cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of Virtual Reality Technology to Enhance Undergraduate Learning in Abnormal Psychology

We examined whether using virtual reality (VR) technology to provide students with direct exposure to evidence-based psychological treatment approaches would enhance their understanding of and appreciation for such treatments. Students enrolled in an abnormal psychology course participated in a VR session designed to help clients overcome the fear of flying. We assessed students' understanding of how cognitive behavioral, exposure-based therapies work, as well as their attitudes toward various forms of intervention, prior to and after their participation in the VR session. We found that incorporating firsthand experience with evidence-based psychological treatments, such as VR exposure for overcoming the fear of flying, can be useful in enhancing students' understanding of such treatments.
Optical metrology for very large convex aspheres

Telescopes with very large diameter or with wide fields require convex secondary mirrors that may be many meters in diameter. The optical surfaces for these mirrors can be manufactured to the accuracy limited by the surface metrology. We have developed metrology systems that are specifically optimized for measuring very large convex aspheric surfaces. Large aperture vibration insensitive sub-aperture Fizeau interferometer combined with stitching software give high resolution surface measurements. The global shape is corroborated with a coordinate measuring machine based on the swing arm profilometer.
Discrete and continuous prepulses have differential effects on startle prepulse inhibition and skin conductance orienting

The effectiveness of different types of auditory prepulses in eliciting skin conductance orienting and in producing prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle eyeblink was studied in two experiments. A discrete white noise prepulse produced greater PPI than either a continuous white noise, a discrete tone, or a continuous tone. The discrete white noise advantage was not due to similarity in bandwidth to the startle pulse or to a refractory effect of the prepulse. Moreover, a dissociation between PPI and skin conductance orienting was seen in both experiments. PPI using auditory prepulses appears to be dependent primarily on the acoustic characteristics of the transient portion of the prepulse, whereas skin conductance orienting is more dependent on the sustained portions of the stimulus.
Identification of Learning Disability (Dyssymbolia)

This article reports the attempt to refine the term and definition of learning disabilities. The new term is dyssymbolia. Four criteria for making placement decisions are presented and discussed. Finally, the results of five studies which have contributed to the refinement of the definition of the terms are given in precis.
Communication networks in task-performing groups: Effects of task complexity, time pressure, and interpersonal dominance

In an experiment on the emergence of communication networks, 48 groups, each consisting of 4 or 5 members, were randomly assigned to the cells of a 2 (high vs. low time pressure) 2 (high vs. low task complexity) factorial design and completed a decision-making task. The interpersonal dominance of each member was measured via the Dominance scale of the Personality Research Form (PRF). Results showed that members higher in dominance emerged as more central in the group communication network, both sending and receiving more messages than members lower in dominance. Group members correctly perceived that those higher in dominance participated more in discussion. Communication was more centralized in groups that worked on the low complexity task than in groups that worked on the high complexity task. Members correctly perceived that participation was more unequally distributed in more centralized groups. An anticipated interaction effect, with time pressure moderating the effect of task complexity, was not sup...
INTERVIEWER GENDER AND GENDER ATTITUDES

L'article souleve la question des effets du genre de l'interviewer (masculin-feminin) sur les reponses apportees aux interviews, et plus generalement sur les attitudes des personnes interviewees ; le genre respectif de ces personnes affecte a son tour le contenu des reponses et les attitudes adoptees.
Fully Accounting for English Learner Performance: A Key Issue in ESEA Reauthorization

This article presents a set of recommendations that promote a more nuanced, meaningful accountability policy for English learners in the next authorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The authors argue that the ESEA reauthorization must strengthen the law’s capacity-building purpose so that federal, state, and local leaders support continued attention, direction, and innovation in effectively educating ELs. The recommendations put forth in this article focus on monitoring both current and former ELs, establishing time frames for the attainment of English language proficiency, and setting expectations for academic achievement that are reflective of English language proficiency level and time in the state’s school system.
Historical consciousness as a pedagogical device in the production of the responsible citizen

One of the most relevant strategies that shapes the education of the citizenry can be found in the formation of a historical consciousness. Yet the very idea of historical consciousness as a skill to be taught cannot be taken for granted. In order to disrupt the educational common sense, I will analyze the ways in which historical consciousness has been translated from the philosophical-historical field into pedagogical discourses since the 1970s. My analysis will reveal the relations between historical consciousness and the constitution of a normative citizenship. This process binds ‘responsible’ action and thought to the inclusion of the self within a consensualized teachable historical narrative.
Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR for Monitoring of Blood-Stage Plasmodium falciparum Infections in Malaria Human Challenge Trials

To detect pre-patent parasitemia, we developed a real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) for the asexual 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNAs) of Plasmodium falciparum. Total nucleic acids extracted from whole blood were combined with control RNA and tested by qRT-PCR. The assay quantified > 98.7% of parasite-containing samples to ±0.5 log10 parasites/mL of the nominal value without false positives. The analytical sensitivity was ³ 20 parasites/mL. The coefficient of variation was 0.6% and 1.8% within runs and 1.6% and 4.0% between runs for high and low parasitemia specimens, respectively. Using this assay, we determined that A-type 18S rRNAs are stably expressed at 1 ´ 10 4 copies per ring-stage parasite. When used to monitor experimental P. falciparum infection of human volunteers, the assay detected blood-stage infections 3.7 days earlier on average than thick blood smears. This validated, internally controlled qRT-PCR method also uses a small (50 µL) sample volume requiring mini- mal pre-analytical handling, making it useful for clinical trials.
Perceptions of Misogyny in Hip Hop and Rap: What Do the Youths Think?

This article presents the results of an exploratory study conducted at a community forum sponsored by a prominent African American church and a historically Black university. These institutions are concerned with negative messages given to African American females about their appearance and their morals. The data presented describe the population of female (68.6%) and male (31.4%) participants ages 18 to 24 and inform us about their perceptions about hip hop and rap music, especially as they relate to misogyny. This study found that listening habits and age were significant in understanding youths' views about misogyny.
Quadrotor control using dual camera visual feedback

In this paper, a vision-based stabilization and output tracking control method for a four-rotor helicopter has been proposed. A novel 2 camera method has been described for estimating the full 6 DOF pose of the helicopter. This two camera system is consisting of a pan-tilt ground camera and an onboard camera. The pose estimation algorithm is compared in simulation to other methods (such as four point method, and a stereo method) and is shown to be less sensitive to feature detection errors on the image plane. The proposed pose estimation algorithm and non-linear control techniques have been implemented on a remote controlled quadrotor helicopter.
X-33 redundancy management system

The X-33 is an unmanned advanced technology demonstrator with a mission to validate new technologies for the next generation of Reusable Launch Vehicles. Various system redundancies are designed in the X-33 to enhance the probability of successfully completing its mission in the event of faults and failures during flight. One such redundant system is the Vehicle and Mission Computer that controls the X-33 ea, and manages the avionics subsystems. Historically, redundancy management and applications such as flight control and vehicle management tended to be highly coupled. One of the technologies that the X-33 will demonstrate is the Redundancy Management System (RMS) that uncouples the applications from the redundancy management details, in the same way that real-time operating systems have uncoupled applications from task scheduling, communication and synchronization details.
Study of sulfur oxidation products by pyrolysis high-resolution mass spectrometry

High-temperature oxidations of hydrogen sulfide and methanethiol with O2 and NO2 were investigated using a special flow probe that was coupled to the ion-source housing of a high-resolution mass spectrometer. The direct coupling permitted prompt analysis of oxi dation products effusing from the flow probe. Nominally isobaric 32 S– 16 O2 doublets were resolved at a mass resolution of >8,000, which allowed for identification of several reaction products. Under conditions of medium-low pressure (0.8–4 Torr) and long mean resi dence times (0.5 s) in the probe, the oxidations yielded mostly stable products. Hydrogen sulfide was oxidized to form SO, SO 2 ,S 2 and S2O whose relative intensities were studied as a function of temperature and reactant mixture composition. Methanethiol yielded CH3SNO, CH3SSCH3, CS2, SO2 and traces of SO3 and SO3H depending on the temperature and reactant mixture composition.
Dynamic expiratory tracheal collapse in morbidly obese COPD patients.

AbstractMorbid obesity may influence several aspects of airway function. However, the effect of morbid obesity on expiratory tracheal collapse in COPD patients is unknown. We thus prospectively studied 100 COPD patients who underwent full pulmonary function tests (PFTs), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and low-dose CT at total lung capacity and during dynamic exhalation with spirometric monitoring. We examined correlations between percentage dynamic expiratory tracheal collapse and body mass index (BMI). The association between tracheal collapse and BMI was compared to a control group of 53 volunteers without COPD. Patients included 48 women and 52 men with mean age 65 ± 7 years; BMI 30 ± 6; FEV1 64 ± 22% predicted and percentage expiratory collapse 59 ± 19%. Expiratory collapse was significantly associated with BMI (69 ± 12% tracheal collapse among 20 morbidly obese patients with BMI ≥35 compared to 57 ±19% in others, p = 0.002, t-test). In contrast, there was ...
An in-vivo analysis of capillary stasis and endothelial apoptosis in a model of hypertension.

Objective: Recent evidence suggests endothelial apoptosis may be a mechanism for capillary rarefaction in hypertensives. The objective of this study was to examine the early phase of endothelial apoptosis and capillary blood flow in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) and the normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rat.Methods: Since hypertension in SHR is dependent on glucocorticoids, the animals were treated with dexamethasone (DEX), by intraperitoneal injection and then by superfusion on exposed mesentery. Selected capillaries were continuously observed. Annexin V and propidium iodide were used to detect apoptosis.Results: Without central pressure reduction, permanent capillary stasis was initiated by the entrapment of leukocytes at the location of an endothelial cell that had platelets attached to it. Apoptosis of the endothelial cell was followed by apoptosis in other endothelial cells of the obstructed capillary. The incidence of stasis and total cell death in WKY+DEX were higher than WKY, whereas ther...
Externalized Glycolytic Enzymes Are Novel, Conserved, and Early Biomarkers of Apoptosis *

The intriguing cell biology of apoptotic cell death results in the externalization of numerous autoantigens on the apoptotic cell surface, including protein determinants for specific recognition, linked to immune responses. Apoptotic cells are recognized by phagocytes and trigger an active immunosuppressive response ("innate apoptotic immunity" (IAI)) even in the absence of engulfment. IAI is responsible for the lack of inflammation associated normally with the clearance of apoptotic cells; its failure also has been linked to inflammatory and autoimmune pathology, including systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatic diseases. Apoptotic recognition determinants underlying IAI have yet to be identified definitively; we argue that these molecules are surface-exposed (during apoptotic cell death), ubiquitously expressed, protease-sensitive, evolutionarily conserved, and resident normally in viable cells (SUPER). Using independent and unbiased quantitative proteomic approaches to characterize apoptotic cell surface proteins and identify candidate SUPER determinants, we made the surprising discovery that components of the glycolytic pathway are enriched on the apoptotic cell surface. Our data demonstrate that glycolytic enzyme externalization is a common and early aspect of cell death in different cell types triggered to die with distinct suicidal stimuli. Exposed glycolytic enzyme molecules meet the criteria for IAI-associated SUPER determinants. In addition, our characterization of the apoptosis-specific externalization of glycolytic enzyme molecules may provide insight into the significance of previously reported cases of plasminogen binding to α-enolase on mammalian cells, as well as mechanisms by which commensal bacteria and pathogens maintain immune privilege.
Reduced COX-2 protein in colorectal cancer with defective mismatch repair.

Most colorectal adenomas and carcinomas arise in the setting of chromosomal instability characterized by progressive loss of heterozygosity. In contrast, approximately 15–20% of colorectal neoplasms arise through a distinct genetic pathway characterized by microsatellite instability (MSI) associated with frequent loss of expression of one of the DNA mismatch repair enzymes, most often hMLH1 or hMSH2. These distinct genetic pathways are reflected by differences in tumor histopathology, distribution in the colon, prognosis, and dwell time required for progression from adenoma to carcinoma. To determine whether these two groups of tumors differ in their expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), a putative chemopreventative target, immunostaining for this protein was performed in colorectal cancers categorized by the presence ( n = 41) and absence ( n = 66) of defective mismatch repair. Defective mismatch repair was defined by the presence of tumor microsatellite instability (MSI-H, ≥40% of markers demonstrating instability) and by the absence of protein expression for either hMLH1 or hMSH2. Overall, our results showed that low or absent COX-2 staining was significantly more common among tumors with defective mismatch repair ( P = 0.001). Other features predictive of low COX-2 staining included marked tumor infiltrating lymphocytosis, and solid/cribiform or signet ring histological patterns. These observations indicate that colorectal cancers with molecular and phenotypic characteristics of defective DNA mismatch repair express lower levels of COX-2. The clinical implications of this biological distinction remain unknown but should be considered when assessing the efficacy of COX-2 inhibitors for chemoprevention in patients whose tumors may arise in the setting of defective DNA mismatch repair.
Parallel PathFinder Algorithms for Mining Structures from Graphs

PathFinder networks are increasingly used in Data Mining for different purposes, like network visualization or knowledge extraction. This novel way of representing graphical data has been proven to give better results than other link reduction algorithms, like minimum spanning networks However, this increase in quality comes with a high computation cost, typically of the order of n^3 or higher, where n is the number of nodes in the graph. While this problem has previously been tackled by using mathematical properties to speed up the algorithm, in this paper, we propose two new algorithms to speed up PathFinder computation based on parallelization techniques to take advantage of the increasingly available multi-core hardware platform. Experiments show that both new algorithms are more efficient than the state of the art algorithms; one of them can achieve speed-ups of up to x127 with an average of x23 on recent hardware (2007).
Parametric and Nonparametric Statistical Methods for Genomic Selection of Traits with Additive and Epistatic Genetic Architectures

Parametric and nonparametric methods have been developed for purposes of predicting phenotypes. These methods are based on retrospective analyses of empirical data consisting of genotypic and phenotypic scores. Recent reports have indicated that parametric methods are unable to predict phenotypes of traits with known epistatic genetic architectures. Herein, we review parametric methods including least squares regression, ridge regression, Bayesian ridge regression, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), Bayesian LASSO, best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP), Bayes A, Bayes B, Bayes C, and Bayes Cπ. We also review nonparametric methods including Nadaraya-Watson estimator, reproducing kernel Hilbert space, support vector machine regression, and neural networks. We assess the relative merits of these 14 methods in terms of accuracy and mean squared error (MSE) using simulated genetic architectures consisting of completely additive or two-way epistatic interactions in an F2 population derived from crosses of inbred lines. Each simulated genetic architecture explained either 30% or 70% of the phenotypic variability. The greatest impact on estimates of accuracy and MSE was due to genetic architecture. Parametric methods were unable to predict phenotypic values when the underlying genetic architecture was based entirely on epistasis. Parametric methods were slightly better than nonparametric methods for additive genetic architectures. Distinctions among parametric methods for additive genetic architectures were incremental. Heritability, i.e., proportion of phenotypic variability, had the second greatest impact on estimates of accuracy and MSE.
Accelerating the successful reuse of problem solving knowledge through the domain lifecycle

The inability of software reuse to reach its full potential lies partially in the product-centric way in which we view software development. Methods are needed that help us reason about product families and degrees of support that can be offered for problem domains. This paper uses a "domain lifecycle" to formalize a process in which increasing levels of formality can be provided as a domain matures. The first step in this process is to collect and disseminate project experiences that can accelerate the process of identifying and refining application domains with significant impact in a software development organization. This approach facilitates the reuse of a broad spectrum of knowledge at multiple levels of formality. Based on empirical investigations of a software development organization, a prototype of a case-based organizational memory repository for software development practices is presented and assessed for its impact on reusing software development knowledge.
A case for lifetime-aware task mapping in embedded chip multiprocessors

Temperature-aware design is emerging as a popular approach to addressing a variety of challenges, including system lifetime. In the case of task mapping, temperature-aware approaches indeed improve lifetime due to lifetime's strong dependence on tempera-ture. However, temperature-aware design neglects several important factors that also influence lifetime: (a) physical parameters such as supply voltage and current density, as well as (b) application and architecture characteristics that affect what failures are survivable. Only lifetime-aware task mapping can expose the relationship between physical parameters, component failure, and system lifetime, and therefore find lifetime-optimal mappings. To address this need, we have developed a new lifetime-aware task mapping technique based on ant colony optimization (ACO). Our technique produces task mappings resulting in lifetimes with-in 17.9% of the observed optimal results on average, outperform-ing a lifetime-agnostic task mapping approach by an average of 32.3%. We also observed that the lifetimes resulting from task mappings within 1% of the best maximum system temperature vary by an average of 20.1% while the lifetimes resulting from task mappings within 1% of the best average system temperature vary by an average of 32.6%. Our observations lead us to conclude that one cannot depend on temperature-aware task mapping when system lifetime is a design constraint, but one may depend on lifetime-aware task mapping when one or both of lifetime and temperature are design constraints.
Time Valid One-Time Signature for Time-Critical Multicast Data Authentication

It is challenging to provide authentication to time-critical multicast data, where low end-to-end delay is of crucial importance. Consequently, it requires not only efficient authentication algorithms to minimize computational cost, but also avoidance of buffering packets so that the data can be immediately processed once being presented. Desirable properties for a multicast authentication scheme also include small communication overhead, tolerance to packet loss, and resistance against malicious attacks. In this paper, we propose a novel signature model - Time Valid One-Time Signature (TV-OTS) - to boost the efficiency of regular one-time signature schemes. Based on the TV-OTS model, we design an efficient multicast authentication scheme "TV-HORS" to meet the above needs. TV-HORS combines one-way hash chains with TV-OTS to avoid frequent public key distribution. It provides fast signing/verification and buffering-free data processing, which make it one of the fastest multicast authentication schemes to date in terms of end-to-end computational latency (on the order of microseconds). In addition, TV-HORS has perfect tolerance to packet loss and strong robustness against malicious attacks. The communication overhead of TV-HORS is much smaller than regular OTS schemes, and even smaller than RSA signature. The only drawback of TV-HORS is a relatively large public key of size 8 KB to 10 KB, depending on parameters.
Familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is sporadic in ninety percent of cases and familial (FALS) in ten percent. Both forms of FALS whether transmitted as an autosomal dominant (DFALS) or as an autosomal recessive (RFALS) trait is genetically heterogeneous. The locus for one form of RFALS maps to chromosome 2q33. Fifteen percent of DFALS families have mutations in the gene for Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) gene which is coded on chromosome 21. These mutations result in decreased SOD1 activity and shortened half-life of the protein in most instances. Transgenic mice overexpressing mutated SOD1 protein develop an ALS-like disease which suggests that the degeneration of motor neurons in DFALS is caused by the gain of a novel toxic function by mutated SOD1 rather than by the decrease of SOD1 activity. Possible mechanisms of the novel neurotoxic function of mutated SOD1 are discussed.
The utility of laparoscopic evaluation of the parietal peritoneum in the management of anterior abdominal stab wounds

Abstract Background Trauma centres vary in their approaches to managing stable patients with anterior abdominal stab wounds (AASWs), with no approach yet proven superior. We sought to evaluate the performance of screening laparoscopy (i.e., parietal peritoneal penetration or not) in determining which patients should undergo laparotomy. Methods We conducted a retrospective case series study, including all patients with an AASW who presented to U.C. Davis Medical Center from January 2003 through March 2009. We collected data from medical records using a standardised, pre-tested instrument. Among laparoscopically screened cases, we determined the test characteristics of peritoneal penetration for detecting intra-abdominal injury. We sub-classified injuries as “requiring treatment” (e.g., full-thickness enterotomy or active haemorrhage) or not. Results Of 358 patients with AASWs, 163 underwent screening laparoscopy. Seventy-eight of the 163 (48%) had no peritoneal penetration and six (4%) had peritoneal penetration but a low-risk wound; none of these 84 underwent laparotomy nor had a missed injury. Of 79 patients with peritoneal penetration who underwent laparotomy, 61 had an intra-abdominal injury, of whom 42 were treated intraoperatively. Among these 42, 30 had an injury “requiring treatment.” The PPV of peritoneal penetration for an injury requiring treatment was 38% (30/79) (95% CI 27–50%), NPV 100% (84/84) (95% CI 95–100%), sensitivity 100% (30/30) (95% CI 88–100%), and specificity 63% (84/133) (95% CI 54–71%). The negative and positive likelihood ratios were 0 (95% CI 0–0.4) and 2.7 (95% CI 2.2–3.4), respectively. Conclusions Screening laparoscopic evaluation of the parietal peritoneum results in a negligible rate of missed injury and an approximately 40% rate of finding an injury requiring treatment.
Assessment of ventricle volume from serial MRI scans in communicating hydrocephalus

Postoperative communicating hydrocephalus has been recognized in patients with brain tumors. The associated changes in ventricle volume can be difficult to identify, particularly over short time intervals. Potentially, accurate ventricle volume estimates could provide for a better understanding of communicating hydrocephalus, and lead to more confident diagnoses. Our method evaluates ventricle size from serial brain MRI examinations, we (1) combined serial images to increase SNR (2) segmented this image to generate a ventricle template using fats marching methods and geodesic active contours, and (3) propagate the segmentation using deformable registration of the original MRI datasets. By applying this deformation to the ventricle template, serial volume estimates were obtained in a robust manner.
Strong-Axis Stability of Wide Flange Steel Columns in the Presence of Weak-Axis Flexure

AbstractColumn stability during seismic events is a critical consideration for all steel-framed structures, but is of particular importance for a unique class of steel frames called multitiered braced frames (MT-BFs). A MT-BF is created by subdividing a tall single-story braced frame into two or more braced tiers with intermediate horizontal struts in the plane of the frame. Since out-of-plane bracing is not provided at the tier levels, under pure axial compression, a MT-BF column may buckle in plane over one tier or out of plane over the full story height. Typically, wide flange shapes with weak axis oriented in the plane of the frame are used for MT-BF columns. During a seismic event, brace inelasticity may result in differential tier drifts that induce weak-axis flexure in the wide flange columns. However, this flexural demand is not considered in current braced frame seismic design procedures, which only require column design for axial force. To facilitate development of seismic design guidelines for ...
Neonatal Adrenal Hemorrhage

The neonatal adrenal gland is vulnerable to traumatic hemorrhage. With the correct interpretation of clinical, laboratory and radiographic data the diagnosis can be made non-operatively. We review 6 cases of acute neonatal hemorrhage. Trauma during or shortly after birth occurred in 4 cases and all 6 newborns had jaundice and anemia. Operative intervention rarely is necessary either for the diagnosis or treatment of intracapsular adrenal hemorrhage in the newborn.
Measurement of Nonlinear Normal Modes Using Mono-harmonic Force Appropriation: Experimental Investigation

A structure undergoing large amplitude deformations can exhibit nonlinear behavior which is not predicted by traditional linear theories. Structures with some initial curvature offer an additional complication due to buckling and snap through phenomena, and can exhibit softening, hardening and, internal resonance. As a structure transitions into a region of nonlinear response, a structure’s nonlinear normal modes (NNMs) can provide insight into the forced responses of the nonlinear system. Mono-harmonic excitations can often be used to experimentally isolate a dynamic response in the neighborhood of a single NNM. This is accomplished with an extension of the modal indicator function and force appropriation to ensure the dynamic response of the structure is on the desired NNM. This work explores these methods using two structures: a nominally-flat beam and a curved axi-symmetric plate. Single-point force appropriation is used by manually tuning the excitation frequency and amplitude until the mode indicator function is satisfied for the fundamental harmonic. The results show a reasonable estimate of the NNM backbone, the occurrence of internal resonance, and couplings between the underlying linear modes along the backbone.
Justice and justification: Reflective equilibrium and justice as political

POLITICIZING JUSTICE: PLURALISM AND STABILITY In A Theory of Justice (hereafter Theory ), Rawls argues that justice as fairness provides an Archimedean point from which to assess the justice of social institutions (Rawls 1971, 260–3). If a contractarian agreement on principles of cooperation were tied too closely to the actual interests and desires of persons, for example, if no veil of ignorance were present, then it would not provide such an Archimedean point. People are shaped by the institutions under which they live, and a contract reflecting their known interests would be mired too much in the effects of those institutions to provide critical leverage. Traditional alternative ways of anchoring that Archimedean point, such as a priori or perfectionist assumptions about the nature of persons and the social order, are also unattractive for several reasons. For one, such assumptions usually are too general to yield a useable contract. Alternatively, idealized contractors may seem so unreal to us that we cannot identify with them or their choices. Finally, the assumptions may be too narrowly held to provide a basis for common agreement. How, then, is that Archimedean point to be established? If Rawls' Original Position had been based only on the weakest assumptions about human rationality - that is, if justice were derivable from rationality alone - then it would be clear how the Archimedean point was secured. The Original Position, however, rested on more robust assumptions: “reasonable” people had to agree it was an appropriate device for selecting principles of justice because the contract procedure was fair to all participants.
Retention and Student Success: An Action Plan

With student attrition rates reaching ever-increasing rates on campuses in the United States the inability of higher education institutions to retain their students is a significant issue. An Action Plan that offers librarians a useful entry point to contribute to the academic mission of colleges and universities is outlined. This paper details how to start inter-departmental partnerships and communicate a vision of library goals as effective strategies to prevent attrition.
Facilitating transthoracic cardioversion of atrial fibrillation with ibutilide pretreatment.

Background Atrial fibrillation cannot always be converted to sinus rhythm by transthoracic electrical cardioversion. We examined the effect of ibutilide, a class III antiarrhythmic agent, on the energy requirement for atrial defibrillation and assessed the value of this agent in facilitating cardioversion in patients with atrial fibrillation that is resistant to conventional transthoracic cardioversion. Methods One hundred patients who had had atrial fibrillation for a mean (±SD) of 117±201 days were randomly assigned to undergo transthoracic cardioversion with or without pretreatment with 1 mg of ibutilide. We designed a step-up protocol in which shocks at 50, 100, 200, 300, and 360 J were used for transthoracic cardioversion. If transthoracic cardioversion was unsuccessful in a patient who had not received ibutilide pretreatment, ibutilide was administered and transthoracic cardioversion attempted again. Results Conversion to sinus rhythm occurred in 36 of 50 patients who had not received ibutilide (72 ...
Unearthing Conflict: Corporate Mining, Activism, and Expertise in Peru, by Fabiana Li

How do things come to matter? When is smoke from a smelter recognized as pollution? How does the identification of a mountain as a sacred being galvanize political opposition to mining? How are pol...
Rotational dynamics of simple asymmetric molecules.

Molecular dynamic simulations were carried out on rigid diatomic molecules, which exhibit both \ensuremath{\alpha} (structural) and \ensuremath{\beta} (secondary) dynamics. The relaxation scenarios range from onset behavior, in which a distinct \ensuremath{\alpha} process emerges on cooling, to merging behavior, associated with two relaxation peaks that converge at higher temperature. These properties, as well as the manifestation of the \ensuremath{\beta} peak as an excess wing, depend not only on thermodynamic conditions, but also on both the symmetry of the molecule and the correlation function (odd or even) used to analyze its dynamics. These observations help to reconcile divergent results obtained from different experiments. For example, the \ensuremath{\beta} process is more intense and the \ensuremath{\alpha}-relaxation peak is narrower in dielectric relaxation spectra than in dynamic light scattering or NMR measurements. In the simulations herein, this follows from the weaker contribution of the secondary relaxation to even-order correlation functions, related to the magnitude of the relevant angular jumps.
Dreaming of Gold, Dreaming of Home: Trans-nationalism and Migration between the United States and South China, 1882–1943

1. Introduction 2. California dreamin': migration and dependency 3. Slipping through the Golden Gate: immigration under Chinese exclusion 4. Fragmented families: surviving the Gold Mountain dream 5. Magazines as marketplaces: a community in dispersion 6. Heroic returns: the railroad empire of Chen Yixi, 1904-1939 7. Conclusion: dismantling the Gold Mountain dream Appendices Select bibliography.
Clinical Studies on the Hypnotic Properties of Propazone (5,5-Di-n-propyl-2,4-oxazolidinedione):

ConclusionsPropazone (5,5-dipropyl-2,4-oxazolidinedione) has been given intravenously and by mouth to a group of patients. All stages of hypnosis and anesthesia have been produced without ill effects. The absence of side reactions, the striking degree of relaxation which comes on in even the early stages of hypnosis and its long duration of action indicate that this substance might be of therapeutic value. Its use in epilepsy is being investigated.
STEM-17REPAIR OF RADIATION INJURY TO THE BRAIN USING HUMAN PLURIPOTENT STEM CELL DERIVED OLIGODENDROCYTE PROGENITORS

Radiation therapy (RT) to the brain remains a powerful tool in the management of a wide range of cancers of the brain, head and neck regions and brain metastases. It is also used in prophylaxis in treatment regimens for leukemias and small cell cancers. There is an increasing awareness of significant and irreversible long-term side effects associated with RT, including cognitive decline and impairment of motor coordination. Our team and others have shown that depletion of oligodendrocyte progenitors (OPC) and demyelination are major pathological features that are particularly pronounced in younger individuals and severely limit therapeutic options. We have developed protocols for the derivation of oligodendrocyte progenitors from human ES or iPS cells. The cells can be expanded at large scale, and present a gene and protein profiles that are reminiscent of authentic telencephalic oligodendrocyte progenitors. These cells were capable of in vitro myelination in co-cultures with human neurons. We also established a rat model of fractionated brain radiation using a clinically relevant regimen. The rats present behavioral changes several months following radiation. OPCs were grafted in the corpus callosum bilaterally and the animals followed for several months. They were grafted with OPCsexpression and protein Here we tested whether human ESC-derived oligodendrocytes can functionally remyelinate the irradiated brain using a rat model. We demonstrate that the cells migrate throughout the major white matter tracts resulting in both structural and functional repair. Behavioral testing showed complete recovery of cognitive function while additional recovery from motor deficits required concomitant transplantation into the cerebellum. The ability to repair radiation-induced damage to the brain could dramatically improve the outlook for cancer survivors and enable more effective use of radiation therapies, especially in children.
Using microgravity to delineate the watershed of rattlesnake springs, carlsbad caverns national park

We performed a series of geophysical investigations at the Rattlesnake Springs portion of the Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico in an effort to characterize the watershed of the springs. As part of this effort we conducted a precision microgravity survey of the area surrounding the springs using a grid with 200 to 300 m spacing with station positions and elevations determined using differential GPS. The survey was designed to map the depth to gypsum bedrock in the study area and pinpoint the locations of faults/fractures that could control groundwater movement toward the springs. A free-air anomaly map generated from our initial survey results clearly reflects known bedrock highs and lows. The map contours suggest an underlying fracture system that is mimicked by surficial drainage patterns and features we believe are the remnants of dissolution structures within the gypsum bedrock. These results suggest groundwater flow from the west-northwest into the springs (in agreement with other geophysical surveys we conducted near the springs). The gravity data suggest an east-north east trending fault/fracture located just east of the springs serves as a barrier to groundwater flow causing upflow at the springs.
Essentials of pediatric emergency medicine fellowship: Part 1: An overview

This article is the first in a 7-part series (Table 1) that aims to comprehensively describe the current state and future directions of pediatric emergency medicine fellowship training from the essential requirements to considerations for successfully administering and managing a program to the careers that may be anticipated on program completion. This overview article provides a framework for the series.
Interferometry using injection-locked pump-noise-suppressed semiconductor lasers

In a conventional interferometer one shines light only into one interferometer input port while the second input port is unexcited. This allows vacuum states to enter the unexcited port, leading to imperfect correlation between both the amplitude and the phase fluctuations of the light in the upper and lower interferometer arms. This, in turn, limits the interferometer sensitivity regardless of its operating panel (its arm-length difference, which we in the following will translate into a phase shift θ). The sensitivity of an ideal conventional interferometer is 1 / N. That is, a phase shift of 1 / N radians can be detected with a signal-to-noise ratio of unity by using N photons. Since N typically is a large number, it is tempting to try to find some scheme approaching the fundamental (Heisenberg) limit of phase-shift detection, 1/N. One way of doing that is to inject squeezed vacuum into the unexcited input port of the interferometer.1
Nalcn Is a "Leak" Sodium Channel That Regulates Excitability of Brainstem Chemosensory Neurons and Breathing.

The activity of background potassium and sodium channels determines neuronal excitability, but physiological roles for “leak” Na+ channels in specific mammalian neurons have not been established. Here, we show that a leak Na+ channel, Nalcn, is expressed in the CO2/H+-sensitive neurons of the mouse retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN) that regulate breathing. In RTN neurons, Nalcn expression correlated with higher action potential discharge over a more alkalized range of activity; shRNA-mediated depletion of Nalcn hyperpolarized RTN neurons, and reduced leak Na+ current and firing rate. Nalcn depletion also decreased RTN neuron activation by the neuropeptide, substance P, without affecting pH-sensitive background K+ currents or activation by a cotransmitter, serotonin. In vivo , RTN-specific knockdown of Nalcn reduced CO2-evoked neuronal activation and breathing; hypoxic hyperventilation was unchanged. Thus, Nalcn regulates RTN neuronal excitability and stimulation by CO2, independent of direct pH sensing, potentially contributing to respiratory effects of Nalcn mutations; transmitter modulation of Nalcn may underlie state-dependent changes in breathing and respiratory chemosensitivity. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Breathing is an essential, enduring rhythmic motor activity orchestrated by dedicated brainstem circuits that require tonic excitatory drive for their persistent function. A major source of drive is from a group of CO2/H+-sensitive neurons in the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN), whose ongoing activity is critical for breathing. The ionic mechanisms that support spontaneous activity of RTN neurons are unknown. We show here that Nalcn, a unique channel that generates “leak” sodium currents, regulates excitability and neuromodulation of RTN neurons and CO2-stimulated breathing. Thus, this work defines a specific function for this enigmatic channel in an important physiological context.
Neuropsychological Assessment for Planning Cognitive Interventions

Neuropsychological assessment has changed in focus over the last decade from an emphasis on determining lesion localization to delineation of brain-behavior relationships and the establishment of functional strengths and weaknesses. This understanding of brain-behavior relationships and the pattern of strengths and deficits is essential to planning rehabilitation of the brain-damaged patient. In this chapter, the relationship between rehabilitation of cognitive deficits and neuropsychological assessment will be discussed.
Community Verification with Topic Modeling

Different performance measurement metrics have been proposed to evaluate the performance of community detection algorithms, such as modularity, conductance, etc. However, there is few work which makes sense of a community, that is, explain what does the community do, what is the community’s interest. In this paper, we use topic modeling to capture the topics of users in the same community and verify a heuristic community detection algorithm by showing that the users in the communities share strong interests.
A35 Session 10: Adjunctive Therapeutic Approaches : Innovations in cryotherapy devices and methods for improved efficacy and safety

Localized cooling is commonly used following orthopedic surgery and in sports medicine owing to its benefits in reducing swelling, pain and inflammation. Although the therapeutic application of cold has a long history, there remains considerable controversy over the appropriate protocol for cryotherapy and the risk factors associated with its use. Although cryotherapy may be beneficial in treating acute and chronic phases of soft tissue injury, inappropriate use can lead to devastating complications such as full thickness skin necrosis and neuropathy. There have been numerous injuries following the clinical use of cryotherapy devices, probably numbering in the thousands, although there is no central documentation of these outcomes. It is believed that the complications resulting from cryotherapy are due to cold-induced vasoconstriction and the ensuing ischemia that may last for hours after active cooling is terminated. The result is nonfreezing cold injury (NFCI) that has long been a well-known phenomenon in outdoor and military medicine. We have conducted more than 200 human trials to measure the occurrence of ischemia in tissues treated by standard cryotherapy systems and have verified up to 90% loss of blood flow during the application of cold. Further, following the cessation of active cooling the state of tissue ischemia may persist for many hours while the affected tissue rewarms and its oxygen and nutritional needs accelerate. By intermittently reestablishing blood flow through the vasoconstricted tissue, the risk of developing complications as a consequence of persistent vasoconstriction will be reduced. We hypothesize that blood perfusion to tissue may be increased at brief intervals in the treatment area. We will present extensive data from human trials documenting the efficacy of the transient upregulation of local blood perfusion during active tissue cooling at the knee as a means to preclude the occurrence of long term ischemia in conjunction with cryotherapy and thereby obviate the potential for NFCI or tissue reperfusion injury. Guidance is provided for practical implementation of this technology for clinical application. This research was sponsored by National Science Foundation Grants CBET 0828131, CBET 096998, and CBET 1250659, National Institutes of Health Grant R01 EB015522 and the Robert and Prudie Leibrock Professorship in Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin.
Integrating pharmacogenetic testing into primary care.

Introduction: Pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing has greatly expanded due to enhanced understanding of the role of genes in drug response and advances in DNA-based testing technology development. As man...
Bioreactor and Biomaterial Platforms for Investigation of Mitral Valve Biomechanics and Mechanobiology

Understanding the biomechanics of mitral valves (MVs) has significance for both surgical treatment and regenerative medicine. The biomechanics and mechanobiology of MVs is influenced by their complex anatomy, together with their extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and organization. Valve cells are mechanoresponsive, both to the hemodynamically active environment which the valve tissue is constantly exposed, as well as the altered hemodynamics of valve disease. This chapter will discuss the various tissue and cell level culture techniques and biomechanical approaches to date for examining MV biomechanics and mechanobiology, as well as directions for future studies.
Longitudinal Analysis Using MDS

Discuss how to extend the MDS model for longitudinal data analysis in the context of growth mixture modeling. Scale values can be interpreted in terms of growth or change parameters. Posteriori profile probability is introduced to classify individuals into different growth/change profile types. An example of real data is provided to illustrate the idea.
Castro’s Negra/os*

Any exploration of Fidel Castro racist views toward negro/as, or lack thereof, remains problematic if Cuban history is ignored; specifically, how negra/o identity was constructed differently than U...