cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Moral reasoning in hypothetical and actual situations

The assumption that the level of reasoning a person uses in seeking a solution to hypothetical moral dilemmas is the same as the level used in solving actual moral dilemmas was addressed. College students were first given the Defining Issues Test. Two months later they were presented with two moral dilemmas. Some of the students were led to believe these dilemmas would affect them while others were led to believe they would affect other students. Both groups' scores on the Defining Issues Test were significantly correlated with the scores on the two additional dilemmas. No differences were found in the level of moral reasoning used in the actual versus hypothetical group. Results were discussed in terms of differences between the Defining Issues Test and the Moral Judgment Scale of Kohlberg.
Volatility and boiling points of biodiesel from vegetable oils and tallow

Abstract Quality control of fuel-related properties of Biodiesel, such as volatility, is needed to obtain consistent engine performance by fuel users. The vapor pressures and boiling points of selected methyl esters and vegetable oils are proposed as quality control metrics for Biodiesel. This type of data was obtained by a rapid new method using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). One atmosphere boiling points (bps) and temperature-dependent vapor pressures from 1 atm down to 5.332 kPa (40 mmHg ) were measured for methyl and ethyl esters of rapeseed oil, canola oil, soybean oil, and tallow. Boiling points (1 atm ) ranged from 340°C to 375°C. Methyl and ethyl esters of a given oil differ by ca. 5°C in bps. These results are discussed in terms of the fatty acid composition of the esters and oils. Calibrations showed that the TGA/laser orifice capsule method gave accuracy of ±5%.
Synthetic routes to meso-patterned porphyrins.

Synthetic meso-substituted porphyrins offer significant attractions compared with naturally occurring β-substituted porphyrins. The attractions include the rectilinear arrangement of the four meso ...
Prospective evaluation of distal radius fractures treated with variable-angle volar locking plates.

Purpose To evaluate the radiographic, objective (range of motion and grip strength), and subjective outcomes of variable-angle volar locking plate (VAVLP) fixation for unstable distal radius fractures. Methods Over a 12-month period, we prospectively evaluated 39 consecutive distal radius fractures treated operatively with VAVLPs. Surgical exposure, fracture reduction, plate application, and postoperative rehabilitation were uniformly performed. Clinical outcome and radiographic measures, with a minimum follow-up of 12 months, were obtained. Results Final follow-up data were available in 37 patients (26 females and 11 males) with average age of 57 years (range, 16–89 y). The average follow-up time was 14 months (range, 12–22 mo). At final evaluation, average volar tilt was 3°, average radial inclination was 21°, average radial height was 12 mm, and average ulnar variance was –0.2 mm. There was no statistical difference between first postoperative and 1-year follow-up radiographs for any of the measured variables, although there were 4 cases of loss of volar tilt. Average Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 6 and average visual analog scale pain score was 0.3. Mean grip strength at 1 year was 96% of the contralateral side. There was 1 case of variable-angle locking screw loosening and 1 case of extensor tenosynovitis requiring hardware removal. There were no tendon ruptures. Conclusions The VAVLP fixation restored and maintained acceptable reduction in all patients in this series with a complication rate comparable to standard volar fixed-angle locking plates. Treatment of unstable distal radius fractures with a VAVLP resulted in excellent clinical outcomes at 1-year follow-up. However, use of the VAVLP risks soft tissue irritation, hardware failure, and loss of fracture reduction. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
Two level optimization of a redundant linear control system

A linear system with two sets of controls, one primary and the other redundant, is considered. A two level optimization procedure is used to control the system and to maintain maximal availability of the primary control.
Identification of several unique low molecular weight basic proteins in dormant spores of Bacillusmegaterium and their degradation during spore germination

Summary Approximately 20% of the total protein of Bacillus megaterium spores is degraded during the first 20 minutes of spore germination, and > 90% of the degradation can be accounted for by a fraction extracted from disrupted spores with dilute acetic acid. This fraction from dormant spores contains only two major proteins on disc gel electrophoresis at pH 4.3. These protein bands are not seen in acetic acid extracts from germinated spores, vegetative cells or early stationary phase cells, but they appear during sporulation about 1 hour prior to the appearance of refractile spores. The proteins in the acetic acid soluble fraction from dormant spores are all of low molecular weight (7–12,000) and are quite basic (pI > 9.6).
Aesthetics and performance in Zimbabwean soccer

This paper brings into critical focus the complex and diverse intersections of aesthetics, performance and soccer in the formation and expression of cultural identities in contemporary Zimbabwean life. Drawing upon my own interdisciplinary perspectives as well as Performance Studies theorists such as Richard Schechner, this paper uses theatre as an analytic lens to examine how soccer reflects Zimbabwean society's prevalent tastes, tendencies, ways of thought and cultural identities. The paper does not restrict its analysis of aesthetics and performance to the Zimbabwe national team alone, but it also uses the country's three top soccer clubs, Highlanders FC, Dynamos FC and Caps United FC as case studies to illustrate the sport's critical importance in expressing local allegiances and identities. In short, this paper develops an in-depth understanding of the intricate interplay of aesthetics, cultural performance, socio-political trends and identity formation on the basis of an interdisciplinary analysis t...
Engineering software-tools for embedding DSP

The three main design stages for embedding digital signal processing (DSP) chips are discussed. They are algorithm development, software coding, and debugging. The special needs of multiprocessor system design are examined. >
False Elevation of Plasma 17-Hydroxycorticoids in Diabetic Ketosis

Plasma corticoids were measured by an acid-fluorescent method and a modification of the Porter-Silber reaction in diabetic patients under good control and in states of poor control including ketoacidosis. In patients with significant ketonemia the plasma ketone bodies may produce a falsely high estimation of adrenal corticoid secretion when measured as Porter-Silber chromogens. Evaporation of the plasma extract, or preferably use of the acid-fluorescent procedure, will obviate such interference.
Stair ascending and descending in hip resurfacing and large head total hip arthroplasty patients.

Abstract Large head total hip arthroplasty (THA) and hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) are alternatives to standard THA that generally have head sizes larger than 36mm. This study examined 20 patients (10 large head THA and 10 HRA), at an average of 18months postoperatively, and 15 healthy control subjects during stair negotiation. Hip kinetic and kinematic variables and ground reaction forces were measured. The THA and HRA groups ascended the stairs with increased peak hip flexion angles and decreased hip extension angles as compared with controls. The operative groups also descended the stairs with decreased hip flexion moments. No differences between the operative groups were observed. Eighteen months postoperatively, patients with large head THA or HRA display abnormal flexion and extension during a physically-demanding task.
Evaluation of the Fetal Heart at 14 to 18 Weeks’ Gestation in Fetuses With a Screening Nuchal Translucency Greater Than or Equal to the 95th Percentile

Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine whether normal fetal cardiac anatomy could be successfully demonstrated and congenital heart disease detected transabdominally at 14 to 18 weeks' gestation in fetuses with a nuchal translucency greater than or equal to the 95th percentile. Methods In this retrospective chart review, grayscale images, Z scores, and Doppler evaluations, including pulsed, color, and spectral Doppler imaging, were reviewed to determine whether fetal heart evaluation findings at 14 to 18 weeks' gestation were normal or abnormal. Results Normal cardiac anatomy was successfully evaluated in 32 of 33 normal cases; only an aortic arch and a ductal arch were not successfully visualized in 1 case. Major congenital heart disease was detected prenatally in 4 abnormal cases. Conclusions The fetal heart can be successfully evaluated at an earlier gestational age but may be dependent on the skill of the sonographer and reading physician. Maternal decisions can be made earlier in gestation, before the pregnancy is obvious, and can allow planning for a pregnancy that will need to be delivered at a medical center that has a level 3 nursery.
Finite element analysis of MMIC structures using absorbing boundary conditions

The three-dimensional finite-element method (FEM) is used in conjunction with first-order and second-order absorbing boundary conditions (ABCs) to analyze waveguide discontinuities and to derive their scattering parameters. Numerical solutions for two representative waveguide discontinuities are obtained and compared with published data. The numerical results compare favorably with the published data. >
On the Biology of the Pigeon Fly, Pseudolynchia maura Bigot (Diptera, Hippoboscidae)

[This paper deals with the biology of Pseudolynchia maura Bigot, the pupa and pupation period, sex ratio, offspring per female and longevity when bred under laboratory conditions by feeding on pigeons (the host in nature), chickens, mourning dove, man (hosts more or less unsuitable). Effects of the bite are described.—Ed.]
Phenotypic Variation in Waardenburg Syndrome: Mutational Heterogeneity, Modifier Genes or Polygenic Background?

We have identified 11 mutational changes in the PAX3 gene in patients with type 1 Waardenburg syndrome (WS1) including three in the paired domain, six within or immediately adjacent to the homeodomain and two previously described polymorphic variants in exons 2 and 6. The affected members of one family carried substitutions involving two base pairs separated by one unaltered codon. Two of the deleterious mutations were identical and three others were identical to previously reported mutations. A comparison of clinical findings in families carrying substitutions in the same codon failed to reveal conspicuous similarities. Although subtle mutation-specific effects may well exist, allelic heterogeneity clearly cannot account for within family variation. However, the striking concordance of a pair of monozygotic twins with Waardenburg syndrome (WS) and previous reports of similar pairs indicate that phenotypic variation in WS has a genetic basis. If the genetic effects are mediated by oligogenic epistasis, as studies in the mouse suggest, it may ultimately be possible to predict clinically relevant aspects of the Waardenburg phenotype.
Characterizing the Juvenile Fish Community in Turbid Alaskan Rivers to Assess Potential Interactions with Hydrokinetic Devices

AbstractInstallation of hydrokinetic power-generating devices is currently being considered for the Yukon and Tanana rivers, two large and glacially turbid rivers in Alaska. We sampled downstream-migrating fish along the margins of both rivers, a middle island in the Yukon River, and mid-channel in the Tanana River in order to assess the temporal and spatial patterns of movement by resident and anadromous fishes and hence the potential for fish interactions with hydrokinetic devices. Results suggest that (1) river margins in the Yukon and Tanana rivers are primarily utilized by resident freshwater species, (2) the mid-channel is utilized by Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. smolts, and (3) only Chum Salmon O. keta smolts utilize both river margin and mid-channel areas. Some species exhibited distinct peaks and trends in downstream migration timing, including Longnose Suckers Catostomus catostomus, whitefishes (Coregoninae), Arctic Grayling Thymallus arcticus, Lake Chub Couesius plumbeus, Chinook Salmon O. ...
Structural and mechanistic studies of VPS4 proteins.

VPS4 ATPases function in multivesicular body formation and in HIV-1 budding. Here, we report the crystal structure of monomeric apo human VPS4B/SKD1 (hVPS4B), which is composed of five distinct elements: a poorly ordered N-terminal MIT domain that binds ESCRT-III substrates, large (mixed α/β) and small (α) AAA ATPase domains that closely resemble analogous domains in the p97 D1 ATPase cassette, a three-stranded antiparallel β domain inserted within the small ATPase domain, and a novel C-terminal helix. Apo hVPS4B and yeast Vps4p (yVps4p) proteins dimerized in solution, and assembled into larger complexes (10–12 subunits) upon ATP binding. Human and yeast adaptor proteins (LIP5 and yVta1p, respectively) bound the β domains of the fully assembled hVPS4B and yVps4p proteins. We therefore propose that Vps4 proteins cycle between soluble, inactive low molecular weight complexes and active, membrane-associated double-ring structures that bind ATP and coassemble with LIP5/Vta1. Finally, HIV-1 budding was inhibited by mutations in a loop that projects into the center of the modeled hVPS4B rings, suggesting that hVPS4B may release the assembled ESCRT machinery by pulling ESCRT-III substrates up into the central pore.
Information voyeurism: social impact of physically large displays on information privacy

A common observation when working on physically large displays, such as wall-sized projection, is that a certain amount of information privacy is lost. A common explanation for this loss in privacy is the higher legibility of information presented on large displays. In this paper, we present a novel paradigm for measuring whether or not a user has read certain content. We show that, even with constant visual angles and legibility, visitors are still more likely to glance over a user's shoulder to read information on a large wall-projected display than on a smaller traditional desktop monitor. We assert that, in addition to legibility, there are more subtle social factors that may contribute to the loss of privacy on physically large displays. Implementing hardware and software ideas for mitigating this loss of privacy remains future research.
What do They Need to Know

This year, for the first semester in over two years, I will be teaching in the Institute of Higher Education’s executive doctoral program in higher education administration, http://ihe.uga.edu/ graduate-programs/edd. Based in Atlanta, the program offers a concentrated two-year program format for middle and upper-level administrators who wish to gain an in-depth understanding of postsecondary education in the United States and abroad. In fact, one of the distinguishing features of the program is the focus on international higher education and the study abroad programs offered each summer at the Center for Higher Education Policy Studies (CHEPs) at the University of Twente in the Netherlands, http://www.utwente.nl/mb/cheps/ and in China at Beijing Normal University’s Institute of International and Comparative Education and at Peking University. Professor Sheila Slaughter and I share the courses this term, and we have had an interesting dialogue around the following question. “What do they need to know?” Our focuswill be on the intersections of programs, delivery, marketization, stratification, and access. It’s a big umbrella with lots to consider. This question resonates throughout higher education. Several decades ago, in 1949, Robert Tyler, a curricular leader in higher education, posed significant questions in the book entitled Basic Principles of Curriculum and Instruction. What purpose shall the curriculum serve? What experiences should the institution and its faculty provide to meet these expressed purposes? Since that time, and even before, faculty, governing bodies, and professional associations have struggled to answer those questions. Increasingly, colleges and universities address the expectations and demands of internal and external constituents with money and power to drive educational agendas. During the 1980s critiques of U.S. higher education increased in frequency and included often strident pronouncements. A Nation at Risk (1983), Involvement in Learning: Realizing the Potential of American Higher Education (1984), and Integrity in the College Curriculum (1985), to name only three, stressed the need for curricular reform and called on colleges to deal with problematic issues in curricular coherence, accessibility, and quality. Other reports claimed the supremacy of the humanities over the voices for general education and marketplace skills. For example, To Reclaim a Legacy: A Report on the Humanities in Higher Education (1983) along with a number of other reports from the National Endowment for the Humanities emphasized the importance of the liberal arts as the core of a college education. Innov High Educ (2013) 38:89–90 DOI 10.1007/s10755-013-9253-4
Brief announcement: minimum spanning trees and cone-based topology control

Consider a setting where nodes can vary their transmission power thereby changing the network topology, the goal of topology control is to reduce the transmission power while ensuring the communication graph remains connected. Wattenhofer et al. [6] introduced the distributed cone-based topology control algorithm with parameter α (CBTC(α)) and proved it correct if α ≤ 2π/3. Li et al. [4] proposed performing asymmetric edge removal or increasing α to 5π/6, and proved that when applied separately these minimizations preserve connectivity. Bahramgiri et al. [1] proved that when α ≤ 2π/3 it was possible to extend the algorithm to work in three dimensions and described a variation to preserve k-connectivity.We give a short self-contained proof that when α ≤ 2π/3 the minimum spanning tree is contained in the graph produced by CBTC(α). Its interesting to note that by comparison, other popular topology control algorithms are variations of the Gabriel Graph [5], the Relative Neighbor Graph [2] or the Delaunay Triangulation [3]; all of which are structures known to contain the minimum spanning tree. The proof is essentially an application of a lemma proved by Yao [7]. As a consequence of this proof we get as corollaries new short proofs of some of the main results of Wattenhofer et al. [6], Li et al. [4] and Bahramgiri et al. [1]. (1) When α ≤ 2π/3 the algorithm CBTC(α) preserves connectivity [6]. (2) The asymmetric edge removal operation preserves connectivity [4]. (3) The algorithm can be extended to three dimensions [1], and generally to n-dimensional space.
Inductive interactions direct early regionalization of the mouse forebrain

The cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate regional specification of the forebrain are largely unknown. We studied the expression of transcription factors in neural plate explants to identify tissues, and the molecules produced by these tissues, that regulate medial-lateral and local patterning of the prosencephalic neural plate. Molecular properties of the medial neural plate are regulated by the prechordal plate perhaps through the action of Sonic Hedgehog. By contrast, gene expression in the lateral neural plate is regulated by non-neural ectoderm and bone morphogenetic proteins. This suggests that the forebrain employs the same medial-lateral (ventral-dorsal) patterning mechanisms present in the rest of the central nervous system. We have also found that the anterior neural ridge regulates patterning of the anterior neural plate, perhaps through a mechanism that is distinct from those that regulate general medial-lateral patterning. The anterior neural ridge is essential for expression of BF1, a gene encoding a transcription factor required for regionalization and growth of the telencephalic and optic vesicles. In addition, the anterior neural ridge expresses Fgf8, and recombinant FGF8 protein is capable of inducing BF1, suggesting that FGF8 regulates the development of anterolateral neural plate derivatives. Furthermore, we provide evidence that the neural plate is subdivided into distinct anterior-posterior domains that have different responses to the inductive signals from the prechordal plate, Sonic Hedgehog, the anterior neural ridge and FGF8. In sum, these results suggest that regionalization of the forebrain primordia is established by several distinct patterning mechanisms: (1) anterior-posterior patterning creates transverse zones with differential competence within the neural plate, (2) patterning along the medial-lateral axis generates longitudinally aligned domains and (3) local inductive interactions, such as a signal(s) from the anterior neural ridge, further define the regional organization.
Effects of surface charging treatment on outer and inner surfaces of a nanoporous carbon

As the outer surface of a nanoporous carbon is treated with 16-mercaptohexadecanoic acid, the carbon particles can form a stable suspension in water. When the water phase is compressed, the liquid infiltration behavior in the nanopores becomes significantly different from that of untreated material, suggesting that the inner surface is also modified. After the treatment, the infiltration pressure does not decrease. Therefore, the chain configurations at the inner and outer surfaces must be different, which explains the variations in infiltration pressure and volume.
A Galerkin boundary integral method for multiple circular elastic inclusions

The problem of an infinite, isotropic elastic plane containing an arbitrary number of circular elastic inclusions is considered. The analysis procedure is based on the use of a complex singular integral equation. The unknown tractions at each circular boundary are approximated by a truncated complex Fourier series. A system of linear algebraic equations is obtained by using the classical Galerkin method and the Gauss–Seidel algorithm is used to solve the system. Several numerical examples are considered to demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Si(100) Nitridation by Remote Plasmas for Enhanced High-κ Gate Performance

Hafnium oxide is the leading high-κ candidate for next generation CMOS devices, however, it is plagued by problems such as a propensity to react with the Si(100) substrate, to crystallize, and to have fixed and trapped charges and low transistor mobilities. A remote N2/He plasma was used as a reactant during MOCVD with Hf (IV) t-butoxide which incorporates 6 at.% nitrogen located at the film-substrate interface and reduces the interdiffusion problem upon anneal [1]. A new process for pretreating the silicon wafer with a N2/He plasma was developed to improve nitrogen concentrations at the interface and reduce interdiffusion further. Films deposited with N2/He plasma and the pretreatment method were compared to O2/He plasma deposited films and N2/He plasma deposited films without the nitridation step. It is shown that a 16A interface SiN× layer is sufficient to prevent reaction during a 1000°C Ar/O2 anneal at atmosphere and an intermediate annealing step is crucial for desired reduction in interdiffion. Thick films show some crystalline peaks by XRD which are suppressed using the N2 process. Electrical measurements on thick films show the pretreatment process results in the lowest leakage current density and the highest dielectric constant of 21.5.
The Role of Qualitative Methods in Designing Health Care Organizations

Qualitative research methodologies can play an important role in health care design as they can provide contextual data about health care settings—specifically the people, processes, and patterns that make up the daily work of providing health care. Health care is provided in complex environments with intricate webs of relationships, which represent the multiple interactions with people, information, technology, culture, and the physical environment in which the care is provided. One could ask, “Is good design possible without an understanding of the context in which the work occurs?” Qualitative methods can capture the experiential aspects of design and usability; however, certain qualitative methods are better suited to capture the complexity of health care. These include observations, focus groups, and interviews, which are discussed in depth.
Reliability prediction models to support conceptual design

During the early stages of conceptual design, the ability to predict reliability is very limited. Without a prototype to test in a lab environment or without field data, component failure rates and system reliability performance are usually unknown. A popular method for early reliability prediction is to develop a computer model for the system. However, most of these models are extremely specific to an individual system or industry. This paper presents three general procedures (using both simulation and analytic solution techniques) for predicting system reliability and average mission cost. The procedures consider both known and unknown failure rates and component-level and subsystem-level analyzes. The estimates are based on the number of series subsystems and redundant (active or stand-by) components for each subsystem. The result is a set of approaches that engineers can use to predict system reliability early in the system-design process. Software was developed (and is discussed in this paper) that facilitates the application of the simulation-based techniques. For the specific type of system and mission addressed in this paper, the analytic approach is superior to the simulation-based prediction models. However, all three approaches are presented for two reasons: (1) to convey the development process involved with building these prediction tools; and (2) the simulation-based approaches are of greater value as the research is extended to consider more complex systems and scenarios.
Role of endotoxin in the hypermetabolic state after acute ethanol exposure

This study investigated the role of endotoxin in the hypermetabolic state or swift increase in alcohol metabolism (SIAM) due to acute ethanol exposure. Female Sprague-Dawley rats (100–120 g) were g...
Sleep and Sleep Deprivation Studies in Patients with Premenstrual Depression

Various sleep abnormalities such as decreased or increased sleep, fragmented sleep, shortened REM latency, phase advance of REM sleep, fragmentation of REM sleep, increased REM density, and decreased delta sleep have been described in depression (Gillin et al. 1984). Furthermore, sleep manipulations affect mood in many affective patients (Gillin 1983; Wehr et al. 1987). Specifically, sleep deprivation may mitigate depression, and sleep may promote it (in patients who respond to sleep deprivation). Since women sleep longer than men (Wever 1984; Wirz-Justice et al. 1984), and women are more likely to develop depression (Weissman and Klerman 1977), investigations of the effect of cyclic changes in the female neuroendocrine reproductive axis on sleep may increase our understanding of women’s vulnerability to depression. Furthermore, since many depressed patients undergoing sleep studies are women, as a methodological issue it is important to know whether reproductive status or phase of the menstrual cycle affects sleep. We designed this study to investigate the effect of the menstrual cycle on the sleep of women with and without premenstrual affective changes.
4,4'-Dichlorobiphenyl: distribution, metabolism, and excretion in the dog and the monkey.

Abstract The tissue distribution, metabolism, and excretion of 4,4′-dichlorobiphenyl (4,4′-DCB) were investigated in beagle dogs and cynomolgus monkeys ( Macaca fascicularis ). Following a single iv dose of [ 14 C]4,4′-DCB (0.6 mg/kg) excreta, blood, and tissues were collected at time intervals ranging from 15 min to 28 days for determination of levels of parent compound and its metabolites. Elimination of the parent PCB in the blood of both species was biphasic with a terminal-phase elimination rate constant of 0.018 hr −1 for the dog and 0.002 hr −1 for the monkey. By 24 hr the dog excreted 50% of the dose in the feces (43%) and the urine (7%). The percentage dose remaining was found largely as parent compound in the fat with some in muscle and skin. By 5 days 90% of the dose was excreted. In contrast, during the first 24 hr the monkey excreted less than 15% of the dose with less than 1% in the feces. The percentage dose remaining in the body was localized as parent compound in fat (33%) with lesser amounts in skin and muscle. By 28 days 59% of the dose was excreted, primarily in the urine. In anesthetized dogs 33% of the dose was excreted into the bile within 2 hr, while the monkey excreted only 0.4% of the dose by that route. The data present a clear species variation between the dog and the monkey in both the rate and route of excretion of 4,4′-DCB.
The role of inhibin B as a basal determinant of ovarian reserve.

Our objective was to compare inhibin B and conventional basal determinants in designating the ovarian reserve in patients receiving assisted reproductive treatment. A total of 58 women ,aged 19–47 years ,who were accepted for assisted reproductive treatment at the Zeynep Kamil Women and Children's Hospital ,Department of Assisted Reproductive Technologies ,were included in the study. The age ,body mass index ,basal levels of follicle stimulating hormone ,estradiol and inhibin B ,volume of the ovary and number of antral follicles were compared prospectively. When the number of oocytes collected was ≥ 5 ,this was accepted as a sufficient ovarian response. Serum inhibin B (cut-off level 56 pg/ml) ,as a basal determinant of ovarian reserve ,had the highest sensitivity (81%) and specificity (81%). The usefulness of serum inhibin B measurement as a basal determinant of ovarian reserve is supported.
Child and Context Reactive Adaptations of Learning Disabled Children

While conceptualizations of learning disabilities vary between brain deficit and brain difference, teachers, counselors, and clinicians should consider the degree and nature of the match that exists between the child's abilities and both the classroom methods and material. As the degree of mismatch increases between the child's abilities and the material that the child is expected to master, the child must adapt to this difficulty. Three stages of children's psychological adaptation to this distress are postulated: (1) an initial reaction of quiet withdrawal or active response, (2) disengagement, and (3) defensiveness. These adaptations and their implications for the classroom and clinician are discussed, and case illustrations are presented.
Theory of Combat: The Probability of Winning

As two forces engage in combat without replacements, the numbers of survivors on the two forces will diminish. The force first reaching zero loses, the other wins Let Px, y be the probability that the first force wins if there are x members for it and y members for the second force, and let Ax, y be the probability that the next casualty is on the second force. It is shown that Px, y = Ax, yPx, y-1 + [1-Ax, y]Px-1, y. From this equation and the conditions that Px, 0 = 1 and P0, y = 0, Px, y can be given in terms of A. Lanchester's Linear Law governs the case that Ax, y is a constant, p, and his Square Law governs the case that Ax, y = rxrx + y, where r is the ratio of the relative effectiveness of a member of the first force to that for a member of the second force. The exact solution of the problem of finding Px, y is given for both the linear law and the square law. The exact solution is cumbersome, however, and useful approximations to the exact solutions are also given in terms of the normal probability integral.
Progress in robot road-following

We report progress in visual road following by autonomous robot vehicles. We present results and work in progress in the areas of system architecture, image rectification and camera calibration, oriented edge tracking, color classification and road-region segmentation, extracting geometric structure, and the use of a map. In test runs of an outdoor robot vehicle, the Terregator, under control of the Warp computer, we have demonstrated continuous motion vision-guided road-following at speeds up to 1.08 km/hour with image processing and steering servo loop times of 3 sec.
E-Cigarettes: A Scientific Review

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are products that deliver a nicotine-containing aerosol (commonly called vapor) to users by heating a solution typically made up of propylene glycol or glycerol (glycerin), nicotine, and flavoring agents (Figure 1) invented in their current form by Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik in the early 2000s.1 The US patent application describes the e-cigarette device as “an electronic atomization cigarette that functions as substitutes [sic] for quitting smoking and cigarette substitutes ” (patent No. 8,490,628 B2). By 2013, the major multinational tobacco companies had entered the e-cigarette market. E-cigarettes are marketed via television, the Internet, and print advertisements (that often feature celebrities)2 as healthier alternatives to tobacco smoking, as useful for quitting smoking and reducing cigarette consumption, and as a way to circumvent smoke-free laws by enabling users to “smoke anywhere.”3 Figure 1. Examples of different electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) products. Reproduced from Grana et al.1 There has been rapid market penetration of e-cigarettes despite many unanswered questions about their safety, efficacy for harm reduction and cessation, and total impact on public health. E-cigarette products are changing quickly, and many of the findings from studies of older products may not be relevant to the assessment of newer products that could be safer and more effective as nicotine delivery devices. In addition, marketing and other environmental influences may vary from country to country, so patterns of use and the ultimate impact on public health may differ. The individual risks and benefits and the total impact of these products occur in the context of the widespread and continuing availability of conventional cigarettes and other tobacco products, with high levels of dual use of e-cigarettes and conventional cigarettes at the same time among adults4–8 and youth.9–11 It is important to assess e-cigarette toxicant exposure and …
Improving per-node efficiency in the datacenter with new OS abstractions

We believe datacenters can benefit from more focus on per-node efficiency, performance, and predictability, versus the more common focus so far on scalability to a large number of nodes. Improving per-node efficiency decreases costs and fault recovery because fewer nodes are required for the same amount of work. We believe that the use of complex, general-purpose operating systems is a key contributing factor to these inefficiencies. Traditional operating system abstractions are ill-suited for high performance and parallel applications, especially on large-scale SMP and many-core architectures. We propose four key ideas that help to overcome these limitations. These ideas are built on a philosophy of exposing as much information to applications as possible and giving them the tools necessary to take advantage of that information to run more efficiently. In short, high-performance applications need to be able to peer through layers of virtualization in the software stack to optimize their behavior. We explore abstractions based on these ideas and discuss how we build them in the context of a new operating system called Akaros.
Travel-acquired leptospirosis.

International travel is rapidly growing worldwide. It has been estimated that international travels will reach nearly 1 billion by 2010 and 1.6 billion by 2020, with the highest increase concerning tropical and subtropical areas.1 Furthermore, a rapidly increasing number of travelers are engaged in adventure travel.2 Travelers participating in athletic and adventure activities may be exposed to various infectious agents often unfamiliar to physicians in their homeland that may demand immediate attention due to the potential of causing severe morbidity and fatal outcome.3 Leptospirosis is an emerging zoonosis of global importance.4–8 Although transmission may occur in rural and urban areas worldwide, incidence of infection is significantly higher in tropical areas.5,8–12 Leptospirosis has been traditionally considered an occupational hazard among professionals in contact with urine of infected animals.9,13 However, nowadays, cases and outbreaks are increasingly reported among adventure travelers and athletes participating in freshwater sports.10,11,14–20 Due to the fact that leptospirosis is a potentially fatal disease, 7,9,21 information regarding prophylactic measures should be targeted to this group of travelers and leptospirosis should be considered among febrile travelers returning with a compatible epidemiological association. We review the current state of knowledge on travel‐acquired leptospirosis with emphasis on its epidemiology and prevention. Leptospires are highly motile spirochetes of the family Leptospiraceae that are divided into numerous serovars. Pathogenic leptospires comprise the Leptospira interrogans sensu lato complex (more than 200 serovars), whereas saprophytic leptospires comprise the Leptospira biflexa sensu lato complex (more than 60 serovars). Among some of the common pathogenic serovars for humans are Leptospira canicola, Leptospira hardjo, Leptospira hebdomadis, Leptospira autumnalis, and Leptospira weil. Leptospires can survive freely for weeks or months in soil and water.9,21 A wide spectrum of animal species, primarily small mammals, may serve as sources of human infection with leptospires. … Corresponding Author: Helena C. Maltezou, MD, PhD, Department for Interventions in Health‐Care Facilities, Hellenic Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 42 3rd Septemvriou Street, Athens, Greece. E‐mail: helen%E2%80%90maltezou{at}ath.forthnet.gr
Validation of the PHQ-9 in a psychiatric sample.

Abstract Background The PHQ-9 was originally developed as a screener for depression in primary care and is commonly used in medical settings. However, surprisingly little is known about its psychometric properties and utility as a severity measure in psychiatric populations. We examined the full range of psychometric properties of the PHQ-9 in patients with a range of psychiatric disorders (i.e., mood, anxiety, personality, psychotic). Methods Patients ( n =1023) completed the PHQ-9 upon admission and discharge from a partial hospital, as well as other self-report measures of depression, anxiety, well-being, and a structured diagnostic interview. Results Internal consistency was good ( α =.87). The PHQ-9 demonstrated a strong correlation with a well-established measure of depression, moderate correlations with related constructs, a weak correlation with a theoretically unrelated construct (i.e., disgust sensitivity), and good sensitivity to change, with a large pre- to post-treatment effect size. Using a cut-off of ≥13, the PHQ-9 demonstrated good sensitivity (.83) and specificity (.72). A split-half exploratory factor analysis/confirmatory factor analysis suggested a two-factor solution with one factor capturing cognitive and affective symptoms and a second factor reflecting somatic symptoms. Psychometric properties did not differ between male and female participants. Limitations No clinician-rated measure of improvement, and the sample lacked ethnoracial diversity. Conclusions This first comprehensive validation of the PHQ-9 in a large, psychiatric sample supported its use as a severity measure and as a measure of treatment outcome. It also performed well as a screener for a current depressive episode using a higher cut-off than previously recommended for primary care samples.
Special Considerations in Diagnosing and Treating Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent chronic condition that affects people of all ages, including young children, school-aged children, adolescents, and adults. Symptoms can be noted as early as preschool age, tend to progress into functional impairment and behavioral problems in later childhood, and typically persist into adulthood. Contrary to previous belief, the disorder does not resolve with puberty for the majority of children; rather, the symptoms are manifested differently throughout the lifecycle. Presentation in adults is heavily biased toward inattentive symptoms, which are less likely to draw notice than hyperactive or impulsive symptoms and may contribute to the underrecognition of ADHD in this patient population. Diagnosis is particularly difficult due in large part to the pronounced comorbidity of psychiatric disorders in this patient population. Identification may be even more difficult in adults than children as the diagnostic criteria are not as clear, adults have difficulty remembering symptoms prior to 7 years of age, and there is a high prevalence of comorbid psychiatric disorders in adults. Early identification and treatment of symptoms of ADHD in preschool-age children is essential to effective long-term management of the disorder. Both medication and behavioral treatments appear to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD, and evidence suggests that discontinuation of treatment leads to the reemergence of the condition. Efforts are currently continuing toward understanding the genetic underpinnings of ADHD. This expert review supplement will address the prevalence, comorbidity, treatment issues, and special considerations surrounding ADHD management throughout each stage of the lifecycle beginning with ADHD in preschool-aged children, continuing with school-aged children and adolescents, and ending with adulthood.
Early Defensive Mechanisms against Human Papillomavirus Infection

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women and is almost exclusively caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV is also frequently associated with other cancers arising from mucosal epithelium, including anal and oropharyngeal cancers, which are becoming more common in both men and women. Viral persistence and progression through precancerous lesion stages are prerequisites for HPV-associated cancer and reflect the inability of cell-mediated immune mechanisms to clear infections and eliminate abnormal cells in some individuals. Cell-mediated immune responses are initiated by innate pathogen sensing and subsequent secretion of soluble immune mediators and amplified by the recruitment and activation of effector T lymphocytes. This review discusses early defensive mechanisms of innate responders to natural HPV infection, their influence on response polarization, and the underappreciated role of keratinocytes in this process.
On Doma, Proposition 8, and the Implications of Their Potential Unconstitutionality for Equal Protection and Substantive Due Process Jurisprudence

This online article, written before Hollingsworth v. Perry and United States v. Windsor were decided, discusses the likely implications of those decisions for equal protection and due process jurisprudence for minorities in general and sexual minorities in particular. The article discusses the possible tacks the Court might take, suggesting that the more likely result would be that even if addressing the merits and striking down the burden-imposing legislation in at least one of the cases, the Court would refuse to specify the level of scrutiny employed. By doing so, the Court would lay the foundation for some courts to strike down regulations targeting sexual minorities as irrational but also provide a way for other courts to find some way to rationalize the challenged burdens at issue. While suggesting that the Court’s striking down either Prop 8 or Section 3 of DOMA would be a very welcome result, the article concludes that the Court would be very unlikely to clarify existing equal protection and due process jurisprudence.
High Noon in the Abortion Battle? Roe 'Reality' Post Gonzales v. Carhart

In this essay, High Noon in the Abortion Battle? Roe "Reality" Post Gonzales v. Carhart, Professor Bach reflects on Nadine Strossen’s remarks about the history of reproductive rights in the United States. Specifically, she analyzes whether Strossen’s observation that Planned Parenthood v. Casey showed “concern for women’s equality and empowerment” applies to the most recent late-term abortion case before the Supreme Court. Bach concludes that Carhart’s reasoning does not live up to this promise. Rather, the Court’s reliance on anecdotal evidence about post-abortion regret calls its fact-finding credibility into question. The majority decision undermines women’s dignity and autonomy by banning an abortion procedure in the name of protecting vulnerable women; rather than requiring full disclosure and informed decision-making, women are no longer seen as decision-making equals and thus cede control over their destiny. Likewise, when the Court skirts the informed consent law that has governed physician-patient relations for decades and labels a medical procedure as a preference that it may ban, the integrity and autonomy of the medical profession are impugned.
An expert system for predicting flutter in turbomachines

A framework of expert systems for predicting turbomachine blade flutter is proposed, which can be charactcrizcd by knowledge sharing through humancomputcr cooperation. The knowledge structure of fluttcr prediction is analyzcd by using ontological analysis method from the knowledge engincering point of view, based on which thc structure of thc knowlcdge basc and the infcrcnce cnginc of the systcm arc discussed. Some examplcs of production rules, inference mechanisms and knowledge association procedures for predicting fluttcr arc dcmonstratcd. The expected bcncfits of the systcm includc 1) helping cnginc dcsigncrs prcdict and avoid fluttcr, 2) helping fluttcr researchers improve their understanding of flutter phcnomcna by using and sharing knowlcdgc more cffectively.
Bowtie technique—a novel approach to correct the widened ventral labia majora after male-to-female gender reassignment surgery

Male-to-female gender reassignment surgery is a procedure that has evolved significantly since its inception. To create an aesthetic and functional vagina is the primary focus. Despite its evolutions, second stage revisions are frequently utilised to correct labial and clitoral hood defects (e.g. loss of clitoral hood, widening of the ventral labia major and exposure of the anterior commissure). Our objective is to present a simple and effective surgical step in the male-to-female gender reassignment operation in order to reduce the need for second stage interventions. The Bowtie technique is performed as the last step to the male-to-female gender reassignment procedure and aims to emphasise the clitoral hood, reduce the space of the ventral labia major and diminish the exposure of the anterior commissure. Having been performed by the senior author since 1992, outcomes have been satisfactory with no need for secondary procedures in those patients for the described defects. The Bowtie technique is a beneficial addition in male-to-female reconstructive surgery, which allows for the procedure to be performed in one stage without the need to correct common post-operative aesthetic defects. Level of Evidence: Level V, therapeutic study.