cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Online or Face-to-Face Learning? Exploring the Personal Factors that Predict Students' Choice of Instructional Format

Abstract Notwithstanding the growth of online learning, little is known about the personal factors that predict student decisions to enroll in online courses. This study examined the relations between several personal factors and students' choice of instructional format. After completing an online course, service academy undergraduates (N = 564) completed a survey that assessed their motivational beliefs (task value and self-efficacy), achievement-related emotions (enjoyment, boredom, and frustration), and satisfaction with the course. Results indicated that students who preferred to take future courses in an online format (as opposed to face-to-face) also reported greater confidence in their ability to learn online (self-efficacy) and greater satisfaction with their recent online learning experience. Logistic regression analysis confirmed and extended these findings, indicating that membership in the online preference group was predicted by higher self-efficacy and satisfaction, and lower task value beliefs. Taken together, results from this study provide researchers and practitioners with a better understanding of how several personal factors relate to students' choice of instructional format.
CHANGES IN FRIENDSHIP RELATIONS OVER THE LIFE COURSE: IMPLICATIONS FOR DESISTANCE FROM CRIME

We analyze life history narratives and structured data derived from a study of serious female and male offenders interviewed when incarcerated as adolescents and followed up thirteen years later. We highlight shifts in the influence of friends and in the nature of friendship choices, and suggest how these changes can facilitate desistance processes. While key events (e.g., marriage) are important to an understanding of such changes, shifts in the actor's perspective and identity are also integral to the process of making successful network realignments. Similarities and differences by gender in the effects of adult social influence processes are also examined.
Collaborative reasoning: a dialogic approach to group discussions

In this paper, we address the need to develop an empirically-based understanding of the use of dialogue in teaching by discussing theory and research related to a pedagogical approach called collaborative reasoning (CR). CR is an instructional method designed to engage elementary school children in group discussions about controversial issues raised in their readings. CR is grounded in social learning and schema-theoretic views of cognition, which are integrated to form a new model, called argument schema theory (AST). According to AST, students acquire generalizable knowledge of argumentation, or an argument schema, through participating in dialogic discussions with their peers. The article reviews empirical evidence from a variety of studies designed to evaluate the educational potential of dialogic interactions. The studies investigated group processes during CR discussions, individual student outcomes following participation in discussions, and the connections between the features of social interaction and individual student performance. We conclude that, despite its complexity, classroom dialogue can serve as a useful mechanism for promoting the development of individual argumentation.
Development and validation of a canine radius replica for mechanical testing of orthopedic implants

Objective—To design and fabricate fiberglass-reinforced composite (FRC) replicas of a canine radius and compare their mechanical properties with those of radii from dog cadavers. Sample—Replicas based on 3 FRC formulations with 33%, 50%, or 60% short-length discontinuous fiberglass by weight (7 replicas/group) and 5 radii from large (> 30-kg) dog cadavers. Procedures—Bones and FRC replicas underwent nondestructive mechanical testing including 4-point bending, axial loading, and torsion and destructive testing to failure during 4-point bending. Axial, internal and external torsional, and bending stiffnesses were calculated. Axial pullout loads for bone screws placed in the replicas and cadaveric radii were also assessed. Results—Axial, internal and external torsional, and 4-point bending stiffnesses of FRC replicas increased significantly with increasing fiberglass content. The 4-point bending stiffness of 33% and 50% FRC replicas and axial and internal torsional stiffnesses of 33% FRC replicas were equivalent to the cadaveric bone stiffnesses. Ultimate 4-point bending loads did not differ significantly between FRC replicas and bones. Ultimate screw pullout loads did not differ significantly between 33% or 50% FRC replicas and bones. Mechanical property variability (coefficient of variation) of cadaveric radii was approximately 2 to 19 times that of FRC replicas, depending on loading protocols. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Within the range of properties tested, FRC replicas had mechanical properties equivalent to and mechanical property variability less than those of radii from dog cadavers. Results indicated that FRC replicas may be a useful alternative to cadaveric bones for biomechanical testing of canine bone constructs. (Am J Vet Res 2012;73:27–33)
Implementation of activity-dependent synaptic plasticity rules for a large-scale biologically realistic model of the hippocampus

A large-scale computational model of the hippocampus should consider plasticity at different time scales in order to capture the non-stationary information processing behavior of the hippocampus more accurately. This paper presents a computational model that describes hippocampal long-term potentiation/depression (LTP/LTD) and short-term plasticity implemented in the NEURON simulation environment. The LTP/LTD component is based on spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP). The short-term plasticity component modifies a previously defined deterministic model at a population synapse level to a probabilistic model that can be implemented at a single synapse level. The plasticity mechanisms are validated and incorporated into a large-scale model of the entorhinal cortex projection to the dentate gyrus. Computational expense of the added plasticity was also evaluated and shown to increase simulation time by less than a factor of two. This model can be easily included in future large-scale hippocampal simulations to investigate the effects of LTP/LTD and short-term plasticity in conjunction with other biological considerations on system function.
High-rate deposition of high-quality CdTe films for high-efficiency solar cells

CdTe/CdS heterojunction solar cells of 11% efficiency have been produced by close-spaced sublimation of highly oriented large-grain p-CdTe films at a deposition-rate of above 5 mu m/min in a nitrogen-ambient at a pressure of 10/sup -1/ mbar, using a very thin evaporated n-CdS film. Internal quantum efficiencies are close to 100% over a broad spectral range. A realistic potential of >15% is estimated for this cell. >
Student paper award 1974. Systematic searching of abstracts and indexes in interdisciplinary areas

Two trends, the growth of interdisciplinary research and the proliferation of machine-readable data bases, require that new techniques and tools be applied to facilitate use of scientific and medical literature in support of research. In order to permit systematic searching of multiple data bases to satisfy requests in interdisciplinary areas, a mapping of a portion of Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) to three other controlled vocabularies has been constructed. A description of the development of the mapping is followed by details of a preliminary test of its effectiveness based on searches in the subject areas of applications of physics and engineering in medicine. The test shows: (1) Index Medicus provides an average of 81% of the citations retrieved in searches using more than one source; (2) in some subject areas use of the mapping does allow an increase in the number of items retrieved, but with a loss in precision. Limitations of the mapping revealed by the test suggest possible alternative applications of the mapping in controlled vocabulary development and in on-line searching.
Omalizumab: a novel therapy for allergic asthma.

OBJECTIVE:To review the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of omalizumab, focusing on the treatment of allergic asthma.DATA SOURCES:A MEDLINE search (1966—November 2003) was conducted using the key words omalizumab, Xolair, and Rhu-MAB25, with studies limited to those in humans and published in English. References of identified articles were reviewed for additional citations.STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:Clinical trials evaluating the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of omalizumab for treatment of allergic asthma in patients aged ≥1 2 years were selected. Clinical trials examining utility in pediatric patients were also reviewed.DATA SYNTHESIS:Omalizumab's ability to form complexes with unbound immunoglobulin E (IgE) translates into decreased unbound serum IgE levels and high-affinity IgE receptors on basophils, as well as attenuation of early and late allergic response in patients with allergic asthma. Results of clinical trials demonstrated that omalizumab administered subcutaneously is a safe a...
Intraspinal delivery of neurotrophin-3 using neural stem cells genetically modified by recombinant retrovirus.

Neural stem cells have been shown to participate in the repair of experimental CNS disorders. To examine their potential in spinal cord repair, we used retroviral vectors to genetically modify a clone of neural stem cells, C17, to overproduce neurotrophin-3 (NT-3). The cells were infected with a retrovirus construct containing the NT-3.IRES.lacZ/neo sequence and cloned by limiting dilution and selection for lacZ expression. We studied the characteristics of the modified neural stem cells in vitro and after transplantation into the intact spinal cord of immunosuppressed adult rats. Our results show that: (i) most of the genetically modified cells express both NT-3 and lacZ genes with a high coexpression ratio in vitro and after transplantation; and (ii) large numbers of the xenografted cells survive in the spinal cord of adult rats for at least 2 months, differentiate into neuronal and glial phenotypes, and migrate for long distances. We conclude that genetically modified neural stem cells, acting as a source of neurotrophic factors, have the potential to participate in spinal cord repair.
DLC1 negatively regulates angiogenesis in a paracrine fashion.

The Rho GTPase-activating protein DLC1 is a tumor suppressor that is often deleted in liver cancer and downregulated in other cancers. DLC1 regulates the actin cytoskeleton, cell shape, adhesion, migration, and proliferation through its Rho GTPase-activating protein activity and focal adhesion localization. In this study, we silenced DLC1 in nonmalignant prostate epithelial cells to explore its tumor suppression functions. Small hairpin RNA-mediated silencing of DLC1 was insufficient to promote more aggressive phenotypes associated with tumor cell growth. In contrast, DLC1 silencing promoted pro-angiogenic responses through vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) upregulation, accompanied by the accumulation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and its nuclear localization. Notably, modulation of VEGF expression by DLC1 was dependent on epidermal growth factor receptor–MAP/ERK kinase–hypoxia-inducible factor 1 signaling but on RhoA pathways. Clinically, VEGF upregulation is a highly significant event in prostate cancers in which DLC1 is downregulated. Thus, our results strongly suggest that loss of DLC1 may serve as a “second hit” in promoting angiogenesis in a paracrine fashion during tumorigenesis. Cancer Res; 70(21); 8270–5. ©2010 AACR.
Short-Term Effects of Prescribed Burning on Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Assemblages in Ozark Forests

ABSTRACT Prescribed fire is a valuable and effective tool in forest management, and understanding the effects of fire on animal communities is increasingly important for monitoring and conservation. We quantified the short-term responses of leaf litter ants to fire in Ozark oak-dominated forests of Arkansas. We repeatedly surveyed litter ants in replicate burned and unburned sites via Berlese extraction, baiting, and hand collecting 30–170 d postfire. We collected 6,301 ants representing 59 species. Cumulative ant species richness was lower in burned forests than in unburned forests. However, differences in average richness and abundance between treatments were inconsistent overtime; lower ant abundance and species richness in burned sites occurred only during the first few months postburn. Ant species composition was very similar between treatments, although some species typically associated within mesic and lowland habitats were found only in unburned forests. We conclude that litter ant communities in ...
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Circulatory Support as a Bridge to Pediatric Heart Transplanation

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an established therapy for intractable respiratory failure of the neonate [1]. Therapeutic benefit also has been gained with ECMO in the face of severe myocardial failure [2] and in rescue for cardiac arrest [3]. The mechanical ventricular assist capacity of ECMO was applied to a subgroup of children with cardiomyopathy who underwent cardiac transplantation. The purpose of the current study was to review our ECMO experience as a bridge to pediatric heart transplantation and to identify the risk factors for untoward outcomes of this intervention.
Lunar Paleomagnetism and the Case for an Early Lunar Dynamo

Criteria for reliability of the lunar NRM are established and the test of the case for an early dynamo described. The history of the intensity of ancient lunar fields from the samples is the key observation we need and unfortunately even more difficult than determining paleomagnetic direction reliably, but progress has been made. The results from the samples are tested against the record from the lunar crustal magnetic anomalies.
Toward Teaching Inclusive Personality Theories

This article reviews some of the limitations and biases in mainstream personality theories and recommends teaching content that is not traditionally covered in a theories course. Through discussion...
Information Technology Training For Under-Represented Minority Teachers And Students

This paper will present an attempt for addressing the high rate of under-representation of minority students and teachers in Information Technology (IT) in low income localities. It appears that these communities have been left behind during the economic boom of the dot.com experienced by the rest of the western world and the nation. The paper will discuss on strategies to alleviate the disparity between the ‘haves’ and ‘have not’ in information technology training, skills, and economic opportunity that can be availed through use of e-commerce and, generally, seeking information through the Internet. Our proposal is to train teachers and students in such communities to make difference in their lives and by mentoring the teachers and hopefully the knowledge passed to the teachers will reach their students in junior and high schools.
Class of Mail Does Affect Response Rates to Mailed Questionnaires: Evidence from Meta-Analysis (with a Reply by Lee Harvey)

In contrast to the conclusions from traditional reviews, meta-analysis shows that certain types of postage have an important effect on return rates to mail surveys. In particular, US business reply postage should not be used in survey research.
An opinion on imaging challenges in phenotyping field crops

Almost all the world's food is grown in open fields, where plant phenotypes can be very different from those observed in greenhouses. Geneticists and agronomists studying food crops routinely detect, measure, and classify a wide variety of phenotypes in fields that contain many visually distinct types of a single crop. Augmenting humans in these tasks by automatically interpreting images raises some important and nontrivial challenges for research in computer vision. Nonetheless, the rewards for overcoming these obstacles could be exceptionally high for today's 7 billion people, let alone the 9.6 billion projected by 2050 (United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects: The 2012 Revision). To stimulate dialog between researchers in computer vision and those in genetics and agronomy, we offer our views on three computational challenges that are central to many phenotyping tasks. These are disambiguating one plant from another; assigning an individual plant's organs to it; and identifying field phenotypes from those shown in archival images. We illustrate these challenges with annotated photographs of maize highlighting the regions of interest. We also describe some of the experimental, logistical, and photographic constraints on image collection and processing. While collecting the data sets needed for algorithmic experiments requires sustained collaboration and funding, the images we show and have posted should allow one to consider the problems, think of possible approaches, and decide on the next steps.
Time-Integrated Fluorescence Cumulant Analysis and Its Application in Living Cells

Time-integrated fluorescence cumulant analysis (TIFCA) is a data analysis technique for fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy (FFS) that extracts information from the cumulants of the integrated fluorescence intensity. It is the first exact theory that describes the effect of sampling time on FFS experiment. Rebinning of data to longer sampling times helps to increase the signal/noise ratio of the experimental cumulants of the photon counts. The sampling time dependence of the cumulants encodes both brightness and diffusion information of the sample. TIFCA analysis extracts this information by fitting the cumulants to model functions. Generalization of TIFCA to multicolor FFS experiment is straightforward. Here, we present an overview of the theory, its implementation, as well as the benefits and requirements of TIFCA. The questions of why, when, and how to use TIFCA will be discussed. We give several examples of practical applications of TIFCA, particularly focused on measuring molecular interaction in living cells.
Impact of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games on Unemployment in Georgia

Atlanta's 1996 Olympic Games were considered the most successful Olympics in the history of the event. Success in this case is based on financial considerations. There is no doubt that there was a tremendous economic activity associated with not only the city but much of the state of Georgia. Additionally it is well known that the Olympic Games are not a typical sport event, but a social event with several economic and financial extensions. At issue is whether the Olympic Games constitute a consumption or investment activity. We look at multiple measures of labor market changes in Georgia around the Olympics. We find limited positive effects on employment levels in counties close to but that did not have Olympic venues. Further we find that some measures of Olympic effects on labor market measures are startlingly negative.
Strain-induced incommensurate distortions in epitaxial Ruddlesden-Popper-type Ba 2 TiO 4

With the help of first-principles-based computational techniques, we evaluate the structural, vibrational, and polar properties of a fictitious Ruddlesden-Popper-type Ba${}_{2}$TiO${}_{4}$ compound that is subjected to a range of epitaxial strains. We demonstrate that, depending on the value of the applied strain, this compound exhibits different types of incommensurate distortions, which does not happen in the similar, but better cation-size-balanced, Ca- and Sr-based structures. Furthermore, at moderate tensile strains this material develops spontaneous polarization (0.17 C/m${}^{2}$ at 1.5$%$ strain) that is directed along the perovskite planes. By virtue of having the same symmetry, planar incommensurate and polar distortions can interact with each other, which results in a variety of complicated ground-state structural arrangements whose properties could be fine tuned by epitaxial strain engineering.
Target-Site Insensitivity as the Mechanism of Resistance to Oregano phosphorus, Carbamate, and Cyclodiene Insecticides in Tobacco Bud worm Adults

Mechanisms of resistance to oregano phosphorus, carbamate, and cyclodicne insecticides were investigated in adult tobacco bud worms, Heliothis virescens (F.). Comparative studies on profenofos toxicity with or without synergists failed to demonstrate that enhanced metabolism was a major mechanism of resistance to this insecticide. Percentage of survival of several partially resistant tobacco bud worm populations at diagnostic concentrations of profenofos and methomyl was highly correlated, suggesting the same mechanism confers resistance to these insecticides. Differences between resistant and susceptible tobacco bud worms in inhibition of acetylcholinesterase by tetrachlorvinfos (7-fold), methomyl (7.6-fold), and carbaryl (4-fold) indicated that target-site insensitivity was a major mechanism of resistance to oregano phosphorus and carbamate insecticides. The high correlation of survival of field tobacco bud worm populations exposed to diagnostic concentrations of endosulfan and dieldrin suggested that the same mechanism (target-site) conferred resistance to both insecticides. Measurements of penetration of radiolabeled profenofos indicated that a decrease in insecticide uptake may be an additional resistance factor in the tobacco bud worm. Because target-site resistance to insecticides is expressed in both larvae and adults, monitoring for resistance in adults is appropriate with these insecticides.
Iron-Induced Accumulation of Hepatic Metallothionein: The Lack of Glucocorticoid Involvement

The process(es) by which parenteral iron effects the accumulation of hepatic metallothionein (MT) is not known. The present study examined glucocorticoids as potential mediators of this process. Chicks were given either one injection (ip) of iron (+1FE) at 10 mg Fe/kg, two injections of iron (+2FE) given 24 hr apart, or a single injection of saline. Plasma corticosterone was evaluated at various times following the last injection. Plasma corticosterone increased approximately 50% following +1FE but more than 200% at 2 and 4 hr following a second injection of iron (+2FE). Plasma zinc showed a transient increase followed by a considerable depression. Coincidentally, the accumulation (determined at 24 hr) of zinc MT in liver of +2FE chicks was three times higher than that of +1FE chicks. In another experiment, markedly greater changes, at similar time intervals, in plasma corticosterone were effected by multiple subcutaneous injections of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) (either 5 IU ACTH or 20 IU ACTH/kg). Subsequent analysis of hepatic zinc MT showed only minor changes as a result of ACTH injections. These results indicate that a change in the plasma glucocorticoid corticosterone is not a primary component in the process(es) by which parenteral iron effects an increase in hepatic zinc MT.
Cultivating Narratives: Cultivating Successors

This paper analyzes oral histories of eight northwest Ohio farms on the theme of farm succession. We report several significant findings: a process of succession that is less orderly than some recent studies suggest; that farmers hope for, even expect succession but do not plan for it; the importance of wives to the adaptation and diversification of on-farm operations; and that contrary to some claims, the “farmer’s boy”–type successors can innovate and adapt, suggesting the future of family farms may be in sounder hands than some believe.
Foldlings: a tool for interactive pop-up card design

Crafting a 3D paper pop-up is a creative and playful experience, which can help develop spatial reasoning skills. However, designing the cuts and folds is often a frustrating trial-and-error process due to the tight set of geometric constraints. We introduce Foldlings: an iPad application that assists in this exploratory process. Our tool-based approach allows users of all skill levels to create complex cards with ease, by separating folding geometries into logical units. We present a novel user interface for creating popup cards from user input, leveraging the practical two-dimensional format of paper. Our approach uses a modular set of simple drawing tools, which can be combined to create complex designs. We guarantee the validity of the folded card at all stages of design, and our interface provides an intuitive set of visual aids to help users understand the relationship between 2D patterns and 3D geometry. We describe the algorithms and data structures used in interpreting 2D user input and visualizing the 3D geometry of the folded card. We discuss results of user studies, which guided early stages of UI design and demonstrate the efficacy of the final prototype.
Diagnosis: Intestinal inflammation--key to complications in cirrhosis?

An ideal diagnostic test should be quick, reliable and noninvasive. Fecal calprotectin is considered a marker of intestinal inflammation and has proven to be an effective test for IBD, but is fecal calprotectin a useful diagnostic tool when assessing patients with cirrhosis?
The Deductive-Nomological Approach to Theory

Throughout this text I will be tracing and evaluating, as I go along, the evolution of the concept of a scientific theory, beginning with that portrayed by logical positivism and ending with Kuhn’s historical approach to the philosophy of science. As we shall soon see, the link between the positivists and Hempel appears to be quite logical and continuous but, after that, the philosophy of science abruptly diverges into two radically opposing schools of thought, namely, the formalists on the one hand, and the contextualists on the other. The proponents of the formalistic approach to the philosophy of science have included Nagel, Salmon, Scheffler, Suppes et al., while Hanson, Kuhn, Scriven, Toulmin et al., have been counted among their contextualistic adversaries.
Molecular and epidemiological characterization of canine Pseudomonas otitis using a prospective case-control study design.

Background Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen of the canine ear canal and occupies aquatic habitats in the environment. Nosocomial and zoonotic transmission of P. aeruginosa have been documented, including clonal outbreaks. Hypothesis/Objectives The primary objective of this study was to assess various environmental exposures as potential risk factors for canine Pseudomonas otitis. It was hypothesized that isolates derived from infected ears would be clonal to isolates derived from household water sources and the mouths of human and animal companions of the study subjects. Animals Seventy seven privately owned dogs with otitis were enrolled, along with their human and animal household companions, in a case-control design. Methods Data on potential risk factors for Pseudomonas otitis were collected. Oral cavities of all study subjects, their human and animal companions, and household water sources were sampled. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis was used to estimate clonal relatedness of P. aeruginosa isolates. Results In a multivariate model, visiting a dog park was associated with 77% increased odds of case status (P = 0.048). Strains clonal to the infection isolates were obtained from subjects’ mouths (n = 18), companion pets’ mouths (n = 5), pet owners’ mouths (n = 2), water bowls (n = 7) and water taps (n = 2). Clonally related P. aeruginosa isolates were obtained from dogs that had no clear epidemiological link. Conclusions and clinical importance Genetic homology between otic and environmental isolates is consistent with a waterborne source for some dogs, and cross-contamination with other human and animal members within some households.
Consciousness: One Chariot and Two Views of the Galaxy

The dimensions of philosophical space are like optical illusions in which one clearly sees one figure but not another until a sudden modification of attention makes the second visible and the first disappear. With practice, one can move ever more quickly between the two but cannot see both at the same instant. We encounter this characteristic of optical illusions when we try focusing our attention in the object and subject dimensions of philosophical space. The object tradition tends to speak of subjects from the perspective of the objects of knowledge. The subject tradition tends to speak of objects from the perspective of knowing and interpreting subjects for whom objects are perceptions and conceptions. The early Greeks inquired into the relationship of the real to the apparent world of experience. Much of Indian philosophy is concerned with the relationship of consciousness to the perceptual and conceptual objects of consciousness. These two positions complement one another.
Optical telescope system-level design considerations for a space-based gravitational wave mission

The study of the Universe through gravitational waves will yield a revolutionary new perspective on the Universe, which has been intensely studied using electromagnetic signals in many wavelength bands. A space-based gravitational wave observatory will enable access to a rich array of astrophysical sources in the measurement band from 0.1 to 100 mHz, and nicely complement observations from ground-based detectors as well as pulsar timing arrays by sampling a different range of compact object masses and astrophysical processes. The observatory measures gravitational radiation by precisely monitoring the tiny change in the proper distance between pairs of freely falling proof masses. These masses are separated by millions of kilometers and, using a laser heterodyne interferometric technique, the change in their proper separation is detected to approx. 10 pm over timescales of 1000 seconds, a fractional precision of better than one part in 10(exp 19). Optical telescopes are essential for the implementation of this precision displacement measurement. In this paper we describe some of the key system level design considerations for the telescope subsystem in a mission context. The reference mission for this purpose is taken to be the enhanced Laser Interferometry Space Antenna mission (eLISA), a strong candidate for the European Space Agency's Cosmic Visions L3 launch opportunity in 2034. We will review the flow-down of observatory level requirements to the telescope subsystem, particularly pertaining to the effects of telescope dimensional stability and scattered light suppression, two performance specifications which are somewhat different from the usual requirements for an image forming telescope.
Use of a Moisture Wicking Fabric for Prevention of Skin Damage Around Drains and Parenteral Access Lines.

Background Skin damage under various drainage tubes and parenteral access lines occurs frequently in pediatric patients. Our team sought an alternative to the use of gauze or foam for prevention and management of peritubular skin damage. Cases We used a moisture wicking fabric in select patients in a tertiary children's hospital in Northern California. The fabric was placed under tracheostomy ties and around gastrostomy tubes and Penrose drains. Conclusion The moisture wicking fabric was effective in absorbing moisture and maintaining skin integrity. This new approach has been incorporated into our facility policy.
Exploring the Federal Arbitration Act Through the Lens of History

My initial interest in the history of the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) arose out of my experiences representing clients and seeing how the FAA could be a game-changer for dispute resolution. In light of the broad and powerful use of the statute today and how the statute impacts access to justice in connection with so many different areas of law, I went in search of a deeper history regarding the FAA because I wanted to understand why the statute was enacted. Through years of research, I encountered a rich history behind the statute’s enactment during the Roaring Twenties. The individuals who were involved had passionate, sincere beliefs about the use of arbitration to resolve commercial disputes. The campaign for the FAA involved celebratory parties fitting for the Great Gatsby, invitations to an exclusive Hollywood hangout, and stump speeches at movie theaters, synagogues, and churches. Many different people, factors, institutions, and beliefs helped shape and contribute to the development and passage of the FAA, including progressivism, the First World War, a changing national and international interconnected economy, Prohibition, and a larger movement for procedural reform in the legal system, to name a few. Diving into the history stunned me and fascinated me more than I ever expected.I have received many questions about the FAA’s history from attorneys, other law professors, and my students, such as why is this history important, or isn't the history just an interesting footnote to the statute? This Article explores several important lessons I learned from studying the history of the FAA's enactment. First, in light of this history, it is clear that the Supreme Court has grossly erred in interpreting the FAA. Second, the history can help one better understand current controversies regarding arbitration law. Finally, this history provides different perspectives on the role of arbitration in our legal system, such as the dynamic relationship between litigation and arbitration, the relationship between the government and its people, and hidden values of arbitration.
RT-CW: widely tunable semiconductor THz QCL sources

Distinctive position of Terahertz (THz) frequencies (ν~0.3 -10 THz) in the electromagnetic spectrum with their lower quantum energy compared to IR and higher frequency compared to microwave range allows for many potential applications unique to them. Especially in the security side of the THz sensing applications, the distinct absorption spectra of explosives and related compounds in the range of 0.1–5 THz makes THz technology a competitive technique for detecting hidden explosives. A compact, high power, room temperature continuous wave terahertz source emitting in a wide frequency range will greatly boost the THz applications for the diagnosis and detection of explosives. Here we present a new strong-coupled strain-balanced quantum cascade laser design for efficient THz generation based intracavity DFG. Room temperature continuous wave operation with electrical frequency tuning range of 2.06-4.35 THz is demonstrated.
Chocolate on the Borderlands of New Spain

In modern grocery stores, chocolate is a small item dwarfed in the allotted shelf space by its bitter cousins, coffee and tea. Yet, in the first three centuries of the post-Columbian era, the cacao-based drink, once reserved for the elites of Mesoamerica, was transformed into a beverage that was enjoyed across the Spanish colonial world and beyond to the rest of Europe and the respective colonial empires. We explore the archaeological and documentary evidence from both shipwreck and terrestrial sites in the borderland region of New Spain including California, Texas, Florida, Arizona, and the Philippines to illustrate the presence and use of chocolate from the sixteenth through nineteenth centuries. We show that the study of chocolate on the fringes of New Spain provides a lens for understanding the dynamics of larger issues surrounding the birth of the modern global economy.
Ancient Roman Finance

There was extensive credit intermediation in the early Roman Empire although accomplished in a particular Roman way. People with money could make loans through banking institutions, but they may not have been able to recover their deposits easily on demand. Romans seeking to acquire resources to conduct business were in better shape. They could borrow widely in the economy, as merchants and private banks were joined by temples holding endowments and municipalities holding tax revenues that often were looking to place loans.
Commentary on Delfabbro & King’s (2017) ‘Gambling is Not a Capitalist Conspiracy’

The scientist is not just an advocate in his role as an advisor or consultant, but he is an advocate in his basic role as scientist. (Mitroff, 1972)Delfabbro and King (2017) have published a well-w...
Photo- and Biodegradable Thermoplastic Elastomers: Combining Ketone-Containing Polybutadiene with Polylactide Using Ring-Opening Polymerization and Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization

We report the synthesis of a new bio- and photodegradable ABA triblock copolymer that combines the high modulus of biodegradable poly(lactic acid) (PLA) with a novel photodegradable polybutadiene (PB). First, the central block was made by ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of a mixture of 1,5-cyclooctadiene and an unsaturated cyclic ketone in the presence of cis-1,4-butenediol. The resulting hydroxyl-functionalized telechelic PB macroinitiator was then chain-extended by DBU-catalyzed ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of lactide. Using this combination of ROMP and ROP, the molecular weights of the A and B blocks were varied, and the resulting copolymers formed robust films with rubbery plateau moduli ranging from 180 to 1600 MPa as measured by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Thermal analysis revealed that the polymers were thermally stable up to 273 °C and exhibited glass transition temperatures at −111 and 55 °C. Accelerated UV weathering was performed on thin polymer films with concentratio...
Tuberculum Meningioma: Orbitopterional Approach

This is a case of an extensive tuberculum sella meningioma involving the circle of Willis down to the basilar artery that presented with bilateral visual loss worse on the right than left side. A one-piece right orbitopterional approach along the worse eye was used to gain access to the three cranial fossae. The orbitotomy facilitates access to the midline structures and contralateral base of the tumor with minimal brain retraction. Tumor resection is initiated by first identifying the tumor capsule, followed by piecemeal debulking via ultrasonic aspiration. Early decompression of the ipsilateral optic nerve was performed. Gross total resection of the tumor was achieved through multiple windows as follows: prechiasmatic, opticocarotid, and carotid oculomotor. Sharp dissection is performed around critical neurovascular structures to reduce strain and vascular injury. The circle of Willis including the small perforators was completely preserved. Postoperative examination at follow-up demonstrated improvement in vision less on the right side and resolution of postoperative partial third nerve palsy. The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/XfEh8CjkvA0 .
The effects of perceived online justice on relational bonds and engagement intention: Evidence from an online game community

Abstract Over the last decade, playing an online game has become one of the most popular leisure activities. Hence, more and more people have spent time interacting with other players in an online game and its online community. Responding to this trend, this study examined the development of online game community members’ engagement intention based on their perceptions of justice and relational bonds. Based on the well-established frameworks of organizational justice and relational bonds, this study formulates and empirically tests a research model attempting to understand interrelationships between four dimensions of perceived online justice (i.e., distributive, procedural, interpersonal, and informational), three dimensions of relational bonds (i.e., financial, social, and structural), and online community engagement intention. This study collected and analyzed data from 348 members of an online game community with frequency, reliability, confirmatory factor, and correlation analyses, and used the structural equation modeling method. The verified model indicated that financial bonds were significantly influenced by informational justice. However, social bonds were significantly affected by procedural, interpersonal, and informational justice dimensions while structural bonds were significantly impacted by distributive and interpersonal justice dimensions. Lastly, online community engagement intention was significantly influenced by financial, social, and structural bonds. In light of these empirical findings, a thorough understanding of the antecedents of online community engagement intention is critical in building a strong relationship between members and the online community.
Decreasing hospitalizations in patients on hemodialysis: Time for a paradigm shift

Hospitalizations drive up to 35% of the astronomical costs of care for patients on hemodialysis and are associated with poor outcomes. We describe outpatient care-sensitive categories of hospitalization risks in an effort to engage stakeholders and patients, as stakeholders, in mitigating hospitalizations. These categories include: (1) fluid (interdialytic weight gain (IDWG) and chronic volume status), (2) infection (vascular access and malnutrition/inflammation resilience), and c) psychosocial (poor social support, poor self-efficacy, and mood disorders) risks. Barriers to improving hospitalization outcomes, especially as they relate to above risk categories, exist at multiple stakeholder levels and include: (1) dialysis facilities (strict shift changes, personnel challenges), (2) nephrologists (static dialysis prescriptions and protocols based on dialysis facility metrics), and (3) patients (lack of engagement and self-efficacy). System-level elements, such as payment models, help to propagate these barriers. In this article, we seek to shift the care paradigm discussion to patient trajectories and long-term outcomes, and to active engagement of patients as self-managers, through which we hope to impact on high inpatient resource utilization. We will also focus attention on the complex interplay of practices that have become acceptable care structures, but that may be deleterious to outcomes. Only after thorough consideration of these topics can we hope to impact on this important problem.
Consumer Perceptions of CPA WebTrust Assurances: Evidence of an Expectations Gap

The AICPA/CICA has established WebTrust to respond to consumer concerns about the risks of making purchases over the Internet. While WebTrust provides assurances related to Internet vendors'; business and security practices, it does not provide assurances with respect to product or service quality. This paper examines perceptions of the assurances provided by WebTrust and the effect of WebTrust on the willingness to make Internet purchases by asking 106 accounting majors to complete a case concerning a company engaging in electronic commerce. Results suggest that, while WebTrust provided no additional assurances with respect to business and security practices, it resulted in higher perceived product quality. We also find that product quality is the most important determinant of subjects'; willingness to purchase from a Web site displaying the WebTrust seal. The results suggest an expectation gap and suggest that the AICPA/CICA should examine closely the value added by WebTrust and better communicate its purpose.
Resisting a culture of war: Rukeyser and Woolf

ABSTRACTThroughout The Life of Poetry, Rukeyser acknowledges, considers, and then dismisses what she calls ‘The Resistances’, the reasons that adults give for not making time for poetry. However, as important as the resistances to poetry are the ways in which Rukeyser believes poetry itself offers a resistance to the culture of war. The Spanish Civil War was a particularly literary war: the injustice of the fascist coup against the Republican government of Spain in 1936 inspired many writers to serve, to fight, and to witness. This paper compares The Life of Poetry to another feminist antiwar text that emerged out of the context of the Spanish Civil War, Virginia Woolf’s 1938 pacifist polemic, Three Guineas. I explore how Rukeyser responds to war through a series of resistances: resistance of the warring state and poetry as resistance, linking Rukeyser’s arguments in The Life of Poetry with the work of Woolf. Both Rukeyser and Woolf have concerns about genre and form as a vehicle for expressing political ...
The life and death of Hopkins' host-selection principle.

Hopkins’ host-selection principle (HHSP) refers to the observation that many adult insects demonstrate a preference for the host species on which they themselves developed as larvae. The meaning of HHSP has changed significantly since its first proposal in 1916. This review considers how the meaning of HHSP has changed over time and considers the various mechanisms that could contribute to a behavioral bias for the developmental host. The assumption that HHSP implies that the behavior of adult insects is conditioned by larval experience has resulted in widespread condemnation of HHSP. Despite a great deal of attention, there is still very little convincing evidence for preimaginal conditioning of host choice in insects. But growing evidence indicates that genetic variation in behavior and conditioning during the life span of an adult insect can contribute to a preference for the host on which an insect developed. Insects can acquire adult oviposition or feeding preferences through exposure to chemical residues from the environment of earlier life history stages. The concepts of host races and host fidelity have become familiar and acceptable, while the association of HHSP with preimaginal conditioning has led to a general rejection of the term.
THE AIRCRAFT REACTOR EXPERIMENT. OPERATION

The ARE was operated successfully in November, l954, at various power levels up to 2.5 Mw. The maximum steady-state fuel temperature was l580 deg F, and there was a differential temperature between the inlet and outlet in the NaFn for 24l hr before the reactor first became critical and the nuclear operation extended over a period of 22l hr. The final 74 hr of operation were in the megawatt range and resulted in the production of 96-Mwhr of nuclear energyEffects of various transient conditions on reactor operation were determined. (auth)
Visual tracking using superpixel-based appearance model

In this work, we propose a tracking algorithm that robustly handles complex variations in target appearance, scale, occlusion, and background. In particular, the algorithm exploits a novel superpixel-based appearance model for visual tracking. From the initial tracking window, we extract superpixels and compute their histogram features. In subsequent frames, we search for the region that maximizes the similarity of the superpixel features. Our algorithm detects target occlusion and updates the appearance model accordingly. As well, the model is updated to handle large-scale variations. We present experimental results on several publicly available challenging sequences. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of our tracking algorithm show improved performance over state-of-the-art trackers.