification tools to commercial workflow systems. This lag between commerce and research motivated our study in developing an alternative approach to workflow verification. In this paper, we propose a logic-based verification method that is easier to implement in commercial workflow systems than Petri-net-based verification methods. We further demonstrate that our logic-based workflow verification approach is simple, yet powerful enough to handle complex, including cyclic, workflow models.
Discrete-time H∞ control of linear parameter-varying systems

ABSTRACTWe introduce new conditions for the H∞ synthesis of discrete-time linear parameter-varying systems in the form of linear matrix inequalities. A distinctive feature of the proposed condition...
Neurofilament and intermediate filament immunoreactivity in human intestinal myenteric neurons

It has been reported previously that rat myenteric neurons have neurofilament (NF) immunoreactivity that differs from the brain. Now the result of a study of neurofilaments and intermediate filament immunoreactivity in human colon and ileum using a panel of antibodies and indirect immunofluorescence techniques is reported here. Results with polyclonal neurofilament antisera showed positive immunoreactivity in subsets of myenteric neurons. Results with peripherin and alpha-internexin showed immunoreactivity in some neurons that contained neurofilaments and in many that were neurofilament negative, similar to our observations in rat. Some monoclonal antibodies to epitopes on NF-M and NF-H demonstrated weak or negative immunoreactivity in human myenteric neurons yet showed positive immunoreactivity in brain. Some of these antibodies are phosphorylation dependent, suggesting NF-M and NF-H epitopes in myenteric neurons are not as phosphorylated as in brain; other antibodies are phosphorylation independent, suggesting other differences or masking of epitopes. In summary, neurofilaments are present in a subset of myenteric neurons. In those human myenteric neurons that contain them, the neurofilaments appear immunologically distinct from those in the brain.
Wrinkles, brown spots, and cancer: Relationship between appearance- and health-based knowledge and sunscreen use

BACKGROUND There is increasing understanding that sunscreen use is associated with reduced photoaging and that appearance-based messages are more effective than health-based messages in promoting daily sunscreen use. We hypothesized that persons with greater awareness of the effects of photoaging use sunscreen more consistently. METHODS Cross-sectional survey of adults in Dallas, TX, assessing sunscreen-related knowledge, behavior, and information source. RESULTS Each respondent averaged 2.5 ± 1.7 hours of self-reported sun exposure daily with the least reported time being 0.15 hours. Eighty-eight percent reported that sun exposure caused skin cancer "a lot." Eighty-nine percent "agreed" or "strongly agreed" that "sun exposure causes most signs of skin aging." Over 70% "agreed" or "strongly agreed" to an appearance-based reason for their sunscreen use. Sixty-six percent reported they would consider using sunscreen if anticipating sun exposure lasting 2 hours or less. Only 30% reported using sunscreen daily. Greater photoaging knowledge was positively associated with sunscreen adherence (at least P < 0.05 with each knowledge item). Those with darker complexions or skin less likely to burn reported less knowledge of photoaging (ρ = -0.219, P ≤ 0.001) and had lower sunscreen use (ρ = 0.301, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Despite most respondents reporting knowledge of health and appearance risks of sun exposure and a motivation to prevent them with sunscreen, most do not use sunscreen adequately. This discrepancy could be due to people perceiving risks of sun exposure based on duration of continuous exposure. There may be misconceptions that short-interval sun exposure that does not result in sunburn is less harmful than extended exposure.
Evaluation of body mass index as a prognostic indicator from two rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis) mass strandings in Florida.

Rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) are a common mass stranding species in Florida. These large stranding events typically include a small number of sick or injured individuals and a much larger number of healthy individuals, making rapid triage essential. Little data exist on rehabilitation outcomes, and historically, successful outcomes are limited. Furthermore, very little data exist on the feeding habits and dietary needs of this species. This study compared morphology and body mass index (BMI) in two rough-toothed dolphin mass stranding events in Florida: August 2004 (n = 36) and March 2005 (n = 32). The two groups were significantly different in morphologic measurements, with age and gender-adjusted intake BMI significantly (p < .01) different (2004 = 0.34 ± 0.02; 2005 = 0.41 ± 0.02) between groups. Ten animals from 2005 had weights tracked throughout the rehabilitation process and demonstrated an initial drop in BMI followed by an increase and a plateau prior to release. When comparing initial BMI by stranding outcome, individuals that were rehabilitated and released had a significantly (p = .03) higher BMI than individuals who were euthanized. However, there was no difference between dolphins that died of natural causes (p = .56) and animals successfully rehabilitated. Analysis of BMI can be a useful marker in triage during a stranding, when resources are limited to identify individuals most likely to survive, as well as in determining the appropriate body condition for release. The data reported here can provide guidance on evaluating the nutritive status on this uncommon species that would otherwise be difficult to obtain among wild populations.
"Critical Ecosystems" as a concept in political ecology – developing a comprehensive analytical framework

Political ecology is supposed to be a field of two parts of equal importance – "politics" and "ecology." However, critics have pointed to the fact that it dwells on the politics, while rendering ecology secondary in its focus. Political ecologists have hardly used the structure that the concept of ecosystem services brought to the field of ecology, and this lends credence to this critique. In this article, I introduce the concept of "critical ecosystems" that reinforces understanding of the science of "ecology", as an important dimension of political ecology. I use components of the framework of ecosystem services in context of unequal power relations. Some local people who have symbiotic relationships with their environment owe their existence – both their livelihoods and culture – to specific natural resources whose decline has proximate and tangible consequences for them. However, they often lose these "critical ecosystems" in times of natural resource exploitation due to their relative powerlessness. I argue that it is important that political ecologists utilize the framework of ecosystem services in our inquiries, to prioritize those ecosystems that are intricately connected to the survival of the local population. Based on this, I introduce the "critical ecosystems" model, and how it can be modified to fit specific cases and can reconcile the sociological and political dimensions of political ecology, with biophysical understanding of ecological processes. This holistic inquiry, I argue, will make political ecology worthy of its name. Keywords : Political ecology; ecosystem services; unequal power relations; Millennium Ecosystems Assessment; Ghana
Chapter 2 – Fourier Analysis of Boolean Functions

This chapter begins by introducing basic definitions and notations which are used throughout the book. Among the most important of these are the Hamming weight, algebraic normal form (ANF), nonlinearity, affine transformation and the Walsh transform W(f)W(f) for a Boolean function f. The autocorrelation and crosscorrelation functions are introduced, followed by the useful Wiener–Khintchine theorem. A list of the basic facts about the interactions between the Walsh transform and affine transformations is given, followed by a discussion of affine equivalence for Boolean functions. Next the important connection between the Walsh transform and nonlinearity is proved, followed by a proof of the Parseval equation. The application of the Walsh transform in the analysis of the probability distribution of the values of a Boolean function is explained. It is shown how to use Hadamard matrices to get nonlinearity bounds and to get the fast Walsh transform. Then comes an introduction to linear feedback shift registers and linear complexity. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the Berlekamp–Massey algorithm and de Bruijn sequences.
Leveraging CDA 230 to Counter Online Extremism

Current events make it plain that social media platforms have become vectors for the global spread of extremism, including the most virulent forms of racial and religious hatred. As offline violence with demonstrable links to online extremism escalates, regulators have made it clear that they expect the world’s largest social media platforms to more actively police harmful online speech, including that of terrorist organizations and organized hate groups. Among US tech companies, Facebook has been the most receptive to the idea of increased government regulation. In an unusual op-ed in The Washington Post, Mark Zuckerberg explicitly asked Congress to tell him what to do about hate speech and terrorist propaganda on his services. Such regulation would be a significant departure from past US policy concerning online speech. Since the early days of the internet, US-based online services have benefited from a policy that gives them broad discretion to set and enforce their own guidelines defining acceptable (and unacceptable) user speech. That policy, codified in section 230 of the Communications Decency Act (CDA), was adopted in large part to help foster the internet’s growth as a diverse forum for civic (and civil) discourse. In recent years, section 230 has come under fire from all directions. Some critics believe its grant of broad discretion allows social media platforms to be too permissive about their users’ speech. Others believe it lets them be too restrictive. At a moment of great uncertainty for the future of section 230, this article explains the positive role it can play in platforms’ efforts to take greater responsibility for regulating hate speech and extremist content. I argue that the scope of immunity in Section 230 needn’t be narrowed, but the statute could be productively amended to better safeguard free speech as the world’s largest social media platforms turn to automated tools to comply with new, speech-restrictive European regulations.
Reduced Midbrain Dopamine Neuron Number in the Adult Non-human Primate Brain after Fetal Radiation Exposure.

Abstract Early gestation is a neurodevelopmental period that is especially vulnerable to environmental insult and one in which neurogenesis features prominently. Prenatal perturbation during early gestation has been linked to neuropsychiatric illnesses such as autism and schizophrenia, and severe environmental insult during this period can result in profound mental impairment. Midbrain dopamine neurons are generated during early gestation and play a key role in the motor, cognitive and reward circuitries implicated in neuropsychiatric disease and addiction. This study examined the impact of curtailing neurogenesis in early gestation on neuron number in the midbrain dopamine group, i.e., the substantia nigra and contiguous ventral tegmental area. Rhesus macaque monkeys were exposed in utero on embryonic days 39–41 to x-irradiation (3–4 exposures of 50 cGy over 3–7 days totalling 200 cGy) and allowed to mature to full adulthood. Stereologic cell counts of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons in the midbrain dopamine group were performed in adult monkeys, as were measurements of somal size. Mean total neuron number in the irradiated monkeys was significantly reduced on average by 33% compared to that of the control group. Somal size did not differ between the groups, suggesting that the integrity of survivor populations was not impacted. Reduced midbrain dopamine neuron number in fetally irradiated, adult monkeys indicates that radiation exposure during the critical period of neurogenesis results in an enduring reduction of this population and underscores the susceptibility of early neurodevelopmental processes to irreversible damage from environmental exposures.
Walking cadence (steps/min) and intensity in 41 to 60-year-old adults: the CADENCE-adults study

In younger adults (i.e., those 13. Cadence was directly observed (i.e., hand tallied). Intensity (i.e., oxygen uptake [VO2] mL/kg/min) was assessed with an indirect calorimeter and converted to METs (1 MET = 3.5 mL/kg/min). A combination of segmented regression and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) modeling approaches was used to identify optimal cadence thresholds. Final heuristic thresholds were determined based on an evaluation of classification accuracy (sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, overall accuracy). The regression model identified 101.7 (95% Predictive Interval [PI]: 54.9–110.6) and 132.1 (95% PI: 122.0–142.2) steps/min as optimal cadence thresholds for 3 METs and 6 METs, respectively. Corresponding values based on ROC models were 98.5 (95% Confidence Intervals [CI]: 97.1–104.9) and 117.3 (95% CI: 113.1–126.1) steps/min. Considering both modeling approaches, the selected heuristic thresholds for moderate and vigorous intensity were 100 and 130 steps/min, respectively. Consistent with our previous report in 21 to 40-year-old adults, cadence thresholds of 100 and 130 steps/min emerged as heuristic values associated with 3 and 6 METs, respectively, in 41 to 60-year-old adults. These values were selected based on their utility for public health messaging and on the trade-offs in classification accuracy parameters from both statistical methods. Findings will need to be confirmed in older adults and in free-living settings.
Origin of Tektites

GLASSY particles weighing between approximately a gram and occasionally a hundred grams have been found at several widely separated places on the earth's surface. The explanation of the origin of these natural glass particles, known as tektites, is complicated by the series of peculiar forms which they exhibit and the size of the areas over which they are found. They have been collected from each of the States in Australia, and because of this continental distribution are frequently called Australites. Several theories of their origin have been advanced and discussed in NATURE, vols. 131 and 132, 1933. Dr. L. J. Spencer and others suggest that the tektites are aerial fulgurites, the post-impact result of a great meteorite striking the earth in a region of sandstone or desert sand. Comparison is made with the silica-glass from the meteor craters at Henbury and Wabar. The main difficulty in accepting their theory is the wide distribution of the particles wherever they are found. The W. H. C. Shaw collection of Australites was made over a region of 30,000 square miles on a ” monotonous limestone plain” on the southern shore of Australia1. Furthermore, Fenner points out that the region is ” without any siliceous rocks whatever”; hence a fulguritic origin for these Australites appears to be impossible.
Genetic Diversity of Meningococcal Serogroup B Vaccine Antigens among Carriage Isolates Collected from Students at Three Universities in the United States, 2015-2016.

Carriage evaluations were conducted during 2015 to 2016 at two U.S. universities in conjunction with the response to disease outbreaks caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B and at a university where outbreak and response activities had not occurred. All eligible students at the two universities received the serogroup B meningococcal factor H binding protein vaccine (MenB-FHbp); 5.2% of students (181/3,509) at one university received MenB-4C. A total of 1,514 meningococcal carriage isolates were obtained from 8,905 oropharyngeal swabs from 7,001 unique participants. Whole-genome sequencing data were analyzed to understand MenB-FHbp's impact on carriage and antigen genetic diversity and distribution. Of 1,422 isolates from carriers with known vaccination status (726 [51.0%] from MenB-FHbp-vaccinated, 42 [3.0%] from MenB-4C-vaccinated, and 654 [46.0%] from unvaccinated participants), 1,406 (98.9%) had intact fHbp alleles (716 from MenB-FHbp-vaccinated participants). Of 726 isolates from MenB-FHbp-vaccinated participants, 250 (34.4%) harbored FHbp peptides that may be covered by MenB-FHbp. Genogroup B was detected in 122/1,422 (8.6%) and 112/1,422 (7.9%) isolates from MenB-FHbp-vaccinated and unvaccinated participants, respectively. FHbp subfamily and peptide distributions between MenB-FHbp-vaccinated and unvaccinated participants were not statistically different. Eighteen of 161 MenB-FHbp-vaccinated repeat carriers (11.2%) acquired a new strain containing one or more new vaccine antigen peptides during multiple rounds of sample collection, which was not statistically different (P = 0.3176) from the unvaccinated repeat carriers (1/30; 3.3%). Our findings suggest that lack of MenB vaccine impact on carriage was not due to missing the intact fHbp gene; MenB-FHbp did not affect antigen genetic diversity and distribution during the study period.IMPORTANCE The impact of serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccines on carriage is not completely understood. Using whole-genome sequencing data, we assessed the diversity and distribution of MenB vaccine antigens (particularly FHbp) among 1,514 meningococcal carriage isolates recovered from vaccinated and unvaccinated students at three U.S. universities, two of which underwent MenB-FHbp mass vaccination campaigns following meningococcal disease outbreaks. The majority of carriage isolates recovered from participants harbored intact fHbp genes, about half of which were recovered from MenB-FHbp-vaccinated participants. The distribution of vaccine antigen peptides was similar among carriage isolates recovered from vaccinated and unvaccinated participants, and almost all strains recovered from repeat carriers retained the same vaccine antigen profile, suggesting insignificant vaccine selective pressure on the carriage population in these universities.
Velocity-Space Hybridization of Direct Simulation Monte Carlo and a Quasi-Particle Boltzmann Solver

This paper presents a new method for modeling rarefied gas flows based on hybridization of direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) and discrete velocity method (DVM)-based quasi-particle representatio...
High-efficient multifunctional electrochemical membrane for lithium polysulfide redox flow batteries

Abstract Redox flow batteries (RFBs) based on lithium polysulfide (Li-PS) chemistry present great opportunities for large-scale energy storage and electric vehicles because of their use of abundant raw materials and their higher energy density compared with traditional flow batteries. However, to successfully implement Li-PS RFBs, issues related to the crossover of PS species through a membrane separator must be resolved. In this work, we demonstrate a facile method for fabricating a novel multifunctional electrochemical membrane (mECM) consisting of an organic ion exchange membrane reinforced with a porous carbon nanotube layer and a boron nitride layer. This rational design endows the membrane with remarkable ion selectivity and dimensional stability in organic electrolyte, leading to a greatly enhanced Li+/PS ion selectivity, which exceeds that of a commercial polyolefin separator (i.e., Celgard 2325) by three orders of magnitude. A Li-PS RFB with the mECM exhibited stable electrochemical performance (0.05% capacity decay per cycle after 40 cycles) with 78% capacity retention over 100 cycles at 0.75C, while a reference cell with a Celgard 2325 membrane rapidly lost its capacity (0.33% capacity decay per cycle and 33% capacity at 100 cycles). Our results strongly suggest that the mECM with its high Li+/PS ion selectivity is a promising membrane separator for developing high-performance Li-PS RFB systems.
A comparison of contraceptive services for adolescents at school-based versus community health centers in Oregon.

OBJECTIVE To compare Oregon school-based health centers (SBHCs) with community health centers (CHCs) as sources of adolescent contraceptive services. DATA SOURCES Oregon electronic health record data, 2012-2016. STUDY DESIGN We compared clinic-level counseling rates and long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) provision, adolescent populations served, and visit-level LARC provision time trends. We evaluated adjusted associations between LARC provision and Title X participation by clinic type. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS We used diagnosis and procedure codes to identify contraceptive counseling and provision visits, excluding visits for adolescents not at risk of pregnancy. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS CHCs were more likely to provide LARC on-site than SBHCs (67.2% vs. 36.4%, respectively). LARC provision increased more at SBHCs (5.8-fold) than CHCs (2-fold) over time. SBHCs provided more counseling visits per clinic (255 vs. 142) and served more young and non-White adolescents than CHCs. The adjusted probability of LARC provision at Title X SBHCs was higher than non-Title X SBHCs (4.4% [3.9-4.9] vs. 1.7% [1.4-2.0]), but there was no significant association at CHCs. CONCLUSIONS In Oregon, CHCs and SBHCs are both important sources of adolescent contraceptive services, and Title X plays a crucial role in SBHCs. Compared with CHCs, SBHCs provided more counseling, showed a larger increase in LARC provision over time, and served more younger and non-White adolescents.
Anatomy and Biomechanics Relevant to Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is characterized by the abnormal translation of one vertebral body on another. The exact cause of spondylolisthesis is not well understood but certainly involves specific anatomic and mechanical factors that predispose for a slip to occur. In this chapter we discuss the principle of spinal balance and the important role that sacropelvic morphology and spinopelvic alignment play in overall sagittal alignment. Patients with high pelvic incidence with associated increased pelvic tilt are at high risk for progression of spondylolisthesis due to the large shear forces present at the lumbosacral junction. Lastly, we describe the different types of dysplasia that can occur at the lumbosacral junction, including a domed S1 endplate, lumbosacral kyphosis, and dysplasia at the pedicles, lamina, or facets. These anatomic and biomechanical factors are critical to understanding the pathogenesis and risk for progression of spondylolisthesis and help guide both non-operative and operative treatment.
Infinite loop spaces and Neisendorfer localization

There is a localization functor L with the property that L(X) is the p-completion of X whenever X is a finite dimensional complex. This same functor is shown to have the property that L(E) is contractible whenever E is a connected infinite loop space with a torsion fundamental group. One consequence of this is that many finite dimensional complexes X are uniquely determined, up to p-completion, by the homotopy fiber of any map from X into the classifying space BE.