cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Penguins don't care, but women do: A social identity analysis of a Whorfian problem*

The Sapir–Whorf hypothesis is often implicitly assumed to be true independent of its empirical status. Feminist attempts to eliminate the generic he must assume that language somehow affects thought, since there is no intrinsic harm in the word itself. Research to date has, in fact, shown that generic he tends to suggest a male referent in the mind of the reader. This study asks whether people's interpretation of a generic sentence varies depending on whether or not they have followed feminist proposals and reformed their own language. Fifty-five college students read sex-indefinite paragraphs involving either the generic he, he or she, or they, and made drawings to represent the mental images evoked by what they read. The sex of the figure drawn was the dependent variable. Students' term papers were used to determine whether their own language was “reformed” or “traditional.” He was found to be least likely to evoke female referents, he or she most likely, and they in between. However, regardless of the pronoun, men drew more male and fewer female pictures than women. Moreover, whereas men did not differ in their imagery, whether their language was reformed or traditional, women did. Traditional-language women had more male images than female. Reformed-language women showed the opposite. Results are discussed in terms of the theory of social identity (Tajfel 1981), and it is concluded that the weak, correlational form of Whorf's thesis applies to women, the group that initiated the reform in the first place. (Gender and language, pronouns, social psychology of language, Sapir–Whorf hypothesis)
Metric Learning for Estimating Psychological Similarities

An important problem in cognitive psychology is to quantify the perceived similarities between stimuli. Previous work attempted to address this problem with multidimensional scaling (MDS) and its variants. However, there are several shortcomings of the MDS approaches. We propose Yada, a novel general metric-learning procedure based on two-alternative forced-choice behavioral experiments. Our method learns forward and backward nonlinear mappings between an objective space in which the stimuli are defined by the standard feature vector representation and a subjective space in which the distance between a pair of stimuli corresponds to their perceived similarity. We conduct experiments on both synthetic and real human behavioral datasets to assess the effectiveness of Yada. The results show that Yada outperforms several standard embedding and metric-learning algorithms, both in terms of likelihood and recovery error.
Non-Chromatographic Recombinant Protein Purification by Self-Cleaving Purification Tags

The genetic modification of recombinant proteins to include affinity tags can greatly simplify their purification. A key drawback to this technology has been the difficulty and expense associated with the removal of the tag from the purified product. In this work, we review the development and application of an engineered self-cleaving module that can be used to generate convenient self-cleaving tags. Further, we describe the use of this module with conventional affinity and non-chromatographic purification tags, which allow purification of native proteins through simple and inexpensive means. Limitations to these technologies are also discussed, along with some perspectives on the short-term future development of these methods.
Maintenance of a Genetic Data Set on Multiple Data Base and Statistical Analysis Systems

A data base centered on chromosome analysis of amniotic cells is maintained on multiple data base management and statistical analysis systems. The data are collected from patients referred for karyotyping and genetic counseling either to the Wayne State University’s C. S. Mott Center or Detroit’s Hutzel Hospital. Data include primary and secondary McKusick and Birth Defects diagnoses, alpha-feto protein values, karyotypes, medical data from patient charts - e.g., pedigree, parity, gravidity, gestational age, past medical problems, demographic variables, such as age, address, phone, referral source, and follow-up information. The powerful interactive capabilities of the Michigan Terminal System (MTS) (l), the major operating system on Wayne State University’s Amdahl 470V/6 computer, are used for initial data entry. With the aid
The combination of Kaiser window and moving average for the low-pass filtering of the remote ECG signals

After an analog ECG signal is transferred into digital format, a suitable digital filter can be used to suppress the high-frequency embedded noise. In this paper, we use the equiripple FIR low-pass filter by superimposing of the optimal method, the Butterworth IIR low-pass filter, the 8-point moving-average filter and the FIR filter designed by using a Kaiser window. Furthermore, we combine the 8-point moving-average filter with the FIR filter designed by using a Kaiser window. In addition, we use the mean square error (M. S. E.) to estimate the effect of the digital filters in order to compare the reduction of the embedded high-frequency noise. Hence, we compute the mean square error with respect to the order, N, of these filters and plot the relationship between M. S. E. and N. Finally, we find the relationship between the CPU time and N.
A Lagrangian approach to the non‐causal inverse dynamics of flexible multibody systems: The three‐dimensional case

This paper addresses the problem of end-point trajectory tracking in flexible multibody systems through the use of inverse dynamics. A global Lagrangian approach is employed in formulating the system equations of motion, and an iterative procedure is proposed to achieve end-point trajectory tracking in three-dimensional, flexible multibody systems. Each iteration involves firstly, a recursive inverse kinematics procedure wherein elastic displacements are determined in terms of the rigid body co-ordinates and Lagrange multipliers, secondly, an explicit computation of the inverse dynamic joint actuation, and thirdly, a nonrecursive forward dynamic analysis wherein generalized co-ordinates and Lagrange multipliers are determined in terms of the joint actuation and desired end-poind co-ordinates
So, let's talk about tagging, user-defined/supplied descriptors … A research and curricular agenda

As Ellyssa Kroski (Kroski, 2005) so correctly describes, “there is a revolution happening on the Internet that is alive and building momentum with each passing tag”, a revolution that, like the Internet and the World Wide Web (WWW), has the potential to change the traditional ways that information is organized, found, and used. Information science professionals have long understood that good metadata shrinks the chasm between user and resource. Tagging (or metadata creation by the user) is bringing people and information together in a revolutionary fashion. Putting metadata creation into the hands of users enables users to browse for desired topics without needing to know an often outdated, Anglo-centric controlled vocabulary that librarians and users alike do not always know or understand. However, like the early emergence and development of the Internet and WWW, this potential might not currently be informed by library and information science research, practice, or even involvement. Will this be another case where LIS researchers and professionals might feel “left behind” or “out of the loop”? Is there a role for information science professionals to educate and inform the use of folksonomies and tagging so that, in this vast world of digital information, users are even more connected with useful information, whether it be recreational, scholarly, or social?
Vascular Flora of the Elk and Bison Prairie, Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area, Trigg County, Kentucky

Abstract A floristic survey was conducted of the Elk and Bison Prairie, Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area during the growing seasons of 2003 and 2004. The 265.5 ha fenced enclosure lies 1.0 km from Golden Pond, Kentucky, in western Trigg County within the Western Highland Rim of the Interior Low Plateau Province. Seven major plant habitats are: cool season grassland, warm season grassland, oak-hickory forest, loblolly pine forest, corral gravel, corral pasture, and wet pond borders. Vascular plants consist of 497 specific and infraspecific taxa in 273 genera from 93 families. Ninety-four (18.9%) were exotics. Plant representation is seven Polypodiophyta, four Pinophyta, and 486 Magnoliophyta (129 Liliopsida, 357 Magnoliopsida). The largest families in species richness were the Poaceae (75), Asteraceae (71), Fabaceae (46), Cyperaceae (25), Lamiaceae (20), and Rosaceae (15). The largest genera were Carex (17), Panicum (15), Lespedeza (9), Desmodium (8), Eupatorium (8), and Juncus, Quercus, and...
Pharmacological Therapy for Stress Urinary Incontinence

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is the involuntary loss of urine with activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, and walking. Treatment options vary and include behavioral modifications, pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFMEs), barrier methods, bulking agents, and surgery. No drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) exists for SUI. A few agents are occasionally used off label for SUI, but randomized controlled trials proving their efficacy and safety for this indication are lacking.
Pigs in a blanket

In type I diabetes, a patient’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing cell clusters of the pancreas, or pancreatic islets, resulting in an inability to regulate glucose levels in the blood and leading to many life-threatening complications. Although patients can manage the disease using
Response properties of whisker-associated primary afferent neurons following infraorbital nerve transection with microsurgical repair in adult rats

The rodent whisker/trigeminal system, characterized by high spatial and temporal resolution, provides an experimental model for developing new therapies for improving sensory functions of damaged peripheral nerves. Here, we use controlled whisker stimulation and single-unit recordings of trigeminal ganglion cells to examine in detail the nature and time course of functional recovery of mechanoreceptive afferents following nerve transection with microsurgical repair of the infraorbital nerve (ION) branch of the trigeminal nerve in adult rats. Response measures include rapid vs. slow adaptation, firing rate, interspike intervals, latency, and angular (directional) tuning. Whisker-evoked responses, readily observable by 3 wk post-transection, recover progressively for at least the next 5 wk. All cells in transected animals, as in control cases, responded to deflections of single whiskers only, but topography within the ganglion was clearly disrupted. The time course and extent of recovery of quantitative response measures were receptor dependent. Cells displaying slowly adapting (SA) properties recovered more quickly than rapidly adapting (RA) populations, and for some response measures-notably evoked firing rates-closely approached or attained control levels by 8 wk post-transection. Angular tuning of RA cells was slightly better than control units, whereas SA tuning did not differ from control values. Nerve conduction times and refractory periods, examined separately using electrical stimulation of the ION, were slower than normal in all transected animals and poorly reflected recovery of whisker-evoked response latencies and interspike intervals. Results underscore the need for multiple therapeutic strategies that target different aspects of functional restitution following peripheral nerve injury.
Fostering Policies That Enhance Positive School Environment

Schools have a considerable influence on children's development, through proximal factors such as teachers and curriculum, but also through indirect effects of school policies. Although some policies and programs have the potential to increase stress and burden on students, educators, as well as the broader educational context, several programs have demonstrated a positive impact on the school environment. This article considers the role of some educational policies, programs, and activities related to discipline and teacher behavior, which together influence the school environment. Programs that set high expectations for student performance, healthy social-emotional learning, and positive behavior support are highlighted, due in part to rigorous research demonstrating both their broad reach and their impact on a range of learning and positive behavioral outcomes. Despite the potential significance of policies on the learning environment, there has been limited systematic research documenting the impact o...
La Vie de Saint Alexis: Narrative Analysis and the Quest for the Sacred Subject

This essay examines various aspects of the “Subject-Object” relation in narrative, with respect to La Vie de Saint Alexis. The model of this relation proposed by A. J. Greimas is contrasted with that of Bernard de Clairvaux. The two theorists, one secular, one Christian, have different understandings of the content and the structure of the Subject-Object relation: of desire, of narrative “transformation” and “closure.” Bernard's model is more applicable to the Alexis. Alexis, God, the public, and Alexis' family must all be considered Subjects of this text, in that events must be viewed with respect to their desires, or Objects. The saint, God, and the faithful public are all necessary Subjects in hagiography, and their functions help define the genre. The importance of “transcendent” Subjects—of God (on the vertical axis) and the public (on the horizontal)—is characteristic of medieval narrative.
Increasing Capture Range of Phase Retrieval on a Large Scale Laser System

We apply phase retrieval to a large-scale laser system and improve its capture range for high order wavefronts with bootstrapping and automatic twin phase detection.
Data in support of transcriptional regulation and function of Fas-antisense long noncoding RNA during human erythropoiesis

This paper describes data related to a research article titled, “Fas-antisense long noncoding RNA is differentially expressed during maturation of human erythrocytes and confers resistance to Fas-mediated cell death” [1]. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are increasingly appreciated for their capacity to regulate many steps of gene expression. While recent studies suggest that many lncRNAs are functional, the scope of their actions throughout human biology is largely undefined including human red blood cell development (erythropoiesis). Here we include expression data for 82 lncRNAs during early, intermediate and late stages of human erythropoiesis using a commercial qPCR Array. From these data, we identified lncRNA Fas-antisense 1 (Fas-AS1 or Saf) described in the research article. Also included are 5′ untranslated sequences (UTR) for lncRNA Saf with transcription factor target sequences identified. Quantitative RT-PCR data demonstrate relative levels of critical erythroid transcription factors, GATA-1 and KLF1, in K562 human erythroleukemia cells and maturing erythroblasts derived from human CD34+ cells. End point and quantitative RT-PCR data for cDNA prepared using random hexamers versus oligo(dT)18 revealed that lncRNA Saf is not effectively polyadenylated. Finally, we include flow cytometry histograms demonstrating Fas levels on maturing erythroblasts derived from human CD34+ cells transduced using mock conditions or with lentivirus particles encoding for Saf.
An Inexpensive Modified Primary Closure Technique for Class IV (Dirty) Wounds Significantly Decreases Superficial and Deep Surgical Site Infection

Despite the creation of several programs to decrease the incidence of surgical site infection, it remains a common complication that has a significant impact on patient recovery and medical costs. The following is a description and brief outcome report of a modified primary closure technique used for dirty (Class IV) wounds. There were 14 consecutive patients who had a laparotomy with Class IV wounds treated by a single surgeon (TAA) from 2011 to 2015. All patients had a history of cancer and either showed signs suggestive for an acute abdomen and required an emergent exploratory laparotomy or were found to have purulent intraabdominal infection at the time of elective surgery. The operation and "modified primary closure" technique (subcutaneous wound wicks with stapled skin closure) were performed in every case. The modified primary closure technique was utilized in 14 patients with a Class IV wound. There were no 30-day mortalities or readmissions. Wound wicks were slowly advanced out over a 7-day period, and only one patient required subsequent wound packing of a single-wicked area. There were no superficial or deep surgical site infections, or wound dehiscence during the hospital course, or 30-day postoperative period. The modified primary closure technique is efficient and inexpensive and was effective in a series of 14 patients with wounds classified as dirty.
Plated pin surface evaluation

Base metal pins (usually nickel or copper alloy) plated with gold or other precious metals are found on most printed circuit boards. Usually these pins are formed in some manner after they are inserted into the PC board. The more common metal forming operations are staking, squaring, flattening and bending. It is imperative that damage to the previous metal plating be minimized during secondary forming.
Nanomechanics of Single Biomacromolecules

Single-molecule force spectroscopy has provided tremendous insights into the mechanical characteristics of biomacromolecules including proteins, nucleic acids, and sugars. This review provides the instrumentation framework for single-molecule force spectroscopy using atomic force microscopy and the experimental procedures for determining nanomechanics of biomacromolecules. The characteristic parameters determined by single-molecule force spectroscopy of proteins (unfolding forces, intrinsic unfolding/refolding rates, transition state distances, binding affinities), nucleic acids (elastic modulus, persistence length, overstretching percentages, plateau force levels), and sugars (force spectra) from the past 20 years are tabulated and their applications are discussed.
The Workplace Intergenerational Climate Scale (WICS): A self-report instrument measuring ageism in the workplace

Summary The Workplace Intergenerational Climate Scale (WICS) is designed to measure employees' attitudes and perceptions about workers of different ages in the workplace. In Study 1, an initial 18-item measure was developed, reflecting five subscales: Intergenerational Contact, Workplace Intergenerational Retention, Positive Intergenerational Affect, Workplace Generational Inclusiveness, and Lack of Generational Stereotypes. Scores on the five WICS subscales were linked to workplace mentoring, opinions about older workers, and job satisfaction. In Study 2, the WICS items and subscales were further refined, and subscale relationships with similar constructs were explored via structural equation modeling. In Study 3, a more occupationally diverse sample was used to support criterion, incremental, discriminant, and external validity. Evidence supports the use of the WICS as a valid and reliable multidimensional measure of an organization's intergenerational climate. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Evaluation of Wheeler's Method for Monitoring the Rate of Rare Events

Its wide application in practice makes the monitoring of the rate of rare events a popular research topic. Recently a researcher proposed plotting the counts between events on an individuals X-chart with an upper control limit to detect process improvement and plotting the reciprocals of the counts on an X-chart to detect process deterioration. He also used the median as the center line and the median moving range to obtain control limits in both control charts to address the problem of the standard deviation estimate inflation caused by extreme values. In our paper, we investigated the statistical performance of the four proposed approaches using simulation. We find using the mean results in a high proportion of ineffective control limits, while using the median avoids the issue of ineffective control limits but produces an unacceptably high proportion of false alarms. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Examination of models for cholera: insights into model comparison methods

This article provides an overview of the Akaike and Bayesian Information Criteria as applied to the setting of deterministic modelling, with the perspective that this may be a useful tool for biomathematics researchers whose primary interests lie in the analysis of compartmental models. We additionally examine a wide range mechanistic and parameter assumptions in the cholera literature through the unifying lens of model selection criteria. Five models for cholera are considered using multiple model selection formulations, and implications for cholera modelling and for model selection criteria are discussed.
Optimism and distractibility in cardiovascular reactivity

This study investigated the role of optimism (OP) and distraction in cardiovascular reactivity; it also assessed the relationship between hostility, as measured by the Cook-Medley Hostility Scale (Ho), and OP. Fifty-six students formed two groups of high optimistic (HIOP) and low optimistic (LOWOP) subjects based upon scores on the Life Orientation Test (LOT). One half of the subjects in each group were randomly assigned to a distractor (DIS) or a nondistractor (NODIS) condition. All groups participated in two consecutive laboratory challenges, a Mental Arithmetic (MA) task and Simon Says game (SIM). Subjects in the two DIS groups were given both stress tasks coupled with an intermittent, auditory distractor, whereas the two NODIS groups received each stress task with white noise only. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure and heart rate (HR) were recorded before, during, and after stress. Results indicated that (a) pessimists displayed greater DBP reactivity to the MA task than did optimists (p <.01), (b) pessimism was significantly associated with increased Ho (p <.02), and (c) pessimists reported reliably more fatigue (p <.05) and anxiety (p <.04) than did optimists. Results were interpreted within a vigilance-reactivity framework.
Childhood-onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Complicated by Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in The Context of Kidney Dialysis and Plasma Exchange in Pediatric Lupus

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a neurotoxic condition characterized by reversible vasogenic edema on neuroimaging. Its various manifestations include altered mental status, headache, visual changes, and seizure activity along with a primarily posterior leukoencephalopathy on imaging studies. PRES has been found in the setting of eclampsia, hypertension, uremia, malignancy, transplantation, autoimmune disease, and/or the use of immunosuppressive drugs (specifically cyclosporine). Recently, it has been described more frequently in children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and it is often difficult to distinguish from central nervous system lupus. In this paper, we describe five cases of pediatric SLE complicated by PRES. Three of the patients were receiving dialysis, one was receiving plasmapheresis. None of the patients were on cyclosporine. In our center, we follow over 60 children with SLE and these are the only five cases diagnosed with PRES as part of their disease course. Many of our patients have associated lupus nephritis and hypertension and are on multiple immunosuppressive medications. We hypothesize that it is the fluid shifts and rapid increase in blood pressure during these treatments that contributed to the development of PRES in these patients.
Investigation of the in vitro performance difference of drug-Soluplus® and drug-PEG 6000 dispersions when prepared using spray drying or lyophilization.

Purpose: To evaluate the physicochemical and in vitro characteristics of solid dispersions using BCS II model drugs with Soluplus® and one of its component homopolymers, PEG 6000. Methods: Nifedipine (NIF) and sulfamethoxazole (SMX) of 99.3% and 99.5% purity, respectively, were selected as BCS II model drugs, such that an improved dissolution rate and concentration in the gastrointestinal tract should increase oral bioavailability. Soluplus® is an amorphous, tri-block, graft co-polymer with polyvinyl caprolactam, polyvinyl acetate, and polyethylene glycol (PCL:PVAc:PEG6000) in the ratio 57:30:13. PEG 6000 (BASF) is a waxy material with melting point of about 60 °C. Solid dispersions were prepared using lyophilization or spray drying techniques. Dissolution study, crystallinity content, and analysis for new chemical bond formation have been used to evaluate the dispersed materials. Results: Although each polymer improved the drug dissolution rate, dissolution from Soluplus® was slower. Enhanced dissolution rates were observed with NIF solid dispersions, but the dissolution profiles were quite different due to the selected technique, polymer, and dissolution medium. For SMX, there was similarity across the dissolution profiles despite the medium, polymer, or applied technique. Each polymer was able to maintain an elevated drug concentration over the three hour duration of the dissolution profile, i.e., supersaturation was supported by the polymer. DSC thermograms revealed no melting endotherm, suggesting that the drug is amorphous or molecularly dispersed. Conclusion: NIF and SMX solid dispersions were successfully prepared by spray drying and lyophilization using Soluplus® or PEG 6000. Each polymer enhanced the drug dissolution rate; NIF dissolution rate was improved to a greater extent. Dispersions with PEG 6000 had a faster dissolution rate due to its hydrophilic nature. DSC analysis showed that no crystalline material exists in the dispersions.
The Anxiety of Leisure in Early China

The present study focuses on the concept of leisure in early China. Leisure is a form of disengagement with the usual concerns of life; but the message of many early texts is that there is no time in which one can afford to be disengaged. However, toward the mid-to-late Spring and Autumn period, when traditional power structures began to spiral out of control, political disengagement became a morally acceptable option for those faced with unscrupulous rulers who could not be served without fear of moral compromise. Political disengagement thus opened a space for leisure in early Chinese culture.
Model identification for assisted tennis training of the sportsmen with kinetic disabilities

In this paper we focused on the model identification of the motion process of the tennis players with disabilities during the tennis match. An equivalent inverted pendulum model is introduced for the kinetic of the motion. The coordinates of the mass center of the body are determined by measurements with a system of video cameras and additional software. Recorded data are post-processed by means of a dedicated software. The aim of the work was to assist the sportsman and his trainer, and to improve the safety of the sportsman during the game.
A State-Space Theory of Uncertain Systems

Abstract This paper presents a tutorial summarizing recent work on generalizing standard state-space results such as stability and performance analysis, realization theory, stability and stabilization, and H ∞ optimal control to uncertain systems described by Linear Fractional Transformations (LFTs)
Otago Exercise Program in the United States: Comparison of 2 Implementation Models

Author(s): Shubert, Tiffany E; Smith, Matthew L; Goto, Lavina; Jiang, Luohua; Ory, Marcia G | Abstract: BackgroundThe Otago Exercise Program (OEP) is an evidence-based fall prevention program delivered by a physical therapist in 6 visits over a year. Despite documented effectiveness, there has been limited adoption of the OEP by physical therapists in the United States. To facilitate dissemination, 2 models have been developed: (1) the US OEP provided by a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant in the home or outpatient setting and (2) the community OEP provided by a non–physical therapist and a physical therapist consultant. It is unknown whether such modifications result in similar outcomes.ObjectiveThe aims of this study were to identify the components of these 2 models, to compare participant characteristics for those components reached by each model, and to examine outcome changes by model and between models.DesignThis was a translational cohort study with physical therapists implementing the US OEP and trained providers implementing the community OEP.MethodsData for physical performance, sociodemographic characteristics, and self-perception of function were collected at baseline and at 8 weeks.ResultsParticipants in the community OEP were significantly younger and reported more falls compared with those in US OEP. Both sites reported significant improvements in most physical and self-reported measures of function, with larger effect sizes reported by the community OEP for the Timed “Up a Go” Test. There was no significant difference in improvements in outcome measures between sites.LimitationsThis was an evaluation of a translational research project with limited control over delivery processes. The sample was 96% white, which may limit application to a more diverse population.ConclusionAlternative, less expensive implementation models of the OEP can achieve results similar to those achieved with traditional methods, especially improvements in Timed “Up a Go” Test scores. The data suggest that the action of doing the exercises may be the essential element of the OEP, providing opportunities to develop and test new delivery models to ensure that the best outcomes are achieved by participants.
Chapter 40: Muscarinic receptor subtype-specific coupling to second messengers in neuronal systems

Publisher Summary A major challenge in the study of muscarinic receptor function relates to the multiplicity of expression of isoforms of this receptor. However, research efforts in the past decade have defined the extent of this multiplicity, as well as provided clues as to the relative abundances of the members of this family within brain regions. One of the outcomes of cloning work is the finding of relatively selective coupling of these proteins to second messenger systems. Muscarinic effects are frequently described as “slow” in comparison with nicotinic effects mainly because their modulation of ion fluxes is indirect, being mediated by GTP-binding proteins and/or the formation of second messengers. The ion fluxes most often affected are those for the potassium and calcium ions. This chapter describes how functional coupling to effector systems has been used to reveal the probable identities of muscarinic receptor subtypes in regions of the brain involved in memory, control of voluntary motor function, or other important behaviors.
Towards an African theological ethic of earth care: Encountering the Tonga lwiindi of Simaamba of Zambia in the face of the ecological crisis

The mounting ecological catastrophe and its negative effects on humanity and future generations of life, demand proactive actions. The ongoing crises of deforestation, air and water pollution, land degradation and many other ecological predicaments are critical global moral and justice issues. Although postcolonial Africa’s economic theories undermine the integrity of Creation, Africans are equally responsible. Following Pope Francis’ invitation to Creation care, I argue that the lwiindi [the annual rain-calling ceremony] illustrates ecological concerns and possesses ecological insights that can aid, inform and positively transform Africa’s ecological actions. The article opens with a brief discussion on the growing ecological consciousness in global Christianity and Africa. It employs the lwiindi to illustrate the ecological role of ancestors as guardians of the land. It is from this perspective that the Enlightenment influenced concept of ‘progress’, is examined. The article concludes with some critical reflections on the environment and Tonga culture.
Investigation of structural and magnetic properties of rapidly-solidified iron-silicon alloys at ambient and elevated temperatures

Abstract We investigated the ambient temperature structural properties (thickness, width, microstructure, and lattice parameter), and the ambient and high temperature (up to 900 K) direct current (DC) magnetic properties—saturation magnetization (MS) and intrinsic coercivity (HCI)—of rapidly-solidified (melt-spun) Fe-x wt.% Si (x = 3, 5, & 8) alloys. The wheel surface speeds selected for the study were 30 m/s and 40 m/s. The ribbons produced at the lower wheel surface speed (30 m/s) were continuous having relatively uniform edges compared to the ribbons produced at the higher wheel surface speed. The thickness and the width of the melt-spun ribbons ranged between ∼15 and 60 μm and 500–800 μm, respectively. The x-ray diffraction spectra of the melt-spun ribbons indicated the presence of disordered α-phase, irrespective of the composition, and the wheel surface speed. The lattice parameter decreased gradually as a function of increasing silicon content from ∼0.2862 nm (Fe-3 wt.% Si) to ∼0.2847 nm (Fe-8 wt.% Si). The wheel surface speed showed an insignificant effect on MS while increased silicon content resulted in a decreasing trend in MS. Elevated temperature evaluation of the magnetization (M-T curves at ∼7.96 kA/m) in the case of Fe-3 & 5 wt.% Si alloy ribbons was distinctly different from that of the Fe-8 wt.% Si alloy ribbons. The curves of the as-prepared Fe-3 wt.% Si and Fe-5 wt.% Si alloy ribbons were irreversible while that of Fe-8 wt.% Si was reversible. The MS for any of the combinations of wheel surface speed and composition decreased monotonically with the increase in temperature (from 300 to 900 K). While HCI increased with the increase in temperature for all the wheel surface speed and composition combination, its nature of increase is distinct for Fe-8 wt.% Si alloy ribbons compared to Fe-3 & 5 wt.% Si alloys ribbons. It appears that rapidly-solidified Fe-3 wt.% Si and Fe-5 wt.% Si alloys ribbons are primarily comprised of the α-phase (disordered phase) while the Fe-8 wt.% Si alloy ribbons are comprised primarily of disordered phase along with minor constituents of an ordered phase.
Improvement of the ReaxFF Description for Functionalized Hydrocarbon/Water Weak Interactions in the Condensed Phase

The ReaxFF protein reactive force field (protein-2013) has been successfully employed to simulate the biomolecules and membrane fuel cells, but it inaccurately describes the weak interaction of functionalized hydrocarbon/water molecules in condensed phase, especially for the density. In this article, the development of a ReaxFF force field (CHON-2017_weak) on the basis of protein-2013 is presented that improves the weak interaction description for atom pairs of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. To examine the quality of the force field, we performed a series of molecular dynamics simulations with model systems. These simulations, describing density trends for pure and mixture compound systems, demonstrate that CHON-2017_weak force field predictions are in good agreement with experimental data. Furthermore, ReaxFF can also describe the phase separation in hexane–water mixture and dissolution of ethanol or tetramethylammonium (TMA) in liquid water. To validate it in the application of membrane fuel ce...
Life Interrupted: Parents’ Positivity and Negativity Toward Children Following Children’s and Parents’ Transitions Later in Life

PURPOSE Parents' and children's lives are interwoven over the life course. Parents' positivity and negativity toward children relate to children's and parents' transitions, although the nature of this relationship is unclear. This study investigated the extent to which transitions-like those tied to residence, unions, employment, parenthood, and health-related to parents' positivity and negativity. METHOD This study used the Health and Retirement Study's Psychosocial Survey from 2006 and 2010 to examine how parents' and children's transitions related to parents' positivity and negativity toward children. RESULTS Children's residential independence, parents' return to employment, and widowhood increased parents' positivity. Parents' negativity was higher when children moved home or lost employment, while negativity was lower when any child divorced and following the parent's divorce. The analyses also revealed children's transitions-moving in and employment loss-mattered more than the parent's own divorce for negativity. DISCUSSION Children's transitions indicating parenting success or children's support needs-like residential, employment, and union transitions-linked to parents' positivity and negativity toward children. Parents' transitions related to positivity and negativity were also likely related to support and strength of ties between parents and children. Moreover, children's transitions matter more than parental divorce when considering negativity, although dependent on child's transition type. This study has implications for older adults, especially as parents' feelings toward children are indicative of late-life well-being and potential support avenues.
Dehydration: A Multidisciplinary Case-Based Discussion for First-Year Medical Students.

Introduction As many medical school curricula shift to integrated learning of multiple basic science topics as well as clinical concepts, there is an increasing need for instructional materials tha...
Local impacts of US nuclear weapons facilities: a survey of planners

This research examines the perceptions of planners in communities around the largest US Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear weapons sites. Surveys and interviews revealed that planners are often unclear about DOE intentions, concerned about jobs and environmental contamination, and desire more involvement with future site use decisions. Planners' ratings of residents' trust of the DOE were also low, and low trust was most strongly associated with places where local officials have not been invited to future use meetings. Recommendations include improving coordination of on-site planning with local land use plans and increasing trust with a Federal-local government partnership that recognizes local concerns about the clean-up, closure and disposition of the sites.
Effect of hyperglucagonemia on whole-body leucine metabolism in immature pigs before and during a meal.

Leucine metabolism was measured isotopically in 12 immature female pigs to assess the effect of acute hyperglucagonemia on leucine kinetics in both the fed and fasting states. After an overnight fast, immature pigs were infused with alpha-[3H]ketoisocaproate and [14C]leucine. After a 2-h equilibration period, an infusion of either saline or 7 pg.kg-1.min-1 of glucagon was begun, which increased plasma glucagon from approximately 140 to approximately 640 pg/ml and doubled the insulin concentrations. Two hours later, pigs were fed small meals to which [5,5,5-2H3]leucine was added to trace absorption. By subtracting absorption from total leucine flux, an estimate of endogenous proteolysis during the meal was made. In the fasting state, glucagon increased proteolysis, relative to controls, by approximately 20% (P less than 0.05) and increased oxidation by approximately 50% (P less than 0.05). No significant glucagon-related changes in any other flux parameters occurred in the fasting state. Ingestion of the meals caused oxidation to increase 41% in control animals, whereas in glucagon-infused animals, oxidation increased 84% (P less than 0.05 control vs. glucagon response to meal). Additionally, animals infused with glucagon suppressed endogenous proteolysis 43% after the meal compared with a 55% decrease in control animals (P less than 0.05 basal period vs. fed period). These data indicate that glucagon stimulates whole-body proteolysis in both the fasting and fed states.
Type versus Token

The ontological distinction between a ‘type’ of thing and ‘tokens’ of that type of thing is best illustrated by an example: the English definite article ‘the’ as opposed to its many instances on a page. It is akin to the universal-particular distinction. Tokens are concrete particulars, having a unique spatiotemporal location; types are usually taken to be abstract objects. The distinction has wide applicability (the Mountain Lion vs. the many mountain lions; Mozart's 41 symphonies vs. their many performances), but it is especially important for linguistics. Not only words, but also phonemes, letters, sentences, and other linguistic objects come in types and tokens.
Query Formulation Assistance for Kids: What is Available, When to Help & What Kids Want

Children use popular web search tools, which are generally designed for adult users. Because children have different developmental needs than adults, these tools may not always adequately support their search for information. Moreover, even though search tools offer support to help in query formulation, these too are aimed at adults and may hinder children rather than help them. This calls for the examination of existing technologies in this area, to better understand what remains to be done when it comes to facilitating query-formulation tasks for young users. In this paper, we investigate interaction elements of query formulation--including query suggestion algorithms--for children. The primary goals of our research efforts are to: (i) examine existing plug-ins and interfaces that explicitly aid children's query formulation; (ii) investigate children's interactions with suggestions offered by a general-purpose query suggestion strategy vs. a counterpart designed with children in mind; and (iii) identify, via participatory design sessions, their preferences when it comes to tools / strategies that can help children find information and guide them through the query formulation process. Our analysis shows that existing tools do not meet children's needs and expectations; the outcomes of our work can guide researchers and developers as they implement query formulation strategies for children.
Integration of Literature Across Countries: Challenges, Opportunities, and Implications for Future Research

Psychosis has been observed all around the world in various countries, cultures, and races, establishing it as a universal illness. This does not guarantee that the disorder manifests itself in the same manner in all of those countries, creating opportunities and challenges for providers to deliver culturally competent diagnostic and treatment services. It is impossible to know everything about every culture and subgroup of each culture, making an approach that focuses on curiosity, empathy, respect, and flexibility throughout the care process most useful. The purpose of this chapter is to present an overview and summary of the influence of various factors such as race, ethnicity, nationality, language, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and physical and mental ability on the individuals’ beliefs about health in general and risk for psychosis in particular. Existing and prospective early diagnosis and intervention efforts in different cultural contexts are discussed.
An Offshore Full Waveform Inversion with Automatic Salt Flooding: OBN Case Study

Summary Full waveform inversion (FWI) is one of several techniques used to estimate high resolution velocity fields by employing an optimization approach. For the success of FWI using diving waves, low-frequency components and large offset traces are essential. A 3D ocean bottom node (OBN) survey had been performed with offsets up to 18 km and an airgun source capable of generating frequencies as low as 1.8 Hz. The survey area is geologically complex due to the existence of islands and halite salt bodies. In this case, uneven illumination and heterogeneous velocity distributions may hinder FWI from producing a proper velocity model. In addition, preconditioning procedures are required to suppress noise and balance amplitudes of the data, which can also alter the amplitude information. To overcome these problems, we weighted the kinematic information in the data. We also employed automatic salt flooding because refraction events were not sufficient to define the bottom of the salt. For stabilizing automatic salt flooding, we smoothed the gradient vector before the velocity update during FWI and employed a new imaging condition capable of suppressing migration terms in the gradient kernel.
Computer interactions during walking workstation use moderately affects spatial-temporal gait characteristics.

Abstract Background Due to increased sedentary workstyles, active workstations have shown the ability to increase activity while only moderately affecting work ability. However, previous examinations have not examine fine motor mousing tasks on tripping descriptors. Research Question What affect do mousing tasks of varying target size have on tripping descriptors during walking workstation use? Methods Three-dimensional kinematic data were collected while participants used a walking workstation completing one baseline and three mousing conditions of varying target sizes. Results Target size main effects (p Significance These results indicate that walking workstation users shorten their stride length and decrease their base of support while completing mousing tasks. The placement of the upper extremities on the workstation desk likely acted as the primary mechanism to increase stability. It is concluded that performing mousing tasks of varying target size using a walking workstation does not pose greater risk for adverse gait events.
Determination of fluorescein and brominated fluoresceins in the color additive D&C Orange No. 5 and its lakes using high-performance liquid chromatography.

ABSTRACTThe colour additives D&C Orange No. 5 (O5) and its lakes (O5L) are subject to batch certification by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure compliance with specifications in ...
Screening for Orthostatic Intolerance in Symptomatic Children Presenting for Concussion Care

Following concussion, children often experience nonspecific symptoms that overlap with those of other common pediatric conditions, including orthostatic intolerance (OI). The primary goal of this s...
Abstract I02: Targeting Innate immunity in pancreatic carcinoma

Pancreatic carcinoma has proven largely resistant to immunotherapies as strategies directly targeting T cells or their receptors have failed in early clinical trials. Basic research has shown that effector T-cell infiltration and phenotype in pancreatic cancer is controlled by diverse innate immune elements including dendritic cells, macrophages and other myeloid cells, and subsets of innate-like T cells. However, the phenotype of macrophages and myeloid cells infiltrating pancreatic carcinoma is, for the most part, highly suppressive of effective adaptive antitumor immunity. Therefore, rather than directly targeting T cells in isolation, immunotherapeutic strategies addressing toleorogenic innate immune cell populations hold greater promise. New potential avenues for immunotherapy include activating or blockade of select innate immune receptors on tumor-associated macrophages to reprogram their suppressive phenotype, targeting the microbiome to modulate the intratumoral inflammatory environment toward a more favorable phenotype, or deleting select subsets of tolerogenic T cells such as delta1 cells. These type of approaches have the potential to enable efficacy for more traditional immunotherapies that target checkpoint or costimulatory receptors, and these strategies can also potentiate the effects of systemic chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Citation Format: George Miller. Targeting Innate immunity in pancreatic carcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer: Advances in Science and Clinical Care; 2019 Sept 6-9; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(24 Suppl):Abstract nr I02.