cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluating perceived distance measures in room-scale spaces using consumer-grade head mounted displays

Distance misperception (sometimes, distance compression) in immersive virtual environments is an active area of study, and the recent availability of consumer-grade display and tracking technologies raises new questions. This work explores the plausibility of measuring misperceptions within the small tracking volumes of consumer-grade technology, whether measures practical within this space are directly comparable, and if contemporary displays induce distance misperceptions.
“Where the Mother’s Milk is Insufficient…”: The Commodification of Infant Feeding and the Demise of Breastfeeding

Long before physicians encouraged artificial feeding, print articles and advertisements persuaded mothers to use alternatives to breastmilk. This chapter traces social constructions in media from the days of wet nursing through the emergence of commercial formula. Foss argues that nineteenth-century media spearheaded the ideological shift in infant feeding perceptions and practice, establishing justifications for not breastfeeding that would still be used 125 years later. This chapter uses articles and advertisements in Ladies’ Home Journal (1883–1907), wet nurse advertisements, and medical journals to ascertain how and when women stopped trusting their bodies to feed their babies against medical recommendations. Messages of the 1900s suggest the medical community’s growing acceptance of artificial food, as doctors recommended homemade concoctions and endorsed manufactured infant food.
Anterior pericardial access to facilitate electrophysiology study and catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias: A single tertiary center experience.

Introduction Epicardial ablation is becoming an important part of management in patients with ventricular tachycardia (VT). Posterior epicardial access via the Sosa or Needle-in-Needle (NIN) approach for epicardial VT ablation is considered to be the method of choice for most electrophysiologists. Anterior epicardial access as an alternative technique has recently been proposed, but there is limited data about its safety, efficacy and the rate of immediate complications. In this study, we report our experience with anterior epicardial access between 2009 and 2016. Methods Between 2009 and June 2016, 100 consecutive patients underwent epicardial VT ablation using an anterior approach. The success rate, epicardial bleeding and other complications related to the epicardial access in these patients were compared to the previously reported rate of complications in patients whom epicardial access was performed using the needle-in-needle (NIN) or Sosa techniques. Results Anterior epicardial access was obtained successfully in 100% of patients in the first attempt. The success rate of the anterior approach was comparable with the reported success rate of the NIN technique (100% vs 100%, p value not significant) but better than the Sosa technique (100% vs 94%, p = 0.012). None of the patients in the anterior approach series suffered from significant pericardial bleeding (defined as greater than 80 ml of blood loss), RV puncture/damage or need for an emergent cardiac surgery. Conclusion An anterior epicardial approach is feasible and appears to have an acceptable safety profile in comparison with other epicardial approaches. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
Adapting current Arden Syntax knowledge for an object oriented event monitor.

Arden Syntax for Medical Logic Module (MLM)1 was designed for writing and sharing task-specific health knowledge in 1989. Several researchers have developed frameworks to improve the sharability and adaptability of Arden Syntax MLMs, an issue known as “curly braces” problem. Karadimas et al proposed an Arden Syntax MLM-based decision support system that uses an object oriented model and the dynamic linking features of the Java platform.2 Peleg et al proposed creating a Guideline Expression Language (GEL) based on Arden Syntax’s logic grammar.3 The New York Presbyterian Hospital (NYPH) has a collection of about 200 MLMs. In a process of adapting the current MLMs for an object-oriented event monitor, we identified two problems that may influence the “curly braces” one: (1) the query expressions within the curly braces of Arden Syntax used in our institution are cryptic to the physicians, institutional dependent and written ineffectively (unpublished results), and (2) the events are coded individually within a curly braces, resulting sometimes in a large number of events – up to 200. (Figure 1) Figure 1 Partial view of an MLM at NYPH Methods. Arden Syntax MLMs from the Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center were loaded in a visualization tool described elsewhere4. These MLMs contained Medical Entity Dictionary (MED) codes within the curly braces. As a first step to improve sharability and readability of Arden Syntax MLMs in our institution, we replaced multiple MED codes within the curly brace with a class-based representation. We used the visualization tool for better understanding of the classes. Classes were selected based on how well they represented the events in the curly braces. This process generated classed-based Arden Syntax MLMs. In order to clarify the specific meaning of the query within the curly brace of an Arden Syntax MLM, we rewrote the institutional dependent query expression into a pseudo code. Then, the pseudo code was translated into the object-oriented expressions using the Java programming language.
Compression-Based Induction and Genome Data

Our previous work developed SORCER, a learning system that induces a set of rules from a data set represented as a second-order decision table. Second-order decision tables are database relations in which rows have sets of atomic values as components. Using sets of values, which are interpreted as disjunctions, provides compact representations that facilitate efficient management and enhance comprehensibility. SORCER generates classifiers with a near minimum number of rows. The induction algorithm can be viewed as a table compression technique in which a table of training data is transformed into a second-order table with fewer rows by merging rows in ways that preserve consistency with the training data. In this paper we propose three new mechanisms in SORCER: (1) compression by removal of table columns, (2) inclusion of simple rules based on statistics, and (3) a method for partitioning continuous data into discrete clusters. We apply our approach to classify clinical phenotypes of a genetic collagenous disorder, Osteogenesis imperfecta, using a data set of point mutations in COLIA1 gene. Preliminary results show that on the average, over ten 10-fold cross validations, SORCER obtained an error estimate of 16.7 %, compared to 35.1 % obtained from the decision tree learner, C4.5.
The Restorative Value of Violence

The last interview of Malcolm X is an important place to start. This is not because of its timeliness, that is, because it’s the last before he was murdered, but because it reveals so much about the plight of the African Americans and the roles played by the government in suppressing the expression of their rights to self-determination.
Dynamic simulation of multi-effect evaporators

Abstract Multi-effect evaporators are widely used for concentrating solutions in a variety of important industrial applications ranging from desalinization to biorefining. The use of multi-effects achieves very significant process intensification since energy consumption is reduced in direct ratio to the number of effects. Steady-state design has been discussed in many papers and books. Far fewer studies of their dynamic simulation and control have appeared in the open literature. This paper reviews some of the design issues and demonstrates how a dynamic simulation can be developed using standard Aspen simulation models. The dynamic model must be set up such that the vapor from each evaporator is completely condensed in the downstream lower-temperature evaporator while satisfying heat-transfer constraints.
Exploring the intersection of transnationalism and critical race theory: a critical race analysis of international student experiences in the United States

International student mobility to the United States (US) has increased over the past two decades. Despite the increase in numbers, international students may experience racism, nativism, and other ...
Mechanism design for first-mile ridesharing based on personalized requirements part I: Theoretical analysis in generalized scenarios

Abstract Ridesharing is an effective transportation mode to provide first-mile accessibility to public transit and a low-cost, environment-friendly, and sustainable mobility service. This paper designs a mechanism for the first-mile ridesharing service. The mechanism accounts for passengers’ personalized requirements on different inconvenience attributes (e.g. the number of co-riders, extra in-vehicle travel time, and extra waiting time at the transit hub) of the service in determining the optimal vehicle-passenger matching and vehicle routing plan and customized pricing scheme. The proposed mechanism is proved to be individual rational, incentive compatible, and price non-negative. The three properties respectively indicate that passengers are willing to participate in the service, that honestly reporting personalized requirements is the optimal strategy, and that the service provider is guaranteed to receive revenue from the participants. A case study is proposed to interpret the mechanism and to demonstrate the generality of the personalized-requirement-based mechanism that can be adapted into different scenarios.
Randomized Edge-Assisted On-Sensor Information Selection for Bandwidth-Constrained Systems

The problem of intelligent information selection in the Internet-of-Things systems with limited computational and communication resources is studied. One distinctive property of such systems is the clash of the computational complexity of the desired selection procedure and the low throughput of the wireless links between the devices acquiring information (sensors) and processing it (edge and cloud computing servers). To adaptively resolve that conflict, we propose a stochastic optimization algorithm for edge-assisted online learning of the optimal on-sensor observation classification and transmission decision rules. Using the stochastic Lyapunov function method, we prove that the resulting adaptive procedure can be used to adjust the parameters of the two local decision rules to asymptotically satisfy the constraint on channel access probability and to minimize the expected classification error.
Parental knowledge of concussion: Evaluation of the CDC's "Heads up to parents" educational initiative.

Abstract Background: Potential negative outcomes associated with sport-related concussion drive the need for resources to educate parents about prevention, recognition, and management of concussion in the youth athlete. Parents play a critical role in the recognition and management of concussion for their child. Purpose: This study aims to (a) investigate current knowledge of concussion among parents whose children age 5–18 years play a club sport and (b) identify effects of an online video versus online print educational intervention on concussion knowledge change and learning. Methods: 140 parents whose children played a club sport answered questions regarding their knowledge of sport-related concussion pre- and post-random assignment to an educational intervention: CDC Concussion Awareness video or CDC Concussion Fact Sheet for Parents. Results: Participating parents demonstrated a moderate level of pre-intervention knowledge, but critical gaps in knowledge were identified. Knowledge of concussion improved slightly following intervention regardless of intervention type. Conclusions: This study confirms the presence of gaps in knowledge of concussion in parents whose children play club sports. Without the protection of concussion legislation, those athletes who participate in club sports are at particular risk due to lack of concussion knowledge and education. This study confirms that education can have a positive impact on parental knowledge of concussion. Practical applications: Pre-knowledge of concussion is the greatest predictor of post-knowledge of concussion, therefore pre-assessment of target audience knowledge followed by a custom educational intervention taking into account principles of adult learning, would be the most beneficial to increasing concussion knowledge.
Abdominal Aortic Occlusive Disease

Aortoiliac occlusive disease manifests with a broad spectrum clinically, from asymptomatic disease to critical limb ischemia. Vascular laboratory and axial imaging studies are essential to confirm the lesion and develop an intervention plan. Medical treatment should be initiated early, although it plays a limited role. With recent advances in percutaneous endovascular devices, a variety of minimally invasive solutions exist with favorable long-term patency and durability. Open surgical endarterectomy and bypass still remain a durable option for patients with advanced disease or failed endovascular therapy.
Detection of ultra rare somatic mutations in the p53 gene by Bi-PAP-A, a tool for detection of minimal residual disease in solid tumors

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 46, 2005 4206 Ultra selective detection of somatic mutations can facilitate: i) early cancer detection; ii) monitoring of cancer chemotherapy; and iii) assessment of environmental mutagen exposure. Bi-PAP-A (Bi-directional Pyrophosphorolysis Activated Polymerization Allele-specific Amplification) can detect mutations at 1 part per billion of the wild type. The selectivity of Bi-PAP-A derives from the serial coupling of pyrophosporolysis and DNA polymerization. Bi-PAP-A assays were developed for detection of rare cancer cells in the blood. After removal of a tumor, recurrence can be monitored by following the frequency over time in blood of any point somatic mutation found within the tumor. Bi-PAP-A assays were developed for eight somatic mutations in the p53 gene. Four of them were hotspots of mutation in tumors. The selectivity of each assay was tested using mutated and wild type human genomic DNA extracted from blood samples. The Bi-PAP-A assays detected one to two molecules of mutated template in 10exp6 to 10exp8 copies of the wild type, except for C:G-T:A transitions in which the specificity was 10exp5, presumably because of deamination of C to U during the sample preparation and amplification. Inter-individual variation in somatic mutation frequency is dramatic which may have implications for human carcinogensis. Bi-PAP-A is a convenient and general method that has the desirable properties of allele-specific PCR with enhancement of selectivity by a million fold.
Recent Advances in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Digestive Disorders and the Role of Applied Positive Psychology Across the Spectrum of GI Care.

Background Although cognitive behavior therapies (CBTs) have shown great promise in the reduction of symptom burden from as well as anxiety around various gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, there are substantial issues involving the scalable delivery of such interventions within the clinical setting of a gastroenterology practice, leaving most patients without access to psychological care. Goals This paper discusses the application of positive psychology principles and techniques for adoption by various GI providers to initiate early, effective psychological care for patients with GI disorders, saving CBTs for more complex cases. Study/results Authors provide a comprehensive framework of patient well-being known as REVAMP, which is consistent with CBT principles, and elaborate on research and interventions that can be adopted within the gastroenterology practice setting. Building positive resources can bolster patients with GI disorders against comorbid psychological and psychiatric distress. Conclusions Positive psychology interventions can be implemented within gastroenterology practice. Research is necessary to evaluate the efficacy and acceptability of positive psychology interventions among patients with different digestive disorders and baseline psychological characteristics, as well as the feasibility of administration by different clinicians in the gastroenterology practice setting.
Mutual mentoring: Effect on faculty career achievements and experiences

Introduction: In an ever-changing academic environment, the traditional model of one senior mentor is no longer sufficient to provide faculty with the interdisciplinary perspective needed for succe...
Multiscale Network Modeling of Fibrin Fibers and Fibrin Clots with Protofibril Binding Mechanics.

The multiscale mechanical behavior of individual fibrin fibers and fibrin clots was modeled by coupling atomistic simulation data and microscopic experimental data. We propose a new protofibril element composed of a nonlinear spring network, and constructed this based on molecular simulations and atomic force microscopy results to simulate the force extension behavior of fibrin fibers. This new network model also accounts for the complex interaction of protofibrils with one another, the effects of the presence of a solvent, Coulombic attraction, and other binding forces. The network model was formulated to simulate the force–extension mechanical behavior of single fibrin fibers from atomic force microscopy experiments, and shows good agreement. The validated fibrin fiber network model was then combined with a modified version of the Arruda–Boyce eight-chain model to estimate the force extension behavior of the fibrin clot at the continuum level, which shows very good correlation. The results show that our network model is able to predict the behavior of fibrin fibers as well as fibrin clots at small strains, large strains, and close to the break strain. We used the network model to explain why the mechanical response of fibrin clots and fibrin fibers deviates from worm-like chain behavior, and instead behaves like a nonlinear spring.
A Child is Being Caged: Resignation Syndrome and the Psychopolitics of Petrification:

Uppgivenhetssyndrom, or resignation syndrome (RS), is a disorder that until recently was thought to affect the children of refugees in Sweden alone. The heuristic of psychopolitics is used to theorize RS as a form of abjection (Bataille, Kristeva) and petrification (Fanon, Marriott), and the movement from petrification to petrification in hallucinosis (Fanon, Bion) is delineated: first these children are petrified by persecutory and culturally specific stereotypes that precede and exceed them symbolically, and then, through a succession of shocks, they enter a post-traumatic stupor in which the faltering symbolization of the stereotype gives way to the (dis)embodiment of abject thinghood. Marriott's distinction between mirror as mask and mask as mirror allows the attribution of RS not only to sociocultural mimesis and the psychosocial impact of stereotypes (mirror as mask) but also to a socially imposed absence that the stereotype simultaneously conceals and reveals (mask as mirror). RS (petrification in hallucinosis) is considered the (dis)embodiment of this socially imposed absence.
Dronedarone-Mediated Acute Hepatic and Renal Toxicity

Dronedarone, a drug similar in chemical properties to amiodarone, was designed to have similar pharmacodynamic properties as amiodarone with fewer side effects. Although there have been cases of chronic liver enzyme elevation with dronedarone, only a few cases have been reported in literature where it has led to rapid onset of liver failure. We present the case of an 86-year-old male who developed acute liver failure concomitantly with acute kidney failure after he was started on dronedarone therapy.
Natural Language Processing in Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to systematically assess the application and potential benefits of natural language processing (NLP) in surgical outcomes research. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA Widespread implementation of electronic health records (EHRs) has generated a massive patient data source. Traditional methods of data capture, such as billing codes and/or manual review of free-text narratives in EHRs, are highly labor-intensive, costly, subjective, and potentially prone to bias. METHODS A literature search of PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Embase identified all articles published starting in 2000 that used NLP models to assess perioperative surgical outcomes. Evaluation metrics of NLP systems were assessed by means of pooled analysis and meta-analysis. Qualitative synthesis was carried out to assess the results and risk of bias on outcomes. RESULTS The present study included 29 articles, with over half (n = 15) published after 2018. The most common outcome identified using NLP was postoperative complications (n = 14). Compared to traditional non-NLP models, NLP models identified postoperative complications with higher sensitivity [0.92 (0.87-0.95) vs 0.58 (0.33-0.79), P < 0.001]. The specificities were comparable at 0.99 (0.96-1.00) and 0.98 (0.95-0.99), respectively. Using summary of likelihood ratio matrices, traditional non-NLP models have clinical utility for confirming documentation of outcomes/diagnoses, whereas NLP models may be reliably utilized for both confirming and ruling out documentation of outcomes/diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS NLP usage to extract a range of surgical outcomes, particularly postoperative complications, is accelerating across disciplines and areas of clinical outcomes research. NLP and traditional non-NLP approaches demonstrate similar performance measures, but NLP is superior in ruling out documentation of surgical outcomes.
Factors affecting mortality for the novel coronavirus infection in different regions of the Russian Federation

Background . The influence of such factors as population density, practices for testing for the SARS-CoV-2 (combined with quarantine/self-isolation for infected individuals and their contacts) and ambient temperature on the spread of the novel coronavirus infection and related mortality in the 85 different regions of the Russian Federation isn’t well characterized. Materials and methods . Population density in the different regions of the Russian Federation is measured as the number of persons per square kilometer of settled areas; ambient temperature is measured as the mean for January and July values; practices for testing for SARS-CoV-2 are characterized via case-fatality rates (the percent of deaths among cases with known outcome (recovered + fatal)) — under more active testing for SARSCoV-2, greater numbers of mild/moderate cases of infection are detected, resulting in the decline in case-fatality rates, i.e. the intensity of testing is inversely proportional to the case-fatality rate. Results . The correlation between population density and rates of mortality for COVID-19 per 100,000 persons on November 22, 2020 in the 85 different regions of the Russian Federation is 0.53 (0.36; 0.67); the correlation between case-fatality rates and rates of mortality for COVID-19 per 100,000 persons on Nov. 22, 2020 in the different regions of the Russian Federation is 0.62 (0.47; 0.74). Results of the linear regression suggest a positive association between population density, as well as case-fatality rates and rates of mortality for COVID-19 in the different regions of Russia, and a negative association between ambient temperature and rates of mortality for the novel coronavirus infection. Conclusions . Lower population density, more active testing for SARS-CoV-2 and higher ambient temperature are associated with lower rates of mortality for COVID-19. In particular, additional measures should be implemented towards testing of different categories of individuals for SARS-CoV-2, including those seeking testing on their own initiative, those seeking medical help with respiratory symptoms, and contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases.
Cavity-enhanced microwave readout of a solid-state spin sensor

Overcoming poor readout is an increasingly urgent challenge for devices based on solid-state spin defects, particularly given their rapid adoption in quantum sensing, quantum information, and tests of fundamental physics. However, in spite of experimental progress in specific systems, solid-state spin sensors still lack a universal, high-fidelity readout technique. Here we demonstrate high-fidelity, room-temperature readout of an ensemble of nitrogen-vacancy centers via strong coupling to a dielectric microwave cavity, building on similar techniques commonly applied in cryogenic circuit cavity quantum electrodynamics. This strong collective interaction allows the spin ensemble’s microwave transition to be probed directly, thereby overcoming the optical photon shot noise limitations of conventional fluorescence readout. Applying this technique to magnetometry, we show magnetic sensitivity approaching the Johnson–Nyquist noise limit of the system. Our results pave a clear path to achieve unity readout fidelity of solid-state spin sensors through increased ensemble size, reduced spin-resonance linewidth, or improved cavity quality factor. Conventional optical readout limits the sensitivity of solid state spin sensors due to photon shot noise and poor contrast. Here, the authors demonstrate room-temperature microwave detection of an ensemble of NV centers embedded in a microwave cavity, which offers high-fidelity readout without time overhead.
Your word and your bond: Central Banks and sovereign lending in civil wars, 1815–1914

All wars are expensive, but civil wars carry heightened stakes. Defeat can mean loss of territory, the dissolution of the sitting government, or the liquidation of the state itself. Even a victorious government may face tremendous crises and pressures in the short-term. A central bank can signal a sovereign’s creditworthiness to potential lenders, but the bank’s independence (or even existence) can be terminated should a government wish to do so. Despite this, lenders not only continue to lend to governments amidst civil wars but also respond to signals of creditworthiness such as the presence of an independent central bank. Using several statistical models and bond yield data from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, I demonstrate that the presence of a central bank reduces sovereign borrowing costs for a state amidst a civil war. This confirms the institution’s ability to secure cheap wartime capital under suboptimal conditions.
Exploring Computational Thinking Across Disciplines Through Student-Generated Artifact Analysis

To meet the demands of 21st century societies, it is essential that faculty across disciplines engage students with course activities and assignments that foster the development of computational thinking (CT). In this study, we address two pertinent questions: (1) What types of artifacts do students develop across different disciplines in response to CT-driven problem prompts' and (2) What types of CT skills do these artifacts demonstrate? To answer the questions, we examined 273 artifacts developed by undergraduate students across seven course assignments from four disciplines: mathematics, sociology, music, and English using a rubric developed to evaluate the following CT skills: abstraction, decomposition, data analysis, and algorithmic thinking. We found that a range of skills were reflected across student artifacts.
Precise, subnanosecond, and high-voltage switching enabled by gallium nitride electronics integrated into complex loads

In this work, we report the use of commercial gallium nitride (GaN) power electronics to precisely switch complex distributed loads, such as electron lenses and deflectors. This was accomplished by taking advantage of the small form-factor, low-power dissipation, and high temperature compatibility of GaN field effect transistors (GaNFETs) to integrate pulsers directly into the loads to be switched, even under vacuum. This integration reduces parasitics to allow for faster switching and removes the requirement to impedance match the load to a transmission line by allowing for a lumped element approximation of the load even with subnanosecond switching. Depending on the chosen GaNFET and driver, these GaN pulsers are capable of generating pulses ranging from 100 to 650 V and 5 to 60 A in 0.25–8 ns using simple designs with easy control, few-nanosecond propagation delays, and MHz repetition rates. We experimentally demonstrate a simple 250 ps, 100 V pulser measured by using a directly coupled 2 GHz oscilloscope. By introducing resistive dampening, we can eliminate ringing to allow for precise 100 V transitions that complete a −10 to −90 V transition in 1.5 ns, limited primarily by the inductance of the oscilloscope measurement path. The performance of the pulser attached to various load structures is simulated, demonstrating the possibility of even faster switching of internal fields in these loads. We test these circuits under vacuum and up to 120 °C to demonstrate their flexibility. We expect these GaN pulsers to have broad application in fields such as optics, nuclear sciences, charged particle optics, and atomic physics that require nanosecond, high-voltage transitions.
Design & Development of Insurance Money Predictor to Claim with Insurance Company

In this pandemic situation of Covid-19, the whole world had suffered a lot. Whatever issues occurred is very uncertain and unexpected. In the life cycle of a human being, it is always desirable to be safe and have a secure lifestyle in every aspect. To face sudden, unexpected situation insurance is one of the solutions. Nowadays due to increasing awareness among the society people are more inclined towards taking medical insurance from various companies. As we know there are several companies in ensuring the various diseases, climatic hazards, man-made and natural emergencies. Insurance money is going to support the human in morally and financially. The insurance companies are having their own rules and regulations for giving money/claims to a client. Some hidden calculations are always out of reach to the common man. Day by day accurate insurance calculation and claim for money become a challenging task for society. In this paper, a system has been developed using a machine learning algorithm for accurate claim calculation. Implemented system will help the client to claim monthly or quarterly premiums based on various parameters like the number of family members you want to insure, the total income of the family, the expected amount of insurance, age group of family members, etc. To make the process more user-friendly and fast, we have developed a website. The claim will be confirmed after the proper identification and verification of the client.
Recriprocal Regulation of Pepck Gene and Gene 33 Transcription by Insulin

Insulin inhibits transcription of the PEPCK gene and stimulates transcription of gene 33 in H4IIE cells. These two events occur over similar time spans but they differ in that the PEPCK gene is remarkably more sensitive to low concentrations of insulin. Further, cycloheximide mimics the effect of insulin on gene 33 but has no effect on the PEPCK gene. These reciprocal effects of insulin provide a means of investigating how a hormone can exert opposing effects on two genes in the same cell.
The tragic vision of politics: Tragedy and scholarship

But man can be at odds with himself in two ways: either as savage, when feeling predominates over principle; or as a barbarian, when principle destroys feeling. Friedrich Schiller This final chapter of the book continues my exploration of ontology. In contrast to rational choice theories that work on the assumption of egoistic, autonomous actors, I offer the outlines of an ontology that builds on the polarities of life that are problematized by Greek tragedies and Thucydides. I contend that they are a better starting point for social analysis because they more accurately reflect the human condition. Egoistic, autonomous actors are a fiction of Enlightenment philosophy. So too is the possibility of altruistic communal actors envisaged by Marxist theory. In practice, individuals and their societies are distributed somewhere along a continuum between these two extremes. This is true for all polarities that capture important attributes of human orientation and behavior. Tragedy and classical realism also offer us important epistemological insights. They raise serious doubts about the principal conceit of social science: the feasibility of developing a general, theoretical understanding of human behavior that bridges culture and time. Tragedy suggests, and classical realists affirm, that all knowledge is local, temporally bound and quickly negated because of the feedback loop between logos and erga . Such understandings, moreover, should never be confused with wisdom, which represents a holistic understanding of the human condition and the possible ends of human life.
Rapid and sensitive detection of cholera toxin using gold nanoparticle-based simple colorimetric and dynamic light scattering assay

Abstract Herein, a rapid and simple gold nanoparticle based colorimetric and dynamic light scattering (DLS) assay for the sensitive detection of cholera toxin has been developed. The developed assay is based on the distance dependent properties of gold nanoparticles which cause aggregation of antibody-conjugated gold nanoparticles in the presence of cholera toxin resulting discernible color change. This aggregation induced color change caused a red shift in the plasmon band of nanoparticles which was measured by UV–Vis spectroscopy. In addition, we employed DLS assay to monitor the extent of aggregation in the presence of different concentration of cholera toxin. Our assay can visually detect as low as 10 nM of cholera toxin which is lower than the previously reported colorimetric methods. The reported assay is very fast and showed an excellent specificity against other diarrhetic toxins. Moreover, we have demonstrated the feasibility of our method for cholera toxin detection in local lake water.
The Feminist Critique of Science and Educational Inquiry

The feminist critique of mainstream science has been developing over several decades now, and feminist theorists have proposed various ways in which the mainstream ideal of science ought to be modified. But these proposals have been scattered and some of them have been easy targets for mainstream philosophers of science to criticize. In a recent article, Helen Longino has attempted to synthesize, clarify, and defend the proposals for a feminist theory of science, as well as to deflect the most common criticisms. We are all in Longino’s debt for bringing together in one place not only a comprehensive vision of feminist science, but a vision that is supported by plausible arguments. After summarizing its main features, I will try to assess her position. Since educational research is one site where the feminist critique of science is being seriously debated, illustrations will come from that arena.
Empirical Evaluation of Wireless Underground-to-Underground Communication in Wireless Underground Sensor Networks

Many applications for irrigation management and environment monitoring exploit buried sensors wired-connected to the soil surface for information retrieval. Wireless Underground Sensor Networks (WUSNs) is an emerging area of research that promises to provide communication capabilities to these sensors. To accomplish this, a reliable wireless underground communication channel is necessary, allowing the direct communication between the buried sensors without the help of an aboveground device. However, the significantly high attenuation caused by soil is the main challenge for the feasibility of WUSNs. Recent theoretical results highlight the potential of smaller attenuation rates with the use of smaller radio frequencies. In this work, experimental measurements are presented at the frequency of 433MHz, which show a good agreement with the theoretical studies. We observe that (a) a decrease of the frequency of the wireless signal implies a smaller soil attenuation rate, (b) the wireless underground communication channel presents a high level of temporal stability, and (c) the volumetric water content (VWC) of the soil is the most important factor to adversely affect the communication. The results show the potential feasibility of the WUSNs with the use of powerful RF transceivers at smaller frequencies (e.g., 300-500MHz band). We also propose a classification for wireless underground communication, defining and showing the differences between Subsoil and Topsoil WUSNs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that reports experiment results for underground to underground communication using commodity sensor motes.
Gender differences in moral development and acquisition: A review of Kohlberg's and Gilligan's Models of Justice and Care

Issues of moral development and moral action have been explored by psychologists by both empirical and non-empirical methods. Lawrence Kohlberg's moral stages have been of particular interest and scrutiny since his longitudinal study of boys was first published in 1969. Harvard's Carol Gilligan contests Kohlberg's findings in her 1982 book In A Different Voice, as well as other publications, claiming that girls' morality developed differently from boys' and that Kohlberg's stages were not universal as he asserted. The debate over gender differences in moral development has focused primarily on these two theories. Numerous studies and articles have been published deliberating both Kohlberg's and Gilligan's theories with most concluding there is no significant difference in the way the sexes make moral decisions. This article reviews the current literature of both theories, providing a context in which to view morality, and offers suggestions for future research.
Time to Loosen the Apron Strings: Cohort-based Evaluation of a Learner-driven Remediation Model at One Medical School.

BACKGROUND Remediation in the era of competency-based assessment demands a model that empowers students to improve performance.
Oxidation behavior of CuNb microcomposites

Abstract The oxidation behavior of Cu-15vol.%Nb microcomposites was studied in air over the temperature range from 600 to 900°C. The pattern of scaling and subsurface oxidation was examined by optical metallography, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and microprobe analysis. In this two-phase microcomposite in which the second phase takes the form of time filaments spaced less than 1 μm apart, the oxidation morphologies in the longitudinal and transverse directions were distinct. In the transverse direction, an external scale consisting of Cu 2 O and CuO was formed with a niobium oxide inner layer. In the longitudinal direction, preferential oxidation along the fine, high aspect ratio niobium filaments was found underneath the external copper oxide scale. Thermogravimetric analyses show the kinetics to be parabolic. The Activation energy for oxidation parallel to the niobium filament direction measured 45.8 kcal mol −1 . The oxidation behaviors of Cu-15vol.%Ta and Cu-15vol.%Cr microcomposites were also investigated and compared with that of Cu-15vol.%Nb. The effect of alloy composition, microstructure of the two-phase mixture and temperature on the oxidation behavior was also considered.
A 2,3‘-Substituted Biphenyl-Based Amino Acid Facilitates the Formation of a Monomeric β-Hairpin-like Structure in Aqueous Solution at Elevated Temperature

An evaluation of [3‘-(2-aminoethyl)-2-biphenyl]propionic acid (1) and 2-amino-3‘-biphenylcarboxylic acid (2) as β-sheet nucleators was accomplished by incorporating these residues into water solubl...
Performance of a silent electrostatic air cleaner for eliminating culturable aerosols

Abstract Rationale Removal of microorganisms and their allergens from indoor air is a priority for allergy patients. Fan-driven units often produce unacceptable noise. We have tested the Quadra (The Sharper Image, San Francisco, CA) for efficiency in removing bacterial and fungal aerosols under controlled conditions. Methods Two Quadras were operated in a 1000ft3 chamber into which fresh Serratia marcescens cells were introduced using a Collison nebulizer. Cells were aerosolized for 20 minutes. Then, with no further aerosolization, the Quadras were turned on, and samples collected at 0, 5, 10 and 15 minutes. Control experiments were run identically, except the air cleaners were not operated. Andersen culture plate samples were collected agar and incubated for 48 hours and counts were converted for multiple impactions. Results Quadra operation significantly reduced aerosol concentrations at 15 minutes. With both Quadras operating, counts were near zero at 15 minutes, and the rate of decline remained log-linear. Without the units, 10–40% of the living bacteria remained at 15 minutes, and the rate of decline had slowed with a predicted zero time of 1.3 hours. These figures translate to an effective air exchange increase for each Quadra of about 3 air changes/hour. Conclusions The Quadra significantly increases the rate at which a bolus of bacteria such as might be released from a cough or sneeze is removed from the air. Since time and concentration are crucial factors exposure, the Quadra is likely to reduce the risk of exposure to these particles. Fungal spores are also efficiently captured, but studies are ongoing.
Vocal Expression of Emotion: Acoustic Properties of Speech Are Associated With Emotional Intensity and Context

Acoustic properties of speech likely provide external cues about internal emotional processes, a phenomenon called vocal expression of emotion Testing this supposition, we examined fundamental frequency (F0) and two perturbation measures, jitter and shimmer, in short speech samples recorded from subjects performing a lexical decision task Statistically significant differences were found between baseline and on-task values and as interaction effects involving differences in trait levels of emotional intensity and the proportion of success versus failure feedback received These results indicate that acoustic properties of speech can be used to index emotional processes and that characteristic differences in emotional intensity may mediate vocal expression of emotion
New mathematical identities with applications to flexure and torsion

We obtain some new trigonometric identities and find the corresponding Chebyshev polynomials identities. We also indicate their applications to certain boundary value problems which arise in Mechanics.
Enhancement of nonlinearity and phase-matching in Anderson localized 1D optical waveguides

We show that the presence of disorder in transverse Anderson-localized optical waveguides enhances the nonlinear coefficient of the modes and creates an abundance of multimodal phase-matching opportunities, resulting in rich nonlinear behavior.
Index theory and the axial current anomaly in two dimensions

The relation between the axial-vector current anomaly and the zero-eigenvalue fermion solutions is investigated in a two-dimensional model of massless fermions coupled to an external gauge field. The theory is projected onto the surface of a three-sphere. The requirement that the O(3) gauge potentials be nonsingular naturally selects those for which the integral of the anomaly is an integer. The proper number of zero-eigenvalue fermion modes is found only by using the compact nature of the manifold. The Fermi solutions have to be normalizable with the compact measure.
Self-monitoring and the association between confidence and accuracy ☆

Abstract A personality prediction task in which a confidence rating accompanies each judgment is used to test the hypotheses that self-monitoring is positively related to accuracy, positively related to confidence, negatively related to calibration, and capable of acting as a moderator of the relationship between accuracy and confidence. Data from 101 university students support two of these predictions: High self-monitors exhibit more confidence and poorer calibration than low self-monitors. Concern for appropriateness is found to be unrelated to all other variables studied. Results are discussed in the context of socioanalytic theory and recent theories of self-presentation, affectivity, and the relationship between illusions and well-being.
Oviposition strategies employed by the western spruce budworm: tests of predictions from the phylogenetic constraints hypothesis

1 Predictions from the Phylogenetic Constraints Hypothesis were tested for the first time in an eruptive forest Lepidopteran species, the western spruce budworm. 2 In previous work, we established that western spruce budworm females exhibit oviposition preferences with regard to tree age, tree vigour and host species. However, there was no evidence to support a link between oviposition preference and larval performance, which supports the Phylogenetic Constraints Hypothesis. 3 Our preference data led us to test whether female budworms use oviposition strategies to select the sites where they lay their egg masses. Our experiments were designed to make direct comparisons between latent and eruptive insect herbivores with respect to two oviposition behaviours: egg retention and avoidance of conspecifics. This type of research has not previously been conducted on any eruptive forest Lepidopteran. 4 Female budworms retained eggs instead of laying them on less preferred hosts in two of three experiments, but the percentage of eggs they retained was significantly less compared to latent insect herbivores. 5 In addition, female budworms actively avoided oviposition in areas with the highest density of conspecific egg masses, but they laid egg masses in all the other locations provided. This contrasts with the pattern seen in latent insect herbivores, which consistently avoid laying their eggs near any sites already used by conspecifics. 6 Our research indicates that there are extreme differences between latent and eruptive insect herbivores with respect to egg retention and avoidance of conspecifics, thus supporting the Phylogenetic Constraints Hypothesis.
Conditions for a ring to be fissile

If the maximal torsion ideal of a ring A is a ring-theoretic summand of A then A is called fissile. If the ring A has minimum condition on principal right ideals then its additive group A + is the direct sum of a reduced torsion group and a divisible group. In this note we investigate under what conditions a ring with this additive structure is fissile (German: spaltbar). We obtain that if A has minimum condition on principal right ideals then A is fissile. This answers the question posed by DINH VAN HUYNH in two recent papers ([1] and [2]) and by F. Sz$,sz [8] in his Problem 74 (raised in 1968), and generalizes the theorem of F. Sz~sz that an Artinian ring is fissile (of. [7]).* The following symbols and terminology will be used here:
Physician's income and the percent female of the physician's specialty

Abstract Female participation in a physician's specialty is introduced into the physicians' earnings equation. A new decomposition of gender earnings differentials suggests that the difference ‘explained’ by human capital may contain a source of discrimination, the female fraction of the specialty.
Designing a collective-intelligence system for evaluating complex, crowd-generated intellectual artifacts

The collective-intelligence of crowds is increasingly used to generate ideas, plans, designs and predictions, for addressing various challenges - from folding proteins to identifying galaxies. In many cases, evaluation of crowd inputs can be done by non-experts, or even automatically. However, evaluating some complex crowd-generated intellectual artifacts, such as plans for addressing climate change, requires high levels of expertise in multiple domains - a combination that is rare even on global scale. I am designing a sociotechnical solution for relieving the bottleneck of expertise. If successful, principles of this design might be transferable to other domains, including, perhaps, the review of scientific work.