cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the Concept of Power

“Power” is the modal concept of politics; nevertheless, as a concept, it is significantly under-theorized. This may seem an unlikely proposition, given the frequency of discussions of power; however, for decades the debate revolved mainly around empirical and operational questions, while a proper conceptual definition has rarely, if ever, been thematized. The question of what power is has been implicitly reduced to the question of how power works. But the two are not the same, and in fact any hope of solving the latter presupposes a proper answer to the former.I will show how most discussions of power – across political science and philosophy, from Weber to Lukes, including Dahl and Searle amongst others – are not conceptual, even when explicitly presented as such, but rather empirical and operational. In fact, these discussions revolve mainly around factual implications and preconditions of power, while the presupposed concept does not vary much (with few exceptions, which are anyway untenable on their own merits). Commonly employed definitions can be reduced to a single form, which is tautological: “one has power if one can (=has the power to) do such and such”. This circularity is due precisely to the shared presupposition that power is just like a phenomenon or an object, to be empirically observed. To better understand the concept of power we should, instead, examine its categorial form – “power” represents not a thing, but a condition under which certain things may be done and thought – corresponding to possibility, as opposed to necessity.The best way to see this is to turn to Arendt, whose often misunderstood idea of power is the key to a proper comprehension of this basic category of politics. While the link between power and communication has been a staple of Arendtean studies, it has often been reduced to normative or aspirational understandings, which tend to obscure its deeper significance. It is rather the formal aspect of the concept of power which allows us to get right its categorical role in defining politics, including the crucial role of persuasion within it. Some implications of this way of looking at the concept – chiefly the stark distinctions necessity/freedom and society/politics for which Arendt is still notorious – seems to be very unpalatable for current social science and political theory. However, absent an adequate non-circular definition of power, this way deserves at least to be tried.
Jerusalem in London: Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi’s Diasporic World

Prompted by the publishing phenomenon of Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi’s Jerusalem cookbook, this paper considers the discourse(s) of place elaborated by an emergent network of Middle Eastern chefs-in-diaspora. Focusing on Ottolenghi and Tamimi’s Jerusalem and Ottolenghi cookbooks, I argue that cookbooks can be productively analyzed as literary objects with an actor-network methodology. The particular story presented by Ottolenghi and Tamimi’s work is one in which distinctions are repeatedly raised and then dismissed in order to find common ground between Israel and Palestine. Ottolenghi may be an Israeli Jew and Tamimi a Palestinian Muslim, but both men are London expatriates and restaurateurs. The literary dimensions of their cookbooks attempt to harmonize personal narratives with the commercial forces at play in cookbook publishing: peace sells better than conflict, and diasporic nostalgia never goes out of style.
Five-year follow-up to assess long-term sustainability of changing clinical practice regarding anesthesia and regional analgesia for lower extremity arthroplasty.

Background Long-term and sustainable clinical practice changes in anesthesia procedures have not previously been reported. Therefore, we performed a 5-year audit following implementation of a clinical pathway change favoring spinal anesthesia for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We similarly evaluated a parallel cohort of patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA), who did not undergo a clinical pathway change, and studied utilization rates of continuous peripheral nerve block (CPNB). METHODS We identified all primary unilateral TKA and THA cases completed from January 2013 through December 2018, thereby including clinical pathway change data from one-year pre-implementation to 5-years post-implementation. Our primary outcome was the overall application rate of spinal anesthesia. Secondary outcomes included CPNB utilization rate, 30-day postoperative complications, and resource utilization variables such as hospital readmission, emergency department visits, and blood transfusions. RESULTS The sample included 1,859 cases, consisting of 1,250 TKAs and 609 THAs. During the initial year post-implementation, 174/221 (78.7%) TKAs received spinal anesthesia compared to 23/186 (12.4%) cases the year before implementation (P < 0.001). During the following 4-year period, 647/843 (77.2%) TKAs received spinal anesthesia (P = 0.532 vs. year 1). The number of THA cases receiving spinal anesthesia the year after implementation was 78/124 (62.9%), compared to 48/116 (41.4%) pre-implementation (P = 0.001); however, the rate decreased over the following 4-year period to 193/369 (52.3%) (P = 0.040 vs. year 1). CPNB use was high in both groups, and there were no differences in 30-day postoperative complications, hospital readmission, emergency department visits, or blood transfusions. CONCLUSIONS A clinical pathway change promoting spinal anesthesia for TKA can be effectively implemented and sustained over a 5-year period.
Stabilization of Active Site Dynamics Leads to Increased Activity with 3′-Azido-3′-deoxythymidine Monophosphate for F105Y Mutant Human Thymidylate Kinase

Thymidylate kinases are essential enzymes with roles in DNA synthesis and repair and have been the target of drug development for antimalarials, antifungals, HIV treatment, and cancer therapeutics....
Directing “The Performance of Possibilities” Within Whiteness: Casting, Staging, and Interaction in Postperformance Discussions:

Postperformance discussions are common, talk-driven events that follow cultural affairs (i.e., lectures, film screenings, theater) and often feature expert panelists in conversation with everyday s...
Intraoral Maxillary Local Anesthesia Techniques

It is important to have a variety of local anesthetic techniques available to the cosmetic surgeon in order to provide comfortable and safe cosmetic surgical procedures. This is especially important when performing surgery on the awake or mildly sedated patient. This chapter will cover the anesthetic techniques and the important regional anatomy for intraoral local anesthesia in the maxilla.
Do blockchain and circular economy practices improve post COVID-19 supply chains? A resource-based and resource dependence perspective

Using the resource-based and the resource dependence theoretical approaches of the firm, the paper explores firm responses to supply chain disruptions during COVID-19. The paper explores how firms develop localization, agility and digitization (L-A-D) capabilities by applying (or not applying) their critical circular economy (CE) and blockchain technology (BCT)-related resources and capabilities that they either already possess or acquire from external agents.,An abductive approach, applying exploratory qualitative research was conducted over a sample of 24 firms. The sample represented different industries to study their critical BCT and CE resources and capabilities and the L-A-D capabilities. Firm resources and capabilities were classified using the technology, organization and environment (TOE) framework.,Findings show significant patterns on adoption levels of the blockchain-enabled circular economy system (BCES) and L-A-D capability development. The greater the BCES adoption capabilities, the greater the L-A-D capabilities. Organizational size and industry both influence the relationship between BCES and L-A-D. Accordingly, research propositions and a research framework are proposed.,Given the limited sample size, the generalizability of the findings is limited. Our findings extend supply chain resiliency research. A series of propositions provide opportunities for future research. The resource-based view and resource-dependency theories are useful frameworks to better understanding the relationship between firm resources and supply chain resilience.,The results and discussion of this study serve as useful guidance for practitioners to create CE and BCT resources and capabilities for improving supply chain resiliency.,The study shows the socio-economic and socio-environmental importance of BCES in the COVID-19 or similar crises.,The study is one of the initial attempts that highlights the possibilities of BCES across multiple industries and their value during pandemics and disruptions.
The information content of option-implied volatility for credit default swap valuation

Credit default swaps (CDS) are similar to out-of-the-money put options in that both offer a low cost and effective protection against downside risk. This study investigates whether put optionimplied volatility is an important determinant of CDS spreads. Using a large sample of firms with both CDS and options data, we find that individual firms’ put option-implied volatility dominates historical volatility in explaining the time-series variation in CDS spreads. To understand this result, we show that implied volatility is a more efficient forecast for future realized volatility than historical volatility. More importantly, the volatility risk premium embedded in option prices covaries with the CDS spread. These findings complement existing empirical evidence based on market-level data. & 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
A Step in the Right Direction: A Prospective Randomized, Controlled Crossover Trial of Autologous Fat Grafting for Rejuvenation of the Heel.

BACKGROUND The shock-absorbing soft tissues of the heel are composed of dermis and specialized fat pads. Heel fat pad atrophy is common and can be painful and debilitating. In our previous work, autologous fat grafting was effective for treating pain from forefoot fat pad atrophy. OBJECTIVES The authors hypothesized that autologous fat grafting to the heel would relieve pain and improve function in patients with heel fat pad atrophy. METHODS Patients with heel fat pad atrophy and associated pain were recruited and randomized into 2 groups. Group 1 received autologous fat grafting on enrollment and was followed for 2 years. Group 2 received offloading and activity modification for 1 year, then crossed over, underwent autologous fat grafting, and was followed for 1 year afterward. Outcome measures included ultrasound-measured fat pad and dermal thickness; pedobarograph-measured foot pressures and forces; and patient-reported outcomes as measured by the Manchester Foot Pain and Disability Index. RESULTS Thirteen patients met the inclusion criteria and completed the study. Seven (12 affected feet) were randomized into Group 1; and 6 (9 affected feet) were randomized into Group 2. The average age was 55 years and BMI was 30.5 kg/m2. Demographics did not significantly differ between groups. Heel fat pad thickness increased after autologous fat grafting but returned to baseline at 6 months. However, autologous fat grafting increased dermal thickness significantly and also increased fat pad thickness under a compressive load compared with controls at 6 and 12 months. Foot pain, function, and appearance were also significantly improved compared with controls at 6 and 12 months. CONCLUSIONS Autologous fat grafting improved patient-reported foot pain, function, and appearance and may rejuvenate local soft tissues in patients with heel fat pad atrophy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3
Metalens wide-angle receiver for free space optical communications

Receiver field of regard is one of the major problems for free space optical (FSO) communications. Drift or vibrations in transceiver orientations reduces effective communication time. The methods implemented to overcome this limitation, often require bulky optical and complex mechanical assemblies with feedback control, that are not suitable for long run operation in an airborne system. In this paper, we propose a novel receiver system that can effectively reduce the impact of pointing errors. The system is composed of two metalenses and one off-the-shelf conventional lens. The first metalens focuses optical beam incident at different angles on the aperture, at different locations on focal plane. The second metalens is placed on the focal plane of first metalens. After passing through the second metalens, the beams become parallel to optical axis of the receiver optical system. The parallel beams are collected by a suitable off-the-shelf aspheric lens and focused back on single detector that sits on a point on the optical axis. The system is designed and analyzed by physical optics theory. With 0.5 mm receiver aperture and 50 mm diameter aspheric lens, Zemax simulation shows that the system can collect +/-5-degree incident angle with detector diameter of 273μm. COMSOL frequency domain simulation with smaller diameter beam shows that the efficiency of the 2 metalens system is about 80%. Efficient metalens design and beam compression at detector plane are two key features of the proposed system. The system relaxes the strict requirement of aligning the transmitter and receiver unit in FSO communication.
A Study of Phonon Modes of Magnetic Two-dimensional Materials using Optical Spectroscopy

Raman spectroscopy measuring phonon vibration modes of MnBi 2n Te 3n+1 (n=1,2) showed abnormal changes in linewidths of MnBi 2 Te 4 . Out-of-plane force constant was also estimated via Davydov splitting of A 1g mode (136 cm−1) of MnBi 4 Te 7 .
A Framework for Cypher-Physical Human-robot Collaborative Immersive MR Interaction – Beaux Arts Ball 4.0

In this paper, we presented a human-robot collaborative mixed reality application – Beaux Arts Ball 4.0, in which a real-time interactive hybrid and physical architectural environment were designed and experienced through the tools and techniques of mixed reality, cypher-physical, teleoperation, telepresence, and automation. The application engaged the user and observer in a continuous loop of architectural transformation during the experience, where every type of sensory was blurred between physical and digital perception.
Differences in the prevalence of mental health disorders among Black American adults with sickle cell disease compared to those with non-heritable medical conditions or no medical conditions.

Our aim was to determine differences in the prevalence of mental health disorders between Black Americans living with sickle cell disease (SCD) and Black Americans with other, non-heritable medical conditions, or no medical conditions. We examined the prevalence of mental health disorders among a non-institutionalized, community sample of Black adults in the US from the National Survey of American Life. We compared the odds of mental health disorders between Black American adults with SCD and those with other medical conditions, or no medical condition. Among the SCD group, 38·8% reported at least one mental health disorder: 17·6% endorsed a mood disorder, 24·7% an anxiety disorder, 2·4% an eating disorder, and 11·8% a childhood disorder. Compared to those with other medical conditions, Black Americans with SCD had greater poverty, more children in the household, and were less likely to be married/cohabitating (all P < 0·05). Yet, Black Americans with SCD were not at greater odds of having a mental health disorder compared to those with other medical conditions. When compared to the group with no conditions, however, individuals with SCD had 2·57 greater odds of mood disorder (95% confidence interval: 1·43-4·65; P = 0·002). The effect remained when controlling for socioeconomic status, marital status, and perceived physical health. In this study, almost 40% of Black American adults with SCD presented with a mental health disorder. Prevalence of mental health disorders was similar among those with non-heritable medical conditions, but those without a medical condition had a lower prevalence than in SCD. Among Black Americans, there appear to be unmeasured factors, common across medical conditions, that are linked to mental health disorders.
Advantages of a Neighborhood Support Systems Approach

In chapter 6, assumptions were listed related to: social class, ethnicity, and mental health; underserved and inadequately served population groups; community support systems; competency and power; and community and professional roles in mental health that undergird the Community Mental Health Empowerment Model. This chapter will consider the advantages of the neighborhood support systems approach utilized by the model within the general framework of those assumptions.
Elastic monitoring framework for cloud infrastructures

This study presents a scalable and elastic distributed system for monitoring cloud infrastructure based on a pure peer-to-peer architecture. Its distributed nature enables deploying long-living queries across the network to monitor a diverse set of entities and metrics, spanning across all layers of a cloud stack that can change rapidly. This allows for aggregating low-level metrics from operating systems, to higher-level application-specific metrics derived from services, databases or application log files. The observed metrics and information can be evaluated and used to reliably trigger policies to automate complex management tasks within a cloud environment. The architecture incorporates a query framework for obtaining high-level information and a policy framework to provide self-management capabilities to monitored cloud infrastructure. The system has been implemented as a proof of concept. Details and statistical results are provided to validate the scalability of the underlying architecture.
Ruling vs. Dialogical Relations: NGOs, Women, and Institutional Power in Anti-Trafficking Campaigns in Russia and Ukraine

In this paper, I discuss the nature of relations between anti-trafficking professionals and trafficking victims who receive assistance through reintegration programs administered by the International Organization for Migration and local NGOs in Russia and Ukraine. First, I analyze “ruling relations” (Smith 1999, 2005) within the anti-trafficking organizations, paying special attention to the processes of bureaucratization and institutionalization within them. Second, I identify certain spaces within the hierarchal structure of NGOs as institutions, where dialogical relations can take place and clients can participate in the NGOs’ activities. Lastly, I analyze how trafficking victims craft individual identities using dialogue containing institutional definitions. The paper is based on data collected during field research in Russia and Ukraine in 2004-2006. During this field research, I conducted multiple interviews with female victims of sex trafficking who received social assistance in non-governmental organizations in different regions of Russia and Ukraine.
Tests of parameters of several gamma distributions with inequality restrictions

Gamma distribution is one of the most used methods of modeling lifetime data. However, testing homogeneity of parameters of m ≥ 3 gamma distributions against order restrictions is almost non-existent in the current literature. We propose two methods to this end: one uses quadratic forms involving ratios of cumulants as test statistic and the other is a stepwise procedure which uses Fisher's method of combining p-values when shape parameters are equal but unknown. Both procedures allow use of arbitrary sample sizes of m populations. Test of the inequality restrictions as a null hypothesis against unrestricted alternatives is also considered. A Monte Carlo study of power at various alternatives shows that both methods are competitive when they are applicable.
Fmoc-Sec(Xan)-OH: synthesis and utility of Fmoc selenocysteine SPPS derivatives with acid-labile sidechain protection.

We report here the synthesis of the first selenocysteine SPPS derivatives which bear TFA-labile sidechain protecting groups. New compounds Fmoc-Sec(Xan)-OH and Fmoc-Sec(Trt)-OH are presented as useful and practical alternatives to the traditional Fmoc-Sec-OH derivatives currently available to the peptide chemist. From a bis Fmoc-protected selenocystine precursor, multiple avenues of diselenide reduction were attempted to determine the most effective method for subsequent attachment of the protecting group electrophiles. Our previously reported one-pot reduction methodology was ultimately chosen as the optimal approach toward the synthesis of these novel building blocks, and both were easily obtained in high yield and purity. Fmoc-Sec(Xan)-OH was discovered to be bench-stable for extended timeframes while the corresponding Fmoc-Sec(Trt)-OH derivative appeared to detritylate slowly when not stored at -20 °C. Both Sec derivatives were incorporated into single- and multiple-Sec-containing test peptides in order to ascertain the peptides' deprotection behavior and final form upon TFA cleavage. Single-Sec-containing test peptides were always isolated as their corresponding diselenide dimers, while dual-Sec-containing peptide sequences were afforded exclusively as their intramolecular diselenides.
Parallel image processing on a transputer-based system

The problem addressed is how to use transputer networks for image processing. As is well known, SIMD (single instruction/multiple data) or MIMD (multiple instruction/multiple data) architectures are very useful in parallel computing. The authors describe how to use transputers as a SIMD or MIMD machine to implement parallel image processing. Several image-processing algorithms, including Laplacian of Gaussian, edge detection, region labeling, generalized Hough transform, and thinning, have been tested. The authors maintain that transputer-based systems are suitable for real-time image processing. It is also pointed out that, compared with the other parallel machines, transputer systems can provide high performance and more flexibility with relatively low cost. >
Renal Acidification: Cellular Mechanisms of Tubular Transport and Regulation

The sections in this article are: 1 Newer Techniques 2 Carbonic Anhydrase 3 Mechanisms of Proximal Tubular Acidification 3.1 Apical Membrane 3.2 Basolateral Membrane 3.3 Leak Pathways 3.4 Carbonic Anhydrase 3.5 Summary 4 Mechanisms of Loop of Henle Acidification 5 Mechanisms of Distal Nephron Acidification 5.1 Mechanism of Proton Secretion (Bicarbonate Absorption) 5.2 Mechanism of Bicarbonate Secretion 5.3 Leak Pathways 5.4 Cells Mediating H+/ Transport 5.5 Carbonic Anhydrase 6 Mechanisms of Regulation of Acidification 6.1 Proximal Tubule 6.2 Distal Tubule
Risk Factors for Relapse and Higher Costs Among Medicaid Members with Opioid Dependence or Abuse: Opioid Agonists, Comorbidities, and Treatment History

Clinical trials show that opioid agonist therapy (OAT) with methadone or buprenorphine is more effective than behavioral treatments, but state policymakers remain ambivalent about covering OAT for long periods. We used Medicaid claims for 52,278 Massachusetts Medicaid beneficiaries with a diagnosis of opioid abuse or dependence between 2004 and 2010 to study associations between use of methadone, buprenorphine or other behavioral health treatment without OAT, and time to relapse and total healthcare expenditures. Cox Proportional Hazards ratios for patients treated with either methadone or buprenorphine showed approximately 50% lower risk of relapse than behavioral treatment without OAT. Expenditures per month were from $153 to $233 lower for OAT episodes compared to other behavioral treatment. Co-occurring alcohol abuse/dependence quadrupled the risk of relapse, other non-opioid abuse/dependence doubled the relapse risk and severe mental illness added 80% greater risk compared to those without each of those disorders. Longer current treatment episodes were associated with lower risk of relapse. Relapse risk increased as prior treatment exposure increased but prior treatment was associated with slightly lower total healthcare expenditures. These findings suggest that the effectiveness of OAT that has been demonstrated in clinical trials persists at the population level in a less controlled setting and that OAT is associated with lower total healthcare expenditures compared to other forms of behavioral treatment for patients with opioid addiction. Co-occurring other substance use and mental illness exert strong influences on cost and risk of relapse, suggesting that individuals with these conditions need more comprehensive treatment.
Stochastic dynamic prediction1

Stochastic dynamic prediction assumes the laws governing atmospheric behavior are entirely deterministic, but seeks solutions corresponding to probabilistic statements of the initial conditions, th...
Mentalism, behavior-behavior relations, and a behavior-analytic view of the purposes of science

In a behavioral view, the purposes of science are primarily prediction and control. To the extent that a scientist embraces both of these as a unified and generally applicable criterion for science, certain philosophical and theoretical practices are counterproductive, including mentalism in both its metaphysical and metatheoretical forms. It is possible and often worthwhile to recast some mentalistic talk into an issue of behavior-behavior relations. When behavior-behavior relations are approached non-mechanistically, however, analysis cannot stop at the level of the relations themselves. Several analytic concepts common in the behavioral community share some of the dangers of mentalism if not employed properly, including such concepts as self-reinforcement, response-produced stimulation, and self-rules.
Effect of Historic Land Cover Change on Runoff Curve Number Estimation in Iowa

Within three decades of European-descended settlers arriving in Iowa, much of the land cover across the state was transformed from prairie and forest to farmland, patches of forest, and urbanized areas. Between 1832 and 1859, the General Land Office surveyed the state of Iowa to aid in the disbursement of land. In 1875, an illustrated atlas of the State of Iowa was published. Using these two data resources for classifying land cover, the hydrologic impact of the land cover change resulting from the first three decades of settlement is presented in terms of the effect on the area-weighted average curve number, a term commonly used to predict runoff from rainstorms. In the four watersheds studied, the area-weighted average curve number increased by a mean of 16.4 from 61.4 to 77.8 with the greatest magnitude of change occurring in the two western Iowa watersheds as opposed to the two more heavily forested eastern Iowa watersheds.
172 COMBINATION THERAPY IN AN ADOLESCENT WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARIES, HIRSUTISM, TYPE A INSULIN RESISTANCE, AND ACANTHOSIS NIGRICANS

A 13½ year old female presented with primary amenorrhea, weight gain and hirsutism. Examination revealed a mildly obese adolescent with a deep voice, facial and truncal hirsutism, and acanthosis nigricans in axillae and popliteal fossae. Sexual development was Tanner stage V and clitoral size 8×15 mm. The left ovary was enlarged to palpation. Laboratory evaluation revealed a bone age of 15 years, elevation of serum testosterone and androstenedione and decrease of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) (Table). Pelvic ultrasound showed a cystic left ovary; laparoscopy confirmed bilateral polycystic ovaries. A glucose tolerance test showed fasting, peak and 5 hr blood glucoses of 157, 305 and 242 mg/dl, respectively, with insulin levels ranging from 144 uU/ml fasting to > 400uU/ml. The patient was placed on a combination of mestranol 50ug + norethindrone 1 mg daily and spironolactone 25 mg bid. Elevated androgen levels returned to normal and SHBG returned to near normal by 6 months of therapy and remained normal at 2 years. Facial hirsutism improved dramatically in 6 months of therapy and remains under control at 2 years.
Electroneutral approximate solutions of steady-state electrodiffusion equations for a simple membrane

Abstract Electroneutral approximate solutions for steady-state electrodiffusion of ions across a simple membrane are derived for general bionic environments and a restricted class of ion environments with more than two ion types, and a criterion is given for the electroneutral solution to be a good approximate solution.
What do we really know about conflicts of interest in biomedical research

Conflicts of interest in research have long been seen to pose serious threats to the integrity of research. Indeed, the past two decades have revealed increased attention to the possible influence of conflicts of interest as the number of research studies funded by private industry have increased. We review empirical findings directly pertinent to issues concerning financial conflicts of interest in biomedical research, and we provide an overview of the current issues and state of understanding concerning such conflicts in research. We searched Medline from January 1992 to January 2002 to locate current studies that have reported primary or secondary empirical data pertaining to conflicts of interest in research. The rate of potential conflicts of interest for researchers appears to be at least 30% in some situations although the accuracy of such a rate is untested, and the rate of disclosure of conflicts of interest is as low as 2%. Furthermore, some evidence exists to indicate that researchers with conflicting interests may indeed offer different professional opinions and judgments than those for whom such conflicts do not exist. The effectiveness of various disclosure and management methods for conflicts of interest is unknown. We summarize the current empirical literature, concluding that relatively little is known based on such data. We suggest a number of questions that need to be answered by future research, and we offer recommendations for policy makers to consider and evaluate in the future in identifying, revealing, and managing conflicts of interest.
The Good Engineer: Giving Virtue its Due in Engineering Ethics

During the past few decades, engineering ethics has been oriented towards protecting the public from professional misconduct by engineers and from the harmful effects of technology. This "preventive ethics" project has been accomplished primarily by means of the promulgation of negative rules. However, some aspects of engineering professionalism, such as (1) sensitivity to risk (2) awareness of the social context of technology, (3) respect for nature, and (4) commitment to the public good, cannot be adequately accounted for in terms of rules, certainly not negative rules. Virtue ethics is a more appropriate vehicle for expressing these aspects of engineering professionalism. Some of the unique features of virtue ethics are the greater place it gives for discretion and judgment and also for inner motivation and commitment. Four of the many professional virtues that are important for engineers correspond to the four aspects of engineering professionalism listed above. Finally, the importance of the humanities and social sciences in promoting these virtues suggests that these disciplines are crucial in the professional education of engineers.
Low-income mothers' perceptions of health in their children with growth delay.

ISSUES AND PURPOSE. Parental characteristics are the strongest predictor of poor health for children. This study examined how low-income mothers of children with growth delay define health for their children, and the behaviors they use to monitor their children's health. DESIGN AND METHODS. Naturalistic design using Kleinman's Explanatory Model approach and interviews with 22 mothers. RESULTS. Mothers consider nutritious food as a primary contributor to their children's health and consider healthy children to be chubby. Other indicators of health include children's energy levels, provision of nutritious food, and physical and mental activity balanced with rest. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. A mother's explanatory model of health for her child can guide health promotion targeted to the mother's beliefs.
Innovative Financing Methods for Local Roads in Midwest and Mountain-Plains States

Budget constraints for transportation projects is a growing problem at the federal, state, and local levels. At the same time, several changes have been affecting demands placed on the transportation systems, for example, population shifts, changes in travel patterns, and changes in economic activity. County and local governments are faced with increased demands on some portions of their road systems, and other portions have seen a drop in the level of use. As a result, these transportation agencies are facing tremendous challenges to maintain their extensive road networks and provide improvements when and where needed. Traditional funding sources are no longer adequate. There is a great need for counties to explore innovative methods to increase revenues or decrease costs or both. However, because of the nature of rural states (i.e., low population density and a limited tax base), methods used to supplement public funding of transportation projects in urban areas may not be applicable. Described are 4 in...
Combined antiproliferative effects of the aminoalkylindole win55,212-2 and radiation in breast cancer cells

The potential antitumor activity of cannabinoid receptor agonists, such as the aminoalklylindole WIN55,212-2 (WIN2), has been studied extensively, but their potential interaction with conventional cancer therapies, such as radiation, remains unknown. In the present work, the influence of WIN2 on the antiproliferative activity of radiation in human (MCF-7 and MDA-MB231) and murine (4T1) breast cancer cells was investigated. The antiproliferative effects produced by combination of WIN2 and radiation were more effective than either agent alone. The stereoisomer of WIN2, WIN55,212-3 (WIN3), failed to inhibit growth or potentiate the growth-inhibitory effects of radiation, indicative of stereospecificity. Two other aminoalkylindoles, pravadoline and JWH-015 [(2-methyl-1-propyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-1-naphthalenyl-methanone], also enhanced the antiproliferative effects of radiation, but other synthetic cannabinoids (i.e., nabilone, CP55,940 [(+)-rel-5-(1,1-dimethylheptyl)-2-[(1R,2R,5R)-5-hydroxy-2-(3-hydroxypropyl)cyclohexyl]-phenol], and methanandamide) or phytocannabinoids [i.e., Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol] did not. The combination treatment of WIN2 + radiation promoted both autophagy and senescence but not apoptosis or necrosis. WIN2 also failed to alter radiation-induced DNA damage or the apparent rate of DNA repair. Although the antiproliferative actions of WIN2 were mediated through noncannabinoid receptor-mediated pathways, the observation that WIN2 interfered with growth stimulation by sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) implicates the potential involvement of S1P/ceramide signaling pathways. In addition to demonstrating that aminoalkylindole compounds could potentially augment the effectiveness of radiation treatment in breast cancer, the present study suggests that THC and nabilone are unlikely to interfere with the effectiveness of radiation therapy, which is of particular relevance to patients using cannabinoid-based drugs to ameliorate the toxicity of cancer therapies.
Open grid versus mesh grid as the extraction field structure in a streak camera image- converter tube

S. W. Thomas, R. L. PetersonLawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, Livermore, California 94550 USAAbstractWe conclude that dynamic range of a streak tube does not depend on whether it uses afine -mesh or an "open" structure to provide the extraction field.An RCA C -73435 streak tube body was fitted with two extraction grid structures byreplacing the conventional "open" grid with a steel plate containing two apertures.
Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair for Chronic DeBakey IIIb Aortic Dissection

Background Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for chronic DeBakey IIIb dissection with associated descending aneurysm remains controversial. This study examines long-term results of TEVAR for this disorder including examination of anatomic features associated with TEVAR outcomes. Methods Between July 2005 and January 2013, 32 patients underwent TEVAR for chronic (>30 days) DeBakey IIIb dissection involving the descending thoracic aorta at a single institution and constituted the study cohort. Results The mean interval from dissection to TEVAR was 32 ± 44 months (range, 1 to 146 months). There were no 30-day or in-hospital deaths, strokes, or paraplegia. During a 54-month median follow-up, there were no aortic-related deaths. Significant thoracic aneurysm sac regression (>1 cm) in the intervened segment was observed in 89%. Thoracic remodeling was not correlated with the number of visceral vessels arising from the true lumen or the number or size of residual distal fenestrations; failure of thoracic remodeling was associated with fenestrations distal to the endograft(s) in the descending thoracic aorta, most often stent graft-induced new entry tears. Complete resolution of the thoracic and abdominal false lumen after TEVAR was observed in 15.6% (n = 5). All patients in this group had all visceral vessels arising from the true lumen and fewer than three residual distal fenestrations. Conclusions Thoracic endovascular aortic repair is effective for chronic DeBakey IIIb dissection with associated descending aneurysm, with excellent 30-day and long-term outcomes and significant aortic remodeling in the vast majority of patients. Thoracic remodeling does not appear dependent on distal anatomic characteristics of the true and false lumens, although care should be taken to cover all thoracic fenestrations and avoid creation of stent graft-induced new entry tears to ensure clinical success. Complete aortic remodeling was observed only in the setting of all visceral vessels off the true lumen with fewer than three residual distal fenestrations, and this would appear the ideal anatomy for TEVAR in this scenario.
Mathematical Transforms in Design: Case Study on Feedback Control of a Customizable Automotive Suspension

Abstract Engineering design and analysis is replete with examples of mathematical transforms. This paper discusses the use of mathematical transforms at the operational stage implemented by superimposing the system with a control system to (1) convert a decoupled or coupled system to uncoupled, (2) achieve robustness to noise factors and (3) eliminate imaginary complexity. This paper proves with examples that such controller design and implementation is much easier for an uncoupled or decoupled design as compared to a coupled design. The case study presents a new customizable automotive suspension with independent control of stiffness, damping and ride-height. This system was proposed, designed and built using axiomatic design principles. The mechanical design is decoupled with respect to the functional requirements (FRs) of stiffness and ride-height; moreover ride-height is affected by the load on the vehicle (noise factor). This paper presents the design and implementation of a feedback control system for the customizable suspension to uncouple the system and to make it robust to the noise factor.
A Brain Death Dilemma: Apnea Testing While on High-Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation

Apnea testing is an essential component of the evaluation to determine death by neurologic criteria (brain death).1 Advancing life support technologies can, however, blur the distinction between irreversible coma and brain death, thus presenting challenges to the application of current brain death criteria. Herein we report on a child who met all components for the determination of brain death except for a positive apnea test. This element of the evaluation could not be performed because the child’s oxygenation was achieved via high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) and discontinuing such support would presumably lead to lung collapse, hypoxia, and sudden changes in pulmonary vascular resistance leading to cardiac compromise. This case highlights a dilemma that clinicians may face when following the guidelines to determine if a patient, on the basis of neurologic criteria, has died. A 4-year-old girl was brought to our hospital after being found unconscious. On arrival, the girl’s Glasgow Coma Scale score was 3, and mechanical ventilation was instituted. The clinical presentation and the computed tomographic scan of the head pointed to trauma as the cause for the child’s obtundation. Because the child’s condition continued to deteriorate, especially the ability to maintain adequate oxygenation, HFOV was initiated. Based on the clinical suspicion that the child’s condition was compatible with the diagnosis of brain death, we were asked to assess her. The clinical … Address correspondence to Margie A. Ream, MD, PhD, Division of Child Neurology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Dr, Columbus, OH 43205. E-mail: margie.ream{at}nationwidechildrens.org
Nucleation and the Audio‐Lingual Approach

tions. The importance of our profession to today's United States is embedded in the provisions of the National Defense Education Act. Never have we enjoyed so much nor such favorable attention from the press. There is a friendly atmosphere for the foreign language teaching profession. But as yet there is no real profession! Perhaps the saddest example of this dichotomy lies in my own professional organization, the American Association of Teachers of
Effect of chronic human recombinant erythropoietin therapy on antibody responses to immunization in chronic hemodialysis patients.

Effect of chronic human recombinant erythropoietin therapy on antibody responses to immunization in chronic hemodialysis patients. There are multiple lines of evidence suggesting that human recombinant erythropoietin (rEPO) could influence immune responses by direct effects of rEPO on T or B cells. The present study tested this hypothesis by measuring antibody responses after immunization to tetanus toxoid (TT, a T cell dependent antigen) or pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide antigen (PA, a T cell independent antigen). The patients chosen for this prospective study were chronic hemodialysis patients receiving chronic rEPO therapy, and a comparable group of chronic hemodialysis patients not receiving rEPO therapy. We found that the patients immunized with PA and receiving rEPO therapy (N = 15) had IgG anti-PA responses comparable to that of those not receiving rEPO therapy (N = 15). In contrast, in the patients immunized with TT, those receiving rEPO (N = 15) developed significantly higher IgG anti-TT levels than those not receiving rEPO (N = 14) (time-group interaction P = 0.005). The peak difference between these groups was at two weeks, where the rEPO-treated patients developed a 4.1-fold mean increase in IgG anti-TT level and those not receiving rEPO developed only a 1.4-fold mean increase in IgG anti-TT level ( P
Integrated advanced control and online optimization in olefins plant

Abstract The benefits of optimization cover a broad spectrum. In many cases the rewards are in the range of several million dollars per year. The first step prior to the implementation of optimization is a detailed study of the current operating conditions and philosophy and market demands. Only then can an optimizer be effectively designed and implemented. The system which consists of advanced control of key plant sections linked to a global online plant optimizer will be described. Since optimum operating conditions are almost always at one or more constraint boundaries, a major task of the advanced control strategies is constraint riding.The advanced control strategies and techniques used are described in detail. The online optimizer is based on a detailed model of the whole plant. Although the major benefits are in optimal operation of the cracking section, a detailed model of the separation section is essential for accurate prediction of constraints. Online data is used to identify changes in feed properties and a suitable starting point for the optimization as well as to update the model correlations and improve accuracy. The design of a simple and robust operator interface is critical to the success of such a system and will be described in detail.
Interaction of Cosmic-Ray Primaries with Sunlight and Starlight

This paper discusses collision processes between cosmicray primaries (protons and electrons) and the thermal photons of sunlight and starlight. In particular, electron-positron pair production and Compton scattering in interplanetary, intragalactic, and intergalactic space are treated in detail. It is found that the number of collisions between primary particles and thermal photons in single traversals of the solar system and the local galaxy is not sufficiently large to cause either appreciable energy loss to the particles or appreciable production of secondary pairs and energetic scattered photons. The same statement holds for the primary protons even on an intergalactic scale. On the other hand, energetic primary electrons may experience a sufficient number of Compton collisions in intergalactic space (travel time of the order 2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{9}$ years) to eliminate them effectively from the cosmic radiation reaching the neighborhood of the earth.The stopping power for electrons of the observed interstellar radiofrequency spectrum is also estimated and found to be comparatively large.
Fecal Alpha1‐Antitrypsin in Breast‐Fed Infants Is Derived from Human Milk and Is not Indicative of Enteric Protein Loss

Alpha 1-antitrypsin is a serum protein commonly used as a marker of enteric protein loss. In this study, we have quantified alpha 1-antitrypsin concentration in human milk and its excretion by healthy term breast-fed infants. We found high concentrations of alpha 1-antitrypsin in early milk (0.3-0.6 mg/ml during the first week of lactation) while the concentration fell during subsequent weeks, being detectable through at least 3-4 months of lactation. Significant quantities of intact alpha 1-antitrypsin were found to be excreted by the breast-fed infants studied. The amount excreted was typically higher in early weeks (as much as 200 mg/24 h) and decreased with infant age, possibly due to both decreased intake from the milk as well as increased digestion of the protein by the maturing infant. In vitro studies demonstrated that the trypsin-alpha 1-antitrypsin complex resisted proteolysis by pepsin and pancreatic enzymes; thus, alpha 1-antitrypsin in milk can escape gastrointestinal degradation. We conclude that alpha 1-antitrypsin is not a suitable marker for intestinal protein loss by term breast-fed infants.
Extraglycemic effects of glp-1-based therapeutics: Addressing metabolic and cardiovascular risks associated with type 2 diabetes

Abstract Context To examine whether widespread tissue expression of the glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 receptor supports the possibility of differential effects of GLP-1-based therapeutics on cardiac function, blood pressure, food intake, gastric emptying, and other regulatory activities. GLP-1 receptor agonists (RAs) have demonstrated pleiotropic effects on overweight/obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular (CV) disease. Food-regulatory effects have been demonstrated in preclinical and clinical trials, including reduced gastric motility and food intake leading to body weight reductions. Native GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs have demonstrated cardioprotective effects in preclinical models. Evidence acquisition Using PubMed, we performed a search of the recent literature on GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs. Evidence synthesis Preliminary clinical data indicate native GLP-1 has beneficial effects on endothelial cell function and vascular inflammation. Native GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs have demonstrated renoprotective and antihypertensive effects, and reductions in lipid parameters. The GLP-1 RA liraglutide has also demonstrated positive effects on such markers of endothelial dysfunction as tumor necrosis factor-α and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1. Conclusion Preliminary data suggest GLP-1 RAs could benefit type 2 diabetes patients at risk for CV comorbidities. Additional studies are needed to confirm the extraglycemic and extrapancreatic effects and determine whether outcomes will translate into beneficial effects for patient care.