cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Manipulated Negro Vote: Some Pre-Conditions and Consequences

T HE SUBJECT OF THIS PAPER iS one aspect of our recently completed field research on political leadership in the "face-to-face" community. We selected six small Florida towns for interviewing, ranging in population from approximately 4,000 to 15,000. Two towns were selected in each of three major geographical areas of the State: the old South agricultural and pine tree area of northern Florida; the citrus, cattle, vegetable area of the central portion of the peninsula; and the light industry, tourism, retirement area of southern coastal Florida. The towns in the northern tier of counties are still little different from their counterparts in neighboring Southern states. On the other hand, the dynamic economic and population growth in peninsular Florida afforded an excellent opportunity for assessing political leadership and Negro political participation in a wide variety of economic, political, and cultural settings. A research team of two professors spent approximately six weeks in each town, and from 40 to 60 individuals, both white and Negro, were interviewed.l Interviewing began with present public office holders and was then expanded to include other white political influentials as they were identified. The purpose of these interviews was to develop a picture of the political structure of the white community from the end of World War II to the time of interviewing. The interview guide was also designed to obtain white conceptions of the political structure of the Negro community and to uncover the relationship between these two structures. During the white interviews a partial list of Negro leaders was developed which was later expanded during the Negro interviews. The Negro interview guide was designed to obtain information concerning the leadership structure of the Negro community, factionalism within this com-
CERTIFICATION OF SHRIMP AND SALMON FOR BEST AQUACULTURE PRACTICES: ASSESSING CONSUMER PREFERENCES IN RHODE ISLAND

This study uses a conjoint experiment to evaluate seafood consumers’ preferences for wild versus farmed seafood in Rhode Island, while providing an option for farmed products to be certified for best aquaculture practices, focusing upon salmon and shrimp. The definition for best aquaculture practices provided to respondents in the survey is broadly based upon standards currently in use by aquaculture certification groups, highlighting sustainability of fish feed, and control of antibiotic use, water quality and stocking density. Using data from an in-person intercept survey, a conditional logit model shows that a sample of 250 seafood consumers in Rhode Island choose wild products over farmed even when farmed products are certified, and by an entity preferred by the consumer. Results warrant both further study of consumer preferences for certified aquaculture products across a broader population, and study of the effect of different explanations of ‘best aquaculture practices’ upon preferences.
T2-weighted echo planar MR imaging of the abdomen: optimization of imaging parameters.

Echo planar imaging (EPI) is an ultra-fast magnetic resonance (MR) imaging method that provides strong T2-weighted contrast, which is important for the detection and characterization of various abdominal abnormalities. However, EPI may be associated with significant artifacts. The prominence of these artifacts, as well as overall image quality, is dramatically impacted by selection of imaging parameters. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the effects of controlled alterations in operator-defined imaging parameters on image quality in breath-hold abdominal T2-weighted EPI. An understanding of these effects facilitates optimizing parameter selection for acquisition of abdominal EPI images.
A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF MORPHEME ACQUISITION IN FIRST LANGUAGE LEARNERS

Speech samples were elicited by means of the Bilingual Syntax Measure from eleven children aged 27–48 months covering a wide span of linguistic development. The presence or absence of eleven functors was scored in obligatory occasions and an acquisition sequence was determined using three different methods of speech analysis. Although all three methods yielded a strong intercorrelation among themselves, no correlation was obtained when these three methods were compared with two previously determined orders of acquisition based on first and second language research. It was concluded that the previous order of morpheme acquisition obtained through research on L2 learners was probably an artifact of the Bilingual Syntax Measure testing situation. It was suggested that the sequence of morpheme acquisition as determined by the Bilingual Syntax Measure be subjected to a more rigorous validation with the sequence observed in spontaneous production of first and second language learners.
Sidewalk Bicycling Safety Issues

Bicycle route and safety data sets for 2,963 commuter cyclists in Ottawa and Toronto, Canada, containing cyclist characteristics, collision and fall history, and regular commute route, are used for this analysis. Previous analyses found sidewalk collisions and fall and injury rates significantly higher on sidewalks than on roads or paths. Of the 52 events reported on sidewalks, none were reported to police and would, therefore, not be found in a police accident database. These events did result in injuries, and in two cases major injuries. This analysis has found that commuter cyclists in Ottawa use sidewalks primarily on major roads (not necessarily high-speed roads) and often to cross bridges or to take shortcuts where no road exists. Toronto commuter cyclists use sidewalks primarily on high-volume multilane roads. Some Toronto cyclists still use sidewalks when bicycle lanes are provided. A slightly higher proportion of women are sidewalk cyclists in Ottawa; however, no age relationship was found. Sidew...
Cloud-Top Evolution of Tropical Oceanic Squall Lines from Radar Reflectivity and Infrared Satellite Data

Abstract Precipitation estimation over the tropical oceans is commonly performed using passive infrared (IR) measurements of cloud-top brightness temperature from geostationary satellites to infer the location of deep convection. It has been recognized in recent years that the majority of tropical precipitation is produced by mesoscale convective systems (MCSs). However, the relationship between the IR cloud-top patterns associated with MCSs and the underlying precipitation is not well understood. The assumption that the coldest cloud tops are associated with deep, active convection has been central to the characterization of cloud system motion and organization, and to many IR-based rainfall retrievals. Previous studies suggested that this view may be oversimplified when applied to propagating convective systems, such as squall lines. The goal of this study was to understand the evolution of the cold cloud associated with tropical oceanic squall line MCSs, and to discuss the implications for the retrieva...
Insecticidal activity of avidin combined with genetically engineered and traditional host plant resistance against Colorado potato beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) larvae.

Colorado potato beetle,Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), is a destructive pest of potato, Solanum tuberosum (L.), in North America. It is renowned for adapting to insecticides. With the arsenal of effective insecticides decreasing, it is important to consider alternative forms of control. Biotin is an essential coenzyme for insect growth and development. Avidin is a protein found in chicken egg that sequesters biotin and has shown insecticidal properties against a range of insect. We assessed the effectiveness of avidin against the Colorado potato beetle neonates in a no-choice detached leaf bioassay at 0, 17, 34, 51, 102, and 204 g avidin/ml over 12 d. The LC50 was 136 g avidin/ml (108 Ð188 95% CL). The combined effects of avidin (136 g avidin/ml) with Bt-Cry3A or leptines were evaluated with neonates and third instars over 12 and 6 d, respectively. Three potato lines were used: susceptible line, a line engineered to express Cry3A from Bacillus thuringiensis, and a line expressing the natural resistance factor leptines. The addition of avidin at the LC50 concentration signiÞcantly reduced consumption by neonates, but it did not affect consumption by third instars feeding on the susceptible line and the leptine line. Survival of neonates feeding on the susceptible line with avidin was signiÞcantly reduced compared with the susceptible line. Survival of third instars on the Bt-Cry3A with avidin was signiÞcantly reduced after 3 d compared with survival on the Bt-Cry3A, suggesting the addition of avidin may increase susceptibility to Bt-Cry3A.
Characterizing Properties for Q-Clustering

We uniquely characterize two members of the Q-Clustering family in an axiomatic framework. We introduce properties that use known tree constructions for the purpose of characterization. To characterize the Max-Sum clustering algorithm, we use the Gomory-Hu construction, and to characterize Single-Linkage, we use the Maximum Spanning Tree. Although at first glance it seems these properties are `obviously' all that are necessary to characterize Max-Sum and Single-Linkage, we show that this is not the case, by investigating how subsets of properties interact. We conclude by proposing additions to the taxonomy of clustering paradigms currently in use.
When Einstein Meets Minkowski

Einstein’s addition law of three-dimensional relativistically admissible velocities is the corner stone of Einstein’s three-vector formalism of the special theory of relativity that he founded in 1905. Soon later, in 1908, special relativity was reformulated by Minkowski who introduced his elegant four-vector formalism. In this chapter, we present the harmonious interplay between Einstein’s three-dimensional velocity addition and the Minkowskian four-vector formalism of Einstein’s special theory of relativity, along with its relevant consequences to the study of hyperbolic geometry in Part II and hyperbolic triangle centers in Part III of the book.
Death and survival of spore-forming bacteria in the Caenorhabditis elegans intestine

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and spore-forming bacteria of the Bacillus genus are both common soil inhabitants. In this study, we investigated the interaction of the bacteriophagous C. elegans with these bacteria. We observed that vegetative forms of Bacillus species are highly sensitive to ingestion by C. elegans. In contrast, we found that spores are highly resistant to the worm’s digestive process. Spore protective structures such as the spore coat likely hinder access of digestive enzymes such as lysozyme to sensitive structures like the cell wall and thus facilitate passage of the spore through the digestive tract. We developed methods to monitor the uptake of vegetative cells and spores and found that the spores have a particularly slow transit through the worm’s intestine suggesting that the nematode may consider spores as inert particles rather than as food. Thus, the results of this study show that spores have features that enable them to stay longer times in the nematode intestine, suggesting that this transit of Bacillus sp. may have important implications for the evolution of resistance properties.
Animating by Association: Index Objects and Relational Taxonomies

Despite great variability in archaeological and ethnographic material culture across North America, a handful of objects are ubiquitous in assemblages of different ages and geographies. These index objects are clues to ontological principles, such as animacy, that guide the interactions between Native Americans and the material world. The impact of relational ontologies on the formation of heterogeneous archaeological assemblages may be evaluated through analyses of index objects and contextual associations. To this effect, this article presents the outline of an assemblage-based relational taxonomy, where spatial, temporal, and formal dimensions are combined with object biographies, interactive roles, and social relations.
Redefining Diversity and Multiculturalism In Modern American Society

The purpose of this project is to explore a theoretical construct and model which re-examines the relationship between diversity and multiculturalism in the United States today. These two terms are often utilized interchangeably. This discussion focuses on the idea that although there is diversity in the public sphere of American society, multiculturalism is a misnomer. The idea of self-contained cultural neighborhoods with inherent rigid characteristics is valid, with few exceptions. The writers theorize that there is value in the idea of public diversity and the maintenance of private (read: less public) cultural boundaries. It should be inferred in visual terms that diversity is two-dimensional and multiculturalism is three-dimensional. The dimensions of diversity include a superficial even if sincere sharing of more outward cultural expressions where as either self-contained culturalism includes all factors of diversity but it is, by nature, nation bound. When attempting to differentiate the discursive on the elements of multiculturalism and diversity a review of the literature suggests confusion exists. While diversity is apparent throughout the United States, multiculturalism often needs to be defined by or assigned to a specific context to make it real. Some researchers have suggested that a significant multiculturalism must include the “politics of equity, economic redistribution, and social restructuring” (also referred to as critical multiculturalism). A model has been developed putting forward the ideas that it could be that the density of the meeting points of different cultures actually might reflect a true interweaving and creation of a common culture based on a melding of language, food, church, and comfort level. Until this melding point occurs, cultures retain separate distinct identities based on separateness of language, food, religion and custom comfort level. A future study will examine if the model is a viable tool to aid in the understanding of multiculturalism and diversity. The researchers will create and administer a survey based on a qualitative research design. The survey shall seek responses which will test the theoretical construct herein introduced.
Social Security: Unemployment and Immigration

This article investigates the impact of increases and decreases in the level of net immigration in the United States as well as the effect of changes in the unemployment rate on the financial status of the Social Security program. After presenting the historical values of these important factors, the article describes the SSASIM policy simulation model results concerning the actuarial balance of the Social Security program assuming different values for the unemployment rate and the level of net immigration. The study found that a half a percentage point change in the unemployment rate leads to a 0.06 percentage point to 0.07 percentage point change in the Social Security program's actuarial balance. Furthermore, should net immigration fall by one-half from the Board of Trustees' intermediate assumption value, the actuarial balance would decrease by -0.28 percentage points, or about 15 percent of the Board of Trustees' 2001 report's value.
Efficacious discriminant analysis (classifier) measures for end users

Many problem domains utilize discriminant analysis, for example, classification, prediction, and diagnoses, by applying artificial intelligence and machine learning. However, the results are rarely perfect and errors can cause significant losses. Hence, end users are best served when they have performance information relevant to their need. Starting with the most basic questions, this study considers eight summary statistics often seen in the literature and evaluates their end user efficacy. Results lead to proposed criteria necessary for end user efficacious summary statistics. Testing the same eight summary statistics shows that none satisfy all of the criteria. Hence, two criteria-compliant summary statistics are introduced. To show how end users can benefit, measure utility is demonstrated on two problems. A key finding of this study is that researchers can make their test outcomes more relevant to end users with minor changes in their analyses and presentation.
A Qualitative and Multi-Method Approach to Collecting and Sharing Data on Constitutional Courts

In this paper, I make a case for medium- and even large-N qualitative research on constitutional courts — i.e., for using qualitative techniques to analyze a set of cases that is larger than usual for qualitative research designs. I then outline a set of data collection practices that would facilitate and enhance such research, drawing on my own current effort to assemble a global repository of free speech jurisprudence.
Biaxial elastic properties of rat arteries in vivo: influence of vascular wall cells on anisotropy.

There is no consensus as to the degree of arterial anisotropy or to its relationship to vascular cell function. Given the relevance of the isotropic assumption in formulating elasticity models, rel...
Role of Nitric Oxide in the Actions of Cytokines on Hypothalamic Releasing Hormone Secretion

Interleukins act within the hypothalamus to cause the release of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and inhibit release of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH). Nitric oxide synthase (NOS), the enzyme that converts arginine into citrulline plus nitric oxide (NO), the latter a highly active free radical, occurs in a large number of neurons in the brain, including certain neurons in the hypothalamus. Our in vivo experiments in rats employing NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (NMMA), an inhibitor of NOS and nitroprusside, a releaser of NO, have determined that interleukin-2 (IL-2) activates CRH release by acting on its receptors on cholinergic neurons which stimulate NOergic neurons by muscarinic receptors. The NO diffuses to the CRH neurons and activates them as revealed by in vitro experiments with hypothalamic explants. On the other hand, norepinephrine or glutamic acid activate LHRH release by stimulating NOergic neurons that in turn induce LHRH release by activation of guanylate cyclase and cyclooxygenase. IL-lα acts directly on the LHRH neuron to block its response to NO on the basis of in vitro experiments. In vivo, NO stimulates LHRH release which induces pulsatile LH but not FSH release on the one hand and induces mating behavior on the other. The IL-1 -induced blockade of LHRH release by NO may account for the reduction in libido in infection. In vivo experiments employing injection of NMMA into the 3rd ventricle have revealed that NO mediates the prolactin-releasing action of interleukins. It also mediates pulsatile growth hormone (GH) release via stimulation of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GRH) release. IL-1 inhibits pulsatile GH release by blocking the response of the GRH neurons to NO. IL-1 also stimulates somatostatin release.
Hydrogen Retention in Lithium on Metallic Walls from “In Vacuo” Analysis in LTX and Implications for High-Z Plasma-Facing Components in NSTX-U

Abstract The application of lithium to plasma-facing components (PFCs) has long been used as a technique for wall conditioning in magnetic confinement devices to improve plasma performance. Determining the characteristics of PFCs at the time of exposure to the plasma, however, is difficult because they can only be analyzed after venting the vacuum vessel and removing them at the end of an operational period. The Materials Analysis and Particle Probe (MAPP) addresses this problem by enabling PFC samples to be exposed to plasmas, and then withdrawn into an analysis chamber without breaking vacuum. The MAPP system was used to introduce samples that matched the metallic PFCs of the Lithium Tokamak Experiment (LTX). Lithium that was subsequently evaporated onto the walls also covered the MAPP samples, which were then subject to LTX discharges. In vacuo extraction and analysis of the samples indicated that lithium oxide formed on the PFCs, but improved plasma performance persisted in LTX. The reduced recycling this suggests is consistent with separate surface science experiments that demonstrated deuterium retention in the presence of lithium oxide films. Since oxygen decreases the thermal stability of the deuterium in the film, the release of deuterium was observed below the lithium deuteride dissociation temperature. This may explain what occurred when lithium was applied to the surface of the NSTX Liquid Lithium Divertor (LLD). The LLD had segments with individual heaters, and the deuterium-alpha emission was clearly lower in the cooler regions. The plan for NSTX-U is to replace the graphite tiles with high-Z PFCs, and apply lithium to their surfaces with lithium evaporation. Experiments with lithium coatings on such PFCs suggest that deuterium could still be retained if lithium compounds form, but limiting their surface temperatures may be necessary.
Impact of artifacts on VOR gain measures by video-oculography in the acute vestibular syndrome

OBJECTIVE The video head impulse test (HIT) measures vestibular function (vestibulo-ocular reflex [VOR] gain - ratio of eye to head movement), and, in principle, could be used to make a distinction between central and peripheral causes of vertigo. However, VOG recordings contain artifacts, so using unfiltered device data might bias the final diagnosis, limiting application in frontline healthcare settings such as the emergency department (ED). We sought to assess whether unfiltered data (containing artifacts) from a video-oculography (VOG) device have an impact on VOR gain measures in acute vestibular syndrome (AVS). METHODS This cross-sectional study compared VOG HIT results 'unfiltered' (standard device output) versus 'filtered' (artifacts manually removed) and relative to a gold standard final diagnosis (neuroimaging plus clinical follow-up) in 23 ED patients with acute dizziness, nystagmus, gait disturbance and head motion intolerance. RESULTS Mean VOR gain assessment alone (unfiltered device data) discriminated posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) strokes from vestibular neuritis with 91% accuracy in AVS. Optimal stroke discrimination cut points were bilateral VOR gain >0.7099 (unfiltered data) versus >0.7041 (filtered data). For PICA stroke sensitivity and specificity, there was no clinically-relevant difference between unfiltered and filtered data-sensitivity for PICA stroke was 100% for both data sets and specificity was almost identical (87.5% unfiltered versus 91.7% filtered). More impulses increased gain precision. CONCLUSIONS The bedside HIT remains the single best method for discriminating between vestibular neuritis and PICA stroke in patients presenting AVS. Quantitative VOG HIT testing in the ED is associated with frequent artifacts that reduce precision but not accuracy. At least 10-20 properly-performed HIT trials per tested ear are recommended for a precise VOR gain estimate.
OPG, RANK and RANKL in Bone Metastasis and Cancer-Associated Osteolysis

A triad of recently discovered proteins has dominant effects on most aspects of physiological and pathological bone resorption. The discovery of these proteins helped to resolve numerous questions regarding the exact molecular mechanisms for bone resorption. These proteins also neatly account for the long-recognized dependence of osteoclasts on the osteoblast/stromal cell population. This pathway was rapidly elucidated after the discovery of osteoprotegerin (OPG), an endogenous protein that negatively controls most aspects of osteoclast formation, activation and survival. The biological counterpart for OPG is RANKL (receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand), a protein that promotes osteoclast formation, activation and survival. RANKL functions by binding to its receptor RANK on the surface of osteoclasts and their precursors. RANKL is the final mediator of osteoclast activation induced by most, if not all, proresorptive cytokines.
Propionibacterium acnes endocarditis: a case series

Abstract Objectives Propionibacterium acnes remains a rare cause of infective endocarditis (IE). It is challenging to diagnose due to the organism's fastidious nature and the indolent presentation of the disease. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical presentation and management of P. acnes IE with an emphasis on the methods of diagnosis. Methods We identified patients from the Cleveland Clinic Infective Endocarditis Registry who were admitted from 2007 to 2015 with definite IE by Duke Criteria. Propionibacterium acnes was defined as the causative pathogen if it was identified in at least two culture specimens, or identified with at least two different modalities: blood culture, valve culture, valve sequencing or histopathological demonstration of microorganisms. Results We identified 24 cases of P. acnes IE, 23 (96%) of which were either prosthetic valve endocarditis or IE on an annuloplasty ring. Invasive disease (71%) and embolic complications (29%) were common. All but one patient underwent surgery. Propionibacterium acnes was identified in 12.5% of routine blood cultures, 75% of blood cultures with extended incubation, 55% of valve cultures, and 95% of valve sequencing specimens. In 11 of 24 patients (46%), no causative pathogen would have been identified without valve sequencing. Conclusions Propionibacterium acnes almost exclusively causes prosthetic valve endocarditis and patients often present with advanced disease. The organism may not be readily cultured, and extended cultures appear to be necessary. In patients who have undergone surgery, valve sequencing is most reliable in establishing the diagnosis.
MUC1-C activates EZH2 expression and function in human cancer cells

The EZH2 histone methyltransferase is a member of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) that is highly expressed in diverse human cancers and is associated with a poor prognosis. MUC1-C is an oncoprotein that is similarly overexpressed in carcinomas and has been linked to epigenetic regulation. A role for MUC1-C in regulating EZH2 and histone methylation is not known. Here, we demonstrate that targeting MUC1-C in diverse human carcinoma cells downregulates EZH2 and other PRC2 components. MUC1-C activates (i) the EZH2 promoter through induction of the pRB→E2F pathway, and (ii) an NF-κB p65 driven enhancer in exon 1. We also show that MUC1-C binds directly to the EZH2 CXC region adjacent to the catalytic SET domain and associates with EZH2 on the CDH1 and BRCA1 promoters. In concert with these results, targeting MUC1-C downregulates EZH2 function as evidenced by (i) global and promoter-specific decreases in H3K27 trimethylation (H3K27me3), and (ii) activation of tumor suppressor genes, including BRCA1. These findings highlight a previously unreported role for MUC1-C in activating EZH2 expression and function in cancer cells.
Reformulation of Mixture Theory-Based Poroelasticity for Interstitial Tissue Growth

This contribution presents an alternative approach to mixture theory-based poroelasticity by transferring some poroelastic concepts developed by Biot to mixture theory. These concepts are a larger RVE and the subRVE-RVE velocity average tensor, which Biot called the micro-macro velocity average tensor. This velocity average tensor is assumed here to depend upon the pore structure fabric. The formulation of mixture theory presented is directed toward the modeling of interstitial growth, that is to say changing mass and changing density of an organism. Growth is slow and accelerations are neglected in the applications. The velocity of a solid constituent is employed as the main reference velocity in preference to the mean velocity concept from the original formulation of mixture theory. The standard development of statements of the conservation principles and entropy inequality employed in mixture theory are easily modified to account for these kinematic changes and to allow for supplies of mass, momentum and energy to each constituent and to the mixture as a whole. The objective is to establish a basis for the development of constitutive equations for growth of tissues.
The Perceived Effect of Time on HIV/AIDS Identity Incorporation.

Individuals experience disease in a variety of contexts. In this study, I examined how the temporal context (e.g., historical time, social time, chronological age and the passage of time) affected the incorporation of the HIV/AIDS identity into the self. I used semi structured interviews to collect data from 36 individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Historical time did little to influence the initial reaction to the diagnosis. Chronological age shaped the initial reaction to the diagnosis for some participants. Social time affected immersion in the HIV/AIDS community and the passage of time influenced the integration of the HIV/AIDS identity into the self. The findings add depth to extant studies on the incorporation of the HIV/AIDS identity into the self. Key Words: Time, HIV/AIDS, Self, Social Identity, Basic Qualitative Study. Since the widespread use of life-extending medications, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has been considered a chronic illness for countries where highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is available (Mahungu, Roger, & Johnson, 2009). The number of individuals 13 years or older living with AIDS in the United States grew from approximately 219,000 to 470,000 between 1996 and 2008 (Torian, Chen, Rhodes, & Hall, 2011). Living with a chronic illness such as HIV/AIDS requires that individuals contemplate the effect of that illness on oneself. Due to medical advances, people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) face developmental tasks they might not have previously. They might need to consider preparing for retirement, taking care of aging parents while working full time or learning to become a grandparent. A person’s self is also adjusted shaped and changed throughout life. Those that champion identity theory assert that “persons have as many identities as distinct networks of relationships in which they occupy positions and play roles” (Stryker & Burke, 2000, p. 286). Rooted in structural symbolic interactionism, Stryker’s strand of identity theory has several points. First, individuals’ access to smaller social networks is influenced by “the larger social structure within which the networks are embedded” (Burke & Stets, 2009, p. 45). Hence, different networks are available to different individuals. Second, different roles can be enacted across a variety of networks and these roles are arranged in a salience hierarchy with the more salient identities more likely to be enacted across various contexts (Stryker, 1980). Third, the salience of an identity depends on the commitment to that identity which can be measured by the “number of persons one is related to through that identity” and the depth of ties to others based on that identity (Burke & Stets, 2009, p. 47). “Tom” might have a highly salient Person Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) identity. He might work as a counselor at an AIDS Service Organization (ASO) and talk about his experiences of being HIV-positive with clients. He might volunteer to educate others in his community about HIV/AIDS by speaking to
Mobility management for wireless networks: modeling and analysis

Mobility management plays a significant role in the current and the future wireless mobile networks in effectively delivering services to the mobile users on the move. Many schemes have been proposed and investigated extensively in the past. However, most performance analyses were carried out either under simplistic assumptions on some time variables or via simulations. Recently, we have developed a new analytical approach to investigating the modeling and performance analysis for mobility management schemes under fairly general assumption. In this chapter, we present the techniques we have developed for this aproach lately and summarize the major results we have obtained for a few mobility management schemes such as Movement-based Mobility Management, Pointer Forwarding Scheme (PFS), Two-level location management scheme, and Two-Location Algorithm (TLA).
Denialism as Applied Skepticism: Philosophical and Empirical Considerations

The scientific community, we hold, often provides society with knowledge—that the HIV virus causes AIDS, that anthropogenic climate change is underway, that the MMR vaccine is safe. Some deny that we have this knowledge, however, and work to undermine it in others. It has been common (but not uncontroversial) to refer to such agents as “denialists”. At first glance, then, denialism appears to be a form of skepticism. But while we know that various denialist strategies for suppressing belief are generally effective, little is known about which strategies are most effective. We see this as an important first step toward their remediation. This paper leverages the approximate comparison to various forms of philosophical skepticism to design an experimental test of the efficacy of four broad strategies of denial at suppressing belief in specific scientific claims. Our results suggest that assertive strategies are more effective at suppressing belief than questioning strategies.
The effects of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate on gut microbial composition: A systematic review of evidence from animal and human studies

Oral glucosamine sulfate (GS) and chondroitin sulfate (CS), while widely marketed as joint-protective supplements, have limited intestinal absorption and are predominantly utilized by gut microbiota. Hence the effects of these supplements on the gut microbiome are of great interest, and may clarify their mode of action, or explain heterogeneity in therapeutic responses. We conducted a systematic review of animal and human studies reporting the effects of GS or CS on gut microbial composition. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scopus databases for journal articles in English from database inception until July 2018, using search terms microbiome, microflora, intestinal microbiota/flora, gut microbiota/flora and glucosamine or chondroitin. Eight original articles reported the effects of GS or CS on microbiome composition in adult humans (four articles) or animals (four articles). Studies varied significantly in design, supplementation protocols, and microbiome assessment methods. There was moderate-quality evidence for an association between CS exposure and increased abundance of genus Bacteroides in the murine and human gut, and low-quality evidence for an association between CS exposure and an increase in Desulfovibrio piger species, an increase in Bacteroidales S24-7 family, and a decrease in Lactobacillus. We discuss the possible metabolic implications of these changes for the host. For GS, evidence of effects on gut microbiome was limited to one low-quality study. This review highlights the importance of considering the potential influence of oral CS supplements on gut microbiota when evaluating their effects and safety for the host.
Evaluation of non-completion of intraperitoneal chemotherapy in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE To identify factors associated with non-completion of intraperitoneal with intravenous chemotherapy [IP/IV] in women with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). METHODS This was an Institutional Review Board approved, retrospective cohort study in women with stage III EOC following optimal cytoreductive surgery (CRS) (<1 cm) followed by IP/IV chemotherapy from 2000-2016. Demographic, surgical, and oncologic variables were collected. Pearson χ² test and 2 sample t-test evaluated for variables associated with IP/IV chemotherapy completion. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS Of 96 women, 71.9% (n=69) completed 6 cycles of IP/IV chemotherapy. The majority had high grade serous histology (n=82; 85.4%) and stage IIIC disease (n=83; 86.5%). Common reasons for IP/IV chemotherapy discontinuation were grade 3-4 gastrointestinal (n=10; 37.0%), neurologic (n=6; 22.2%), hematologic (n=3; 11.1%), renal toxicities (n=3; 11.1%) and port infections (n=3; 11.1%). Incidence of IP port complications was 20.8% (n=20). Port complications (48.0% vs. 11.6%; p<0.001) and hospitalization during chemotherapy (29.6% vs. 2.9%; p<0.001) were more frequent in patients who discontinued IP/IV chemotherapy. Patients who completed IP/IV chemotherapy had higher rates of home discharge following CRS (92.2% vs. 72.0%; p<0.01) and lower Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score (0 vs. 1.0; p=0.04). There was no significant difference in PFS (p=0.51) nor OS (p=0.38) between the cohorts. CONCLUSION In this series, the rate of IP/IV chemotherapy completion is high. Non-home discharge and higher ECOG status following CRS are associated with IP/IV chemotherapy non-completion and should be considered in treatment planning.
Nonlinear normal modes in the β-Fermi-Pasta-Ulam-Tsingou chain

Abstract Nonlinear normal mode solutions of the β -FPUT chain with fixed boundaries are presented in terms of the Jacobi s n function. Exact solutions for the two particle chain are found for arbitrary linear and nonlinear coupling strengths. Solutions for the N -body chain are found for the case of purely nonlinear couplings. Three distinct solution types are presented: a linear analogue, a chaotic amplitude mapping, and a localized nonlinear mode. The relaxation of perturbed modes are also explored using l 1 -regularized least squares regression to estimate the free energy functional near the nonlinear normal mode solution. The perturbed modes are observed to decay sigmoidally towards a quasi-equilibrium state and a logarithmic relationship between the perturbation strength and mode lifetime is found.
Survival Outcomes of Very Small Drug-Eluting Beads Used in Chemoembolization of Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Abstract Purpose To assess the safety and efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization using a 75-μm drug-eluting embolic (DEE) in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and Methods The medical records of 109 patients with a mean age of 64.1 years (range 85–49) treated for unresectable HCC between November 2013 and August 2016 with transarterial chemoembolization using a 75-μm DEE were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who had prior therapy for HCC were excluded. Child-Pugh A patients and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stages A/B patients constituted 68.8% and 65.1% of the patients, respectively. The mean size of the index tumors was 5.8 cm (range 18.5–1.2) with 42 (39%) patients with central tumors around the porta-hepatis region. Portal vein invasion was seen in 10 (9.2%) patients. Tumor response was categorized according to the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors 1.1, and the toxicity profile was assessed using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.03. Results At 1-month follow-up, complete response, objective response, and disease control was seen in 23%, 66%, and 90%, respectively. The median progression-free survival was 11.2 months. The median overall survival was 25.1 months (33.4 months for Child-Pugh A and 28.2 months for Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stages A/B), and transplant-free survival was 21.3 months. The 6-, 12-, and 24-month survivals were 91.7%, 75.5%, and 50.5%, respectively. Grade 3 toxicity was seen in 1.8% of the patients; no grade 4 or 5 toxicity was reported. Conclusions Transarterial chemoembolization using 75-μm DEE is safe and efficacious in the treatment of HCC.
Fabrication of Biomimetic Artificial Compound Eyes

This paper demonstrated a novel method that combines the 3D printing as well as polymer refill and surface tension to mimic the functional complex geometry of artificial apposition compound eyes. In recent years, the camera system inspired by the compound eye have attracted a lot of attention in recent years thanks to several advantages including a wide field of view, highly sensitive to detect moving objects, and fast response time.
Structures of Geometry

The objects of modern Geometry, spaces, like all objects of modern Mathematics, are sets of elements of arbitrary nature endowed with some mathematical structure. Such is the formulation in the best Encyclopaedia of Mathematics, the Elements of Mathematics by N. Bourbaki [Boul–9]. Many books in this encyclopaedic series, in particular Topological Vector Spaces [Bou5], and Lie Groups and Algebras [Bou8], are closely connected with modern Geometry, and the title Elements of Bourbaki emphasizes that this mathematical Encyclopaedia is a successor of the classical mathematical Encyclopaedia of Antiquity, the Elements of Euclid [Euc], the main part of which is devoted to geometry.
The electronic life of texts: insights from corpus linguistics for all fields of English

More English literary and nonliterary texts “go electronic” and often online every day, from literary projects like EEBO (Early English Books Online) to linguistics projects like ARCHER (A Representative Corpus of Historical English Registers), from lexicographic projects like the Oxford English Dictionary Online to projects so ambitious they are almost uncategorizable, like Google’s digitization of entire university libraries. How should researchers and teachers of English best exploit these new electronic riches? Scholars in English corpus linguistics have been pushing the boundaries and addressing the challenges of working with collections of electronic texts for decades, in ways that can usefully inform all sub-disciplines of English literature and language study. This chapter focuses on the new research opportunities and lines of questioning that electronic text collections open in a variety of fields, on the wisdom gained in corpus linguistics on best practices for working with electronic texts, and on muchneeded conversations between scholars in all sub-disciplines of English for how best to build electronic text collections so they can answer the questions we want to ask.
Separation and Quantification of Superwarfarin Rodenticide Diastereomers—Bromadiolone, Difenacoum, Flocoumafen, Brodifacoum, and Difethialone—in Human Plasma

Background Superwarfarins, second-generation long-acting anticoagulant rodenticides, are 4-hydroxycoumarin analogues of warfarin that contain a large hydrophobic side chain. These compounds contain two chiral centers and are synthesized for commercial use as two pairs of diastereomer. Objective To support studies of superwarfarin pharmacokinetics and other efforts to improve clinical care for poisoning victims, a quantitative assay was developed for the measurement of diastereomer of bromadiolone, difenacoum, flocoumafen, brodifacoum, and difethialone in human plasma. Method Based on ultrahigh-pressure liquid chromatography-tandem mass-spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS), this method was validated according to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines. Sample preparation involved simple protein precipitation followed by reversed phase UHPLC, which resolved all five pairs of cis/trans diastereomer in less than 10 min. Superwarfarins were measured using negative ion electrospray followed by selected-reaction monitoring on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Results Calibration curves covered 3-4 orders of magnitude with linear regression coefficients of >0.999. The lower limits of quantitation were from 0.013 to 2.41 ng/mL, and intra-day and inter-day accuracy and precision coefficients of variation were Conclusions A 10-min UHPLC-MS/MS assay was developed and validated for the separation and quantitative analysis of the pairs of diastereomer of five superwarfarins in human plasma. Highlights This method was used to identify and measure superwarfarins and their cis/trans diastereomers in plasma obtained from patients treated for coagulopathy following consumption of contaminated synthetic cannabinoid products.
The role of diagnostic hysteroscopy in diagnosis of incomplete uterine septum/significant arcuate uterine anomaly in infertile patients in the era of transvaginal 3D ultrasound scan

To determine the accuracy of measurement of internal indentation length on transvaginal 3D ultrasound scan (TV 3D US) in detecting patients with an incomplete uterine septum (IUS) or a significant arcuate uterine anomaly (AUA) based on the actual length as measured on diagnostic hysteroscopy. We compared the mean internal indentation length on TV 3D US and on diagnostic hysteroscopy in patients with IUS or a significant AUA. This is a retrospective study of 546 patients who were found to have IUS (134) or significant AUA (412) on diagnostic hysteroscopy and who had TV 3D US prior to surgery. The mean internal indentation length measured in millimeter on hysteroscopy was significantly higher than the mean internal indentation length measured on TV 3D US in patients with IUS (16.7 + 5.5 vs 5.5 + 4.2; P < 0.001), in patients with significant AUA (12.9 + 2.8 vs 3.9 + 4.6; P < 0.001), and in the overall population (13.8 + 4.0 vs 4.3 + 4.5; P < 0.001). The same findings were obtained when the comparison was limited to patients who had moderate significant internal indentation length (10–14 mm) and those with significant internal indentation length (15–25 mm). Data in this study suggests that the mean internal indentation length in patients with IUS or AUA can be underestimated on TV 3D US. A diagnostic hysteroscopy is the only gold standard to make the correct diagnosis in these patients.
[Surveillance of soil-borne nematodiasis in Danyang City from 2012 to 2018].

OBJECTIVE To monitor the epidemic status of human soil-borne nematodiasis in Danyang City, so as to provide scientific evidence for formulating control measures. METHODS The soil-borne nematode infections were tested using a modified Kato-Katz technique among residents aged more than 3 years living in Danyang City from 2012 to 2018, and the Enterobius vermicularis eggs were detected using the transparent adhesive tape anal swab method among children at ages of 3 to 12 years. RESULTS A total of 13 540 residents were monitored for soil-borne nematode infections from 2012 to 2018, and the prevalence of human soil-borne nematode infections was 0.45%. The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichura and Enterobius vermicularis infections was 0.32%, 0.12% and 0.01%, respectively, and a single parasite infection was predominant. There were significant differences in the prevalence of soil-borne nematode (χ2 = 42.610, P < 0.05), A. lumbricoides (χ2 = 26.276, P < 0.05) and T. trichura (χ2 = 20.692, P < 0.05). The prevalence of human soil-borne nematode infections was 0.45% in males and 0.47% in females, and lower prevalence was found in local residents than in floating population (0.28% vs. 0.66%; χ2 = 10.561, P < 0.05). The highest infection was found in subjects at ages of 31 to 40 years (0.59%), followed by in subjects at ages of 41 to 50 years (0.56%), and the lowest infection was seen in children at ages of 3 to 5 years (0.27%). In addition, the prevalence of human soilborne nematode infections varied significantly in occupation (χ2 = 75.692, P < 0.05), with the highest infection seen in boatmen. Among the 5 078 children monitored, the prevalence of E. vermicularis infection was 0.37%, and the prevalence of E. vermicularis infection varied significantly in year (χ2= 15.466, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The human soil-borne nematode infection is at a low level in Danyang City; however, the surveillance of soil-borne nematodiasis remains to be intensified in children living in rural areas and immigrant populations.