cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Answer to the Question: "What is Poststructuralism?"

What is poststructuralism? It has always struck me as odd that so many critical theorists are reluctant to offer an answer to this question. In this essay, I unpack the term and provide a synoptic answer. Poststructuralism, I suggest, is a style of critical reasoning that focuses on the moment of ambiguity in our systems of meaning, as a way to identify the ethical choices that we make when we overcome the ambiguity and move from indeterminacy to certainty of belief in our efforts to understand, interpret, and shape our environment. Post-structuralism concentrates on the moment when we impose meaning in a space that is no longer characterized by shared social agreement over the structure of meaning. It attempts to explain how it comes about that we fill those gaps in our knowledge and come to hold as true what we do believe - and at what distributive cost to society and the contemporary subject. By so clearly identifying points of slippage, poststructuralism clears the table and makes plain the significant role of ethical choice - by which I mean decision making that is guided by beliefs about virtue and the self, not by moral or political principle. Poststructuralism is, in this sense, a penultimate stage in the emancipation from that self-incurred immaturity that Kant famously identified as the inability to use one's own understanding without the guidance of another. I use the term penultimate carefully, though, because, I would argue that, in contrast to Judith Butler who locates poststructuralism in the work of Jacques Derrida, poststructuralism traces to the work of Michel Foucault and precedes deconstruction.
Intraoperative macroelectrode local field potential recordings in Essential Tremor

Essential Tremor (ET) is a common movement disorder involving the presence of action tremor. While there are pharmacological treatment options, Deep Brain stimulation (DBS) of the ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) of the thalamus is an effective and widely used surgical therapy for those patients who are intolerant of, or whose tremor is unresponsive to, medications. In this study, we recorded local field potentials (LFPs) at various depths along the trajectory to Vim in three ET patients. LFP recordings at various depths were processed by a PCA based de-noising method to remove ECG artifacts. The spectral characteristics of LFPs were investigated via frequency-vs-depth maps using a modified Welch periodogram using robust statistics, and further analyzed within different sub-bands to determine whether LFP activity encodes characteristic patterns for the identification of disease-specific subcortical areas. Our results demonstrated that a median-based spectrum estimation approach eliminates outliers better than the traditional averaging technique by preserving band-specific LFP activity. Results indicate that there was clear oscillatory beta activity around 20 Hz in two subjects. One patient displayed relatively high gamma (40 Hz) activity in the sub-thalamic region. In conclusion, despite the small number of subjects, the present study adds to existing knowledge about LFP-based pathophysiology of ET and its target-based spectral activities.
Community-guided learning: exploiting mobile sensor users to model human behavior

Modeling human behavior requires vast quantities of accurately labeled training data, but for ubiquitous people-aware applications such data is rarely attainable. Even researchers make mistakes when labeling data, and consistent, reliable labels from low-commitment users are rare. In particular, users may give identical labels to activities with characteristically different signatures (e.g., labeling eating at home or at a restaurant as "dinner") or may give different labels to the same context (e.g., "work" vs. "office"). In this scenario, labels are unreliable but nonetheless contain valuable information for classification. To facilitate learning in such unconstrained labeling scenarios, we propose Community-Guided Learning (CGL), a framework that allows existing classifiers to learn robustly from unreliably-labeled user-submitted data. CGL exploits the underlying structure in the data and the unconstrained labels to intelligently group crowd-sourced data. We demonstrate how to use similarity measures to determine when and how to split and merge contributions from different labeled categories and present experimental results that demonstrate the effectiveness of our framework.
Stability of BUN and creatinine determinations on the Siemens Advia 1800 analyzer.

Background Serum creatinine values of patients tend to change as a result of the use of different blanks used for creatinine determinations on the Advia 1650. After upgrading the analyzer to the Advia 1800, creatinine values tended to be more reproducible. As part of a quality assurance investigation to test the reproducibilities of creatinine values, we determined serial creatinine values in the sera of 13 patients whose initial values were either in the reference range or elevated (range 0.58–7.8 mg/dl). These values were determined concurrently with serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) determinations (range 6.0–84.4 mg/dl) as these two analytes are used together in evaluation of renal function. Methods We determined BUN and creatinine values, using the glutamate dehydrogenase lined enzyme assay system and the Jaffe method, respectively. Results We find that all values for creatinine on samples stored at 4°C were reproducible as were the corresponding BUN values, which is revealed by low values for the coefficients of variation (CVs), that is, mean CV of 4.55% for creatinine and 2.52% for BUN. One sample with relatively high CV (10.6%) for creatinine was found to have an initial value of 1.1 mg/dl, in the reference range; but, on repeat determinations, the obtained levels were as high as 1.5 mg/dl, above the reference range. BUN values for this sample remained in the reference range, suggesting that no renal disease was present. Conclusion We conclude that creatinine and BUN determinations are stable, but occasional spurious creatinine values can occur on the Advia 1800 analyzer.
Spin Networks in Gauge Theory

Abstract Given a real-analytic manifoldM, a compact connected Lie groupGand a principalG-bundleP→M, there is a, canonical “generalized measure” on the space A / G of smooth connections onPmodulo gauge transformations. This allows one to define a Hilbert spaceL2( A / G ). Here we construct a set of vectors spanningL2( A / G ). These vectors are described in terms of “spin networks”: graphsφembedded inM, with oriented edges labelled by irreducible unitary representations ofGand with vertices labelled by intertwining operators from the tensor product of representations labelling the incoming edges to the tensor product of representations labelling the outgoing edges. We also describe an orthonormal basis of spin network states associated to any fixed graphφ. We conclude with a discussion of spin networks in the loop representation of quantum gravity and give a category-theoretic interpretation of the spin network states.
Material Aspects of Micro- and Nanoelectromechanical Systems

One of the more significant technological achievements during the last twenty years has been the development of the field of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS ) and its offshoot, nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS ). These developments were made possible by significant advancements in the materials and processing technologies used in the fabrication of MEMS and NEMS devices. While initial developments capitalized on a mature Si infrastructure built for the integrated circuit (IC ) industry, recent advances have come about using materials and processes not typically associated with IC fabrication, a trend that is likely to continue as new application areas emerge.
Mass Spectrometry Applications in Forensic Science

The role of mass spectrometry (MS) in forensic science can be characterized as either molecular or elemental analysis. Relatively small, volatile, nonpolar molecules found in a variety of forensic samples can be analyzed with electron and chemical ionization (CI) routinely coupled with single-stage mass analyzers that provide molecular weight and structural information. Nonvolatile and polar molecules including drugs, poisons, and/or their metabolites routinely found in biological matrices along with other analytes of forensic interest can be determined using electrospray or related soft ionization techniques coupled to tandem mass analyzer systems to identify a molecule through structure elucidation and provide excellent screening and quantitative results. New ambient ionization sources now allow the direct analysis of molecules from a forensic sample surface, with minimal prior preparation or separation. In addition, the sequencing of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) has also been difficult with most ionization sources until matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI), which has the potential to provide quick and dependable results, was utilized. Elemental profiles also provide reliable methods for characterizing and distinguishing forensic samples. This article aims at providing information about MS and its uses in the field of forensic science. Keywords: forensic science; gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS); liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS); ambient ionization; matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI); elemental mass spectrometry
The genetic diversity of Gaozhou wild rice analyzed by SSR

The genetic diversity of total 240 accessions of common wild rice coming from Gaozhou, Shaoguan, Zhanjiang, and other places in Guangdong, and Jiangxi, Fujian, Yunnan provinces, etc. in China and South-eastern Asia was evaluated by using 24 pairs of SSR primers. The results indicated that: (i) there were 17 polymorphic loci in 24 pairs of SSR primers, and the average percentage of polymorphic loci was 69%; the average total number of alleles, the average number of alleles per locus and the average number of alleles per polymorphic loci were 51.1, 2.04 and 2.43, respectively; (ii) the average gene diversity was 0.8447. There were remarkable differentiations among 5 populations of Gaozhou wild rice. All the above-mentioned genetic parameters indicated that Gaozhou wild rice of Pengshan Village (or Bei Toudong) of Zhenjiang Town should be a center of genetic differentiation and diversity of Gaozhou wild rice. Gaozhou wild rice is probably the largest center of genetic differentiation and diversity of common wild rice from Guangdong Province, South China and even the whole China.
A tighter upper bound on the worst case behavior of Conway's parallel sorting algorithm

Abstract We analyze the worst case behavior of a parallel sorting algorithm, attributed to Conway, that uses a linear array of n − 1 finite state machines to sort n keys. Warshauer (J. Algorithms7 (1986), 270–276) shows that the algorithm requires at most 2n − 3 iterations of the outer loop to sort all keys, and he exhibits a class of inputs for which [ 4n 3 ] − 1 iterations are required. We improve the upper bound to 4n 3 + O(1) for all inputs and any n matching Warshauer's lower bound to within an additive constant.
Coherent resonance line broadening effects in absorptive optical bistability

Abstract The effect of resonant exchange of quanta between coherently driven atoms on absorptive bistability is examined. Expressions for the variation of the effect with density are presented.
The effects of gainsharing on grievance rates and absenteeism over time

We sought to better understand the long-term impact of gainsharing by analyzing longitudinal changes in two key indicators of workplace union-management relations: grievance rates and employee absenteeism. Using a seven and one-half year longitudinal data set and an interrupted time series design, we found that the introduction of a Scanlon-type gainsharing plan was followed by a gradual and permanent decline in both of these indicators. These results provide strong quantitative evidence for the ability of gainsharing to transform existing labor-management relations. Using qualitative data, we consider the relationship between labor relations outcomes and other plant-level performance improvements following the introduction of gainsharing in this case.
Suggestions for a Parametric Typology of Dance

Dance and language are produced and performed by the body and governed by cognitive faculties. Yet regrettably little scholarship applies the tools of formal analysis from one field to the other. This article aims to enrich the dialogue between the two fields. The authors introduce an approach to dance typology informed by an analogy with the parametric theory of language analysis, which is useful in typologizing languages. This initial exploration paves the way for a physiological typology of dance that does not reference culture.
The Case for Investment Advising as a Virtue-Based Practice

Contemporary virtue ethics was revolutionized by Alasdair MacIntyre’s reconfiguration using practices as the starting point for understanding virtues. However, MacIntyre has very pointedly excluded the professions of the financial world from the reformulation. He does not count these professions as practices, and further charges that virtue would actually hinder or even rule out one’s pursuit of these professions. This paper addresses three tasks, in regard to the financial profession of investment advising. First, the paper lays out MacIntyre’s soon-to-be-published charges against the investment world, as specified to this profession. Second, it sets forth the role function of investment advising and shows that it does possess internal goods—the crucial aspect of practices disputed by MacIntyre in this case—including goods of production and goods of performance. Third, it demonstrates that this function, and the goods tied to it, cannot be achieved apart from the virtuous pursuit of the profession, thereby showing that MacIntyre’s charges are mistaken. Investment advising is shown to be a virtue-based practice, and the groundwork is laid for showing that other financial professions are so, as well.
Dense point-cloud creation using superresolution for a monocular 3D reconstruction system

We present an enhanced 3D reconstruction algorithm designed to support an autonomously navigated unmanned aerial system (UAS). The algorithm presented focuses on the 3D reconstruction of a scene using only a single moving camera. In this way, the system can be used to construct a point cloud model of its unknown surroundings. The original reconstruction process, resulting with a point cloud was computed based on feature matching and depth triangulation analysis. Although dense, this original model was hindered due to its low disparity resolution. As feature points were matched from frame to frame, the resolution of the input images and the discrete nature of disparities limited the depth computations within a scene. With the recent addition of the preprocessing steps of nonlinear super resolution, the accuracy of the point cloud which relies on precise disparity measurement has significantly increased. Using a pixel by pixel approach, the super resolution technique computes the phase congruency of each pixel's neighborhood and produces nonlinearly interpolated high resolution input frames. Thus, a feature point travels a more precise discrete disparity. Also, the quantity of points within the 3D point cloud model is significantly increased since the number of features is directly proportional to the resolution and high frequencies of the input image. The contribution of the newly added preprocessing steps is measured by evaluating the density and accuracy of the reconstructed point cloud for autonomous navigation and mapping tasks within unknown environments.
Effect of morphine in vivo on uptake of [3H]choline and release of [3H]acetylcholine from rat striatal synaptosomes

Abstract The effect of morphine on the rat striatal cholinergic system was investigated in vitro by measuring the rates of [ 3 H]choline uptake and [ 3 H]acetylcholine release in striatal synaptosomes after in vivo injections of morphine sulfate. Morphine caused a 50 per cent increase in the V max of [ 3 H]choline uptake. Although a concomitant increase was also measured in the amount of [ 3 H] acetylcholine released, it could be explained by the previous increase in uptake. It is suggested that morphine had an overall stimulatory effect on the striatal cholinergic system which may be a transynaptic phenomenon rather than a direct effect on the cholinergic cell.
The role of activity blockade on glutamate receptor subunit expression in the spinal cord.

Abstract Spinal cord injury (SCI) impairs descending glutamatergic neurotransmission reaching ventral motor neurons (VMN). Previously we reported up-regulation of NMDA receptor subunits NR1 and NR2A mRNAs in VMN caudal to the lesion site 24 h after SCI. The absence of effect rostral to the injury site suggested that injury-induced loss of descending activity might be involved. To test this hypothesis, we blocked axonal conduction by focal injection of tetrodotoxin into the spinal cord. We found increased NR1 and NR2A mRNAs in VMN similar in extent to that seen after SCI. Thus, the increase in NMDA subunit mRNAs may be ‘inactivity dependent’ and associated with reorganization of the spinal cord in response to loss of descending innervation.
Hypogonadism does not mediate urinary calcium loss in pituitary-grafted rats

Abstract Rats rendered chronically hyperprolactinemic by implantation of extra anterior pituitary glands (AP) under the kidney capsule have excess urinary calcium excretion. Although serum testosterone levels are normal in male AP-grafted rats, more subtle androgen deficiency might contribute to the increased calcium loss. Female AP-grafted rats lose the normal estrous cycle, which might also alter calcium homeostasis. The urinary calcium and calcium/sodium excretion ratio in gonadectomized AP-grafted rats of both sexes were compared with that of otherwise intact AP-grafted rats and muscle-grafted control rats. AP-grafted rats had increased urinary calcium excretion and calcium/sodium excretion ratio, regardiess of gonadal status. Treatment of castrated male AP-grafted animals with testosterone or dihydrotestosterone did not have a significant effect on urinary calcium loss, nor did estrogen replacement of ovariectomized female AP-grafted rats. These studies indicate that the hypercalciuria of the AP-grafted rat is not mediated via an anti-gonadal effect of the prolactin-secreting pituitary graft.
Differences in Semen Values Between Summarized and Sampling Sires

Abstract Holstein cows in 19 Pennsylvania state-owned herds were used to estimate the additional value (premium) of semen from sires with progeny summaries versus the value of semen from pedigree-selected sampling sires available through artificial insemination. Within each herd, original cows were divided into two breeding groups; one group was bred to summarized sires and the other to sampling sires. An average of 8.4 inseminations was used to produce each milking daughter, based on an average of 5.39 services per live heifer calf and 64.3% survival of heifers from birth to enrollment on production testing. There were 457 first lactations of daughters of summarized bulls and 407 first lactations of daughters of sampling bulls. Differences of milk yield favored the summarized group in each of the first three lactations. Survival rates of cows from first to second and third lactations were 71.6 and 50.8%. Milk was priced at $30.65 with a $.35/.l% fat differential per 100kg with 50% of gross returns assigned to cover costs of production. The premium for semen from summarized versus sampling sires should be at least $3.75. This premium is a minimum because investment in semen plus interest compounded at 5% per annum was required to be recovered in three lactations and no value was given for type, pedigree, or contribution to future generations.
Land Reform in Russia: What Went Wrong?

Despite late Soviet and early post-Soviet intentions to make peasants "masters of the land," large farms continue to use most of Russia's agricultural land. This article analyzes how and why only a relatively small portion of Russia's agricultural land ended up in the hands of individuals and households. Drawing on a dataset from a cross-sectional survey of nine regions covering the entire length of the country and 900 rural households, the article explores the outcomes of land reform in contemporary rural Russia, the factors responsible for those outcomes, and the prospects for changing the trajectory of Russia's land reform.
A 19-year-old male with palpitations

A 19-year-old male presented to the emergency department (ED) following intermittent episodes of palpitations. Classical "epsilon waves" noted on his initial electrocardiogram prompted an evaluation for arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD). The diagnosis was confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging of the heart and stress test. A prompt recognition and management of this condition in the ED helped prevent significant mortality that may be associated with ARVD.
Global Positioning System: The Mathematics of GPS Receivers

(1998). Global Positioning System: The Mathematics of GPS Receivers. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 71, No. 4, pp. 260-269.
Single/few-layer boron nitride-based nanocomposites for high thermal conductivity underfills

Thermal management in 3D packaging plays an important role in the device performance and reliability. The development of thermally conductive underfills is highly crucial, but still challenging. In this work, single/few-layer boron nitride (BN) was exfoliated from bulk h-BN flakes and was incorporated into epoxy resin via a solvent transfer method.[1] The structure of exfoliated BN was characterized by varieties of techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction, Raman microscopy, and UV-vis microscopy. The single/few layer boron nitride/epoxy composite was characterized by thermomechanical analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. The thermal conductivity of exfoliated BN was measured by an infrared thermal imaging method. A significant enhancement of thermal conductivity (220 %) is observed at a low filler loading of 5 wt%, indicating that the single/few-layer BN is a promising filler for the development of novel underfill for 3D packaging.
The technical challenge of air transportation - A Government view

This paper reviews the research and technology that must be conducted, and the facility investments that must be made, in order to assure that the United States is adequately prepared to meet the challenges that air transportation will provide in the future. The technical focal points for the next decade are reviewed in the context of the emerging pattern of air transportation needs for the remainder of the Century and the prospects for satisfying these needs are discussed. Particular attention is given to the responsibility that the Government must assume in aviation R&T and to the relationship that must be encouraged between the Government, the Industry and the University Community.
The Production and Application of New Industrial Technology

This article presents a review of the book “The Production and Application of New Industrial Technology,” by Edwin Mansfield, John Rapoport, Anthony Romeo, Edmund Villani, Samuel Wagner and Frank Husic.
SPATIAL ENTRY DETERRENCE UNDER OLIGOPOLY

. This paper examines colluding, oligopolistic firms in a linear market. By assuming that rivals do not compete for consumers at their market boundaries, it is shown that an equilibrium exists without adopting a convex transportation cost function. Two price profiles are derived. The first describes firm prices in the absence of threatened entry. The second details profit-maximizing prices which forestall entrants. Given infinite relocation costs, threatened entry leads to price adjustments by the incumbent firms.
The maximum mutual information between two random processes

Given two discrete random processes, what is the largest possible average mutual information between them? An application of the Ornstein—Sinai theorem of ergodic theory is used to show that if the processes are ergodic, then there exists a pair process with the given processes as coordinates such that the average mutual information between the coordinates is the maximum possible value, the smaller of the two entropy rates. As an application and interpretation, the information—theoretic analog of a recently developed distance measure on random processes is defined and the topologies induced by the two distance measures on spaces of random processes are compared and contrasted. This demonstrates a fundamental relation between mutual information and mutual approximation of random processes.
Perception in x-ray fluoroscopy

We find that pulsed fluoroscopy of stationary objects gives average dose savings of 22 percent, 38 percent, and 49 percent at 15, 10, and 7.5 acq/sec, respectively. Dose savings depend on object size, with less savings for smaller objects. A model that includes the spatio-temporal response of the human visual system (HVS) describes these results with one free parameter. Pulsed-30 is always better than continuous for detecting moving objects. Likewise, pulsed-15 saves dose as compared to pulsed-30, but the savings decrease for high velocities and small objects.
Separated Flow Surface Pressure Fluctuations and Pressure-Velocity Correlations on Prolate Spheroid

Power spectra of turbulent surface pressure fluctuations and spatial correlation coefficients of surface pressure-velocity are presented for the leeside, three-dimensional, separated crossflow over a 6:1 prolate spheroid at Re L = 4.2 × 106 for angles of attack of 10 and 20 deg. This is a complex, three-dimensional, nonequilibrium flow of practical interest. These results are related to the attached, separated, and reattached features of the vortical flow for a range of Reynolds numbers based on momentum thickness up to 1.5 × 10 4 . The high-frequency surface pressure fluctuation spectra scale on wall variables at low angle of attack. Near regions of separation where wall shear stress is low, there is little high-frequency content, whcreas low-frequency contributions from the outer layer are relatively large. In regions with large surface shearing stresses, the wall region produces strong, high-frequency spectral content. At locations with relatively small outer region mean velocity gradients, there are smaller low-frequency contributions. Both of these features occur around the side of the body and under the large vortices at higher angle of attack
Is an artificial urinary sphincter more effective than a urethral bulking agent for postprostatectomy incontinence

Is an artificial urinary sphincter more effective than a urethral bulking agent for postprostatectomy incontinence?
g-modes of non-radially pulsating relativistic stars: the slow-motion formalism

Nouveau formalisme obtenu a partir d'une etude numerique des modes g d'etoiles relativistes, sans rotation, a fluide parfait
Reconceptualizing and decentering think-aloud methodology in qualitative research

Most applications of think-aloud protocols have been conducted from theoretical perspectives that prioritize knowledge that is predictable and controlled by the researchers. In this article, we present an augmented form of the think-aloud method in which we aim to gain situated and participant-generated knowledge. The context for our study is examination of the problem-solving processes used by engineering students. We illustrate how our adaptation of traditional think–aloud protocols provides insights into participants’ thoughts and beliefs and how such think-alouds can increase social scientists’ understandings of complex phenomena such as learning or problem solving. In contrast to a typical focus on researcher-defined processes or an analysis of the products generated by students, our approach to think-aloud utilizes think-aloud procedures in combination with follow-up interviews to expand participants’ perspectives and investigate their experiences more deeply.
Forgetting, Fabricating, and Telescoping The Instability of the Medical History

Patients' recollections of their past symptoms, illnesses, and episodes of care are often inconsistent from one inquiry to the next. Patients frequently fail to recall (and therefore underreport) the incidence of previous symptoms and events; tend to combine separate, similar occurrences into a single, generic memory; and falsely recall medical events and symptoms that did not in fact occur. This unreliability of recall is affected by personality characteristics and by the patient's current state at the time of recall. Thus, current anxiety or depression and pain or bodily distress foster the recall of symptoms and events that are not recalled when the patient is more comfortable. Finally, current beliefs about one's health and the nature and causes of one's illness also affect the recall of past symptoms and illness. Physicians can maximize the reliability of the clinical history by (1) noting and taking into account the patient's current physical and emotional state; (2) first establishing historical "anchor points" or memorable milestones; (3) decomposing generic memories by finding features that distinguish them from each other; and (4) recalling the clinical history in retrograde fashion, beginning with the most recent event and working backward.
Laser forward transfer for digital microfabrication

Digital microfabrication processes are non-lithographic techniques ideally capable of directly generating patterns and structures of functional materials for the rapid prototyping of electronic, optical and sensor devices. Laser Direct-Write is an example of digital microfabrication that offers unique advantages and capabilities. A key advantage of laser directwrite techniques is their compatibility with a wide range of materials, surface chemistries and surface morphologies. These processes have been demonstrated in the fabrication of a wide variety of microelectronic elements such as interconnects, passives, antennas, sensors, power sources and embedded circuits. Recently, a novel laser direct-write technique able to digitally microfabricate thin film-like structures has been developed at the Naval Research Laboratory. This technique, known as Laser Decal Transfer, is capable of generating patterns with excellent lateral resolution and thickness uniformity using high viscosity metallic nano-inks. The high degree of control in size and shape achievable has been applied to the digital microfabrication of 3-dimensional stacked assemblies, MEMS-like structures and freestanding interconnects. Overall, laser forward transfer is perhaps the most flexible digital microfabrication process available in terms of materials versatility, substrate compatibility and range of speed, scale and resolution. This paper will describe the unique advantages and capabilities of laser decal transfer, discuss its applications and explore its role in the future of digital microfabrication.
Naphthalenyl, Anthracenyl, Tetracenyl, and Pentacenyl Radicals and Their Anions

Electronic structure theory has been applied to the naphthalene-, anthracene-, tetracene-, and pentacene-based radicals and their anions. Five different density functional methods were used to predict adiabatic electron affinities for these radicals. A consistent trend was found, suggesting that the electron affinity at a site of hydrogen removal is primarily dependent upon steric effects for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The results for the 1-naphthalenyl and 2-naphthalenyl radicals were compared to experiment, and it was found that B3LYP appears to be the most reliable functional for this type of system. For the larger systems the predicted site specific adiabatic electron affinities of the radicals are 1.51 eV (1-anthracenyl), 1.46 eV (2-anthracenyl), and 1.68 eV (9-anthracenyl); 1.61 eV (1-tetracenyl), 1.56 eV (2-tetracenyl), and 1.82 eV (12-tetracenyl); and 1.93 eV (14-pentacenyl), 2.01 eV (13-pentacenyl), 1.68 eV (1-pentacenyl), and 1.63 eV (2-pentacenyl). These electron affinities are 0.5−1.5 e...
Polyols and Polyurethanes from Crude Algal Oil

The composition of crude algal oil was analyzed and determined by several methods. Oil was converted to polyols by ozonolysis, epoxidation, and hydroformylation. Ozonolysis gave a polyol with lighter color but a low OH number and was unsuitable for polyurethane applications. Epoxidation also improved the color and gave a polyol with an OH number around 150 mg KOH/g, which with diphenylmethane diisocyanate gave a homogeneous, rubbery, transparent sheet. Desirable rigid foams were prepared with the addition of water to the formulation. Hydroformylation was carried out successfully giving an OH number of about 150 mg KOH/g, but the polyol was black. Casting the polyurethane sheet was difficult due to the very high reactivity of the polyol. Polyurethane foam of lower quality than from epoxidation polyol was obtained. More work on optimization of the foaming system would improve the foam. Crude algal oil is a viable starting material for the production of polyols. Better results would be obtained from refined algal oils.
Almost sure limiting behaviour of first crossing points of Gaussian sequences

Abstract Let { K k , k ∈ Z } be a stationary, normalized Gaussian sequence and define τ β =min( k : X k >− βk } the first crossing point of the Gaussian sequence with the moving boundary −β t . For β→0 we discuss in this paper the a.s. stability, the a.s. relative ability of τ β and an iterated logarithm law for τ β , depending on the correlation function.
Universal screening for Lynch syndrome in endometrial cancer results in increased acceptance of genetic counseling and testing

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of a universal screening protocol for all newly diagnosed endometrial cancers for Lynch syndrome (LS) using immunohistochemistry staining (IHC) for mismatch repair (MMR) enzyme expression on subsequent genetic counseling and genetic testing referral and acceptance rates. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of all womenwho underwent a hysterectomy for endometrial cancer at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO, between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2013, (n= 637). A universal screening protocol was initiated on December 17, 2012, and used IHC for MMR enzymes MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2. Caseswith absentMLH1 stainingwere reflexed toMLH1 promoter methylation testing. The first cohort (Pre Em-USP) consisted of women who presented prior to initiation of the screening protocol and were selectively screened (n= 395). In the second cohort (Em-USP), women presented after initiation of this protocol and were all screened for LS (n= 242). Genetic counseling and genetic testing referrals in both cohortswere based on risk factors (family or personal history) and/or IHC results. Categorical variables were compared using the Fisher's exact tests and continuous variables were compared using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Results: Overall, a greater proportion of individuals in the Em-USP cohort underwent genetic testing than in Pre Em-USP (9.1% vs. 4.8%, P b 0.05). Of the individuals with an IHC screening result suggestive of LS, those in the Em-USP cohort were significantly more likely to accept genetic counseling compared to those in the Pre-Em-USP cohort (95% vs. 64%, P= 0.02). Within the Em-USP cohort specifically, patients referred for genetic counseling due to a concerning IHC screening result compared with those who had a normal MMR enzyme staining pattern and were referred based on other risk factors had a higher counseling acceptance rate (95% vs. 61%, P=0.03) and underwent genetic testing more readily (76% vs. 30%, P b 0.001). Conclusions: Implementation of a universal screening protocol utilizing IHC for LS in endometrial cancer leads to higher acceptance of genetic counseling and higher rates of genetic testing compared to referral based on family or personal history alone.
Does Higher Concordance in Monozygotic Twins Than in Dizygotic Twins Suggest a Genetic Component

It is widely regarded that twins can be used as a natural experiment to subject hypotheses to empirical testing regarding the contributions of genetic factors to phenotypic variability in human traits, especially behavioral traits. In genetic epidemiology, a higher concordance rate in monozygotic (MZ) twins than in dizygotic (DZ) twins is often taken as prima facie evidence for a genetic component. While twins studies have been used to estimate the contributions of genetic factors to phenotypic variability in human traits, the corresponding methodology that allows the estimation entails several crucial assumptions. The most critical is that MZ and DZ twins are equally similar environmentally. Although MZ twins are genetically more similar than DZ twins, they are often environmentally more similar. This paper demonstrates that, even in the complete absence of any genetic factor and of any biases, the greater environmental similarity alone in MZ twins can result in higher concordance rate in MZ twins than in DZ twins. This is especially true when there are multiple environmental factors, which may have multiple exposure levels and/or interact strongly, although each of them may be of low risk. This may serve as a sobering antidote to the uncritical reliance on twin studies without examining the validity of the underlying assumptions.
Infrared Lorentz violation and slowly instantaneous electricity.

We study a modification of electromagnetism which violates Lorentz invariance at large distances. In this theory, electromagnetic waves are massive, but the static force between charged particles is Coulomb, not Yukawa. At very short distances the theory looks just like QED. But for distances larger than $1/m$ the massive dispersion relation of the waves can be appreciated, and the Coulomb force can be used to communicate faster than the speed of light. In fact, electrical signals are transmitted instantly, but take a time $\ensuremath{\sim}1/m$ to build up to full strength. After that, undamped oscillations of the electric field are set in and continue until they are dispersed by the arrival of the Lorentz-obeying part of the transmission. Experimental constraints imply that the Compton wavelength of the photon may be as small as 6000 km. This bound is weaker than for a Lorentz-invariant mass, essentially because the Coulomb constraint is removed.
J.H. Williams III’s Batwoman and the depth of the surface: visualizing a new definition of identity as embedded in the skin

Hillary Chute suggests ‘if comics is about mapping, it is also about bodies – about locating them in space and time’ (‘Comics Form and Narrating Lives,’ Profession 1, 107–117). If scholars envision comics as body narratives, we must also consider that which covers the body: the skin. This article offers a reading of J.H. Williams III’s work on the contemporary DC Comics series Detective Comics and Batwoman, exploring a new vision of the subject and its mapped presence on the surface of the body. These narratives embedded in the surface avoid the disjuncture between sign and signifier in categorizations of identity as various performances retain a presence on the skin. Thus, without denying the performative nature of identity, this article explores the after-effects of the performance – how its palimpsestic presence maps time and space onto the surface of the material body. Furthermore, by turning to skin, the materiality of the body is brought into focus without reducing our discussion to biology; instead...
The NBS Solar Collector Reliability/Durability Test Program: Summary of Results and Recommendations for Collector Testing

Efforts in the development of reliability/durability tests for solar collectors and their materials have been hampered by the lack of real time and accelerated degradation data that can be correlated with in-use conditions. In 1977, the Solar Collector Reliability/Durability Test Program was initiated by the U.S. Department of Energy at the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) to help generate the data required to develop methods for predicting the long term durability and reliability of flat-plate solar collectors and their materials. This paper summarizes the results obtained in the test program for full-size solar collectors. Recommendations are made regarding the use and limitations of thermal performance measurements and environmental exposure tests for assessing the durability of flat-plate solar collectors.
Navigating a Complicated System of Care: Foster Parent Satisfaction with Behavioral and Medical Health Services

Children and youth in foster care often have increased medical and behavioral needs, as a result of maltreatment experiences. As primary caregivers, foster parents serve a critical role in ensuring their medical and behavioral health needs are met, yet there is little research depicting foster parents’ experiences with such services. This study examined perspectives of 442 foster parents regarding their experiences with children’s behavioral and medical health services, through closed and open-ended survey questions, to provide further insight into how to best meet the needs of children in the foster care system. Findings suggest that foster parents are generally satisfied with medical services. They were particularly pleased when they perceived caseworkers were efficient with paperwork and provided comprehensive information at intake. They appreciated providers who were able to make appointments on short notice and were patient with children with a variety of needs. Foster parents were less satisfied with behavioral health services. They cited concerns about the timeliness of acquiring behavioral health services, lack of individualized services, and how turnover impacted consistency and progress of services. Consistently, foster parents provided examples of their role in advocating for the needs of the children in their care and described the need to be heard, consulted, and included in assessment and treatment. This study offers important implications for service providers and policy makers to review implementation of current practice and policies, and demonstrates the commitment foster parents have to ensuring the health and behavioral health needs of our most vulnerable children are met.
First survey and functional annotation of prohormone and convertase genes in the pig

The pig is a biomedical model to study human and livestock traits. Many of these traits are controlled by neuropeptides that result from the cleavage of prohormones by prohormone convertases. Only 45 prohormones have been confirmed in the pig. Sequence homology can be ineffective to annotate prohormone genes in sequenced species like the pig due to the multifactorial nature of the prohormone processing. The goal of this study is to undertake the first complete survey of prohormone and prohormone convertases genes in the pig genome. These genes were functionally annotated based on 35 gene expression microarray experiments. The cleavage sites of prohormone sequences into potentially active neuropeptides were predicted. We identified 95 unique prohormone genes, 2 alternative calcitonin-related sequences, 8 prohormone convertases and 1 cleavage facilitator in the pig genome 10.2 assembly and trace archives. Of these, 11 pig prohormone genes have not been reported in the UniProt, UniGene or Gene databases. These genes are intermedin, cortistatin, insulin-like 5, orexigenic neuropeptide QRFP, prokineticin 2, prolactin-releasing peptide, parathyroid hormone 2, urocortin, urocortin 2, urocortin 3, and urotensin 2-related peptide. In addition, a novel neuropeptide S was identified in the pig genome correcting the previously reported pig sequence that is identical to the rabbit sequence. Most differentially expressed prohormone genes were under-expressed in pigs experiencing immune challenge relative to the un-challenged controls, in non-pregnant relative to pregnant sows, in old relative to young embryos, and in non-neural relative to neural tissues. The cleavage prediction based on human sequences had the best performance with a correct classification rate of cleaved and non-cleaved sites of 92% suggesting that the processing of prohormones in pigs is similar to humans. The cleavage prediction models did not find conclusive evidence supporting the production of the bioactive neuropeptides urocortin 2, urocortin 3, torsin family 2 member A, tachykinin 4, islet amyloid polypeptide, and calcitonin receptor-stimulating peptide 2 in the pig. The present genomic and functional characterization supports the use of the pig as an effective animal model to gain a deeper understanding of prohormones, prohormone convertases and neuropeptides in biomedical and agricultural research.
Proton-Conducting Interpenetrating Polymer Network with Reduced Methanol Permeability

A freestanding polymer electrolyte membrane was developed having low permeability to methanol while maintaining high permeability to water and proton conductivity. A two-polymer composite formed an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) composed of proton-conducting 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propanesulfonic acid and a second polymer, poly(vinyl alcohol), serving as a methanol barrier. Ion conductivity and methanol permeability were controlled by adjusting polymer ratios and the extent of cross-linking of the two polymers. Compared to Nafion, the IPNs had up to fifteen times greater selectivity for water over methanol and proton conductivity about an order of magnitude lower.
Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in sigmoid gradients

Abstract An apparatus for the preparation of sigmoid concentration gradients of polyacrylamide gel is described in detail. The gel slabs are prepared in situ and two-dimensional electrophoretic procedures are carried out. The procedure can be carried out in a relatively short time without impairment of resolution.
Intimate Partner Violence and Drinking among Victims of Adult Sexual Assault

Intimate partner violence is associated with problem drinking. Correlates of alcohol consumption frequency and problem drinking were examined among female sexual assault survivors (N = 1863). Data were analyzed with blockwise multiple regressions. Results show heavy alcohol consumption and problem drinking were associated with intimate partner violence history, sexual assault by strangers/acquaintances, and maladaptive coping. Physical Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) history and partner sexual assault showed distinct effects on drinking outcomes among women. Physical IPV history partially mediated the effect of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) on problem drinking. Research is needed to examine the relationship between victimization histories and drinking among female sexual assault victims. This may enable treatments and interventions to be tailored to the trauma histories of female victims.
Theory of the Exciton Bound to an Isoelectronic Trap in GaP

A theoretical calculation for the electronic structure of an exciton bound to a nitrogen trap in GaP is presented. For the first time, the band-structure effect for both the electron and hole and their mutual Coulomb interaction are included simultanteously. It is found that the bare electron is bound by only 0.6 meV instead of 8 meV as usually quoted. Furthermore, this calculation predicts the $A\ensuremath{-}B$ splitting and the oscillator strength of the bound-exciton luminescence in good agreement with the experimental data.