cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The timing of the rise in U.S. obesity varies with measure of fatness

There are several ways to measure fatness and obesity, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The primary measure for tracking the prevalence of obesity has historically been body mass index (BMI). This paper compares long-run trends in the prevalence of obesity when obesity is defined using skinfold thickness instead of BMI, using data from the full series of U.S. National Health Examination Surveys. The results indicate that when one uses skinfold thickness rather than BMI to define obesity, the rise in the prevalence of obesity is detectable 10–20 years earlier. This underscores the importance of examining multiple measures of fatness when monitoring or otherwise studying obesity.
Influence without Bribes: A Non-Contracting Model of Campaign Giving and Policymaking

Efforts to find empirical evidence that campaign money impacts policymaking choices have offered scant support for group influence. A possible explanation is that the hypothesis that those receiving campaign monies should adjust their policy choices to favor their donor requires the untenable assumption that groups and legislators can implement contracts. We develop a new, alternative, model in which a policymaking legislator cannot make contracts but cares about policy, fundraising, and reputation. In our model, the group gives only to those it believes shares it policy preferences. Nonetheless, we show that the group's giving impacts incumbent policy choices. Importantly, when groups ideologically match, the relationship between actual contributions and bias is not straightforward. As long as a group is uncertain about a member's primitive policy preference, it can influence her policymaking even when it contributes to her challenger or abstains from giving altogether. A key implication of our model is that empirical work requires a different research design to discern if money biases policymaking.
Rapid microalbuminuria screening in type 2 diabetes mellitus: simplified approach with Micral test strips and specific gravity

Background. Microalbuminuria is known to be a harbinger of serious complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Since medical intervention at the onset of microalbuminuria can be critical in reducing these adverse outcomes, it is widely agreed that type 2 diabetic patients should be screened for microalbuminuria. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate Micral test strips in conjunction with a urine specific gravity determination as a rapid and accurate method for detecting microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetic patients. Methods. In this prospective study, a total of 444 urine samples of type 2 diabetic patients were obtained from the ABCD study cohort for analysis. Urinary albumin concentrations were determined using Micral test strips and compared to results measuring albumin by the immunoturbidimetry method of timed collections. Urine specific gravity was measured by a standard urine dipstick. Results. The performance characteristics of the Micral test strips for detecting microalbuminuria (30–300 mg albumin/24 h) were adequate but not optimal: sensitivity 88%, specificity 80%, positive predictive value 69%, negative predictive value 92%. A concomitant specific gravity determination was useful in indexing the magnitude of false negative and false positive readings by the Micral test strips. Conclusions. While the use of Micral test strips provides a rapid approach to detecting microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetic patients, this method has limitations. The simultaneous measurement of specific gravity is helpful in addressing some of the shortcomings of this screening test.
R-Sentry: Providing Continuous Sensor Services against Random Node Failures

The success of sensor-driven applications is reliant on whether a steady stream of data can be provided by the underlying system. This need, however, poses great challenges to sensor systems, mainly because the sensor nodes from which these systems are built have extremely short lifetimes. In order to extend the lifetime of the networked system beyond the lifetime of an individual sensor node, a common practice is to deploy a large array of sensor nodes and, at any time, have only a minimal set of nodes active performing duties while others stay in sleep mode to conserve energy. With this rationale, random node failures, either from active nodes or from redundant nodes, can seriously disrupt system operations. To address this need, we propose R-Sentry, which attempts to bound the service loss duration due to node failures, by coordinating the schedules among redundant nodes. Our simulation results show that compared to PEAS, a popular node scheduling algorithm, R-Sentry can provide a continuous 95% coverage through bounded recoveries from frequent node failures, while prolonging the lifetime of a sensor network by roughly 30%.
Soliton generation and nonlinear wave propagation

Soliton generation by various means is described. First, experimental results of J . V. Wehausen and coworkers on solitons generated by a ship model in a towing tank are presented. Then T. Y. Wu’s related Boussinesq system of equations for shallow water motion with a moving pressure disturbance on the free surface is introduced. Numerical solutions of this system by D. M . W u and T. Y. Wu are shown to compare well with the experimental results. Similar numerical results on an initial-boundary value problem for the K .d.V . equation by C. K. Chu and coworkers are presented, which also yield soliton generation. Then J . P. Keener and J . Rinzel’s analysis of pulse generation in the Fitzhugh—Naqumo model of nerve conduction is described. Next, G. B. W hitham ’s modulation theory of nonlinear wave propagation is explained and the problem of relating its results to initial and boundary data is mentioned. Asym ptotic methods for solving this problem for the K .d.V . equation are described. They include the Lax—Levermore theory for the case of small dispersion, its extension by S. Venakides, and the centered simple wave solution of the modulation equations by A. V. G urevitch and L. P. Pitaevskii. Finally, the theory of weakly nonlinear waves of Choquet—Bruhat and of J . K. Hunter and the present author is described.
The Coevolution of American Political Science and the American Political Science Review

In November of 1906, the 3-year-old American Political Science Association, boasting a membership of “nearly four hundred” (Shaw 1907, 185), launched a journal devoted to scholarship, reviews, and news of the profession. The fledgling American Political Science Review was not the first political science journal, having been preceded by Political Science Quarterly (founded in 1886) and the Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science (1890). Nor, at first, was it even the foremost political science journal. Its founding editor, W. W. Willoughby of Johns Hopkins (1906–1916), and his immediate successor, John A. Fairlie of the University of Illinois (1917–1925), faced numerous challenges, not least that of finding enough papers to fill each issue; even after two decades the Review was still publishing “nearly all of the papers which have come to the editor…as well as articles from other sources” (Fairlie 1926, 182). For some time thereafter, Fairlie's successor, Frederic A. Ogg of the University of Wisconsin, handled just three dozen or so manuscripts per year (Patterson 1994, 6).
Thermal Diffusion through Amalgam and various Liners

SYNOPSIS IN INTERLINGUADIFFUSION THERMIC A TRANSVERSO AMALGAMA E VARIE SUBSTANTIAS DE REVESTIMENTO.—Es presentate un methodo pro mesurar le diffusion thermic a transverso materiales dental con le uso de thermocopulas, preamplificator, e registrator. Le diffusivitate thermic in le amalgama esseva rapide. Le efficacia del base de cemento in le provision de insulation thermic depende del technica. Substantias de revestimento intracavitari non reduce le diffusion thermic.
Linear Control Systems with Pointwise-in-Time Constraints: What Do We Do About Them?

Pointwise-in-time contraints are inherent in almost all practical control systems. They appear most commonly as actuator bounds on control variables, but physical limits on state variables are ubiquitous too. Neglecting such constraints in controller design and implementation can drastically degrade system performance or, worse, lead to catastrophic failures. Contemporary design procedures for multivariable systems often exacerbate these problems: saturation of the output control vector induces direction changes which severely damage required cancellations between controller and plant dynamics. Over the years many schemes have been proposed for dealing with pointwise-in-time constraints. Although the schemes may be formally classified according to their underlying methodologies (anti-windup, predictive models, Lyapunov functions, optimal control, ...) they are more often characterized by their diversity and speciality. Most of the schemes can only be applied to systems of relatively low order where performance demands are modest and process characteristics are benign. In current engineering practice the extensive theoretical literature plays a small role. The most common approach is to use a variety of special fixes, for example: simple anti-windup strategies, tuning of controller designs with constraint verification by simulation, increased actuator performance. With growing sophistication of controller designs, greater emphasis on improved performance and lower costs, and concern for reliable operation, it is unlikely that these simple fixes will suffice in the future. Systematic methodologies for designing and implementing relatively complex nonlinear controllers will be needed. The lecture explores bases for such methodologies It includes a broad review of prior literature.
Esophageal perforation during pneumatic dilatation for achalasia: A possible association with malnutrition

Pneumatic balloon dilatation of the lower esophageal sphincter is commonly utilized as primary therapy for achalasia. Perforation related to pneumatic dilatation is uncommon (2–6%) but may result in severe morbidity. Factors associated with risk of perforation are not well defined. We noted perforation in three patients undergoing forceful balloon dilatation. All these patients had clinical evidence of significant malnutrition (recent marked weight loss and severe hypoalbuminemia). Malnutrition may be a causal factor for perforation in patients with achalasia undergoing dilatation.
Understory vegetation in young Douglas-fir forests: does thinning help restore old-growth composition?

We compared the understory herb and shrub communities of pre-commercially thinned and unthinned young- and old-growth Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) stands. Sites were located in the Cascade Mountains of western Oregon. Young stands were approximately 40 years old at the time of sampling; thinning occurred 20 years earlier. Although tree spacing was wider in thinned than in unthinned stands, faster tree growth in thinned stands meant that thinning had no long-term effect on basal area of P. menziesii. The very large, widely spaced P. menziesii individuals in old-growth stands contributed similar basal area as the smaller trees in young stands; however, old stands had much higher basal area of shade-tolerant conifers. Although low shrubs responded positively to thinning, the difference in cover between thinned and unthinned stands was too small to be statistically significant. Ordination of sample plots in terms of their understory shrub and herb species composition identified a strong gradient in community composition from young to old-growth stands. Understory species associated with old growth included both gap specialists and those that may be dependent on the litter depth and mycorrhizal fungi of old-growth forest floors. Although both thinned and unthinned young stand composition were quite distinct from that of old-growth stands, thinned stands were more similar to old growth than were unthinned stands. Thinned stands had higher frequency of late-seral herbs than did unthinned stands. Forest generalist and release species showed mixed responses to thinning. We conclude that pre-commercial thinning may be a useful management tool to encourage old growth associated understory herbs without precipitating dominance of the understory by low shrubs and weedy species. Although thinning did accelerate tree growth, changes in the understory appear to have been precipitated by the transient increase in resource levels following thinning rather than by any long-term changes in stand structure.
The role of insurance in the law of negligence

Insurance tends to be one of those areas which we tolerate and sometimes begrudgingly pay into because we fear the consequences if we do not — usually a loss of money/value of the stolen object. So what is the point of having insurance schemes? Why do doctors and nurses have to be insured and, if they do, what choice is offered?
A practical amplify-and-forward relaying strategywith an intentional peak power limit

In this paper, we propose a novel amplify-and-forward relaying strategy for a two-hop single-relay network by incorporating an intentional peak power limit (IPPL). We show that the proposed strategy is not only practical for peak power constrained relay networks, but also helps to simplify the system at both relay and destination. With the proposed IPPL strategy, neither the relay nor the destination node needs the channel state information for the source-relay link, and full cooperative diversity can still be achieved.
Bulk Acoustic Resonator Based on Piezoelectric ZnO Belts

In this paper, a bulk acoustic resonator based on ZnO belts is demonstrated. This device shows a great deal of promise in applications as an electronic filter and as a mass sensor. The fabricated device was characterized using vector network analysis, and both the first and third harmonics of resonance were observed at approximately 247 and 754 MHz, respectively. A one-dimensional Krimholt-Leedom-Matthaei model was utilized to predict the resonant frequency of the device and confirm the observed behavior.
Interactive Learning Activities for the Middle School Classroom to Promote Healthy Energy Balance and Decrease Diabetes Risk in the HEALTHY Primary Prevention Trial

The HEALTHY trial evaluated the effectiveness of a multicomponent intervention program to reduce risk for type 2 diabetes in middle school students. The comprehensive intervention addressed nutrition, physical activity, and behavior in the context of a social marketing–based communications campaign to promote healthy energy balance. One element was a classroom-based program called FLASH (Fun Learning Activities for Student Health). Five FLASH modules were delivered, one per semester. Process evaluation data were collected from teachers at 21 schools and study staff at seven national sites via survey, interview, and in-class observation. Data from the first four modules were evaluated and showed that FLASH was delivered with high fidelity. Sessions that required peer interaction were rated as the most effective in engaging students and promoting knowledge. Study-provided material resources and onsite support were identified as key facilitators. Student misbehavior was viewed as the greatest barrier. Although the high level of support provided by the study is not likely to be replicated in school systems, those developing wellness policies, health curricula, and teacher training programs may benefit from using the evidence-supported, publicly available HEALTHY materials in their efforts to reduce diabetes risk factors in middle school youth.
Honey bee stop-signal production: temporal distribution and effect of feeder crowding

The honey bee stop-signal may decrease recruitment by causing waggle dancers to cease dancing when food patch conditions deteriorate. However, little is known about how signaling may change during the time a signaler is inside the nest and what triggers signal production. All previous feeder studies have used crowded feeders to stimulate stop-signal production. We focused on individual foragers and found that bees returning from uncrowded feeders also produced stop-signals. The number of signals produced by these foragers was roughly proportional to the duration of their stay in the nest. Foragers significantly decreased the rate of signal production throughout their nest stay, potentially reflecting a decrease in signaling motivation with increased time inside the nest. There is a slight trend for signal pulse duration to increase and fundamental frequency to decrease throughout a signaler’s nest stay. We examined the effect of crowded feeder conditions by training 20 foragers to a feeder and following focal forager behavior before and after reducing the number of feeding spots. This manipulation increased feeding wait time from 0 s to 409.4 ± 264.3 s without significantly increasing colony nectar intake. Our treatment did not change signal production by focal foragers but significantly doubled the number of stop-signals that focal foragers received inside the nest. At least 38% of these received signals came from foragers visiting the same feeder. Thus, the colony produces stop-signals at a baseline level that can be elevated in response to crowded foraging conditions.
Novel non-surgical prenatal approaches to treating congenital diaphragmatic hernia

This review focuses on the emerging field of non-surgical in-utero therapies in the management of fetal pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). These experimental approaches include pharmacologic as well as stem-cell-based strategies. Current barriers of non-surgical therapies toward clinical translation are emphasized. As the severity of CDH will likely influence the efficacy of any in-utero therapy, the current status of prenatal imaging and the role of novel biomarkers, especially those related to fetal inflammation, are also reviewed.
Post‐Polio Syndrome Spinal Cord Pathology

Post-polio syndrome (PPS) describes the clinical onset of progressive muscular weakness many years after survival of acute paralytic poliomyelitis, often in muscle groups clinically unaffected by the original disease process. Prior pathologic descriptions of this often disabling, but not usually fatal, syndrome have been scanty. These have emphasized the presence of persistent or new inflammation in the meninges, spinal cord, and muscles of affected patients. The inflammation suggests several pathogenetic hypotheses, including persistent active poliovirus infection, autoimmune attack on central and peripheral nervous system elements, or increased vulnerability of poliovirus-damaged tissue to new infections. We have recently examined the central nervous system from a PPS patient. The cord showed focal perivascular intraparenchymal chronic inflammatory infiltrates. Immunoperoxidase staining demonstrated that the infiltrates were virtually pure populations of B lymphocytes (immunopositive with antibody L26, and immunonegative with the T cell marker UCHL1 as well as the macrophage marker HAM56). There were rare macrophages (HAM56 immunopositive) and no T cells. The character of the infiltrates suggests that PPS could be an autoimmune disorder mediated by antibodies produced in situ, and not by a cell-mediated process. Additional important pathological features were the presence in the anterior horns of axonal spheroids and of moderate Wallerian degeneration in the lateral columns. The brain was entirely unremarkable, with no detectable cell loss of gliosis in the internal capsules or precentral gyri.
Alignment and classification of time series gene expression in clinical studies

Motivation: Classification of tissues using static gene-expression data has received considerable attention. Recently, a growing number of expression datasets are measured as a time series. Methods that are specifically designed for this temporal data can both utilize its unique features (temporal evolution of profiles) and address its unique challenges (different response rates of patients in the same class). Results: We present a method that utilizes hidden Markov models (HMMs) for the classification task. We use HMMs with less states than time points leading to an alignment of the different patient response rates. To focus on the differences between the two classes we develop a discriminative HMM classifier. Unlike the traditional generative HMM, discriminative HMM can use examples from both classes when learning the model for a specific class. We have tested our method on both simulated and real time series expression data. As we show, our method improves upon prior methods and can suggest markers for specific disease and response stages that are not found when using traditional classifiers. Availability: Matlab implementation is available from http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~thlin/tram/ Contact: [email protected]
Why men age faster but reproduce longer than women: mTOR and evolutionary perspectives

Women live longer than men. Yet, it is believed that men do not age faster than women but simply are weaker at every age. In contrast, I discuss that men age faster. From evolutionary perspective, high accidental death rate in young males is compatible with fast aging. Mechanistically, hyper-activated mTOR (Target of Rapamycin) may render young males robust at the cost of accelerated aging. But if women age slower, why then is it women who have menopause? Some believe that menopause is programmed and purposeful (grandmother theory). In contrast, I discuss how menopause is not programmed but rather is an aimless continuation of the same program that initially starts reproduction at puberty. This quasi-program causes over-activation of female reproductive system, which is very vulnerable to over-activation. Mechanisms of aging and menopause are discussed.
High-throughput screening of small-molecule microarrays with label-free optical scanning microscope

We investigated surface chemistry platforms for immobilizing two types of synthetic, small-molecule compound libraries, each with over 6000 compounds, and for screening these compounds for potential proteins ligands by a label-free optical scanning microscope.
eBay in the Sky: strategy-proof wireless spectrum auctions

Market-driven dynamic spectrum auctions can drastically improve the spectrum availability for wireless networks struggling to obtain additional spectrum. However, they face significant challenges due to the fear of market manipulation. A truthful or strategy-proof spectrum auction eliminates the fear by enforcing players to bid their true valuations of the spectrum. Hence bidders can avoid the expensive overhead of strategizing over others and the auctioneer can maximize its revenue by assigning spectrum to bidders who value it the most. Conventional truthful designs, however, either fail or become computationally intractable when applied to spectrum auctions. In this paper, we propose VERITAS, a truthful and computationally-efficient spectrum auction to support an eBay-like dynamic spectrum market. VERITAS makes an important contribution of maintaining truthfulness while maximizing spectrum utilization. We show analytically that VERITAS is truthful, efficient, and has a polynomial complexity of O(n3k) when n bidders compete for k spectrum bands. Simulation results show that VERITAS outperforms the extensions of conventional truthful designs by up to 200% in spectrum utilization. Finally, VERITAS supports diverse bidding formats and enables the auctioneer to reconfigure allocations for multiple market objectives.
Statistical Evaluation of Complex Gaming Performance

Past practices in measuring performance in complex management games are reviewed. Focus is directed to the controversy of objective measurement of profitability versus decision and analysis input evaluation. As a middle ground between these extremes, a multi-dimensional approach to the evaluation problem was developed for teams competing in a simulation game. Multi-dimensional performance criteria provide a means to increase learning effectiveness by reducing feedback ambiguity and providing a vehicle for the student to understand the cause-effect relationships inherent in the game and the business environment. This paper describes the development and usage of thirteen performance criteria, and also utilizes the technique of path analysis to investigate the relationships among the performance variables. The results of the path analysis indicated both that teams which forecasted accurately were top performers in terms of profitability and that a consistent and logical relationship existed among the performance variables. These findings, though an indirect measure, contribute to confidence in the internal construct validity of the game.
The Visual Priming of Motion-Defined 3D Objects

The perception of a stimulus can be influenced by previous perceptual experience, a phenomenon known as perceptual priming. However, there has been limited investigation on perceptual priming of shape perception of three-dimensional object structures defined by moving dots. Here we examined the perceptual priming of a 3D object shape defined purely by motion-in-depth cues (i.e., Shape-From-Motion, SFM) using a classic prime-target paradigm. The results from the first two experiments revealed a significant increase in accuracy when a “cloudy” SFM stimulus (whose object structure was difficult to recognize due to the presence of strong noise) was preceded by an unambiguous SFM that clearly defined the same transparent 3D shape. In contrast, results from Experiment 3 revealed no change in accuracy when a “cloudy” SFM stimulus was preceded by a static shape or a semantic word that defined the same object shape. Instead, there was a significant decrease in accuracy when preceded by a static shape or a semantic word that defined a different object shape. These results suggested that the perception of a noisy SFM stimulus can be facilitated by a preceding unambiguous SFM stimulus—but not a static image or a semantic stimulus—that defined the same shape. The potential neural and computational mechanisms underlying the difference in priming are discussed.
Empirical microlensing event rates predicted by a phenomenological model

Estimating the number of microlensing events observed in different parts of the Galactic bulge is a crucial point in planning microlensing experiments. Reliable estimates are especially important if observing resources are scarce, as is the case for space missions: K2, WFIRST, and Euclid. Here we show that the number of detected events can be reliably estimated based on statistics of stars observed in targeted fields. The statistics can be estimated relatively easily, which makes presented method suitable for planning future microlensing experiments.
The Reaction Rate of Neutrons in a Maxwellian Medium

A general relation is derived for the reaction rate of neutrons of given speed with a Maxwellian distribution of nuclei. The expression is applicable to a cross section that varies with relative sp...
Three-Dimensional Sonography of Axillary Lymph Nodes in Patients With Breast Cancer

Sonography is useful in the evaluation of axillary lymph nodes in patients with breast cancer. In this pictorial essay, we review the range of grayscale and Doppler appearances of abnormal axillary lymph nodes on 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional imaging.
The Future of Discounting

There is much speculation about the discount house being the "store of the future," capable of revolutionizing all or a large part of retailing. This article evaluates the competitive significance of discounting and places it within a realistic marketing perspective. RAPID expansion of so-called "discount houses" during the late 1950s and early 1960s caused much excitement and turmoil in retailing. During 1961, some 400 large, departmentalized discount stores were constructed, totaling 28 million square feet; for 1962, estimates show 500 such stores, totalling 40 million square feet. Trade sources put discount sales at $4 to 4.5 billion for 1961, with sales for 1962 estimated as high as $6 to $7 billion. Naturally this dramatic growth has caused speculation about the discount house as "the store of the future," capable of revolutionizing all or a large part of retailing.
The use of halothane and succinylcholine to identify broilers prone to developing pale, soft, exudative meat

Within the last several years, the poultry industry has seen a dramatic increase in the occurrence of pale, soft, and exudative (PSE) meat. This problem is known to be associated with a rapid decline in postmortem (PM) muscle pH, which results in inferior protein functionality similar to that found in PSE pork. Many factors such as seasonal changes have been known to influence the occurrence of PSE meat in poultry and swine. Halothane and succinylcholine have been used within the pork industry to identify animals susceptible to stress and prone to developing PSE meat. The mechanism for the triggering of the PSE gene in poultry has not been fully understood. Therefore, a study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of screening broilers with halothane to identify those prone to developing PSE meat. Succinylcholine was used before slaughter to serve as a triggering agent for the PSE condition. At 4 wk of age, broilers from 4 commercial strains (n = 1,000) were subjected to 3% halothane gas and classified as either halothane positive (HAL+) or negative (HAL-) based on muscle rigidity within the legs. Although halothane sensitivity varied slightly among the strains, approximately 14% of the birds overall were classified as HAL+. All HAL- birds (n = 163) and an equal number of HAL-birds (n = 163) in each strain were grown to market age (7 wk) and were commercially processed. At the time of processing, half of the HAL+ and HAL- birds were injected intravenously with succinylcholine and were slaughtered at 0.25 h postinjection. Pectoralis muscle samples were collected at 0.25, 2, 5, and 24 h PM for the evaluation of rigor development (muscle pH) and meat quality (L* value, moisture, drip loss, and cook loss). Halothane sensitivity had no effect on rigor development, muscle color, or water-holding capacity in the 4 broiler strains. Although birds exhibited reactions to the halothane gas, the halothane sensitivity, along with the use of succinylcholine, was not able to identify birds prone to developing PSE meat.
COMPARATIVE EFFICACY OF BOLLGARD AND BOLLGARD II AGAINST BOLLWORMS, 2002

Cotton in Table 1 was planted on 3 May on an Coxville sandy loam soil at the Upper Coastal Plain Research Station near Rocky Mount, NC. In Table 2, cotton was planted on 9 May on a Goldsboro sandy loam soil near Richlands. Plots were 40 ft × 4-rows, with 10-ft alleys and four replications arranged in a RCBD. Temik 15 G was applied in furrow at planting at 0.75 lb (AI)/acre for thrips control. Recommended fertility and weed management practices for this area were followed. The treated plots in Table 1 were sprayed on 23 and 29 Jul, and on 6 Aug; Table 2 was sprayed on the same dates, plus on 14 Aug. A CO2-powered backpack sprayer calibrated to deliver 8 gpa at 50 psi of Karate 2.08 CS at 0.04 (AI)/acre, with a single Spraying Systems TX-8 hollow cone nozzle/row, was used for all applications. On 9, 16, and 28 Aug in Table I, and on 9 and 15 Aug in Table 2, 25 bolls/plot were assessed for bollworm (BW) damage and live BW. In both tests, cotton was picked with a two row John Deere mechanical harvester on 8 Nov. All data were entered into Gylling's ARM 6.2 software and analyzed via ANOVA and LSD procedures.
Electrodialysis as a Means of Characterizing Ampholytes

In the course of our studies of water soluble vitamins and bioses we have had frequent occasion during the past 5 years to enquire whether the physiological activity of an extract of a foodstuff was due to a single substance or a plurality of substances. Information was also often needed as to whether the substances involved were colloidal or crystalloidal, and if the latter, whether acidic, basic, amphoteric or non-electrolytic. This paper describes a method which often suffices to secure the answer to these questions by a single simple experiment, thus laying a good foundation for any attempt at isolation. The method also indicates the approximate isoelectric point of the substance in case it proves to be an ampholyte, a fact which is often of great service in suggesting the proper choice of precipitants. Kerr1 has cited an instance in which the method was of use, namely in detecting β bios.The method consists of electro-dialysing the solution in question in a multiple compartment cell. A convenient for...
An architecture for integrating planar and 3D cQED devices

Numerous loss mechanisms can limit coherence and scalability of planar and 3D-based circuit quantum electrodynamics (cQED) devices, particularly due to their packaging. The low loss and natural isolation of 3D enclosures make them good candidates for coherent scaling. We introduce a coaxial transmission line device architecture with coherence similar to traditional 3D cQED systems. Measurements demonstrate well-controlled external and on-chip couplings, a spectrum absent of cross-talk or spurious modes, and excellent resonator and qubit lifetimes. We integrate a resonator-qubit system in this architecture with a seamless 3D cavity, and separately pattern a qubit, readout resonator, Purcell filter, and high-Q stripline resonator on a single chip. Device coherence and its ease of integration make this a promising tool for complex experiments.
TU-H-207A-03: CT Hounsfield Unit Accuracy: Effect of Beam Hardening On Phantom and Clinical Whole-Body CT Images

Purpose: To assess the effect of beam hardening on measured CT HU values. Methods: An anthropomorphic knee phantom was scanned with the CT component of a GE Discovery 690 PET/CT scanner (120kVp, 300mAs, 40?0.625mm collimation, pitch=0.984, FOV=500mm, matrix=512?512) with four different scan setups, each of which induces different degrees of beam hardening by introducing additional attenuation media into the field of view. Homogeneous voxels representing “soft tissue” and “bone” were segmented by HU thresholding followed by a 3D morphological erosion operation which removes the non-homogenous voxels located on the interface of thresholded tissue mask. HU values of segmented “soft tissue” and “bone” were compared.Additionally, whole-body CT data with coverage from the skull apex to the end of toes were retrospectively retrieved from seven PET/CT exams to evaluate the effect of beam hardening in vivo. Homogeneous bone voxels were segmented with the same method previously described. Total In-Slice Attenuation (TISA) for each CT slice, defined as the summation of HU values over all voxels within a CT slice, was calculated for all slices of the seven whole-body CT datasets and evaluated against the mean HU values of homogeneous bone voxels within that slice. Results: HU values measured from the phantom showed that while “soft tissue” HU values were unaffected, added attenuation within the FOV caused noticeable decreases in the measured HU values of “bone” voxels. A linear relationship was observed between bone HU and TISA for slices of the torso and legs, but not of the skull. Conclusion: Beam hardening effect is not an issue of concern for voxels with HU in the soft tissue range, but should not be neglected for bone voxels. A linear relationship exists between bone HU and the associated TISA in non-skull CT slices, which can be exploited to develop a correction strategy.
The revival of Pragmatism: New Essays on Social Thought, Law, and Culture

(1999). The revival of Pragmatism: New Essays on Social Thought, Law, and Culture. Journal of Economic Issues: Vol. 33, No. 4, pp. 1053-1055.
Diferencia de subtipos de acalasia basados en síntomas clínicos, hallazgos radiográficos y puntajes de estasis

Resumen Introduccion Se han definido 3 subtipos de acalasia mediante manometria esofagica de alta resolucion: el subtipo i no muestra presurizacion al deglutir, el subtipo ii presenta presion isobarica pan-esofagica incrementada y el subtipo iii muestra contracciones no isobaricas espasticas en el esofago distal. Los estudios que describen a los subtipos de acalasia basados en hallazgos radiograficos, sintomas clinicos y puntajes de estasis son limitados. Objetivo Determinar las diferencias en los sintomas clinicos, hallazgos radiograficos, y puntajes de estasis para los 3 subtipos de acalasia. Metodos Los pacientes sometidos a la manometria esofagica de alta resolucion recibieron un cuestionario sobre sintomas actuales y tratamientos anteriores que preguntaba acerca de la presencia de sintomas y su severidad. Antes de la manometria esofagica de alta resolucion se realizaron esofagogramas con contraste de bario para evaluar el diametro esofagico maximo. Los puntajes de estasis se calcularon utilizando los patrones de transito en la manometria esofagica de alta resolucion. Resultados Se incluyo en el estudio a 108 pacientes con diagnostico de acalasia por medio de manometria esofagica de alta resolucion (n = 8, subtipo i ; n = 84, subtipo ii ; n = 16, subtipo iii ) dentro del periodo 1/2012-6/2015. La distribucion por sexos fue similar entre los subtipos. La edad de los pacientes fue menor para el subtipo i (38 ± 16 anos), comparado con los subtipos ii (55 ± 17 anos) y iii (63 ± 17 anos) (p = 0.03). Los sintomas esofagicos entre los subtipos no difirieron en cuanto a severidad de nausea, dolor de pecho, tos y acidez, a excepcion de la severidad incrementada del vomito en el subtipo i (2.8 ± 1.4 vs. 1.4 ± 1.4 vs. 1.2 ± 1.2, p ii y iii (35.1 ± 14.4 vs. 24.0 ± 7.2 mm, p = 0.023). Los puntajes de estasis no difirieron significativamente entre los subtipos. Conclusiones Los subtipos de acalasia presentan sintomas clinicos similares, a excepcion del incremento de la severidad del vomito en el subtipo i . El diametro esofagico maximo en el subtipo ii fue significativamente mayor que en el subtipo iii . Los puntajes de estasis esofagica fueron similares. Por lo tanto, la manometria esofagica de alta resolucion es esencial en la valoracion de los subtipos de acalasia.
Catalytic Reduction of 4-Nitrophenol by Palladium-Resin Composites

Abstract Catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) by palladium-resin catalysts is promising for 4-NP detoxification, in situ regeneration of the catalysts, and recycling of the products. In this study, we examined the catalytic reduction of 4-NP by Pd 0 -based catalysts supported on three neutral resins and two anion exchange resins, using hydrogen gas as the electron donor. The reduction kinetics followed the same trend as the adsorption kinetics, i.e., faster adsorption and reduction were observed at acidic pHs for the neutral resins and at basic pHs for the anionic resins (4-NP pK a = 7.15). The Langmuir-Hinshelwood model based on surface reaction as the rate determining step fitted the kinetic data well. These findings point to the significant role of adsorption in the overall catalytic reaction. Cl − inhibited the reactivity of the neutral resins less than that of the anion exchangers due to the hydrophobic nature of the former. The longevity of the catalysts was examined in two tests: (1) 1 mM 4-NP was repeatedly spiked into the same catalysts for eight times, where the accumulation of 4-NP and the sole reduction product (4-aminophenol) on the resin surfaces resulted in the gradual loss in the catalytic activity, which was largely restored after regeneration, and (2) the catalysts were subjected to fresh influent in each adsorption and catalytic reduction cycle for seven times, where the catalysts sustained their reactivity through the seven cycles, significantly eliminating the need for frequent regeneration.
Critical race life course perspective theory: a framework for understanding racism over the life course

In this article, Raygine DiAquoi examines the conversations Black families have with their sons to prepare them for racial bias and discrimination. Over the course of a year, DiAquoi conducted a qu...
On the inception lengths of swept shock-wave/turbulent boundary-layer interactions

Experimental data are shown for the inception lengths of swept compression corner- and fin-generated shock/boundary layer interactions at Mach 2.95. These results are found to correlate on the basis of three different flou regimes. The inception lengths of these flows are dominated by a singularity at the cylindrical/conical boundary for swept corners and by an elongation due to shock wave sweepback for fin interactions. Similarity rules for both Reo and shock generator geometry effects on inception lengths are demonstrated.
Generalized Entropy for Splitting on Numerical Attributes in Decision Trees.

Decision Trees are well known for their training efficiency and their interpretable knowledge representation. They apply a greedy search and a divide-and-conquer approach to learn patterns. The greedy search is based on the evaluation criterion on the candidate splits at each node. Although research has been performed on various such criteria, there is no significant improvement from the classical split approaches introduced in the early decision tree literature. This paper presents a new evaluation rule to determine candidate splits in decision tree classifiers. The experiments show that this new evaluation rule reduces the size of the resulting tree, while maintaining the tree’s accuracy.
Stimulation of endothelial cell prostacyclin release by retina-derived factors

An angiogenic extract of bovine retina as well as two purified angiogenic growth factors, acidic and basic fibroblast growth factor, stimulate vascular endothelial cell prostacyclin (PGI2) release in vitro as measured by radioimmunoassay of its stable metabolite 6-keto PGF1 alpha (6kPGF). After incubating fetal bovine aortic endothelial cells with 10% retinal extract (RE) for 24 hr, 6.5 ng of 6-kPGF/10(5) cells were released compared to 0.8 ng of 6kPGF/10(5) cells for unstimulated endothelium. Similar qualitative results were obtained using human retina-derived microvessel endothelium. PGI2 release in response to RE depended on endothelial cell density with subconfluent cultures releasing six-fold more 6kPGF compared to confluent monolayers. Thin layer radiochromatography of endothelial cell conditioned media demonstrated enhanced release of 6-kPGF, PGE2 and arachidonic acid after RE addition. Cycloheximide and actinomycin D inhibited PGI2 release but hydroxyurea had no effect. Most of the PGI2-stimulating activity of RE was adsorbed to heparin-Sepharose and eluted by 2 M NaCl. Purified acidic (10 ng/ml) and basic (1 ng/ml) fibroblast growth factors caused seven-fold and four-fold stimulation of endothelial PGI2 release, respectively. An initial event in the regression of new blood vessels following the removal of an angiogenic stimulus is the formation of intraluminal platelet aggregates. PGI2 is a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Elite Visions: Privileged Perceptions of Self and Others

Background/ContextTo date, there has been little attention given to how privilege is produced and enacted. Privilege has been mainly conceptualized as the advantages that one group has over another...
Clonal Hematopoiesis and Cytopenias in the Elderly

Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) can acquire age-dependent somatic mutations that result in clonal expansion, a process termed clonal hematopoiesis, presumably as a consequence of a competitive fitness advantage in the setting of an aging HSPC pool. Genetic analyses of large population cohorts have demonstrated consistently that clonal hematopoiesis is detectable in the blood of subjects without a clinically apparent myeloid neoplasm. The prevalence of clonal hematopoiesis increases with age and genes that are commonly mutated in clonal hematopoiesis and are also recurrently mutated in myeloid malignancies. The presence of clonal hematopoiesis is associated with an increased risk of developing a hematologic malignancy, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and a higher all-cause mortality rate. However, only a fraction of individuals with age-dependent clonal hematopoiesis develop a myeloid malignancy; thus, the term “clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential” (CHIP) has been suggested to describe the acquisition of somatic mutations associated with clonal expansion without evidence of hematologic disease. Mutations in the epigenetic modifiers DNMT3A, TET2, and ASXL1 account for the majority of age-dependent clonal hematopoiesis. Individuals with clonal hematopoiesis and the presence of a cytopenia are at a particularly increased risk of developing a subsequent hematologic malignancy. However, the size of a CHIP clone can remain stable over time, and most individuals harboring mutations do not progress to a myeloid neoplasm. This suggests that clonal evolution through the acquisition of cooperating mutations and/or selection of mutant HSPCs by stressors that promote the expansion of cells with a fitness advantage is required for progression. Clonal hematopoiesis can occur after treatment with cytotoxic chemotherapy and is associated with TP53 mutations and an increased risk of developing a therapy-related myeloid neoplasm. Future studies of the natural history of CHIP and strategies to identify at-risk individuals, coupled with an intervention strategy to prevent subsequent development of hematologic malignancies, are needed.
Diffusion of a Peer-Led Suicide Preventive Intervention Through School-Based Student Peer and Adult Networks

Background: Peer-led interventions have been applied to prevent various health behavior problems and may be an important complement to individual-level suicide prevention approaches. Sources of Strength trains student "peer leaders" in secondary schools to conduct prevention activities that encourage other students to build healthy social bonds and strengthen help-seeking norms. Prior work examining diffusion of peer-led programs has focused on youths' closeness to peer leaders but minimally on other factors such as connections to adults and suicidal behavior. Methods: We examined implementation and dissemination of Sources of Strength in 20 schools. Over 1 year 533 students were trained as peer leaders and 3,730 9th-12th graders completed baseline surveys assessing friendships and adults at school, and suicidal thoughts/behaviors; and end-of-year surveys reporting intervention exposure: viewed poster/video, attended presentation, direct peer communication, and activity participation. Chi-square tests compared exposure rates by student and network characteristics. Multi-level logistic regression models tested predictors of exposure across individual and school-level characteristics. Results: Exposure to the intervention varied greatly by school and by individual student characteristics and network position. Training more peer leaders increased school-wide exposure for all modalities except presentation (Bs 0.06-0.10, p's < 0.05). In multivariate models, exposure was consistently higher for students closer to peer leaders in the friendship network (ORs 1.13-1.54, p's < 0.05) and students who named more trusted adults (ORs 1.08-1.16, p's < 0.001); and lower for males (ORs 0.56-0.83, p's < 0.05). In multivariate models, training more students as peer leaders predicted exposure to poster-video and direct peer communication in larger schools (OR = 3.34 and 2.87, respectively). Network characteristics influenced exposure similarly for students with suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Discussion: Our findings confirm prior work showing the importance of personal affiliations to peer leaders and natural networks as a medium for diffusion of peer-led prevention efforts. We build on that work by showing independent effects of closeness to adults at school and number of peer leaders trained. There is a need to strategically select peer leaders to maximize closeness to students school-wide, particularly in larger schools. Additional work is required for Sources of Strength to devise messaging strategies to engage males and students isolated from adults at school.