cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Shari'A or the State?: Islamic Law and State Institutions in Western Democracies

What explains the rise of Islamic law courts for dispute resolution among Muslims in some Western democracies and not others? In the UK, these councils are gaining popularity among Muslims as well as some legal standing; in other states, such as France, there is little evidence that these councils exist at all. Several recent studies have attempted to explain variation in attitudes towards Sharia law across the Islamic world, but rarely among Muslim communities in the European Union. I explore competing explanations for the variation in popularity of informal Islamic law councils in France and the UK. My research contributes to the institutionalist literature that seeks to understand the way institutions affect preferences and institutional choice. I hypothesize that differences in church-state relations, national immigrant integration models, and state policies on the legal recognition of Sharia affect the degree to which Muslim communities are motivated to use and institutionalize Sharia law.
The Least-Squares Galerkin Split Finite Element Method for Buoyancy-Driven Flow

The least-squares finite element method (LSFEM), based on minimizing the l2 -norm of the residual is now well established as a proper approach to deal with the convection dominated fluid dynamic equations. The least-squares finite element method has a number of attractive characteristics such as the lack of an inf-sup condition and the resulting symmetric positive system of algebraic equations unlike Galerkin finite element method (GFEM). However, the higher continuity requirements for second-order terms in the governing equations force the introduction of additional unknowns through the use of an equivalent first-order system of equations or the use of C1 continuous basis functions. These additional unknowns lead to increased memory and computational requirements that have limited the application of LSFEM to large-scale practical problems. A novel finite element method is proposed that employs a least-squares method for first-order derivatives and a Galerkin method for second order derivatives, thereby avoiding the need for additional unknowns required by a pure LSFEM approach. When the unsteady form of the governing equations is used, a streamline upwinding term is introduced naturally by the least-squares method. Resulting system matrix is always symmetric and positive definite and can be solved by iterative solvers like pre-conditioned conjugate gradient method. The method is stable for convection-dominated flows and allows for equal-order basis functions for both pressure and velocity. The method has been successfully applied here to solve complex buoyancy-driven flow with Boussinesq approximation in a square cavity with differentially heated vertical walls using low-order C0 continuous elements.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Anesthetic management of patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator with a hand fracture

Anesthetic management of patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator with a hand fracture
Conversion of dihydro-O-methylsterigmatocystin to aflatoxin B2 by Aspergillus parasiticus.

Dihydro-O-methylsterigmatocystin (DHOMST) was identified in cultures ofAspergillus parasiticus SRRC 2043, an aflatoxin (AF) non-producer, by comparison of its mass spectrum to that of authentic DHOMST. In addition to DHOMST, SRRC 2043 is known to produce two other chemically related compounds in culture:O-methylsterigmatocystin (OMST) which is an AFB1 precursor and a hydrated-vinyl ether analogue of OMST (HOMST) which is an AFB2 precursor. In the present study, DHOMST also was shown to be an AFB2 precursor by demonstrating that DHOMST is converted to AFB2 by mycelia of an A.parasiticus mutant (SRRC 163) blocked early in the AF biosynthetic pathway; this conversion occurred at an even higher rate than observed for HOMST to AFB2 conversion by the same fungal strain. SRRC 2043 mycelia, although incapable of producing AF's when supplied with OMST, HOMST or DHOMST, were capable of converting HOMST to DHOMST. The results indicated that DHOMST can be placed after HOMST in the biosynthetic sequence which produces AFB2.
AIDS Knowledge, Attitude and Behaviors Investigation among Undergraduates in a Certain University of Hangzhou

Objective The purpose of this investigation was to learn the knowledge, attitude and behaviors of college students toward AIDS and provide scientific basis for healthy education mode adopted in the future. Methods In a university of Hangzhou, 255 sophomores and juniors were randomly selected for anonymous self-administered questionnaire with contents referring to AIDS related knowledge, attitude and behaviors, pathway to obtain AIDS-related knowledge and mode for better acceptation of AIDS propaganda. Results The rate of undergraduates who knew about AIDS transmission pathway in this university was 87 50% and that of AIDS prevention measures was 72 15%; 85% of students showed a willingness to use condom to avoid venereal disease/AIDS infection; due to privacy problems, 28 33% of students refused to give an answer; 99 17% of undergraduates thought it necessary to carry out healthy education of AIDS, and newspapers, magazines, broadcast, television and internet were their main ways to acquire related knowledge to AIDS; movies, specialized lectures, videos and propaganda pamphlets were better healthy education patterns for acceptation. Conclusion The level of understanding among undergraduates toward basic knowledge related to AIDS is acceptable, but it still displays a lack in the attitude toward AIDS, therefore we should carry out propaganda and education approaches of strong pertinence in this population and boost the transformation of attitude toward AIDS to further alter population behaviors.
Into the 1960s: Calm Before the Storm

The retirement of Lawrence Holt and Roland Thornton in 1953, the sudden death of W. H. Dickie in 1954, and the approaching retirement of Hobhouse in 1956 (delayed until 1957 by the Suez crisis) made imperative the recasting of the managerial team. These were not the only losses. In 1955 Brian Heathcote, an Assistant Manager who had taken a wide measure of responsibility for staff and training matters, retired after 36 years with the company. Storrs, due to retire in 1960, was also approaching the end of his career with Blue Funnel.
Fundamental tools and concepts

In the three chapters that follow we describe in significant detail the basic concepts of machine learning introduced in Chapter 1, beginning with an introduction to several fundamental tools of numerical optimization in Chapter 2. This includes a thorough description of calculus-defined optimality, as well as the widely used gradient descent and Newton's method algorithms. Discussing these essential tools first will enable us to immediately and effectively deal with all of the formal learning problems we will see throughout the entirety of the text. Chapters 3 and 4 then introduce linear regression and classification respectively, the two predictive learning problems which form the bedrock of modern machine learning. We motivate both problems naturally, letting illustrations and geometric intuition guide our formal derivations, and in each case describe (through a variety of examples) how knowledge is used to forge effective features.
Directed energy deflection laboratory measurements of common space based targets

We report on laboratory studies of the effectiveness of directed energy planetary defense as a part of the DE-STAR (Directed Energy System for Targeting of Asteroids and exploRation) program. DE-STAR and DE-STARLITE are directed energy “stand-off” and “stand-on” programs, respectively. These systems consist of a modular array of kilowatt-class lasers powered by photovoltaics, and are capable of heating a spot on the surface of an asteroid to the point of vaporization. Mass ejection, as a plume of evaporated material, creates a reactionary thrust capable of diverting the asteroid’s orbit. In a series of papers, we have developed a theoretical basis and described numerical simulations for determining the thrust produced by material evaporating from the surface of an asteroid. In the DESTAR concept, the asteroid itself is used as the deflection “propellant”. This study presents results of experiments designed to measure the thrust created by evaporation from a laser directed energy spot. We constructed a vacuum chamber to simulate space conditions, and installed a torsion balance that holds a common space target sample. The sample is illuminated with a fiber array laser with flux levels up to 60 MW/m 2 , which allows us to simulate a mission level flux but on a small scale. We use a separate laser as well as a position sensitive centroid detector to readout the angular motion of the torsion balance and can thus determine the thrust. We compare the measured thrust to the models. Our theoretical models indicate a coupling coefficient well in excess of 100 μN/W optical , though we assume a more conservative value of 80 μN/W optical and then degrade this with an optical “encircled energy” efficiency of 0.75 to 60 μN/W optical in our deflection modeling. Our measurements discussed here yield about 45 μN/W absorbed as a reasonable lower limit to the thrust per optical watt absorbed. Results vary depending on the material tested and are limited to measurements of 1 axis, so further tests must be performed.
The Association Between Geographic Location and Anxiety and Depression in Transgender Individuals: An Exploratory Study of an Online Sample.

Abstract Purpose: Research has demonstrated associations between discrimination and mental health in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender populations. However, little is known about the influence of geographic location on psychological distress in these populations, particularly among transgender people. Methods: This secondary analysis conducted on a national sample of transgender individuals (N=414) offers a preliminary understanding of the effects of geographic location on psychological distress (i.e., anxiety and depression). A univariate analysis of variance was calculated to determine this relationship. Results: The West South Central division (i.e., Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas) revealed highest psychological distress. Conclusion: Results suggest an urgent need for transgender-competent healthcare in this division.
Patient-Specific Bacteroides Genome Variants in Pouchitis

ABSTRACT A 2-year longitudinal microbiome study of 22 patients who underwent colectomy with an ileal pouch anal anastomosis detected significant increases in distinct populations of Bacteroides during 9 of 11 patient visits that coincided with inflammation (pouchitis). Oligotyping and metagenomic short-read annotation identified Bacteroides populations that occurred in early samples, bloomed during inflammation, and reappeared after antibiotic treatment. Targeted cultivation of Bacteroides isolates from the same individual at multiple time points and from several patients detected subtle genomic changes, including the identification of rapidly evolving genomic elements that differentiate isogenic strains of Bacteroides fragilis from the mucosa versus lumen. Each patient harbored Bacteroides spp. that are closely related to commonly occurring clinical isolates, including Bacteroides ovatus, B. thetaiotaomicron, B. vulgatus, and B. fragilis, which contained unique loci in different patients for synthesis of capsular polysaccharides. The presence of unique Bacteroides capsular polysaccharide loci within different hosts and between the lumen and mucosa may represent adaptations to stimulate, suppress, and evade host-specific immune responses at different microsites of the ileal pouch. IMPORTANCE This longitudinal study provides an opportunity to describe shifts in the microbiomes of individual patients who suffer from ulcerative colitis (UC) prior to and following inflammation. Pouchitis serves as a model for UC with a predictable incidence of disease onset and enables prospective longitudinal investigations of UC etiology prior to inflammation. Because of insufficient criteria for predicting which patients will develop UC or pouchitis, the interpretation of cross-sectional study designs suffers from lack of information about the microbiome structure and host gene expression patterns that directly correlate with the onset of disease. Our unique longitudinal study design allows each patient to serve as their own control, providing information about the state of the microbiome and host prior to and during the course of disease. Of significance to the broader community, this study identifies microbial strains that may have genetic elements that trigger the onset of disease in susceptible hosts.
Feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of acceptance and commitment training for academic success of at-risk college students from low income families

Abstract Despite efforts to improve university retention, many low-income students are leaving college without a degree. The current study evaluated the preliminary effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Training for low-income students at risk for academic failure. In general, participants exhibited improved academic performance the following semester, which was predicted from valued living. Fifty-seven percent of participants graduated within six years, surpassing the graduation rate of a comparison group and exceeding national graduation rates.
Circulating Immune Cells Mediate a Systemic RNAi-Based Adaptive Antiviral Response in Drosophila

Effective antiviral protection in multicellular organisms relies on both cell-autonomous and systemic immunity. Systemic immunity mediates the spread of antiviral signals from infection sites to distant uninfected tissues. In arthropods, RNA interference (RNAi) is responsible for antiviral defense. Here, we show that flies have a sophisticated systemic RNAi-based immunity mediated by macrophage-like haemocytes. Haemocytes take up dsRNA from infected cells and, through endogenous transposon reverse transcriptases, produce virus-derived complementary DNAs (vDNA). These vDNAs template de novo synthesis of secondary viral siRNAs (vsRNA), which are secreted in exosome-like vesicles. Strikingly, exosomes containing vsRNAs, purified from haemolymph of infected flies, confer passive protection against virus challenge in naive animals. Thus, similar to vertebrates, insects use immune cells to generate immunological memory in the form of stable vDNAs that generate systemic immunity, which is mediated by the vsRNA-containing exosomes.
Utility of Boron in Dermatology

Introduction: Boron compounds are being investigated as therapies for dermatologic conditions. Several features of boron chemistry make this element an ideal component in dermatologic treatments. We review the published dermatologically-relevant clinical trials and case studies pertaining to boron compounds.Methods: PubMed was utilized to query terms boron, chemistry, drug, development, dermatology, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, onychomycosis, tavaborole, AN 2690, crisaborole, and AN 2728. Clinical trials, case studies, animal studies and in vitro studies. Pertaining to atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and onychomycosis were included.Results: Crisaborole 2% topical solution reduced atopic dermatitis lesions by ∼60% when compared to pretreatment baseline. Crisaborole maintains its dose-dependent effect in treatment of psoriasis and significantly reduces psoriatic plaques when compared to controls. Adverse effects were mild, frequency of events varied between studies. Crisaborole was well tolerated when applied to sensitive skin. Topical tavaborole significantly reduced or eliminated onychomycosis with minimal side effects compared to placebo. Tavaborole was effective in treating recalcitrant onychomycosis.Discussion: Boron-based compounds form stable interactions with enzyme targets and are safe medications for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and onychomycosis. The mild and rare side effects of topical boron-based compounds may make them ideal treatments for individuals with sensitive skin and pediatric populations.
Envisioning and implementing wood-based bioenergy systems in the southern United States: Imaginaries in everyday talk

Abstract Bioenergy development in the Southern United States was said to promise a future with renewable energy, energy independence, expanded wood markets, and rural development. We view this vision of wood-based bioenergy as a sociotechnical imaginary involving a future where energy and rural development needs are met using sustainably-harvested local resources. While this vision has led to bioenergy development, it has not been universally shared and counter-narratives have circulated. Local people receive multiple messages and have diverse experiences with bioenergy, which affect how they interpret the imaginary. We use cultural models to examine the extent and ways that elements of the national bioenergy imaginary occurred in everyday talk in three communities where bioenergy plants had recently been developed. We show how local people articulated, responded to, and altered the national bioenergy imaginary while simultaneously drawing on diverse experiences, values, and other important social discourses. While local people had limited opportunities to alter the national imaginary, they contested and diluted it in ways that indicated that they were not fully in support of the imaginary and the development it spurred. Ultimately, this may hinder bioenergy development.
Spaceflight-Induced Visual Impairment and Globe Deformations in Astronauts Are Linked to Orbital Cerebrospinal Fluid Volume Increase

Objective: Most of the astronauts onboard the International Space Station (ISS) develop visual impairment and ocular structural changes that are not fully reversible upon return to earth. Current understanding assumes that the so-called visual impairments/intracranial pressure (VIIP) syndrome is caused by cephalad vascular fluid shift. This study assesses the roles of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and intracranial pressure (ICP) in VIIP.
Utilizing child-centered play therapy with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and endured trauma: A case example.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent childhood disorder as 1 in 68 children, 8 years old and younger, are diagnosed with ASD. Additionally, childhood trauma impacts 60% of children living in the United States. Due to the lack of social awareness and increased sensitivity to various stimuli,
What Mao Actually Taught

This chapter establishes what exactly Mao taught about insurgency from his earliest political writings and speeches in 1917 to his final works in 1971. This analysis is crucial because many of the myths and conflicting interpretations about Mao’s teachings on insurgency have arisen from incomplete or selective readings of his works. Using qualitative content analysis, the chapter generates a breakdown of 16 themes that can be found within Mao’s teachings, spread across four categories: Politicised Warfare, Military, Population, and Resources. The outcome of the chapter is a comprehensive and evidence-based articulation of exactly what Mao’s teachings about insurgency involved. This differs from previous examinations of Mao’s writings on this topic, which have tended to draw selectively from a few overestimated works.
Local control mechanisms during oogenesis and folliculogenesis.

In most animal species a single cell, the female gamete, is the primary or only cellular link between the present and successive generations; the female gamete constitutes an irreplaceable element of life. Thus, the origin, differentiation, qualities, and functions of this essential cell are of fundamental interest and importance to developmental biology and are related directly or indirectly to multiple human activities—social, personal, scientific, medical, and agricultural.
Late post‐kidney transplant Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome

Disseminated strongyloidiasis is a potentially life-threatening infection in organ transplant recipients that typically occurs within the first 6 months of transplantation. We discuss a patient from the Appalachia region of Virginia who appeared to acquire Strongyloides stercoralis domestically years after kidney transplantation and then develop disseminated strongyloidiasis.
Kinetic Energy Required for Perforating Double Reinforced Concrete Targets: A Parametric Numerical Study Considering Impact Velocity and Penetrator Presented Area

Abstract The U. S. Army's interest in breaching double-reinforced concrete (DRC) walls has revealed a need to better understand the energy required to perforate DRC. In an effort to determine the minimum kinetic energy required for perforating a DRC target, a parametric numerical study was conducted at the U. S. Army Research Laboratory. As an initial step in the exploration of minimum kinetic energy required for perforating DRC targets, large scale, high-fidelity, three-dimensional numerical simulations were conducted using an Eulerian shock physics code and an empirical concrete constitutive model. The parametric study investigated right cylindrical steel rods with masses of 500-2000 g and length-to-diameter ratios (L/D) of 1-10 impacting with velocities ranging from 500-2000 m/s, and perforating rebar reinforced concrete targets at three different impact locations with impact orientations to target of either end-on or side-on. This paper describes the modeling methodology used to generate the data, and then uses this data to consider the kinetic energy of perforation of DRC for the described range of conditions. Finally, an empirical fit to the data is reported, which may be used to estimate the conditions necessary for perforation of a DRC target of given parameters.
Canopy attachment position influences metabolism and peel constituency of European pear fruit

Inconsistent pear fruit ripening resulting from variable harvest maturity within tree canopies can contribute to postharvest losses through senescence and spoilage that would otherwise be effectively managed using crop protectant and storage regimes. Because those inconsistencies are likely based on metabolic differences, non-targeted metabolic profiling peel of ‘d’Anjou’ pears harvested from the external or internal canopy was used to determine the breadth of difference and link metabolites with canopy position during long-term controlled atmosphere storage. Differences were widespread, encompassing everything from expected distinctions in flavonol glycoside levels between peel of fruit from external and internal canopy positions to increased aroma volatile production and sucrose hydrolysis with ripening. Some of the most substantial differences were in levels of triterpene and phenolic peel cuticle components among which acyl esters of ursolic acid and fatty acyl esters of p-coumaryl alcohol were higher in the cuticle of fruit from external tree positions, and acyl esters of α-amyrin were elevated in peel of fruit from internal positions. Possibly the most substantial dissimilarities were those that were directly related to fruit quality. Phytosterol conjugates and sesquiterpenes related to elevated superficial scald risk were higher in pears from external positions which were to be potentially rendered unmarketable by superficial scald. Other metabolites associated with fruit aroma and flavor became more prevalent in external fruit peel as ripening progressed and, likewise, with differential soluble solids and ethylene levels, suggesting the final product not only ripens differentially but the final fruit quality following ripening is actually different based on the tree position. Given the impact tree position appears to have on the most intrinsic aspects of ripening and quality, every supply chain management strategy would likely lead to diverse storage outcomes among fruit from most orchards, especially those with large canopies. Metabolites consistently associated with peel of fruit from a particular canopy position may provide targets for non-destructive pre-storage sorting used to reduce losses contributed by this inconsistency.
Extreme weather events modulate processing and export of dissolved organic carbon in the Neuse River Estuary, NC

Abstract As the interface between riverine and coastal systems, estuaries play a key role in receiving, transporting, and processing terrestrial organic carbon prior to export to downstream coastal systems. Estuaries can switch from terrestrial organic carbon reactors under low river flow to pipelines under high flow, but it remains unclear how estuarine terrestrial organic carbon processing responds to the full spectrum of discharge conditions, which are bracketed by these high and low discharge events. The amount of terrestrial dissolved organic carbon and colored dissolved organic matter imported, processed, and exported was assessed for riverine discharge events spanning from the 4th to 99th flow quantiles in the Neuse River Estuary, North Carolina, USA using spatially and temporally (July 2015–December 2016) resolved measurements. The extent of dissolved organic matter processing in the estuary under various flow conditions was estimated using a non-steady state box model to calculate estuary-wide terrestrial dissolved organic carbon and colored dissolved organic matter source & sink terms. Under mid-range riverine discharge conditions (4th to 89th flow quantiles), the Neuse River Estuary was a sink for terrestrial dissolved organic carbon, retaining and/or processing (i.e., flocculation; photochemical and microbial degradation) on average ∼29% of terrestrial dissolved organic carbon. Following floods due to extreme precipitation events (99th flow quantile), however, over 99% of the terrestrial dissolved organic carbon loaded from the riverine end-member was exported directly to the downstream coastal system. Following such extreme weather events, the estuary acts as a pipeline for direct export of terrestrial dissolved organic carbon, drastically altering the amount and quality of dissolved organic carbon loaded to downstream coastal systems. This has important implications under future climate scenarios, where extreme weather events are expected to increase.
Overeating and binge eating among immigrants in the United States: new terrain for the healthy immigrant hypothesis

Prior research indicates that, compared to individuals born in the United States (US), immigrants are less likely to experience mental health and inhibitory control problems. However, our understanding of overeating and binge eating—both related to mental health and inhibitory control—among immigrants in the US remains limited. Drawing from a large national study, we report the prevalence of overeating and binge eating among immigrants vis-a-vis the US-born. The data source used for the present study is the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC-III, 2012–2013), a nationally representative survey of 36,309 civilian, non-institutionalized adults ages 18 and older in the US. Logistic regression was employed to examine the relationship between immigrant status and key outcomes. The prevalence of any (immigrants = 7.8%, US-born = 17.0%) and recurrent overeating (immigrants = 2.9%, US-born = 5.3%) was lower among immigrants than US-born individuals. Among those reporting recurrent overeating, the prevalence of binge eating with loss of control was comparable among immigrant (37.2%) and US-born participants (39.9%), in general. However, stratified analyses revealed that risk of binge eating with loss of control was lower among immigrant women compared to US-born women (AOR 0.54, 95% CI 0.29–0.98). Findings from the present study provide clear results that immigrants are substantially less likely to overeat as compared to US-born individuals and that, among women but not men, immigrant status is associated with lower risk of binge eating with loss of control.
Perception of Aviation Safety

Aviation professionals and the general population have different perceptions of aviation safety. In the general population, there is a conflict between facts and fears. People know that commercial aviation is extremely safe, but they do not always feel safe and often make decisions based on those feelings. For aviation professionals, the conflict is between facts and facts, with managers and regulators struggling to weigh costs and benefits with risks in making safety related decisions. In this chapter the similarities and differences between lay and professional perceptions of aviation safety, the factors that affect these perceptions, and the effect of these perceptions on decisions are explored.
10 years of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration: A single tertiary institution experience.

Abstract Introduction Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE-LC) or ERCP plus laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ERCP-LC) represent minimally invasive choledocholithiasis treatments. We hypothesized that LCBDE-LC has a shorter length of stay (LOS) and lower charges than ERCP-LC. Methods Charts were reviewed for all LCBDE-LC or ERCP-LC for choledocholithiasis from 2007 to 2017. Exclusions included cholangitis, concomitant procedures, or history of Roux-en-Y or biliary surgery. Groups were determined via intention-to-treat with LCBDE-LC or ERCP-LC. Results 281 subjects were identified; 157 met inclusion criteria. 89 (56%) were in the LCBDE-LC group. There were no differences in age, sex, or ASA. LOS was shorter for LCBDE-LC (3.1 vs 4.4 days, p Conclusion LCBDE-LC resulted in shorter LOS but had a high failure rate. Further research is needed to predict which cases suit each modality.
Chapter 14 Asset markets, exchange rates and the balance of payments

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews developments in international monetary economics from the late 1960s through the early 1980s. It discusses that the “monetary approach to the balance of payments” was the economic determinants of the behavior of the balance of payments, especially, the theoretical elaboration and empirical investigation of the dynamic mechanism of balance of payments adjustment. Recent research on macroeconomics, for both closed and open economies, expresses far less confidence in the ability of governments to systematically affect levels of national income and consistently maintain full employment through policy manipulation. The chapter discusses that in earlier work on exchange rate theory, the condition for equilibrium in the flow market for foreign exchange transactions has been regarded as the proximate determinant of the exchange rate. In some analyses, expectations of future exchange rates had an important influence on current exchange rates by affecting speculative capital flows. The chapter also provides modern analysis of the dynamics of balance of payments adjustment under fixed exchange rates beginning with a simple exposition of the key elements of the monetary mechanism of balance of payments adjustment. Finally, the chapter also deals with the theory of flexible exchange rates. The evolution of the international monetary system from a regime of pegged exchange rates into a regime of flexible rates resulted in a renewed interest in the theory of exchange rate determination.
The spatial distribution of the sexes in colonies of the termiteIncisitermes schwarzi Banks (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae)

Nine colonies of the lower termiteIncisitermes schwarzi, inhabiting tall, narrow dead mangrove tree trunks, were sectioned in the field; the sections were taken back to the laboratory and the termites in each section were classified by sex and caste. In a separate series of observations, portions of colonies were introduced into a narrow tunnel, and later the position, sex, and caste of each individual were recorded. The data from both kinds of study indicate that the sexes are distributed randomly within the termite colony, both within castes and between castes. The only exception was a slight tendency for soldiers of one sex to be associated with non-soldiers of the opposite sex. The observations do not support the idea that the close genetic relatedness of same-sex siblings (due to multiple sex chromosomes) and preferential sex-biased altruistic behavior underly the evolution of eusociality in termites.
Neoliberal cartographies: the grid in independent New York film

ABSTRACTCity Island (De Felita, 2009) and Shortbus (Mitchell, 2006), independent films produced around the 2008 economic crisis, characterize their titular New York locations as ‘off-the-grid,’ exc...
Advertising Education at a Crossroad

The changes in the advertising industry are rapid and dizzying. The advertising industry is going through structural change and advertising education faces a daunting challenge in keeping up with t...
Application of presetting ureteral catheter preoperatively in total laparoscopic hysterectomy ( a report of 69 cases)

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of presetting ureteral catheter before total laparoscopic hysterectomy for preventing ureteral injury in patients with pelvic adhesions.Methods One hundred and forty-two cases of total laparoscopic hysterectomy were enrolled in this research from January 2008 to May 2011.They were divided into two groups,69 cases of pelvic adhesions in the study group were preset with ureteral catheter before total laparoscopic hysterectomy.In the control group,73 cases were not set with ureteral catheter before surgery.The clinical efficacy and occurrence rate of ureteral injury of the two groups were observed.Results The average operation time was ( 112 ±25) min and ( 113 ±25) min in the study group and control group,respectively.The average blood loss was ( 50 ± 28 ) ml and (48 ± 25 ) ml,respectively.The average length of hospital stay after surgery was (5 ±4) d and (5 ±5) d,respectively.The hemoglobin change was ( 5 ±9) g/L and ( 5 ±9) g/L;respectively.There was no significant difference between the two groups ( P ＞ 0.05 ).There was 1 case of ureteral injury in the study group,who was indwelled with ureteral catheter for 3 days before removal.There was no ureteral fistula occurred in the study group.In control group,there were 8 eases of ureteral fistula after operation.There was significant difference between the two groups ( P ＜0.01 ).Conclusions It is a safe and effective prevention method of presetting ureteral catheter before total laparoscopic hysterectomy for ureteral injuries in patients with pelvic adhesions. Key words: Hysterectomy; Laparoscopy; Ureteral catheter
Computational Investigation of Large Diameter Carbon Nanotubes in Bundles for High Strength Materials

Carbon nanotube aerogels are interesting platforms for the manufacture of lightweight composites. To guide the development, we screen with tight-binding atomistic calculations two primary crystalli...
Foetal loss and feminine sex ratios at birth in sub-Saharan Africa

A wealth of demographic research has explored the determinants of sex ratios at birth, but few studies have considered the role of foetal loss (spontaneous abortion), in producing feminine sex ratios. One challenge is measuring the occurrence of foetal loss, which is difficult to recognize and report in survey research. This study uses the length of the birth interval as a proxy for foetal loss; foetal loss restarts the clock on time to conception and lengthens the birth interval. We use Demographic and Health Survey data on second births to women in 17 sub-Saharan African countries. Results show that longer second birth intervals are significantly related to lower odds of a male second birth and to feminine sex ratios at birth. These findings suggest that high levels of foetal loss, which could signal underlying poor maternal health in a population, have dramatic effects on the sex ratio at birth.
Under-reporting of Hepatic Steatosis in Children: A Missed Opportunity for Early Detection.

Objective To determine the prevalence of underreporting of hepatic steatosis found incidentally on computed tomography (CT). Study design Retrospective cross-sectional study including patients Results A total of 584 patients were included. Agreement between reviewers’ measurements for categorical classification of presence of steatosis was excellent (kappa statistic agreement >87%). The prevalence of hepatic steatosis ranged from 3% to 35%, depending on the criterion. Using absolute liver attenuation Conclusions Hepatic steatosis is underreported as an incidental finding of CT for nephrolithiasis. Given the prevalence and silent nature of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a high level of suspicion is needed, so as not to miss the opportunity to identify steatosis in childhood.
Soft X-ray active galactic nuclei.

The discovery of 10 active galactic nuclei (AGNs) based upon optical observations of Einstein Observatory X-ray sources is reported. The new objects are optically similar to AGNs that have been identified by others with this technique. One notable exception, the quasar E1821 + 643, is associated with a previously unidentified X-ray source detected with both the low-energy and high-energy surveys of the HEAO 1 A-2 experiment. It is thus one of a small number of AGNs which were more intense in soft X-rays than in hard X-rays during 1977-1978. X-rays were also detected from two other quasars, known previously at other wavelengths.
Correlation Improves Group Testing

Population-wide screening to identify and isolate infectious individuals is a powerful tool for controlling COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. Testing an entire population, however, requires significant resources. Group testing can enable large-scale screening by testing more people with fewer resources, but dilution degrades its sensitivity, reducing its effectiveness as an infection control measure. Analysis of this tradeoff typically assumes that pooled samples are independent. Building on recent empirical results in the literature, we argue that this assumption significantly underestimates the true benefits of group testing. Indeed, placing samples from a social group or household into the same pool correlates a pool's samples. As a result, a positive pool likely contains multiple positive samples, increasing a pooled test's sensitivity and also tending to reduce the number of pools that require follow-up tests. We prove that under a general correlation structure, pooling correlated samples together ("correlated pooling") achieves higher sensitivity and requires fewer tests per positive identified compared to independently pooling the samples ("naive pooling") using the same pool size within the two-stage Dorfman procedure, the most widely-used group testing method. To the best of our knowledge, our work is the first to theoretically characterize correlation's effect on sensitivity, and the first to study its effect on test usage under a realistic test error model. Under a representative starting prevalence of 1%, simulation results estimate that correlated pooling requires 12.9% fewer tests than naive pooling to control an epidemic. Thus, we argue that correlation is an important consideration for policy-makers designing infection control interventions: it makes screening more attractive for infection control and it suggests that sample collection should maximize correlation.
International Commonality of Demand Determinants: A Reappraisal

Because of obvious social, cultural, economic, and political differences between nations, most forecasters building models for international market demand estimation reject the determinants specified in domestic demand models. They believe international forecasters must “adapt to foreign conditions.” This study suggests, however, that because all consumers must act through the economic system, forecasting models which draw from economic system variables can be used across countries.
Life After BRCA1/2 Testing: Family Communication and Support Issues

The process of genetic testing is often deemed a family affair. Several studies have indicated that individuals undergo BRCA1/2 testing not only to learn about their own cancer risks and options for screening and prevention, but also to gather information for potentially at-risk relatives. However, many individuals are not prepared for the medical and emotional implications that accompany the genetic testing process. This can be complicated by a moral or ethical obligation to disclose result status to other family members. Several characteristics including gender, BRCA1/2 carrier status, and cultural and ethnic background may influence the communication process between the proband and his/her potentially at-risk kin. In addition, the age of family members and their degree of relatedness may affect whether or not they are told the results of their relative's genetic testing. While genetic providers have an obligation to inform individuals of the implications of BRCA1/2 test results for at-risk relatives, they must also strive to respect and maintain autonomy and confidentiality. This paper will examine the characteristics that influence the disclosure of BRCA1/2 test results to relatives. In addition, methods of post-test support and follow-up to facilitate the disclosure process for patients and their family members as well as foster positive communication, will be discussed.
Aliasing in Fractional Designs

In this short exposition, we provide an overview of the aliasing (or confounding) among effects that is caused by studying fewer treatment combinations than required in a full factorial design. We show, by example, how to determine the alias structure of the regular two-level fractional factorial (2k−p) designs, nonregular two-level designs, and the regular three-level fractional factorial (3k−p) designs. Keywords: confounding; fractional factorial; orthogonal arrays
Measurement of thymosin α1 by disassociation microELISA

Abstract A disassociation microELISA was devised for the estimation of thymosin α 1 , a chemically characterized thymic polypeptide isolated from bovine thymosin fraction 5. Antiserum to synthetic thymosin α 1 was raised in rabbits. Thymosin α 1 in liquid phase competed with a solid-phase-bound thymosin α 1 for this highly specific antibody. The method is specific, sensitive, reproducible and capable of detecting as little as 100 pg/ml of thymosin α 1 .
The 3'-flanking sequence of the bovine growth hormone gene contains novel elements required for efficient and accurate polyadenylation

In addition to the conserved AAUAAA hexanucleotide, GU- and U-rich sequences in the 3'-flanking region are thought to be critical for efficient polyadenylation. The 3'-flanking sequence requirements for efficient and accurate polyadenylation of the bovine growth hormone (bGH) gene were determined by quantitative S1 nuclease analysis of transcripts derived from various bGH 3' deletions and block mutations transiently transfected into COS-1 cells. Though the bGH 3'-flanking sequence contains a portion of the putative GU efficiency element, we find that mutation of this element leads to a marginal decrease in efficiency similar to that from mutation of other sequences that do not contain recognizable GU- or U-rich motifs. The data are consistent with a diffuse efficiency element in the bGH polyadenylation signal rather than a discrete element as is thought to exist in other mammalian signals. We have also determined that a region from 18 to 27 nucleotides downstream of the cleavage site contains sequences required for correctly positioning the cleavage site.
Customer-Centered Strategic Diversification: Specialty Health Care Provider Moves Towards Primary Care

Abstract A logistic regression model is used to analyze an OB/GYN's move towards primary care. Current clients' use/no use response of the clinic as a primary care provider is the criterion variable. Predictor variables include new primary care services, expanded OB/GYN services, overall system utilization, and current insurance and physician status. Overall, only 37% of the clinic's current clients indicated they would utilize the clinic for primary care. Having a personal physician is a significant predictor of a client's decision to utilize the clinic's new primary care services. Other significant predictor variables are discussed.
PHOSPHORUS DISTRIBUTION IN PLEUROPNEUMONIA-LIKE AND L-TYPE ORGANISMS

Langenfeld, M. G. (University of South Dakota, Vermillion) and P. F. Smith. Phosphorus distribution in pleuropneumonia-like and L-type organisms. J. Bacteriol. 86:1216–1219. 1963.—Sterol-requiring and sterol-nonrequiring pleuropneumonia-like organisms, salt-requiring and salt-nonrequiring L forms, and their parent bacteria, were analyzed for total, acid-soluble, lipid, and nucleic acid phosphorus. Total phosphorus in all types of organisms was equivalent, except for salt-requiring L forms in which it was greatly elevated. The elevated total phosphorus reflected a great increase in acid-soluble phosphorus in the salt-requiring L forms. The lipid phosphorus content of pleuropneumonia-like organisms and salt-nonrequiring L forms was significantly greater than in the other types of organisms. The nucleic acid phosphorus content of salt-requiring L forms was lower than that of all other organisms
A TORELLI THEOREM FOR SPECIAL DIVISOR VARIETIES X ASSOCIATED TO DOUBLY COVERED CURVES ${\tilde C}/C$

Let Ci, i=1,2, be two smooth non-hyperelliptic curves over the complex numbers of genus g≥ 3, and $\pi_i: {\tilde C}_i\rightarrow C_i$ connected etale double covers, such that the theta divisors Ξi of the associated Prym varieties (pi, Ξi) are non singular in codimension ≤ 3. If $Nm_i: {\rm Pic}^{2g-2} ({\tilde C}_i)\rightarrow {\rm Pic}^{2g-2} (C_i)$ are the norm maps, then Ξi is isomorphic to {$L\ \mbox{in\ Pic}^{2g-2} ({\tilde C}_i): Nm_i (L) = \omega_{C_i}$ and h0 (L) is even and positive}. Then the Abel maps define generic ℙ1 bundles Xi→Ξi, where Xi is the special divisor variety $X_i = \{D\ \mbox{in}\ {\tilde C}_i^{(2g - 2)}: Nm_i ({\mathcal O}(D)) = \omega_{C_i}$ and $h^0({\mathcal O}(D))$ even}. We prove, under the hypotheses above, that biregular isomorphism of the special divisor varieties X1≅ X2 implies isomorphism of the double covers ${\tilde C}_1/C_1\cong {\tilde C}_2/C_2$.
Highly Efficient, Low-Cost Diode-Pumped Femtosecond Cr3+:LiCAF Lasers

Low-cost, single-mode diode pumping of Cr3+:LiCAF generates 72-fs pulses with 178 mW power, at a record 54% slope efficiency. Single-mode and multimode diode pumped Cr3+:LiCAF are compared as an alternative to femtosecond Ti:Sapphire technology.
Model Predictive Control of Multivariable Nonlinear Processes in Continuous-Time

This paper concerns the synthesis of continuous-time feedback control systems for multivariable nonlinear processes with deadtimes. A general model predictive control law, that minimizes a quadratic performance index in the presence of input constraints and process deadtimes, is derived. The issue of deadtime compensation for a class of nonlinear multivariable systems is studied and an explicit control law is derived. Connections between the derived control law and (a) the globally linearizing control (GLC) and (b) the linear internal model control (IMC) are established. The theory is illustrated by a CSTR example.