cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
"WHAT HAPPENED TO OUR SENSE OF JUSTICE?" TRACING AGENCY AND CRITICAL ENGAGEMENT IN A YOUTH PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH PROJECT

Tracing the nature of critical engagement and agency among youth in a participatory action research (PAR) collective, the study attends to the manner in which critical engagement and agency developed over time for the youth researchers. The focus of the project was to conduct a survey among ninth grade students concerning their early high school experience, using participatory methods in data collection, analysis, and reporting back. Data collection included participant observation and review of footage of project activities, field notes, and the youth researchers’ auto-ethnographic texts and creative products. Access to the ninth grade students was clearly achieved, and they were informed first among many stakeholders about the results of the survey; however, the classroom setting proved challenging in terms of facilitating critical engagement, compromising youth researchers’ sense of agency. The university setting served as a site conducive to inquiry and agency for the youth.
Semiconductor laser amplifiers for ultrafast all-optical signal processing

Recent progress in the use of semiconductor laser amplifiers (SLA's) for high-speed all-optical switching is reviewed. We show that, despite SLA's having lifetimes of ⩾100 ps, they are, to date, the most promising material system for all-optical ultrafast signal processing. We highlight the role of SLA carrier dynamics, which permits switching rates faster than the recovery time. Experimental results are presented that imply that switching rates of as much as ∼100 GHz should be possible. Recent experiments are described in which SLA-based switches were incorporated into novel all-optical architectures.
Hand tracking using spatial gesture modeling and visual feedback for a virtual DJ system

The ability to accurately track hand movement provides new opportunities for human computer interaction (HCI). Many of today's commercial hand tracking devices based on gloves can be cumbersome and expensive. An approach that avoids these problems is to use computer vision to capture hand motion.In this paper, we present a complete real-time hand tracking and 3-D modeling system based on a single camera. In our system, we extract feature points from a video stream of a hand to control a virtual hand model with 2-D global motion and 3-D local motion. The on screen model gives the user instant feedback on the estimated position of the hand. This visual feedback allows a user to compensate for the errors in tracking.The system is used for three example applications. The first application uses hand tracking and gestures to take on the role of the mouse. The second interacts with a 3D virtual environment using the 3D hand model. The last application is a virtual DJ system that is controlled by hand motion tracking and gestures.
URBAN STREET CROSS SECTION AND SPEED ISSUES

This paper discusses some impacts of restricted cross section design choices (traveled way width, parking on narrow streets, appurtenances and vegetation close to the curb) on travel speed, safety, and driver convenience.
Jets in heavy ion collisions at the LHC

In this document I present a brief review of the concepts of jet physics employed in heavy ion physics. Fast partons originating from scatterings with large momentum transfer are produced at very short time-scales and subsequently propagate through the strongly interacting medium produced in the collisions of heavy nuclei. They feature the only experimental handle available to directly study the interaction of a well defined probe and the medium. Consequently they are ideally suited to investigate the nature of the medium produced in these collisions and the mechanism of interaction between the medium and the partons. The experimental methods necessary to reconstruct jets originating from fragmenting partons in the environment of high particle multiplicity heavy ion collisions will be discussed. Physics observables suited to investigate the parton medium interaction will be introduced and a summary of recent results on jet physics in heavy ion collisions is presented.
Instructional aspects of student participation in humanitarian Free and Open Source Software: panel discussion

Active participation in Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) projects can provide students with large-scale collaborative software development experience. Frequently these experiences include interacting with an international group of professionals. The ability to participate in an active project empowers and motivates students to learn. FOSS projects of a humanitarian nature further motivate students by providing students with the satisfaction of improving the human condition in some manner. Thus Humanitarian FOSS (HFOSS) provides a fertile environment for student learning.
Communication for Effective Response in the Emerging Disaster Relief Industry

During times of emergency, private organizations as well as local, state, and federal authorities must coordinate in real time to create an effective response. When coordination is absent, failure results, as was seen after Hurricane Katrina and the Haiti Earthquake. Using primary data that the authors collected immediately after these disasters, two case studies of systemic failure are presented to illustrate theory that might be used to improve coordination between parties in humanitarian relief operations. We identify recent emergency response trends and argue that failures are unsurprising, in part because response organizations normally operate independently and their operations evolve at naturally different rates. As a result, the organizational interfaces that enable rapid integration during a disaster naturally degrade and may be missing. We draw on information processing theory and the organization design literature to propose that disaster response systems be designed (1) to improve the information flow across the organizational boundaries of existing resources, (2) to better adapt to new technology such as social media, and (3) to be flexible enough to make use of external resources from unaffected areas on an opportunistic basis. We discuss possible adaptive solutions, which include boundary spanning investments. We argue that effective emergency response does not result from sporadic effort but instead requires sustained and continuous effort supported by the consistent collection of both “big” and “small” data.
The Reign of Terror

Traditionally, historians have endorsed the idea that the Reign of Terror that occurred as a part of the French Revolution lasted for a period of three and a half years. Ellen White, for instance, noted in regard to the length of the French Revolution that “It was in 1793 that the decrees which abolished the Christian religion and set aside the Bible, passed the French Assembly. Three years and a half later a resolution rescinding these decrees, thus granting toleration to Scripture, was adopted by the same body.”1 However, do the facts sustain a period of three and a half years of terror by the governing body of France? Or did the declaration against Christianity and the Bible last only a few weeks or months at the most? Critical students such as Harold Snide call this time period into question, proposing instead that the Reign of Terror “ended after a few months.”2 Snide contends that
Improving goodput in IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs by using variable size and variable rate (VSVR) schemes: Research Articles

In IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs, channel quality, network load, as well as the protocol itself are time-varying, limiting the goodput performance improvement in wireless LANs. Therefore, it becomes critical to dynamically adjust parameters of MAC and PHY layers according to variations of channel quality. In this paper, we propose variable frame size and variable data rate schemes for goodput enhancement. We first propose two optimal frame size predictors: a goodput regulator to maintain the committed goodput for non-greedy applications and an optimal frame size predictor for maximizing the goodput for greedy applications. Then, we propose a data rate drafting scheme and develop a variable size and variable rate (VSVR) scheme for further goodput improvement. Our extensive simulation results show that the proposed VSVR algorithm can double the channel goodput of current implementations. Moreover, the proposed scheme can be easily integrated with the current implementations of the wireless LAN MAC protocol. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regional autoregulatory responses during infusion of vasoconstrictor agents in conscious dogs

We investigated pressure-dependent autoregulatory responses in mesenteric, iliac, and renal vascular beds of conscious dogs during intravenous infusion of angiotensin II, phenylephrine, or arginine vasopressin at rates which increased arterial pressure by 20-40 mmHg. The arteries supplying these beds were instrumented with an electromagnetic flow probe, a nonoccluding catheter, and an electromagnetic flow probe, a nonoccluding catheter, and an occluder cuff connected with a servo-amplifier, which enabled us to return perfusion pressure to control levels during infusion of the vasoconstrictor agents. We attempted to differentiate between the increase in vascular resistance due to the direct effect of the vasoconstrictor agent and the increase induced by an autoregulatory response induced by elevations of aortic perfusion pressure. We measured a strong degree of autoregulation in the renal vascular bed with a fractional compensation value close to 1. Moderate autoregulation occurred in the mesenteric vascular bed, where the compensation was 0.4-0.5 with angiotensin II and phenylephrine and between 0.74 and 0.94 with vasopressin. No autoregulatory capacity could be demonstrated in the hindlimb. The findings indicate that, under conditions of increased systemic blood pressure, both the renal and the mesenteric vascular beds contribute to the increase in total peripheral resistance by pressure-dependent vasoconstrictor responses.
The Commission’s Strategies for Designing an Emissions Trading Scheme for the European Union

This case study is the first of three that all aim to provide theory-ground ed, empirically rich contributions to an issue that has been haunting our discipline for decades: the role of knowledge in policy. The mechanisms of learning in a functionally differentiated Commission are addressed by identifying conditions under which learning takes place in different modes (politicized and technocratic). We argue that the organizational function of either mandate delivery or power maximization determines whether knowledge is used cognitively or instrumentally. The analysis of the policy-formulation process of the ETS — the EU’s market-based mechanism to reduce CO2l — will allow us to identify several strategies of knowledge utilization under these two different conditions.
High Catalytic Efficiency Combined with High Selectivity for the Aldehyde–Water Shift Reaction using (para-cymene)Ruthenium Precatalysts

A family of (para-cymene)RuII complexes are shown to be competent precatalysts for the oxidation of aldehydes to carboxylic acids using water as the oxidant. This reaction, known as the “aldehyde–water shift” (AWS), has been previously demonstrated to be in competition with aldehyde disproportionation. For the few reported mononuclear catalysts for this reaction, either high selectivity for AWS and low conversion or low AWS selectivity and high conversion is observed. A homogeneous precatalyst which is both highly selective for the desired AWS and is highly efficient for conversion of the aldehyde to products is reported herein. In addition, catalyst activity is found to be general to a variety of sterically unencumbered aliphatic aldehydes producing the corresponding carboxylic acid and hydrogen gas.
Candidate volcanic and impact-induced ice depressions on Mars

Abstract We present an analysis of two concentrically-fractured depressions on Mars, one in northern Hellas and the second in Galaxias Fossae. Volumetric measurements indicate that ∼2.4 km3 and ∼0.2 km3 of material was removed in order to form the North Hellas and Galaxias depressions. The removed material is inferred to be predominantly water ice. Calorimetric estimates suggest that up to ∼103–105 m3 of magma would have been required to melt/sublimate such a volume of ice under an ice/magma interaction scenario. This process would lead to subsidence and cracking of the surface, which could produce the observed concentric fracture (crevasse-like) morphology. While the Galaxias Fossae landform morphology is consistent with an impact origin, the large volume of removed material in North Hellas is less consistent with an impact origin and is interpreted to have resulted from volcanic melting of ice. The possibility of liquid water formation during or subsequent to volcanism or an impact could generate locally-enhanced habitable conditions, making these features tantalizing geological and astrobiological exploration targets.
Autonomous 6D-docking and manipulation with non-stationary-base using self-reconfigurable modular robots

Aggregation of self-reconfigurable robotic modules can potentially offer many advantages for robotic locomotion and manipulation. The resulting system could be more reliable and fault-tolerant and provide the necessary flexibility for new tasks and environments. However, self-aggregation of modules is a challenging task, especially when the alignment of the docking parties in a 3D environment involves both position and orientation (6D), since the bases of docking may be non-stationary (e.g., floating in space, underwater, or moving along the ground), and the end-effectors may have accumulated uncertainties due to many dynamically-established connections between modules. This paper presents a new framework for docking in such a context and describes a solution for sensor-guided self-reconfiguration and manipulation with non-fixed bases. The main contributions of the paper include a realistic experiment setting for 6D docking where a modular manipulator is floating or rotating in space with a reaction wheel and searches and docks with a target module using vision. The movement of the docking parties is a combination of floating and manipulation, and the precision of the docking is guided by a sensor located at the tip of the docking interface. The docking itself is planned and executed by a real-time algorithm with a theoretical convergence boundary. This new framework has been tested in a high-fidelity physics-based simulator, as well as by real robotic modules based on SuperBot. Experimental results have shown an average success rate of more than 86.7 percent in a variety of different 6D-docking scenarios.
When a joke represents so much more: the end of PLANET and the rise of planners 2040

This invited essay discusses the closure of the PLANET listserv in March 2016 following controversy over issues of inclusivity and civil discourse, and the subsequent creation of the Planners 2040 ...
KidKeeper: Design for Capturing Audio Mementos of Everyday Life for Parents of Young Children

Children grow up fast. Many parents want to capture the candid, fleeting moments of their young children's lives to treasure later, but these moments are difficult to anticipate and to capture without disruption. Current technologies to address this are limited to indiscriminately capturing everything, or are dependent on parents' presence and prescience to initiate capture and manually record the moment. To address these limitations, we introduce KidKeeper, a toy-like system to capture, select, and deliver everyday family memories with minimal effort and disruption to family life. It uses an innovative approach to capture that we call "integrated capture," that combines previous attempts to continuously capture family memories with the practice-oriented approach of "unremarkable computing" to embed capture capabilities unobtrusively into everyday activities. In our study, we explore how technologies like KidKeeper mediate and align the different interests and values of various family members, namely parents who want precious moments and children who want to play, towards accomplishing a family goal to capture memories of everyday life.
Using "I Am Moving, I Am Learning" to Increase Quality Instruction in Head Start Classrooms.

Quality teacher-child interactions are characteristic of effective classrooms resulting in benefits for all children, but may be particularly important for children from low-income families. The purpose of this study was to explore the perception of Illinois Head Start teachers related to how I am Moving, I am Learning (IMIL) could improve the quality of their instruction as measured by the Classroom assessment scoring system (CLASS®), an observation instrument used to assess the quality of teacher-child interactions across three broad domains and their supporting dimensions. While the study found that early childhood professionals perceive IMIL as a meaningful resource, additional research is needed to substantiate the preliminary findings as well as to guide training initiatives that would help Head Start professionals to make the connection between IMIL and the CLASS®.
General Relativity and Quantum Theory—Ontological Investigations

It is common to note that the two great theoretical frameworks of twentieth-century physics, quantum theory and general relativity, are prima facie incompatible. Within the physics community, the incompatibility is largely discussed on a technical level. In this paper, I would like to frame the problem more conceptually, focussing on the respective ontologies of the two frameworks.
Performance verification for robot missions in uncertain environments

Abstract Establishing a-priori mission performance guarantees is crucial if autonomous robots are to be used with confidence in missions where failure could incur high costs in life and property damage. Automatic mission software verification, in addition to simulation and experimental benchmarking, is a key component of the solution for establishing performance guarantees. This component requires automatically verifying that the software constructed by the mission designer when executed in a partially known environment will adhere to the performance guarantee. In prior work we developed VIPARS, a unique approach to verifying performance guarantees for autonomous behavior-based robot software based on a combination of static analysis and Bayesian networks. While that approach produced fast and accurate verification of single robot missions with robot motion uncertainty, it did not address multiple-robot missions or any form of uncertainty related to environment geometry. This paper addresses the challenges involved in building a software tool for verifying the behavior of a multi-robot waypoint mission that includes uncertainly located obstacles and uncertain environment geometry as well as uncertainty in robot motion. An approach is presented to the problem of a-priori specification of uncertain environments for robot program verification. Two approaches to modeling probabilistic localization for verification are presented: a high-level approach and an approach that allows run-time localization code to be embedded in verification. Verification and experimental validation results are presented for several autonomous robot missions, demonstrating the accuracy of verification and the mission-specific benefit of localization
Coming of Age with Cancer: Physical, Social, and Financial Barriers to Independence among Emerging Adult Survivors

Author(s): Brauer, Eden; Pieters, Huibrie C; Ganz, Patricia A; Landier, Wendy; Pavlish, Carol; Heilemann, MarySue V | Abstract: PURPOSE:To explore the transition to self-care among a sample of emerging adult cancer survivors after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). . PARTICIPANTS a SETTING:18 HCT survivors who were aged 18-29 years at the time of HCT for a primary hematologic malignancy and were 8-60 months post-HCT participated in the study. The study took place in the hematology outpatient setting at City of Hope National Medical Center. . METHODOLOGIC APPROACH:The authors conducted in-depth semistructured interviews and analyzed interview transcripts using grounded theory methodology. . FINDINGS:Health-related setbacks following HCT disrupted not only participants' journey toward self-care, but also their overarching developmental trajectory toward adulthood. Physically, participants struggled with lack of personal space around caregivers, but felt unready to live on their own. Socially, they relied on multiple caregivers to avoid relying too much on any one person. Financially, participants worried about prolonged dependence and increased needs in the future. . IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING:Nurses can support the transition to self-care among emerging adults after HCT by recognizing the broader developmental impact of their cancer experience.
The computational complexity of deciding whether a finite algebra generates a minimal variety

We prove that the problem of deciding whether a finite algebra of finite signature generates a minimal variety is complete for deterministic 2EXPTIME.
Publisher Correction: Youth Subgroups who Receive John F. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program Services

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake. The given name and the family name of the corresponding author had been interchanged. The correct name is Ka Ho Brian Chor.
Técnicas de observación directa para estudiar interacciones sociales infantiles entre los Toba

Observacion directa significa que el antropologo esta ahi, en el lugar donde se desarrolla la accion y esta preparado para registrar lo que esta ocurriendo. La autora estudia tecnicas antropologicas de observacion directa de la conducta humana, utilizando ejemplos de su propia investigacion sobre interacciones sociales infantiles en una comunidad Toba de Formosa (Argentina). E1 diseno de la investigacion se inspiro en (a) estudios antropologicos sobre conducta infantil en sociedades cazadoras-recolectoras, y (b) tecnicas de observacion en etologia humana. Se describe la tecnica, se explica la clase de datos que se pueden obtener con ella, y se plantean problemas que surgen de la observacion directa de hechos sociales. A partir de ejemplos tomados en situaciones de juego infantil se muestra e1 manejo cuantitativo y estadistico que permiten los datos. Como ejemplo se analizan conductas de liderazgo y agresion entre pares.
Bifurcation Analyses for Shallow Arches

An analysis based on Koiter's initial post-buckling theory is presented for the asymmetric buckling of clamped and pinned shallow arches, uniformly loaded. Based on a linear prebuckling state, the post-buckling analysis indicates that the asymmetric bifurcations occur as predicted by the exact theory, and that these bifurcations are generally unstable. A comparison is also made between the present shallow arch results and those obtained using a steep arch theory, and good agreement is shown over the expected range of agreement. Finally, it is shown that the Budiansky-Hutchinson formalism is a somewhat simpler approach to the post-buckling analysis than is Koiter's development.
Grain Growth During Sintering

Grain growth in metals and ceramics has been studied extensively for the past twenty-five years. In a recent review(1) Burke has considered the process in detai 1, especially as it occurs in ceramics. Much of the earlier work involved determination of the kinetics of grain growth in pure, single phase materials while more recent papers have considered the effect of porosity, second phases, and solute segregation on grain growth. In this review grain growth during sintering will be considered. The initial density in a sintered body will initially be very low and may reach theoretical density. During sintering grain growth occurs but the grain growth laws derived for dense materials will not apply. The qualitative and quantitative description of grain growth during sintering will be considered in detail. The examples considered will all be ceramics but the ideas can be also applied to sintered metal bodies as well. It will be seen that quantitative laws for grain growth in a sintering body are not available and only a qualitative description of the processes involved is possible.
Electron—Ion Recombination in High-Pressure Gases

This paper reviews recent experimental and theoretical research on recombination of electrons and ions in molecular gases at high pressure.
Genetic Transformation in Larix Species (Larches)

Larch has advantages as a model system in the application of genetic engineering to conifers. First, it is relatively easy to regenerate plants from various sources in vitro in larches. Since the first report on organogenesis from callus cultures of Larix by Momot (1976), organogenesis from juvenile tissues (Bonga and McInnis 1983; Bonga 1984; Karnosky and Diner 1984) and mature tissues (Bonga 1984), and embryogenesis from gametophyte tissue (Nagmani and Bonga 1985), immature embryos (Von Aderkas et al. 1990), and protoplast cultures (Klimaszewska 1989) have been reported. Because reliable regeneration systems from cells or tissue cultures are an essential prerequisite for genetic transformation in both direct and indirect gene transfer methods, established regeneration systems (Karnosky 1992) in larch make this species a promising candidate for genetic transformation in conifers. Second, while the host range of Agrobacterium has been limited with regard to conifers, larch is susceptible to Agrobacterium (Diner and Karnosky 1987; Huang et al. 1991). Thus, the prerequisites for successful transformation have been established in larch.
Studies on the physiological functions of thiamine. 3. The phosphorylation of thiamine in brain.

Abstract A specific and highly sensitive assay for rat brain thiamine pyrophosphokinase (ATP: thiamine pyrophosphotransferase, EC 2.7.6.2) activity was developed utilizing the recombination of yeast apotransketolase ( d -sedoheptulose-7-phosphate: d -glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate glycolaldehydetransferase, EC 2.2.1.1) with thiamine pyrophosphate to form active transketolase. Contaminating thiamine pyrophosphokinase activity was removed from the apotransketolase by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose. With this assay 10 pmoles of thiamine pyrophosphate could be assayed. Thiamine pyrophosphokinase was purified 12-fold from rat brain acetone powders. The pH optimum was 7.8 in glycylglycine buffer, and the Km was found to be 0.02 M for ATP and 0.12 μM for thiamine pyrophosphate. Pyrithiamine gave a Ki of 0.20 μM and oxythiamine 0.15 mM. Oxythiamine was phosphorylated to give an active inhibitor of transketolase.
Modeling of reinforced concrete structures for nonlinear seismic simulation

Performance-based seismic engineering has led to a surge in the use of nonlinear tools for seismic evaluation of structures. An overview of modeling techniques that can be used to analyze reinforce...
A New Model for No-Fault and Workers’ Compensation Insurance

The current system of no-fault and workers’ compensation is broken. It is rife with fraud! In order to protect against fraud the insurance carriers over-aggressively deny coverage. True victims of accidents are therefore unduly denied coverage. This paper suggests new system for dealing with care, payments and fraud detection in the no-fault and workers’ compensation arena.
The effect of fear of falling on prefrontal cortex activation and efficiency during walking in older adults

Neural inefficiency is inferred when higher brain activations are associated with similar or worse performance. Improved neural efficiency is achieved when task-related brain activations are reduced after practice. No information is available on the effect of fear-of-falling (FOF) on brain activation during walking. We hypothesized that the presence of FOF would be associated with neural inefficiency and with a delay in improving neural efficiency during dual-task walking. Task conditions included single-task walk (STW), Alpha (cognitive interference), and dual-task walk (DTW). Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)-derived HbO2 in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) was used to quantify task-related changes in brain activation. Practice included three repeated counterbalanced trials for each task. Participants with FOF (n = 19; mean age = 79.84 ± 6.01 years; %female = 68.42) and without FOF (n = 56; mean age = 76.73 ± 6.39 years; %female = 44.64) were included. The presence of FOF was associated with slower stride velocity (estimate = − 12.354; p = 0.0154) and with greater increases in PFC HbO2 from STW to DTW (estimate = 0.303, p = 0.0009) and from Alpha to DTW (estimate = 0.387, p < 0.0001). Compared to controls, participants reporting FOF demonstrated an attenuated decline in PFC HbO2 from the first to the second DTW trials (estimate = 0.264; p = 0.0173). In contrast, compared to controls, participants with FOF demonstrated greater decline in Alpha PFC HbO2 from trial 1 to trial 2 (estimate = − 0.419, p < 0.0001) and from trial 1 to 3 (estimate = − 0.281, p = 0.0006). The change in PFC HbO2 over repeated STW trials was not significant and was not moderated by FOF status. The presence of FOF was associated with higher and inefficient PFC activation during DTW in older adults.
Conducting Ethnographic Research in Low Literate, Economically Weak Underserved Spaces: An Introduction to Iconic Legisigns-Guided Interviewing (ILGI)

This article introduces a methodology, “Iconic Legisigns-Guided Interviewing,” which aims at understanding and addressing communicative, cultural, and contextual gaps at the margins that have histo...
A linguistic analysis of user-generated book reviews: Truthful, deceiving or influential?

This study presents an analysis of 474,803 unique Goodreads reviews of the top-rated books in 2014. Studies of user-generated reviews have considered a range of issues, including analysis of what makes a review helpful.
Case of the Week: Preoperative MR/CT Diagnosis of Left L2-L3 Disc Surgically Documented As Massive Synovial Cyst.

Background The diagnosis of a lumbar herniated disc, stenosis, and other degenerative findings are typically established preoperatively with MR scans, supplemented with non-contrast CT studies. Here, a 77-year-old female, diagnosed as having L2-S1 stenosis and a large left-sided L2-L3 herniated disc was found at surgery to have a massive left-sided L2-L3 synovial cyst. Case description A 77-year-old female was followed by pain management for 6-months with proximal left lower extremity weakness. The lumbar MR at that time was read as demonstrating a large left L2-L3 disc herniation with inferior migration to the L3 mid pedicle level, accompanied by L2-S1 lumbar stenosis. When she finally consulted neurosurgery, she exhibited severe left iliopsoas and quadriceps weakness (2/5), absent lower extremity reflexes, and profound decreased pin appreciation in the left L2-L3 distributions. The repeat MR and new CT studies confimred a large left L2-L3 disc accompanied by moderate/marked L2-S1 stenosis. However, at surgery, consisting of a laminectomy L2-S1, the supposed left L2-L3 disc proved to be a massive synovial cyst. Postoperatively, the patient regained normal function, and remained neurologically intact 6 months later. Conclusion In this 77 year-old female, the preoperative MR and CT scans were interpreted as showing a "typical" large left L2-L3 herniated disc. This proved at surgery to be a massive left L2-L3 synovial cyst. As demonstrated in this case, older patients with degenerative lumbar disease/stenosis, may have synovial cysts that mimic disc herniations both clinically and on preoperative diagnostic studies.
Crafting the Future of Macro Practice

This Discussion of the Special Issue addresses four interlocking questions of importance for social work macro practice: (1) What is the trajectory of macro practice in schools of social work?; (2)...
Migration and Land-Use and Land-Cover Change in Burkina Faso: a comparative case study

In the Sahelian country of Burkina Faso, West Africa, population pressure, poor resource management, and reduced rainfall have exacerbated land degradation. A rapidly growing population coupled with high rates of internal rural migration and thirty years of desiccation have resulted in profound land-use/land-cover change (LULCC) throughout the country. In the Central Plateau and northern regions of Burkina Faso, land degradation has historically stimulated large-scale out-migration toward more fertile areas in the south. While some northern provinces are being rehabilitated by Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) projects, southern provinces, considered more "pristine", have been neglected. In recent decades, researchers have attributed the initiation of land degradation processes in southern regions to this influx of migrants from the north. This study presents an empirical controlled case study between two provinces to better understand the dynamics of migration and LULC. One province, Bam Province in the north, has long been a zone of departure while Sissili Province in the south has long been a destination zone. Using a regional political ecology framework, we integrate a time series of LULCC data with demographic census data and local narratives to compare migration and LULCC trends in Bam and Sissili from 1975 to 2013. We find that in-migration correlates with substantial and dramatic LULCC while out-migration is associated with only moderate LULCC. This controlled comparison also suggests that local land-use/land-cover change and migration dynamically interact. As environmental conditions in Bam improve and Sissili deteriorate, long-term trends of either out- or in-migration for either province stabilize, and can even become reversed.
On the journey of reconciliation: the university archivist as guide, guardian and muse

Its recently celebrated 250th anniversary (2015–2016) provided Rutgers University with an opportunity for critical and inclusive examination of its past, particularly the role of slavery and instit...
SECTION 3-2 – Safety Considerations

Publisher Summary This chapter highlights the importance of safety in a laboratory. An individual must understand all safety considerations and carry out laboratory operations with maximum safety. A number of chemicals used in the procedures are toxic and require special care. Many solvents, such as chloroform, isoamyl alcohol, isobutanol, n-butanol, formaldehyde, and ether are handled in a fume hood and with the protection for clothing, skin, and respiration. Other reagents are potential carcinogens or mutagens, such as ethidium bromide or formamide, and require protection when handling. The chapter discusses a number of procedures that require the use of 32P or other radioactive substances. Some of the equipment used in these techniques is dangerous if not handled properly. Especially dangerous is the electrical shock from power supplies for electrophoresis. The researcher must also be aware of all potential hazards and know how to deal with them safely.
Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) Actuator With Embedded Liquid Metal Curvature Sensor for Closed-Loop Control

We introduce a soft robot actuator composed of a pre-stressed elastomer film embedded with shape memory alloy (SMA) and a liquid metal (LM) curvature sensor. SMA-based actuators are commonly used as electrically-powered limbs to enable walking, crawling, and swimming of soft robots. However, they are susceptible to overheating and long-term degradation if they are electrically stimulated before they have time to mechanically recover from their previous activation cycle. Here, we address this by embedding the soft actuator with a capacitive LM sensor capable of measuring bending curvature. The soft sensor is thin and elastic and can track curvature changes without significantly altering the natural mechanical properties of the soft actuator. We show that the sensor can be incorporated into a closed-loop "bang-bang" controller to ensure that the actuator fully relaxes to its natural curvature before the next activation cycle. In this way, the activation frequency of the actuator can be dynamically adapted for continuous, cyclic actuation. Moreover, in the special case of slower, low power actuation, we can use the embedded curvature sensor as feedback for achieving partial actuation and limiting the amount of curvature change.
Pre-Operative Assessment of Patients Undergoing Spinal Cord Stimulation for Refractory Angina Pectoris.

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is used to treat a variety of chronic pain conditions refractory to more conservative management including refractory angina pectoris. We identified 31 patients who underwent SCS implantation for the indication of refractory angina at a single institution from 2003 through 2018. Sixteen patients were male, and 15 were female. Average age was 53.9 years. Prior to SCS implantation, all patients had at least one coronary angiogram. Ten (32.3%) patients had undergone percutaneous coronary intervention, and four (12.9%) had undergone coronary artery bypass grafting. Thirty patients (96.7%) were currently using anti-angina medications. Twenty-six patients (83.9%) were on antiplatelet or anticoagulant agents at the time of SCS evaluation. Spinal cord stimulation implanters must perform a comprehensive evaluation incorporating appropriate multidisciplinary care particularly in patients with refractory angina given their cardiovascular comorbidities. It is important to have baseline data (e.g., pain scores, nitroglycerin consumption, frequency of angina episodes, and a questionnaire, such as the Seattle Angina Questionnaire) to compare with follow-up data to help define treatment success. We report a single institution's pre-operative experience for patients undergoing SCS for refractory angina to illustrate unique pre-operative SCS considerations in this chronic pain population.
rigidPy: Rigidity Analysis in Python

rigidPy is a Python package that provides a set of tools necessary for studying rigidity and mechanical response in spring networks. It also includes suitable modules for generating new realizations of networks with applications in glassy systems and protein structures. rigidPy is available freely on GitHub and can be installed using Python Package Index (PyPi). The detailed setup information is provided in this paper, along with an overview of the mathematical framework that has been used in developing the package.
Ocular Manifestations and Full House Membranous Nephropathy as a Rare Presentation of Secondary Syphilis

Introduction: Syphilis is known as the great mimicker with symptoms that overlap many diseases. Here we present a patient with secondary syphilis which manifested as ocular symptoms, as well as membranous nephropathy with a full house staining pattern. Case Description: Our patient was a 54-year-old male who presented with a rash, joint pain, foamy urine and vision changes. Initial work up found a positive ANA and other autoimmune labs, and he was admitted for concern of lupus papillitis. Labs and CSF were positive for syphilis, and he was found to have nephrotic range proteinuria. Renal biopsy showed membranous nephropathy with full house staining, which is seen primarily in lupus nephritis with only one case report noting its presentation in syphilis (Jaunin E, Kissling S, Rotman S, Waeber G, Halfon M. Syphilis and parvovirus B19 co-infection imitating a lupus nephropathy: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019;98(36):e17040). He completed a course of penicillin and steroids with clinical improvement, and the diagnosis of secondary syphilis was made. Discussion: This case illustrates the importance of maintaining a broad differential diagnosis, and carefully examining all labs, imaging, pathology and symptoms in order to determine the definitive diagnosis. It also illustrates the importance of teamwork when faced with a challenge requiring input from multiple subspecialties to arrive at a final diagnosis.
Satellite hydrology; Proceedings of the Fifth Annual William T. Pecora Memorial Symposium on Remote Sensing, Sioux Falls, SD, June 10-15, 1979

Philosophical and technical backgrounds for the application of remote sensing by earth scientists are presented. Interests and activities of participating agencies of the United States and Canadian governments, universities, and the private sector in implementing satellite technology in a diverse array of water-related programs are described. Consideration is then given to applications of satellite data to the various aspects of the hydrologic cycle and man's impact on it: meteorology, snow and ice, surface water, soil moisture, ground water, wetlands, coastal zone, water quality and environment, and water use and management.
Comparison of Two Short-Range Molecular Dynamics Algorithms for Parallel Computing

In the paper we compare timing results for short-range 12/6 Lennard-Jones molecular dynamics simulation for two kinds of data structures resulting from two different kinds of 3-D computational box. For parallel and distributed computing the domain decomposition method and message-passing paradigm were applied. The programs were run on parallel computers like HP/Convex SPP1200 and Intel Paragon XP/S as well as on a network of workstations.
Methods for Estimating Litter Decomposition

Litterfall in terrestrial ecosystems represents the primary pathway for nutrient return to soil. Heterotrophic metabolism, facilitated through comminution by small insects and leaching during precipitation events, results in the release of plant litter carbon as CO2 into the atmosphere. The balance between litter inputs and heterotrophic litter decomposition influences the amount of carbon stored in the forest floor. Periodic measurements of litterfall and litter decomposition with standard techniques will provide much needed information on carbon and nutrient cycling in forests. These available methods include mass balance, litterbags, tethered leaves, and the cohort layered screen. One must consider the strengths and limitations of each method as applicable to the goals of the study, and apply the most appropriate method, or combination thereof. For all methods, sufficient replication is required to accurately estimate stand level decomposition, and site selection for deployment should represent the various microsites likely to be encountered in the forest stand being examined.
Low temperature high sensor response nano gas sensor using ITO nanofibers

Abstract Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) nanofibers were fabricated by the electrospinning process. Sensors based on these nanofibers were fabricated by applying silver paste as electrode. The morphology and crystal structure of ITO nanofibers were studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The optimal working temperature and sensor response of ITO nanofiber sensors were investigated. All results showed that ITO nanofiber sensors have good sensor response for NO2 at temperatures as low as 50 °C.
Electoral contexts that impede voter coordination

An electorate can effectively coordinate on the viable parties in its district, or a relatively large proportion of its voters may “waste” their votes on parties that fail to obtain office. Avoiding wasted votes can be more or less difficult depending on several characteristics of the electoral context. Unfortunately, many of the features of electoral contexts hypothesized to cause vote wastage have been tested piecemeal on only a handful of (non-random) cases and/or with data inappropriately aggregated to the national, rather than the district, level. Based on results from 2007 districts in 183 lower chamber elections across 21 countries, we find evidence that new electoral rules, the entry of new parties, past electoral volatility, and high district magnitudes are all likely to make coordination a challenge, with entry by new parties having the largest, most consistent effect.
The catabolism of nucleic acids in the rat. IV. The replacement of desoxyribonucleic acid in the irradiated rat.

Summary3H-thymidine was injected into rats three days before x- or sham-irradiation. Alterations in synthesis and replacement of DNA after irradiation were estimated on the basis of the changes in specific activity of DNA one to three days after exposure. Urinary β-amino isobutyric acid was also isolated in order to gain insight into radiation-induced changes of the specific activity in the precursor pools of DNA. On the third day the specific activity of DNA was lower in spleen and thymus and higher in the intestine of x-irradiated animals than that of sham-irradiated animals. The specific activity of β-amino isobutyric acid was somewhat higher on the first day and lower on the second and third day after x-irradiation than that of sham-irradiated rats. The significance of these findings in terms of inhibition of DNA-synthesis, alterations in DNA replacement and destruction of cells is discussed.
Sex as Slavery? Understanding Private Wrongs

The era of globalization has been accompanied by an increased awareness of private wrongs as well as acceleration of many forms of cross-border labor exploitation. The essay explores how refined distinctions between forced and free sex work could improve anti-trafficking policies. It addresses the understudied linkages between other forms of migration and sexual exploitation and suggests a triage approach to all forms of labor exploitation—based on harms rather than type of labor or victim. A better understanding of freedom, sex, and development will allow us to expand a human rights approach to these private wrongs. The best anti-trafficking policy is one of universal, indivisible human rights. Victims of sexual exploitation need the same things as all migrants and all workers—recognition, monitoring, resources, access to justice, and organization.
Evaluation of glass formation tendency from rate dependent thermograms

Abstract A useful glass formation parameter which is determined from differential thermal analysis (DTA) of a glass sample has been further studied and is expected to be dependent on heating rate. This has been verified by rate dependent DTA of a-As 2 SeTe 2 from which portions of a time-temperature-transformation curve are deduced
Studies of patients in a laminar air flow unit.

Six patients with acute leukemia were studied in a laminar air flow unit. Prophylactic oral and topical antibiotics were administered to suppress their endogenous microbial flora. They remained in the unit for 50 to 118 days, and 5 patients tolerated the confinement quite well. The antibiotics completely suppressed all anaerobic bacteria and fungi from the nose and ears and 25% of anaerobic bacteria and 20% of fungi from the throat. Approximately 90% of aerobic bacteria were completely suppressed from all 3 sites. All aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and 67%of fungi cultured from stool specimens were completely suppressed. Cleansing procedures significantly reduced the number of organisms on the skin but did not eliminate some species. Three of the 6 patients achieved remission of their leukemia. Three patients never developed infection, and 2 never became ill during their stay in the unit.
Uniform approximation of functions through partitioning

Abstract It is the purpose of this paper to present a method for the computation of best uniform approximation, through the replacement of the uniform norm by another norm designated by ∥ · ∥ n and also by two pseudonorms designated by ps ∥ · ∥ n and ( A ) ∥ · ∥ n . Existence, uniqueness, characterization and computation of best approximations for ∥ · ∥ n , ps ∥ · ∥ n , and ( A ) ∥ · ∥ n are examined.