cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What art can tell us about the brain

Artists have been doing experiments on vision longer than neurobiologists. Some major works of art have provided insights as to how we see; some of these insights are so fundamental that they can be understood in terms of the underlying neurobiology. For example, artists have long realized that color and luminance can play independent roles in visual perception. Picasso said, "Colors are only symbols. Reality is to be found in luminance alone." This observation has a parallel in the functional subdivision of our visual systems, where color and luminance are processed by the newer, primate-specific What system, and the older, colorblind, Where (or How) system. Many techniques developed over the centuries by artists can be understood in terms of the parallel organization of our visual systems. I will explore how the segregation of color and luminance processing are the basis for why some Impressionist paintings seem to shimmer, why some op art paintings seem to move, some principles of Matisse's use of color, and how the Impressionists painted "air". Central and peripheral vision are distinct, and I will show how the differences in resolution across our visual field make the Mona Lisa's smile elusive, and produce a dynamic illusion in Pointillist paintings, Chuck Close paintings, and photomosaics. I will explore how artists have intuited important features about how our brains extract relevant information about faces and objects, and I will discuss why learning disabilities may be associated with artistic talent.
Qualitative process theory

Abstract Objects move, collide, flow, bend, heat up, cool down, stretch, compress, and boil. These and other things that cause changes in objects over time are intuitively characterized as processes . To understand commonsense physical reasoning and make programs that interact with the physical world as well as people do we must understand qualitative reasoning about processes, when they will occur, their effects, and when they will stop. Qualitative process theory defines a simple notion of physical process that appears useful as a language in which to write dynamical theories. Reasoning about processes also motivates a new qualitative representation for quantity in terms of inequalities, called the quantity space . This paper describes the basic concepts of qualitative process theory, several different kinds of reasoning that can be performed with them, and discusses its implications for causal reasoning. Several extended examples illustrate the utility of the theory, including figuring out that a boiler can blow up, that an oscillator with friction will eventually stop, and how to say that you can pull with a string, but not push with it.
Special session — Integrating learning communities into engineering curricula

Learning communities are not new; in fact, there is a large body of literature on learning communities. Based on the number of citations on learning communities from different fields, however, learning communities remain underutilized in engineering compared to other disciplines. Furthermore, learning communities are particularly helpful in interdisciplinary curricula while, at the same time, the focus on interdisciplinary curricula is becoming more prevalent in engineering. Based on the authors' direct involvement in developing and running a learning community for an interdisciplinary program, we know how critical learning communities can be in establishing a collective identity and providing a space for reflection. The aim of this special session is to help others recognize roles a learning community can play and to give practical support to help attendees transfer the well-established literature on learning communities into practice.
TEATIME: BOREDOM AND THE TEMPORALITIES OF YOUNG MEN IN NIGER

ABSTRACTTo fight boredom, un(der)employed young men in Niger have joined fadas (youth clubs) where they listen to music, play card games and strike up new friendships – or nurture old ones. Membership in these organizations cuts across social divides, educational backgrounds and religious affiliations, affirming the spirit of egalitarianism and comradeship that drives these largely urban projects. At the fada, conversation routinely takes place around the making and sharing of tea, a ritual idle young men have come to value greatly as they struggle to fill their days with purpose and direction. Whereas elders largely condemn fadas as futile, self-indulgent, and occasionally criminal endeavours, samari (young men) defend their pastimes, claiming that they engage in meaningful activities. In this essay I explore the temporalities of teatime at the fada. Rather than focus on what is lost under conditions of crisis and privation, I consider instead what is produced, and in particular how value, exchange, and affect emerge in the context of daily routines at the fada. In the absence of other temporal markers punctuating daily life, the practice of preparing and consuming tea becomes a key happening, enabling samari to carve out meaningful temporalities and reconfigure their relation to the future.
Chat reference competencies: identification from a literature review and librarian interviews

Purpose – The paper seeks to present the identification of chat reference competencies, with the goal of providing behavioral objectives for professional chat reference performance.Design/methodology/approach – The competency identification effort presented in this paper consists of two parts: a thorough review of chat reference literature and interviews with a convenience sample of experienced chat reference librarians to elicit their perceptions of important chat reference competencies.Findings – Three types of chat reference competencies are identified: core competencies for general reference, competencies for general reference but highlighted in the chat environment, and competencies specific to chat reference service.Practical implications – The identified competencies can serve as a solid basis for the design of training and education programs for chat reference librarians.Originality/value – This paper aggregates the discrete chat reference competency studies in the literature and generates a list ...
Menstrual and reproductive factors in relation to ovarian cancer risk.

We assessed menstrual and reproductive factors in relation to ovarian cancer risk in a large, population-based, case–control study. 563 cases in Massachusetts and New Hampshire were ascertained from hospitals and statewide tumour registries; control women (n= 523) were selected through random digit dialing and matched to case women by age and telephone sampling unit. We used multivariate logistic regression to evaluate factors in relation to risk of ovarian cancer and the major tumour histologic subtypes. Ovarian cancer risk was reduced among parous women, relative to nulliparous women (OR = 0.4; 95% CI = 0.3−0.6). Among parous women, higher parity (P= 0.0006), increased age at first (P= 0.03) or last (P= 0.05) birth, and time since last birth (P= 0.04) were associated with reduced risk. Early pregnancy losses, abortions, and stillbirths were unrelated to risk, but preterm, term, and twin births were protective. Risk was lower among women who had breast-fed, relative to those who had not (OR = 0.7; 95% CI = 0.5–1.0), but the average duration of breast-feeding per child was unrelated to risk (P for trend = 0.21). Age at menarche and age at menopause were unrelated to risk overall, although increasing menarcheal age was protective among premenopausal women (P= 0.02). Menstrual cycle characteristics and symptoms were generally unrelated to risk, although cycle-related insomnia was associated with decreased risk (OR = 0.5; 95% CI = 0.3–0.8). We found no association between the type of sanitary product used during menstruation and ovarian cancer risk. In analyses by histologic subtype, reproductive and menstrual factors had most effect on risk of endometrioid/clear cell tumours, and least influential with regard to risk of mucinous tumours. Overall, our findings offer some support to current hypotheses of ovarian pathogenesis, and show aetiologic differences among the tumour subtypes. © 2001 Cancer Research Campaign http://www.bjcancer.com
A microbond method for determination of the shear strength of a fiber/resin interface

Abstract The shear strength of the fiber/resin interface in a fiber-reinforced composite is usually determined by measuring the force needed to pull a single fiber axially out of the solid matrix. To make such pull-out measurements, however, the length of embedded fiber must be small enough so that the fiber does not break before it pulls free. This is difficult to achieve by conventional methods with fibers of small diameter, such as the high-strength glass, Aramid, and carbon fibers now extensively used in practice. The approach taken is to deposit a droplet of the matrix resin on the fiber and to support the cured droplet appropriately during pull-out. Successful shear debondings are obtained in most trials, and the nature of the recorded force curves during the trial distinguishes between proper shear debonding and slipping of the droplet or fiber breakage. Interfacial bond strength results for an epoxy resin and several fiber types are adequately reproducible and are reasonable in light of the nature of the fiber surfaces, indicating that the microband method may be generally applicable.
A new era for the management of metastatic melanoma

Our increasing understanding of the underlying biology of melanoma and tumor immunology has led to the development of a number of drugs that are showing great promise for the treatment of this disease. In 2011, the US FDA approved two new agents for the management of metastatic melanoma. Both ipilimumab, a fully human IgG1 antibody against cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4, and vemurafenib, a small molecule inhibitor of mutated BRAF, were approved based upon the ability of each of these agents to improve survival in patients with advanced disease, something not achieved with any other therapy tested thus far. Herein, we review the clinical development of these agents and discuss other promising immunological and molecular therapies being investigated for use in melanoma.
Fully Developed Heat Transfer to Fluid Flow in Rectangular Passages Filled With Porous Materials

This is a theoretical and numerical study of fully developed forced convection in various rectangular ducts. Each duct is filled with porous materials and the Brinkman model describes the laminar fluid flow inside this fully saturated porous passage. A Fourier series solution provides the exact solution for the velocity field. Also, a Fourier series solution can produce the temperature profile for a condition of constant energy input per unit length. This includes two different wall condition: a uniform wall temperature at any axial location and a locally uniform heat flux over the boundary. The case of constant wall temperature over the entire passage is also accommodated using a special analytical/numerical solution.
The type II pneumocyte as a model of lung cell interaction with the extracellular matrix.

Abstract The influence of the extracellular matrix on differentiation and function of type II pneumocytes was investigated. Cells cultured on a plastic surface lost differentiated characteristics as they assumed a flattened, more attenuated phenotype. By the third day in primary culture, as the cells became less responsive to β-adrenergic agonists, synthesis and secretion of phosphatidylcholine decreased and lamellar body content declined. Concomitantly, incorporation of [ 3 H]thymidine into cellular DNA increased more than 10-fold. On a surface rich in fibronectin (FN), these transitions in form and function were accelerated. The effects of FN alone were similar to those of a FN-rich matrix deposited by type II cells cultured on plastic. These effects were inhibited when the FN surface was treated with anti-FN, or when the matrix was digested with proteases. In contrast, a laminin-rich matrix helped to maintain typical type II cell morphology and metabolism during culture. This effect was most evident in pneumocytes plated on matrigel (MG), a laminin-rich basement membrane-like gel formed from an extract of a mouse EHS sarcoma. MG inhibited cell flattening and the associated increase in thymidine incorporation; loss of differentiation on plastic was halted when the cells were overlaid with MG. Soluble components released from MG permitted cell flattening but, similar to complete MG, maintained low thymidine incorporation as time in culture was extended. These results show that both morphology and metabolism of cultured type II pneumocytes are influenced by the extracellular matrix.
Discrepancies between the effects of glutamine in cultures of preimplantation mouse embryos

A review of the literature shows divergent differences between laboratories of the effects of glutamine in mouse preimplantation embryo culture media. One laboratory reported several cases of exencephaly, which was attributed to ammonia produced by the breakdown of glutamine. Two other laboratories have found no such effects. It is suggested, but not proved, that the differences in results may have a genetic basis. Further, it is argued that studies on the toxicological actions of exogenous ammonium chloride on preimplantation development provide a biased model of the effects of glutamine as used in embryo culture protocols. The finding that ammonium can also cause exencephaly thus fosters undue concern about the teratological effects of glutamine.
Mortalities of Eastern and Pacific Oyster Larvae Caused by the Pathogens Vibrio coralliilyticus and Vibrio tubiashii

Vibrio tubiashii is reported to be a bacterial pathogen of larval Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) and Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) and has been associated with major hatchery crashes, causing shortages in seed oysters for commercial shellfish producers. Another bacterium, Vibrio coralliilyticus, a well-known coral pathogen, has recently been shown to elicit mortality in fish and shellfish. Several strains of V. coralliilyticus, such as ATCC 19105 and Pacific isolates RE22 and RE98, were misidentified as V. tubiashii until recently. We compared the mortalities caused by two V. tubiashii and four V. coralliilyticus strains in Eastern and Pacific oyster larvae. The 50% lethal dose (LD50) of V. coralliilyticus in Eastern oysters (defined here as the dose required to kill 50% of the population in 6 days) ranged from 1.1 × 10(4) to 3.0 × 10(4) CFU/ml seawater; strains RE98 and RE22 were the most virulent. This study shows that V. coralliilyticus causes mortality in Eastern oyster larvae. Results for Pacific oysters were similar, with LD50s between 1.2 × 10(4) and 4.0 × 10(4) CFU/ml. Vibrio tubiashii ATCC 19106 and ATCC 19109 were highly infectious toward Eastern oyster larvae but were essentially nonpathogenic toward healthy Pacific oyster larvae at dosages of ≥1.1 × 10(4) CFU/ml. These data, coupled with the fact that several isolates originally thought to be V. tubiashii are actually V. coralliilyticus, suggest that V. coralliilyticus has been a more significant pathogen for larval bivalve shellfish than V. tubiashii, particularly on the U.S. West Coast, contributing to substantial hatchery-associated morbidity and mortality in recent years.
Who Has Seen the Most

In all of theatrical history, one theatre-goer has seen more plays than any other. Who knows who that person is? TDR does.
Nitroprusside ameliorates lung allograft reperfusion injury.

Background Nitric oxide is believed to play a critical role in the maintenance of vascular integrity through its interaction with neutrophils, platelets, and cellular components of the vessel wall. It has been reported that endogenous nitric oxide level was depressed after ischemia, reperfusion, or both. Furthermore, exogenous as well as endogenous nitric oxide decreases reperfusion-induced vascular dysfunction. We hypothesized that nitroprusside, a potent nitric oxide donor, might enhance lung preservation and reduce posttransplantation lung allograft dysfunction. Methods Ten dogs underwent left lung allotransplantation. Donor lungs were flushed with modified Euro-Collins solution and stored for 21 hours at 1°C. Immediately after transplantation, the contralateral right main pulmonary artery and bronchus were ligated to assess isolated allograft function. Hemodynamics and arterial blood gas analysis (inspired oxygen fraction, 1.0) were assessed for 6 hours before sacrifice. Allograft myeloperoxidase activity and wet-to-dry weight ratio were assessed. Group 1 (n = 5) animals received no nitroprusside. In group 2 (n = 5), the donor lung received nitroprusside in the flush solution (10mg/L) and recipient animals received 0.2mg/kg just before reperfusion as well as a continuous infusion (0.11±0.01mg ·kg −1 · h _1 ) during the assessment period. Results Superior gas exchange and hemodynamics were noted in lungs receiving nitroprusside. Although allograft myeloperoxidase activity and the total amount of fluid suctioned from the allograft were significantly reduced in group 2, protein levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were not statistically different. Conclusions Nitroprusside administration in the flush solution and during reperfusion improves lung allograft function and blood flow, and reduces pulmonary vascular resistance and myeloperoxidase activity in the transplanted lung. Nitroprusside reduces lung allograft reperfusion injury.
On dual conservation laws in planar elasticity

Abstract Dual conservation laws of linear planar elasticity theory have been systematically studied based on stress function formalism. By employing generalized symmetry transformation or Lie–Backlund transformation, a class of new dual conservation laws in planar elasticity have been discovered based on Noether theorem and its Bessel–Hagen generalization. These dual conservation laws represent variational symmetry properties of complementary potential energy, which stems from the symmetry properties of compatibility conditions––a biharmonic equation in two dimension. The physical implications of these dual conservation laws are discussed briefly. In particular, a dual-Eshelby tensor is constructed and compared with the Eshelby's energy momentum tensor.
An error control method for application of the discrete cosine transform to extraction of substrate parasitics in ICs

This paper presents an error control method for application of the discrete cosine transform (DCT) to extraction of substrate parasitics in integrated circuits. In addition to the truncation error with approximating an infinite series with a finite number of terms, there are also errors in approximating the truncated series by the DCT. It is shown that this error is important for accurate parasitic extraction and isolation calculation and can be controlled by applying an interpolation method. The interpolation method also makes it possible to use a smaller DCT size without loss of accuracy.
A framework for recognizing a facial image from a police sketch

We present a theory and practical computations for automatically matching a police artist sketch to a set of true photographs. We locate facial features in both the sketch as well as the set of photograph images. Then, the sketch is photometrically standardized to facilitate comparison with a photo and then both the sketch and the photos are geometrically standardized. Finally, for matching, eigenanalysis is employed. Results using real police sketches and arrest photos are presented.
On the use of Hamming distance tuning for the generalized adaptive neural network fuzzy inference controller with evolutionary simulated annealing

The design of robust controllers to handle noise and system variation is a challenging problem and research in this area continues; one approach which has gained success is to employ a neural network to learn about the unknown plant and fuzzy inference to compensate for the uncertainty (GANFIS control). As with most controllers, the design of GANFIS controllers requires proper parameter selection as well as tuning due to variations in the plant or environment. Evolutionary learning has been shown to be feasible to tune these parameters, but there may be some difficulty in selecting the learning factors. Previously, we addressed this problem by designing a fitness function containing both prediction and heuristics for measuring system performance and extending the approach by integrating simulated annealing features for faster convergence. In this paper, we employ a tuning strategy based upon the Hamming distance to select the key convergence parameters of the evolutionary learning algorithm: the cross-over and mutation rates. To study the approach, we compare the case when simulated annealing is applied for constant values; then an adaptive tuned version of the simulated annealing algorithms is applied. Results show that by tuning, the GANFIS controllers produce an overall tracking performance with a lower error trajectory, thus illustrating the feasibility of this additional feature of the GANFIS controller.
Enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose coupled with electricity generation in a microbial fuel cell

Electricity can be directly generated by bacteria in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) from a variety of biodegradable substrates, including cellulose. Particulate materials have not been extensively examined for power generation in MFCs, but in general power densities are lower than those produced with soluble substrates under similar conditions likely as a result of slow hydrolysis rates of the particles. Cellulases are used to achieve rapid conversion of cellulose to sugar for ethanol production, but these enzymes have not been previously tested for their effectiveness in MFCs. It was not known if cellulases would remain active in an MFC in the presence of exoelectrogenic bacteria or if enzymes might hinder power production by adversely affecting the bacteria. Electricity generation from cellulose was therefore examined in two-chamber MFCs in the presence and absence of cellulases. The maximum power density with enzymes and cellulose was 100 +/- 7 mW/m(2) (0.6 +/- 0.04 W/m(3)), compared to only 12 +/- 0.6 mW/m(2) (0.06 +/- 0.003 W/m(3)) in the absence of the enzymes. This power density was comparable to that achieved in the same system using glucose (102 +/- 7 mW/m(2), 0.56 +/- 0.038 W/m(3)) suggesting that the enzyme successfully hydrolyzed cellulose and did not otherwise inhibit electricity production by the bacteria. The addition of the enzyme doubled the Coulombic efficiency (CE) to CE = 51% and increased COD removal to 73%, likely as a result of rapid hydrolysis of cellulose in the reactor and biodegradation of the enzyme. These results demonstrate that cellulases do not adversely affect exoelectrogenic bacteria that produce power in an MFC, and that the use of these enzymes can increase power densities and reactor performance.
Optimizing Radiation Use During Fluoroscopic Procedures: A Quality and Safety Improvement Project

Purpose The ionizing radiation used during fluoroscopically guided medical interventions carries risk. The teams performing these procedures seek to minimize those risks while preserving each procedure's benefits. This report describes a data-driven optimization strategy. Methods Manual and automated data capture systems were used to collect a series of different metrics, including fluoroscopy time, kerma area product, and reference point air kerma, from both adult and pediatric interventional radiologic procedures. Tools from statistical process control were used to identify opportunities for improvement and assess which changes led to improvement. Results Initial efforts focused on creating a system capable of reliably capturing fluoroscopy time from all interventional radiologic procedures. Ongoing data analysis and feedback to frontline teams led to the development of a manual workflow that reliably captured fluoroscopy time. Data capture was later supplemented by automatic capture of electronic records. This process exploited the standardized format (DICOM Structured Reporting) that newer fluoroscopy units use to record the radiation metrics. Data analysis found marked differences between the imaging protocols used for adults and children. Revision of the adult protocols led to a stable twofold reduction in average exposure per adult procedure. Analysis of balancing measures found no impact on workflow. Conclusions A systematic approach to improving radiation use during procedures led to a substantial and sustained reduction in risk with no reduction in benefits. Data were readily captured by both manual and automated processes. Concepts from cognitive psychology and information theory provided a theoretical basis for both data analysis and improvement opportunities.
Structural convergence improvement schemes on adaptive control

Convergent behavior of adaptive control with the synthesis of the feedback structure is studied. A refinement of the error model or a modification of the feedback block can improve the rate of convergence, taking the tradeoff between robustness and fast convergence into account. A typical error model for adaptive control systems is shown. Generalized adaptive systems, instability mechanisms, and robust design methods are presented. Results on designing the feedback structure by the Lyapunov method are given. A generalized design tool for adaptive control algorithms is introduced which improves the rate of convergence. Simulation examples are included. >
The Tiger on Your Tail Choosing Between Temporally Extended Behaviors

The time spent choosing between temporally extended behaviors cannot, in general, last as long as the behaviors themselves; otherwise, the tiger on your tail would have you for lunch. Previous reaction time studies provide little information on this topic, which was explored in the study reported here by showing participants images of scenes for which they could choose a left or right walking-and-reaching path. The paths they chose were nearly identical to ones chosen by participants who actually performed the task in a previous study. Moreover, the times participants took to choose the actions were about 5 times shorter than the times it took to perform them. The choice-time data were inconsistent with the idea that participants picked the path with a lower cost after mentally simulating the paths one after the other. Showing real-world scenes and having participants choose actions for them holds promise for future research in cognitive psychology, ecological psychology, and behavioral ecology.
Liquid precursor infiltration processing of powder compacts. I: Kinetic studies and microstructure development

The kinetics of infiltrating a solution precursor into Si3N4 powder compacts were studied using either water or an aqueous solution of Zr-nitrate and Y-nitrate that formed a crystalline Zr(Y)O2 (3 mol% Y2O3) solid solution during pyrolysis. When the powder compact contained air, the infiltration involved two steps: (1) relatively rapid intrusion of liquid via flow due to capillary pressure and (2) diffusion of entrapped gas to the surface as its pressure became equal to the capillary pressure. The kinetics of both processes are described with different parabolic rate laws–Darcy's law and Fick's law, respectively. When the intruded precursor is converted to an inorganic during heat treatment, the void space is partially filled with pyrolyzed precursor without shrinkage of the Si3N4 powder. The kinetics of subsequent cycles depend on the permeability of the pyrolyzed precursor, which depends on its microstructural development during heat treatment subsequent to pyrolysis. Surface cracks can form within the powder compact during either precursor drying or pyrolysis; they can be avoided by strengthening the powder compact by forming small necks between touching particles via evaporation–condensation. Precursor molecules were found to concentrate near the surface as the precursor solvent was removed by drying. The movement of precursor molecules was prevented by gelling prior to drying, viz., by soaking the infiltrated bodies in an aqueous NH4OH solution. Microstructures developed during cyclic precursor infiltration and pyrolysis were characterized to show that cracklike voids are produced within the pyrolyzed precursor due to its large volume change during pyrolysis and densification; the size distribution of the cracklike voids is proportional to the size distribution of the voids within the initial powder compact.
Lack of chloroform-induced DNA repair in vitro and in vivo in hepatocytes of female B6C3F1 mice.

Chloroform has been shown to induce hepatocellular carcinomas in female B6C3F1 mice when administered by gavage, but not when given in drinking water. When administered in corn oil at the carcinogenic doses of 238 and 477 mg/kg, chloroform induced necrosis and sustained regenerative cell proliferation in the liver. To investigate the mode of action of tumor induction in the target cells, the ability of chloroform to induce unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) was examined in the in vitro and in vivo hepatocyte DNA repair assays. In the in vitro assay, primary hepatocyte cultures from female B6C3F1 mice were incubated with concentrations from 0.01 to 10 mM chloroform in the presence of 3H-thymidine. UDS was assessed by quantitative autoradiography. No induction of DNA repair was observed at any concentration. In the in vivo assay, animals were treated by gavage with 238 and 477 mg/kg chloroform in corn oil. Primary hepatocyte cultures were prepared 2 and 12 hr later, incubated with 3H-thymidine, and assessed for induction of UDS as above. No DNA repair activity was seen at either dose or at either timepoint. These negative results in the target organ are consistent with the concept that neither chloroform nor its metabolites are directly DNA reactive and that the carcinogenicity of chloroform is secondary to induced cytolethality and regenerative cell proliferation. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Authentic Research Experience and “Big Data” Analysis in the Classroom: Maize Response to Abiotic Stress

Integration of inquiry-based approaches into curriculum is transforming the way science is taught and studied in undergraduate classrooms. Incorporating quantitative reasoning and mathematical skills into authentic biology undergraduate research projects has been shown to benefit students in developing various skills necessary for future scientists and to attract students to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. While large-scale data analysis became an essential part of modern biological research, students have few opportunities to engage in analysis of large biological data sets. RNA-seq analysis, a tool that allows precise measurement of the level of gene expression for all genes in a genome, revolutionized molecular biology and provides ample opportunities for engaging students in authentic research. We developed, implemented, and assessed a series of authentic research laboratory exercises incorporating a large data RNA-seq analysis into an introductory undergraduate classroom. Our laboratory series is focused on analyzing gene expression changes in response to abiotic stress in maize seedlings; however, it could be easily adapted to the analysis of any other biological system with available RNA-seq data. Objective and subjective assessment of student learning demonstrated gains in understanding important biological concepts and in skills related to the process of science.
Algorithms and applications for the same-decision probability

When making decisions under uncertainty, the optimal choices are often difficult to discern, especially if not enough information has been gathered. Two key questions in this regard relate to whether one should stop the information gathering process and commit to a decision (stopping criterion), and if not, what information to gather next (selection criterion). In this paper, we show that the recently introduced notion, Same-Decision Probability (SDP), can be useful as both a stopping and a selection criterion, as it can provide additional insight and allow for robust decision making in a variety of scenarios. This query has been shown to be highly intractable, being PPPP-complete, and is exemplary of a class of queries which correspond to the computation of certain expectations. We propose the first exact algorithm for computing the SDP, and demonstrate its effectiveness on several real and synthetic networks. Finally, we present new complexity results, such as the complexity of computing the SDP on models with a Naive Bayes structure. Additionally, we prove that computing the non-myopic value of information is complete for the same complexity class as computing the SDP
Improvement of Pattern Circularity of Panel Antennas Mounted on Large Towers

Three techniques using partial skew are developed in this paper. They do not lead to the same degree of smoothing of the patterns of circular arrays as the 90 °skew, but they present the advantage of being less sensitive to the presence of the supporting structure. They also provide a large flexibility in the choice of dimensions and feeding systems of such antennas.
The Role of Administrators in Enabling Youth-Adult Partnerships in Schools.

School leaders play a crucial role in enabling and sustaining student voice initiatives. This article identifies three specific ways in which administrators can spark and encourage a focus on increasing student voice in school decision making and in classroom practice, including (a) fostering youth–adult partnerships within the context of a schoolwide learning community, (b) buffering from administrative bureaucracy within schools, and (c) building bridges beyond school walls with intermediary organizations.
A Social Worker's Perspective on Pornography

As advocates for the oppressed and for personal freedom, social workers may find themselves torn by opposing views on pornography. Critical questions about pornography have gone unanswered. This article reviews fundamental issues in the debate about pornography as a step toward stimulating systematic research by social workers in response to these questions.
Parallel Organization in a Health Care Institution: An Exploratory Action Research Study

This article explores the use of parallel organization design in a health care institution. The action-research-based mechanism was chosen due to the nature of the issues under investigation and the failure of management to improve health care team effectiveness with traditional research and management methods. The article consists of (1) an initial exploration of parallel organization characteristics, (2) a case study, and (3) a discussion of the implications for the utilization of parallel organization designs in health care institutions.
Monte Carlo studies on equilibrium globular protein folding. I. Homopolymeric lattice models of beta-barrel proteins.

Dynamic Monte Carlo studies have been performed on various diamond lattice models of β-proteins. Unlike previous work, no bias toward the native state is introduced; instead, the protein is allowed to freely hunt through all of phase space to find the equilibrium conformation. Thus, these systems may aid in the elucidation of the rules governing protein folding from a given primary sequence; in particular, the interplay of short- vs long-range interaction can be explored. Three distinct models (AC) were examined. In model A, in addition to the preference for trans (t) over gauche states (g+ and g−) (thereby perhaps favoring β-sheet formation), attractive interactions are allowed between all nonbonded, nearest neighbor pairs of segments. If the molecules possess a relatively large fraction of t states in the denatured form, on cooling spontaneous collapse to a well-defined β-barrel is observed. Unfortunately, in model A the denatured state exhibits too much secondary structure to correctly model the globular protein collapse transition. Thus in models B and C, the local stiffness is reduced. In model B, in the absence of long-range interactions, t and g states are equally weighted, and cooperativity is introduced by favoring formation of adjacent pairs of nonbonded (but not necessarily parallel) t states. While the denatured state of these systems behaves like a random coil, their native globular structure is poorly defined. Model C retains the cooperativity of model B but allows for a slight preference of t over g states in the short-range interactions. Here, the denatured state is indistinguishable from a random coil, and the globular state is a well-defined β-barrel. Over a range of chain lengths, the collapse is well represented by an all-or-none model. Hence, model C possesses the essential qualitative features observed in real globular proteins. These studies strongly suggest that the uniqueness of the globular conformation requires some residual secondary structure to be present in the denatured state.
Improved Efficiency Reduces U.S. Industrial Water Withdrawals, 2005–2010

The total water withdrawal for U.S. industrial sectors decreased by ∼20 trillion gallons for 2005–2010, representing a reduction of 14% compared to the 2005 water withdrawal. The contributions of five governing factors—population, GDP per capita, water use intensity, production structure, and consumption pattern—to changes in total water withdrawal for industrial sectors during the five years were investigated on the basis of the most recent U.S. economic input–output and U.S. Geological Survey water withdrawal data. Changes in population and consumption pattern caused increases in water withdrawal, while changes in GDP per capita, water use intensity, and production structure contributed to declines in water withdrawal between 2005 and 2010. The change in water use intensity was the greatest contributor to the overall reduction in total water withdrawal during 2005–2010.
Hepatitis B Antigenemia in Remote Tribes of Northern Kenya, Northern Liberia, and Northern Rhodesia

Hepatitis B antigen (HB Ag) was detected by complement fixation procedures in 32 of 343 persons tested (9.3%) from the Turkanas of Lokori and Kalokol (northern Kenya), the Korekore people living on the Urungwe Reserve (northern Rhodesia), and the Mano tribe residing in Nyao (northern Liberia). The prevalence of HB Ag was 12.2% in Turkana, 8.7% in Korekore, and 6.4% in Mano tribesmen. Turkana males exhibited the highest prevalence of HB Ag. By comparison, not a single male from the Mano people had detectable HB Ag. Individuals of all ages were positive for HB Ag, but no age-related trends were evident.
Long-term results of multiple arterial bypass conduits.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Ongoing efforts to compare percutaneous coronary intervention with coronary bypass surgery for multivessel coronary disease mandate that surgeons reevaluate best practices for coronary surgery in order to maximize long-term outcomes. This review presents recent data for the long-term outcomes of multiple arterial grafting in terms of patient selection, conduit choice, and technical considerations. RECENT FINDINGS Multiple arterial grafting remains poorly utilized, with fewer than 10% of cases receiving more than one arterial graft. Bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting confers superior long-term survival and freedom from reoperation over single thoracic artery with saphenous vein. Use of a second internal thoracic artery graft is advantageous in diabetic patients despite higher risk of sternal wound complications. Routine use of skeletonized grafts and Y or T grafting to allow complete revascularization allows lower early complication rates and better long-term survival. Radial artery grafts confer superior long-term survival compared with saphenous vein grafts and should be considered in patients at high risk for sternal wound complications. SUMMARY Multiple arterial grafting confers superior long-term outcomes in comparison with single internal thoracic artery grafting and should be considered as the standard of care.
Reactivity of Mount Simon sandstone and the Eau Claire shale under CO2 storage conditions.

The Mount Simon sandstone and Eau Claire shale formations are target storage and cap rock formations for the Illinois Basin–Decatur Geologic Carbon Sequestration Project. We reacted rock samples wi...
Effect of Hypothalamic Extracts on Release of Growth Hormone in vitro

SummaryThe pituitary incubation technique of Saffran and Schally was utihed for detection of factors affecting the release of growth hormone in vitro. Pituitary stalkmedian eminence extracts of porcine and bovine origin were shown to contain a growth hormone releasing factor (GRF).
A 15-YEAR WARRANTY PERIOD FOR ASYMPTOMATIC INDIVIDUALS WITHOUT CORONARY ARTERY CALCIUM: A PROSPECTIVE FOLLOW-UP OF 9,715 INDIVIDUALS

A zero coronary artery calcium (CAC) score reflects a favorable near-term prognosis. However, the long-term “warranty period” of a CAC=0 is relatively unknown. A total of 9,715 asymptomatic individuals undergoing CAC scoring were followed for a mean duration of 14.6±1.1 years. Cox proportional
Conversation on a Plane

Aspects of the epistemological, methodological, and ontological differences between naturalism, transcendentalism, causal explanation, and eidetic description are touched upon more conclusively than it might seem.
Effect of Estriol Administration on the Hypogonadal Woman

To study the biologic effects of estriol, 14 hypogonadal patients received either vaginal or oral estriol. The vaginal administration of 0.5 mg of estriol to five patients resulted in increases of serum unconjugated and conjugated estriol levels which were maximal at 1 and 2 hours following treatment (161 ± 59 [SE] pg/ml and 762 ± 146 pg/ml, respectively). Significant suppression of luteinizing hormone (LH) to 84% and 81% of base line levels was observed at 2 and 3 hours following treatment, respectively (P Estriol is a weak estrogen. Rapid conjugation of the orally administered estriol renders it a weakly potent estrogen. Estriol administered vaginally is conjugated less rapidly than orally administered estriol, thus rendering it more biologically potent.
Immunoglobulin (Ig) G, IgA, and IgA subclass antibodies against fertilization antigen-1 in cervical secretions and sera of women of infertile couples

Objectives To assess the occurrence of immunoglobulin (Ig) G, IgA, and IgA subclass antibodies against human sperm fertilization antigen-1 (FA-1) in cervical mucus (CM) and serum of women of infertile couples. Design Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methodology was used to detect anti-FA-1 antibodies. Antisperm antibodies were detected by agglutinating, immobilizing, and indirect immunobead (IB) methods. Control samples for the ELISA were from 10 women negative in the antisperm antibody assays. Participants Samples were from women of 32 infertile couples undergoing antisperm antibody analysis. Results One of 10 control CM samples was slightly positive for IgG anti-FA-1 and none for IgA. Of the 22 CM samples from antisperm antibody-positive women, 9 were positive for IgG antibodies, 9 for IgA, 7 for IgAl, and 6 for IgA2. Cervical mucus samples from eight women were positive for both IgA and IgG antibodies. Assay of 19 serum samples, including 8 controls, by ELISA, indicated 9 of 11 from antisperm antibody-positive women and none from controls were positive for IgA and IgG (7 of 9 identical women). In addition, of the nine IgA-positive sera, seven were of the A1 subclass and five were of the A2 subclass. Positive IB assays occurred more frequently in CM and serum samples positive for anti-FA-1 antibodies than in negative samples. Conclusion The results suggest that cervical secretions and sera of antisperm antibody-positive women contain IgA and IgG antibodies against sperm antigen FA-1 that may be involved in antifertility effects.
Endodontic Education and Educators: Who is teaching our predoctoral students and what methods are being taught?

ENDODONTIC EDUCATION AND EDUCATORS: WHO IS TEACHING OUR PREDOCTORAL STUDENTS AND WHAT METHODS ARE BEING TAUGHT? By Ellison Paige Turner, DDS A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2010 Program Director: Karan J. Replogle, DDS, MS Departmental Chair, Department of Endodontics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry A survey was conducted to assess the current state of predoctoral endodontic education in the United States. Fifty-one schools received surveys and 73% responded. Seventy-six percent were from public schools with most having a graduate endodontic program (84%). Preclinical training most often began in the spring of second year and clinical training started in the fall of third year (each 54%). All programs that responded stated that endodontists routinely instruct students in the clinic. Sodium hypochlorite 2.5% was the irrigation of choice. Calcium hydroxide was the most common intracanal medicament. Cold lateral condensation with gutta-percha was the most frequently indicated obturation technique. Sixty-two percent of programs had microscopes, with 1-2 cases treated with microscope per week. Findings suggest that endodontists are still an integral part of teaching predoctoral dental students in the United States.
Change in settings for early-season influenza vaccination among US adults, 2012 to 2013

Vaccination in non-medical settings is recommended as a strategy to increase access to seasonal influenza vaccine. To evaluate change in early-season influenza vaccination setting, we analyzed data from the National Internet Flu Survey. Bivariate comparison of respondent characteristics by location of vaccination was assessed using chi-square tests. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to compare the predicted probability of being vaccinated in medical, retail, and mobile settings in 2012 vs 2013. In both 2012 and 2013, vaccination in medical settings was more likely among elderly adults, those with chronic conditions, and adults with a high school education or less. Adults 18–64 without a chronic condition had a lower probability of vaccination in the medical setting, and higher probability of vaccination in a retail or mobile setting, in 2013 compared to 2012. Adults 18–64 with a chronic condition had no change in their location of flu vaccination. Elderly adults had a lower probability of vaccination in the medical setting, and higher probability of vaccination in a retail setting, in 2013 compared to 2012. Non-medical settings continue to play an increasing role in influenza vaccination of adults, particularly for adults without a chronic condition and elderly adults. Retail and mobile settings should continue to be viewed as important mechanisms to ensure broad access to influenza vaccination.
Sporadic Turbulence and Dispersion in the Stable Boundary Layer

It is commonly assumed that the levels of turbulence and dispersion in the stable planetary boundary layer (PBL) are low. This assumption strongly affects the modeling of air quality and plume dispersion in the nocturnal atmospheric surface layer. However, beginning with the early observations by Durst (1933), Gifford (1952), and Lyons et al. (1964) and latter by, for example, Bean et al. (1973), Kondo et al. (1978), Mahrt (1985), and Gossard et al. (1985) it is now clear that sporadic outbreaks of turbulence and enhanced vertical diffusion are common in the stable PBL. These effects have not been accounted for in conventional PBL plume diffusion theory and, because of this, model predictions of surface deposition may be underestimated. For long-term air quality considerations, the assumption that vertical transfer is small in the stable PBL is generally acceptable; however, in treating the problem of short-term exposure to hazardous materials consideration of the non-stationary aspects of the PBL is crucial. For example, during a breakdown event pollutants released in the upper levels of the PBL can be brought downward to the surface layer with relatively little dilution. Harrison et al. (1978) and Winkler (1980) show that sudden increases in ozone concentration at the ground surface are correlated with disturbances in the stable PBL as indicated by sodar traces. They relate these concentration increases to turbulent transport from higher levels where ozone concentrations are higher than at the ground surface.