cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Is there policy-oriented learning in the analysis of natural gas policy issues?

The debate on natural gas pricing policy has been one of the longest and most active in the United States in this century. Conflicts in the fundamental belief systems of the advocacy coalitions involved in the production, distribution, and consumption of natural gas have dominated the debate, and the financial stakes to each have been high. These circumstances and the physical nature of the gas supply, distribution, and consumption system have motivated a very large number of analytic studies of the policy options, particularly since 1973. In this paper the extent of policy-oriented learning that has taken place in the development of natural gas pricing policy, and the role of formal analysis in that learning process are assessed. These objectives are greatly facilitated by reliance on a recently proposed framework for analyzing the factors affecting policy change.
World Investment Report 2006, FDI from Developing and Transition Economies: Implications for Development by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). United Nations Publications, New York (2006).

Abstract This review essay concerns global FDI flows that are growing in size and importance in national development endeavors. The World Investment Report 2006 (WIR) contains a wealth of data and invaluable analysis concerning the effects of FDI on the world economy and development programs in the developed, developing, and transition economies. It is proposed that the future focus of the report should be expanded to include new ideas and research embedded in the new growth theory and recent interdisciplinary analysis, which meet the criteria of constantly changing world economic and cultural outlook and rising expectations. This approach also requires reforming the growth regime within the framework of globalization to achieve the goals of development and environmental renewal.
ENHANCEMENT BY NEUROPEPTIDE γ OF DNA SYNTHESIS STIMULATED WITH EGF OR TGFα IN PRIMARY CULTURES OF ADULT RAT HEPATOCYTES

DNA synthesis was stimulated by primary (complete) mitogens such as epidermal growth factor (EGF) or transforming growth factor α (TGFα) in adult rat hepatocytes in primary culture. Addition of neuropeptide γ (10 -9 M) to the hepatocyte culture amplified the stimulatory effect of EGF or TGFα by 5- to 6-fold. Neuropeptide γ-amplified DNA synthesis was observed in a dose-dependent manner with maximal effect at 10 -9 to 10 -7 M, although its effect was significantly observed at as low as 10 -10 M. Neuropeptide γ by itself did not stimulate DNA synthesis in the absence of EGF
Plath's the bell jar as female bildungsroman

(1986). Plath's the bell jar as female bildungsroman. Women's Studies: Vol. 12, No. 1, pp. 55-68.
Clinical Associations, Treatment, and Outcome of Apnea of Prematurity

After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Identify common neonatal problems that may present with apnea. 2. Describe the role of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment of apnea. 3. Characterize the findings of long-term follow-up of infants who have apnea. Although apnea typically results from immaturity of the respiratory control system (see accompanying article in this issue), it also may be the presenting sign of other diseases or pathophysiologic states that frequently affect preterm infants. A thorough consideration of possible causes is always warranted, especially when there is an unexpected increase in the frequency of episodes of apnea or bradycardia (Fig. 1). Figure 1. Multiple etiologic factors that may contribute to apnea in preterm infants. IVH=intraventricular hemorrhage. Central nervous system problems, particularly intracranial hemorrhage, can precipitate apnea in the preterm infant. Asphyxia, including transient birth depression, may cause either episodic or prolonged apnea. Malformations of the brain or less likely, the spinal cord, should be considered in an otherwise healthy infant who presents with apnea at birth. Infections (bacteremia possibly accompanied by meningitis) may cause unstable breathing patterns and should prompt the appropriate evaluation and possibly antibiotic therapy. In the older infant, the onset of a viral illness such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection sometimes is heralded by apnea, although the precise mechanism whereby RSV presents with apnea is unclear. Anemia, another frequent problem in preterm infants, whether iatrogenic or due to bleeding, is a potential precipitating factor. Blood transfusions have been demonstrated to improve irregular breathing patterns in preterm infants, although the risk of blood transfusion has limited its use as treatment for apnea. It has been assumed, although unproven, that enhanced oxygen-carrying capacity, as with red blood cell transfusion, may decrease the likelihood of hypoxia-induced respiratory depression. Other disease states that may precipitate apnea include metabolic disorders such as …
Thermodynamic modeling of the Hg-Cd-Te and Hg-Zn-Te systems

Abstract The basic thermodynamic equations governing the equilibrium between (A 1- u B u ) 2- y Te y (s) with y near unity and its liquid and vapor phases are summarized. These are used along with an associated solution model for the liquid with species, Hg, Cd, Te, HgTe, and CdTe, to obtain quantitatively good fits to the diverse experimental data. The less extensive data for the Hg-Zn-Te system are also fit and based upon the parameters established, some properties are calculated for which there are no experimental data at present.
School Attendance Patterns, Unmet Educational Needs, and Truancy: A Chronological Perspective

This study examines chronological patterns of attendance and academic performance of urban students who are identified as truants in Grade 8. A chronological review of 42 student records, from school entry through Grade 8, identified high frequencies of absenteeism and academic performance issues beginning at school entry and, in many cases, persisting throughout elementary and middle school years. Results suggest that ongoing analysis of attendance data within a school system could help to identify early patterns of absenteeism that lead to truancy in upper elementary and middle school grades. Additionally, the study indicates a need for socioemotional support, as well as early and appropriate referral and evaluation for children who are struggling in school, and it calls into question the practice of retention and social promotion as a response to absenteeism and poor school performance among elementary school children.
Influence of Laboratory Test Method on Fatigue Test Results for Asphaltic Concrete

Fatigue characterizations obtained using three laboratory repeated-load, flexure test methods were compared. The test methods included uniaxial stress fields (beam specimens), biaxial stress fields (plate specimens), fullstress reversal, and no stress reversal. In addition, specimens were sawn from field-compacted asphaltic concrete, and test results were compared with those from laboratory prepared specimens. The degree of stress reversal and possibly the type of stress field to which the specimens were subjected were found to influence the resultant slope and intercept of the fatigue curve. The results of a comparison of fatigue characterizations obtained with laboratory and field-compacted specimens were not clear due to differences in the air void contents of the two mixtures. An analysis to determine the minimum number of specimens required for fatigue characteristics using the beam test method suggested (but did not prove) that approximately ten specimens having 3 in. (76 mm) widths and depths should be used.
Cultural factors affecting diet and pregnancy outcome of Mexican American adolescents

Abstract Purpose: To describe the nutrition knowledge, cultural beliefs, food intake, and attitudes about weight gain of Mexican American adolescents and their relationship to pregnancy weight gain and infant's birth weight. Methods: A convenience sample of 46 pregnant adolescents, who were self-identified as Mexican American, primigravidas, and aged 13–18 years, was eligible. Two personal interviews were conducted with each participant, at the second trimester (18–22 weeks' gestation) and third trimester (30–34 weeks' gestation). The measurements were nutrient intake, nutrition knowledge, and attitudes toward weight gain. The proxy measure for acculturation was the length of residence in the United States [Group 1 (G1), n = 14; 3–12 months), G2 ( n = 19; 12–48 months), and G3 ( n = 13; 48–216 months). Descriptive statistics and analysis of variance were performed on the data as appropriate. Qualitative methods were used to describe cultural beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes during pregnancy. Results: The mean age of the sample was 16.34 ± 1.56 years. A total of 21.74% ( n = 10) was American-born and 78.26% ( n = 36) was Mexican-born. G3 was significantly ( p Conclusions: The most powerful factors that reportedly contributed to good food practices during pregnancy were maternal concern about the well-being of the baby, role of motherhood, and family support system. It was found that with acculturation, adolescents lost most of the traditional Mexican cultural beliefs related to pregnancy, and their attitudes about weight gain were more negative. There was no relationship between nutrition knowledge and diet adequacy during pregnancy; they chose the traditional foods thought most nutritious by parents and family, for the benefit of their baby.
Artificial roosts for tree‐roosting bats in northern Arizona

Bats use large (69 cm mean diameter) ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) snags for maternity roosts in northern Arizona. Anthropogenic causes have altered forest structure, decreasing density of large snags. To examine use of artificial roosts for bats in these forests, we selected 26 sites and 2 treatments (clustered, single) using 1 type of roost (resin or wood) per site. At each site, we installed 4 roosts on ponderosa pine trees with a cluster of 3 roosts (south-, east-, or west-facing; <20 m apart) and a single roost (south-facing) 250–350 m away. We checked roosts every 2 weeks for use (guano or bats) and monitored internal temperatures every 2 hours from May through September in 2009 and 2010. Bats used 52% of roosts (19 roosts in 2009, 49 in 2010) at least once and colonized resin roosts sooner than wood roosts. Sites with clustered resin roosts were used more than single roosts. Bats used south- and east-facing resin roosts more and these had warmer average temperatures than west-facing roosts. We captured 47 bats of 5 species using artificial roosts. We only captured male bats from roosts in 2009, juveniles and females were also captured in 2010 but no maternity roosts were documented. We recommend that resin roosts placed in clusters on live trees be used to supplement natural roosts in ponderosa pine forests. Because use increased with time we suspect artificial roosts may be used for several years before establishment of maternity colonies. Artificial roosts require annual maintenance (e.g., waterproofing) to maintain function and can be expensive to install and maintain. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Interaction patterns between parents with advanced cancer and their adolescent children

Objective: Advanced cancer profoundly affects those with the illness and their families. The interaction patterns between parents with advanced cancer and their adolescent children are likely to influence how a family experiences a parent's dying process. There is little information on such interactions. This study aimed to develop an explanatory model that explains interaction patterns between parents with advanced cancer and their adolescent children and to identify strategies to prepare children for their lives after a parent dies. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 9 parents with advanced cancer, 7 of their spouses/partners, and 10 of their adolescent children. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a constructionist grounded theory approach. Results: Twenty-six family participants were interviewed. Their main concern was not having enough time together. In response, they described a four-stage process for optimizing the time they had left together: coming to know our time together is limited, spending more time together, extending our time together, and giving up our time together to end the suffering. The adolescents and their ill parents did not change their interaction patterns until they realized their time together was limited by the advanced cancer. Then they spent more time together to make things easier for each other. Conclusions: Time was of great importance to the parents and adolescents; all the participants structured their stories in relation to the concept of time. The model reflects the dynamic process by which families continuously adapt their relationships in the face of advanced cancer. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new ultrawide-bandwidth dielectric-rod antenna for ground-penetrating radar applications

A new ultrawide-bandwidth dielectric-rod antenna is presented with its application in detecting shallow targets, such as antipersonnel (AP) mines. The lowest hybrid mode is launched and guided along a circular-dielectric waveguide. The end of the waveguide is tapered to a point where electromagnetic waves are radiated out with field behavior similar to that radiated from a Hertzian dipole in the forward direction. The low antenna clutter and weak antenna-ground interaction are two unique features. Its near-field radiation properties are investigated by directly probing the fields and by numerical simulation with a three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain technique. Both measurement and numerical simulation results are presented for the detection of buried AP mines using a prototype dielectric-rod antenna operated at a frequency range from 1 to 6 GHz.
Gender-, race-, and income-based stereotype threat: the effects of multiple stigmatized aspects of identity on math performance and working memory function

This study compared the relative impact of gender-, race-, and income-based stereotype threat and examined if individuals with multiple stigmatized aspects of identity experience a larger stereotype threat effect on math performance and working memory function than people with one stigmatized aspect of identity. Seventy-one college students of the stigmatized and privileged gender, race, and income-level completed math and working memory pre-tests. Then, participants heard a moderately explicit stereotype threat-inducing prime. Next, participants took math and working memory post-tests. Stereotype threat effects were found on math performance on the basis of race and income-level, but not on the basis of gender. Stereotype threat effects were found on working memory function on the basis of gender, race, and income-level. For both measures, the income-based effects were the strongest. Results also suggest the possibility of multiple minority stereotype threat effects on math performance and working memory. More specifically, individuals with three stigmatized aspects of identity experienced significantly larger stereotype threat effects than those with zero-, one-, or two-stigmatized aspects of identity.
a developmental Lens for designing Virtual Worlds for Children and Youth

Virtual communities have been extensively examined—including their history, how to define them, how to design tools to support them, and how to analyze them. However, most of this research has focused on adult virtual communities, ignoring the unique considerations of virtual communities for children and youth. Young people have personal, social, and cognitive differences from adults. Thus, while some of the existing research into adult virtual communities may be applicable, it lacks a developmental lens. Based on our work of designing and researching virtual worlds for youth, we describe six important aspects of virtual worlds for children, with each aspect manifesting itself differently at each stage of human development: (1) purpose, (2) communication, (3) participation, (4) play, (5) artifacts, and (6) rules. By understanding how these six aspects impact youth virtual communities, researchers will be better able to evaluate and design them.
Alteration of humoral antibody production following in vivo administration of phytohemagglutinin

Es wird gezeigt, dass Phythamagglutinin (PHA) die Antikorperbildung gegenBrucella abortus bei der Maus merklich herabsetzt, aber nur dann, wenn PHA vor dem Antigenstimulus verabreicht wird und die immunologische Zweitreaktion (secondary response) unverandert bleibt.
The Anchors Hierarchy: Using the Triangle Inequality to Survive High Dimensional Data

This paper is about metric data structures in high-dimensional or non-Euclidean space that permit cached sufficient statistics accelerations of learning algorithms. It has recently been shown that for less than about 10 dimensions, decorating kd-trees with additional "cached sufficient statistics" such as first and second moments and contingency tables can provide satisfying acceleration for a very wide range of statistical learning tasks such as kernel regression, locally weighted regression, k-means clustering, mixture modeling and Bayes Net learning. In this paper, we begin by defining the anchors hierarchy--a fast data structure and algorithm for localizing data based only on a triangle-inequality-obeying distance metric. We show how this, in its own right, gives a fast and effective clustering of data. But more importantly we show how it can produce a well-balanced structure similar to a Ball-Tree (Omohundro, 1991) or a kind of metric tree (Uhlmann, 1991; Ciaccia, Patella, & Zezula, 1997) in a way that is neither "topdown" nor "bottom-up" but instead "middleout". We then show how this structure, decorated with cached sufficient statistics, allows a wide variety of statistical learning algorithms to be accelerated even in thousands of dimensions.
BOUNDARY LINES Labeling Sexual Harassment in Restaurants

Research has shown that a majority of employed women experience sexual harassment and suffer negative repercussions because of it; yet only a minority of these women label their experiences “sexual harassment.” To investigate how people identify sexual harassment, in-depth interviews were conducted with 18 waitpeople in restaurants in Austin, Texas. Most respondents worked in highly sexualized work environments. Respondents labeled sexual advances as sexual harassment only in four specific contexts: (1) when perpetrated by someone who exploited their powerful position for personal sexual gain; (2) when the perpetrator was of a different race/ethnicity than the victim—typically a minority man harassing a white woman; (3) when the perpetrator was of a different sexual orientation than the victim—typically a gay man harassing a straight man; or (4) when violence or the threat of violence was used. The authors argue that the hegemonic norms of acceptable sexual activity privilege heterosexual relationships, l...
The HP0165-HP0166 Two-Component System (ArsRS) Regulates Acid-Induced Expression of HP1186 α-Carbonic Anhydrase in Helicobacter pylori by Activating the pH-Dependent Promoter

The periplasmic α-carbonic anhydrase of Helicobacter pylori is essential for buffering the periplasm at acidic pH. This enzyme is an integral component of the acid acclimation response that allows this neutralophile to colonize the stomach. Transcription of the HP1186 α-carbonic anhydrase gene is upregulated in response to low environmental pH. A binding site for the HP0166 response regulator (ArsR) has been identified in the promoter region of the HP1186 gene. To investigate the mechanism that regulates the expression of HP1186 in response to low pH and the role of the HP0165-HP0166 two-component system (ArsRS) in this acid-inducible regulation, Northern blot analysis was performed with RNAs isolated from two different wild-type H. pylori strains (26695 and 43504) and mutants with HP0165 histidine kinase (ArsS) deletions, after exposure to either neutral pH or low pH (pH 4.5). ArsS-dependent upregulation of HP1186 α-carbonic anhydrase in response to low pH was found in both strains. Western blot analysis of H. pylori membrane proteins confirmed the regulatory role of ArsS in HP1186 expression in response to low pH. Analysis of the HP1186 promoter region revealed two possible transcription start points (TSP1 and TSP2) located 43 and 11 bp 5′ of the ATG start codon, respectively, suggesting that there are two promoters transcribing the HP1186 gene. Quantitative primer extension analysis showed that the promoter from TSP1 (43 bp 5′ of the ATG start codon) is a pH-dependent promoter and is regulated by ArsRS in combating environmental acidity, whereas the promoter from TSP2 may be responsible for control of the basal transcription of HP1186 α-carbonic anhydrase.
On Schubert Varieties

In this article we prove that a Schubert variety X(w) is a toric variety if and only if the Weyl group element w is a product of distinct simple reflections.
Simple models for statistically multiplexed data traffic in cell relay networks

A straightforward method is presented for computing the performance of a queue with constant service rate and batch Poisson arrivals, where each batch (burst) consists of multiple cells. Closed-form formulas are derived for the queue length distribution, cell loss probability and delay distribution. The study applies to queues with both finite and infinite buffer size. We also reveal that the cell delay distribution is the same as the burst delay distribution in this queueing system. In addition, we illustrate that the formulas derived (e.g., cell loss probability) for the cell performance in a queue with batch Poisson arrivals and a constant service rate are upper bounds for the queueing performance of multiplexed on-off sources. The bounds become tight when the ratio of the queue service rate and on-off source peak rate is small. >
Culture-Fair Cognitive Ability Assessment Information Processing and Psychophysiological Approaches

Valid assessment with diverse populations requires tools that are not influenced by cultural elements. This study investigated the relationships between culture, information processing efficiency, and general cognitive capacities in samples of Caucasian and Mexican American college students. Consistent with the neural efficiency hypothesis, pupillary responses (indexing mental effort) and detection accuracy scores on a visual backward-masking task were both significantly related to the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) Full Scale scores. These measures of information processing efficiency were similar in the two groups. However, they were related only to Caucasian American, but not to a comparable sample of Mexican American, students' WAIS-R scores. Therefore, the differential validity in prediction suggests that the WAIS-R test may contain cultural influences that reduce the validity of the WAIS-R as a measure of cognitive ability for Mexican American students. Information processing and psychophysiological approaches may be helpful in developing culture-fair cognitive ability measures.
Biodistribution, metabolism, and in vivo gene expression of low molecular weight glycopeptide polyethylene glycol peptide DNA co-condensates

The biodistribution, metabolism, cellular targeting, and gene expression of a nonviral peptide DNA gene delivery system was examined. (125)I-labeled plasmid DNA was condensed with low molecular weight peptide conjugates and dosed i.v. in mice to determine the influence of peptide DNA formulation parameters on specific gene targeting to hepatocytes. Optimal targeting to hepatocytes required the combined use of a triantennary glycopeptide (Tri-CWK(18)) and a polyethylene glycol-peptide (PEG-CWK(18)) to mediate specific recognition by the asialoglycoprotein receptor and to reduce nonspecific uptake by Kupffer cells. Tri-CWK(18)/PEG-CWK(18) DNA co-condensates were stabilized and protected from metabolism by glutaraldehyde crosslinking. An optimized formulation targeted 60% of the dose to the liver with 80% of the liver targeted DNA localized to hepatocytes. Glutaraldehyde crosslinking of DNA condensates reduced the liver elimination rate from a t((1/2)) of 0.8 to 3.6 h. An optimized gene delivery formulation produced detectable levels of human alpha1-antitrypsin in mouse serum which peaked at day 7 compared to no expression using control formulations. The results demonstrate the application of formulation optimization to improve the targeting selectivity and gene expression of a peptide DNA delivery system.
Evaluating Political and Environmental Behavior in the Face of a Green Crisis: An Experimental Analysis

History suggests that environmental crises can motivate change in environmental attitudes and policies. However, recent disasters such as the British Petroleum oil spill and scientic consensus on the dangers associated with climate change have failed to produce signicant policy changes in the United States. We use a lab experiment and survey data to evaluate the role of environmental threats in producing changes in attitudes and actions. Our experimental results suggest a causal link between environmental crises and voting, with some evidence of an increase in the willingness to engage in other environmental actions. The survey results generally support the experimental ndings regarding the link between perceived threat and action. However, the results prove to be sensitive to omitted variables. Overall, the results suggest that while environmental threats can stimulate action in some settings, they may fail to motivate the robust policy changes needed to meet future environmental challenges.
Radiation therapy and bromodeoxyuridine chemotherapy followed by procarbazine, lomustine, and vincristine for the treatment of anaplastic gliomas.

Abstract Purpose: To conduct a Phase II study to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of radiotherapy combined with intravenous bromodeoxyuridine for patients with anaplastic glioma tumors. Methods and Materials: Between 1983 and 1987, study patients received 1.7–1.8 Gy radiation once a day, Monday through Friday, to a toatl dose of 60 Gy. On the Thursday prior to beginning radiotherapy and for the next 5 weeks (6 weeks total), patients received a continuous 96 h intravenous infusion of bromodeoxyuridine at 0.8 g/m 2 /24 h; following radiotherapy, patients received procarbazine, lomustine (CCNU), and vincristine (PCV) for 1 year or until tumor progressed. Results: One-hundred thirty eight patients (median age, 43 years) were evaluated for analysis. Estimated 4-year survival for the anaplastic astrocytoma (AA) stratum ( n = 116) is 46%. For the astrocytoma (ASTRO) stratum ( n = 22), the 6-year survival is estimated at 79%. Estimated 4-year progression-free survival for AAs is 42%, and for ASTROs, 68%. Whole brain irradiation was used in 23% and limited-field irradiation in 77%; patients receiving limited-field irradiation had a better survival rate ( p = 0.07). Total tumor resection was performed in 15%, partial resection in 53%, and biopsy only in 32%. For the 81 patients with tumor recurrence, 34 (42%) are known to have received additional treatment(s). For AA, fits of the Cox proportional hazards regression model showed that covariates individually predictive of survival were younger age ( p p = 0.04), and extent of surgery ( p = 0.04); limited-field irradiation was not significant ( p = 0.10). Major toxicities were rash during Weeks 1 through 6 requiring dose modification in 14%, Garde ≥III leukopenia in 18%, and Grad ≥III thrombocytopeni in 9%. Conclusion: The study suggests that the bromodeoxyuridine-radiotherapy-PCV, compared with other published therapies, can improve progression-free survival, and aggressive treatment of ASTRO patients can lead to substantial increases in survival compared to published survival data.
Soil moisture and chemistry influence diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungal communities associating with willow along an hydrologic gradient

Influences of soil environment and willow host species on ectomycorrhizal fungi communities was studied across an hydrologic gradient in temperate North America. Soil moisture, organic matter and pH strongly predicted changes in fungal community composition. In contrast, increased fungal richness strongly correlated with higher plant-available phosphorus. The 93 willow trees sampled for ectomycorrhizal fungi included seven willow species. Host identity did not influence fungal richness or community composition, nor was there strong evidence of willow host preference for fungal species. Network analysis suggests that these mutualist interaction networks are not significantly nested or modular. Across a strong environmental gradient, fungal abiotic niche determined the fungal species available to associate with host plants within a habitat.
Surface-Photopolymerization of Maleimides

It has been known for some time that butadiene in contact with metallic substrates polymerizes under the influence of ultraviolet light1. Depositions on various substrates from C4H 6 2,3 , and other diene and vinyl monomers3, and from the perhalogenated monomers C4C16 and C2F 4 2−4 have been described in some detail. The surface-photopolymerization process has also been extended to the vapors from solid monomers such as pyromellitic diimide and succinimide5. This paper describes surface-deposition of polymeric films from solid maleimide and other imide monomers, with emphasis on the thermally stable films deposited from the vapor of N-phenylmaleimide.
Treat to Target for Osteoporosis: Another Step Forward

Monitoring treatment effects can inform both the physician and patient whether the medication has achieved its anticipated targets. There are several variances between patients cohorts included in clinical trials and subjects managed in standard clinical setting. Therefore, defining a patient as a "responder" or "non-responder" to management might not be applicable in day to day care, in particular in patients suffering from chronic diseases. So far, in patients receiving treatment for osteoporosis, there is no clear guidance on when the fracture risk has been reduced to an acceptable low level. As a consequence, some patients at low risk for fracture may have continued their treatment for longer periods than necessary, whereas others at high risk for fracture may have their treatment stopped whilst the continuation of the same medication or a change to a more potent therapy might be of value. In many specialties, goal-directed treating to target is already the standard and the time has come for goal-directed management of osteoporosis. Adopting treat-to-target approach in osteoporosis has the prospective of developing the patients' care, plummeting the osteoporotic fractures burden, in addition to having a positive cost-effectiveness impact. This article aims at discussing the potential utility of "treat-to-target" approach for osteoporotic patients management in standard clinical practice. It also includes a suggested algorithm for long term osteoporosis treatment as well as post-drug holiday management based on "treat to target" strategy.
Polarization imaging system for colposcopy

The designed polarization adapter is incorporated into a colposcope provides illumination with polarized light and capturing of orthogonally polarized images, using liquid crystal retarder and polarizer. Pearson correlation analysis is used to characterize subsurface structures.
The Mechanical Properties of a Novel Si3N4-Amorphous Si3N4 Composite

The hardness and fracture toughness of a model two-phase composite consisting of crystalline Si 3 N 4 particles in a matrix of amorphous Si 3 N 4 are examined. The composite is created by heat treating high purity, partially amorphous CVD Si 3 N 4 in N 2 for various times and temperatures in order to induce crystallization of the a phase. Microindentation tests at temperatures up to 1200 °C are conducted to evaluate the high temperature hardness and fracture toughness. The role of the microstructure is examined using optical and transmission electron microscopy. Finally, the relationship between the microstructure and the mechanical properties is discussed.
Application of SF_6 gas content analysis in GIS failure analysis and judgment

SF6 gas decomposition may occur in the role of electric arc,sparks and corona discharge,and produce carbon dioxide(CO2),four carbon fluoride(CF4)and other decomposition products.SF6 gas component analysis,which can be done in a electrification state)is a powerful method to diagnose the internal operation status of SF6 gas insulated equipment.It can determine whether the equipment fault has existed or not,and make sure the fault position.In recent years,there have been a lot of successful cases.The typical discharge fault characteristics in gas insulated swtchgear(GIS),and the corresponding SF6 gas decomposition products and decomposition mechanism are dicussed.The relevant test results of different kinds of discharge failures are given.The relationship between the common corona discharge faults and decomposition products is pointed out.On this basis,the reaction equation of main gas decomposition products generating under different discharge faults are summed up.It was applied to a GIS failure analysis.The experience were accumulated for GIS potential faults and fault type judgement.
Plug-n-learn: automatic learning of computational algorithms in human-centered internet-of-things applications

Wearable technologies play a central role in human-centered Internet-of-Things applications. Wearables leverage computational and machine learning algorithms to detect events of interest such as physical activities and medical complications. A major obstacle in large-scale utilization of current wearables is that their computational algorithms need to be re-built from scratch upon any changes in the configuration of the network. Retraining of these algorithms requires significant amount of labeled training data, a process that is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and infeasible. We propose an approach for automatic retraining of the machine learning algorithms in real-time without need for any labeled training data. We measure the inherent correlation between observations made by an old sensor view for which trained algorithms exist and the new sensor view for which an algorithm needs to be developed. By applying our real-time multi-view autonomous learning approach, we achieve an accuracy of 80.66% in activity recognition, which is an improvement of 15.96% in the accuracy due to the automatic labeling of the data in the new sensor node. This performance is only 7.96% lower than the experimental upper bound where labeled training data are collected with the new sensor.
Exogenous surfactant therapy in hyaline membrane disease.

Abstract Exogenous surfactant therapy appears to offer promise in the treatment and possible prevention of HMD. Laboratory investigations have begun to reveal the molecular basis for surfactant metabolism and the relationship of this complex process to alveolar stability and pulmonary function. There is every reason to encourage clinical investigation with surfactant therapy in parallel with further basic research. Nevertheless, pediatricians must proceed in small steps with carefully designed studies to address specific questions regarding both efficacy and toxicity. Results from various studies must be shared and discussed and every attempt must be made to eventually provide standardized, readily available preparations of known efficacy and toxicity. Efforts by many investigators make it seem probable that this goal will be achieved in the near future.
Screaming like a girl: viral video and the work of reaction

“Watching a reaction video,” writes journalist Sam Anderson, “is a way of vicariously recapturing primary experience” (2011). A genre of user-generated content dependent on the perceived authentici...
Introduction: The March of God in the World

Jason Kuznicki notes that the state is commonly described as central or focal in political theory from ancient times nearly to the present. Modern technology, however, is prompting a re-evaluation of the role of the state. The canonical authors stand in need of re-appraisal in light of new information and changing social conditions.
Abstract 140: Effect of Acute β-Adrenergic Receptor Stimulation on Cardiac Function in Gravin Knockout Mice

Gravin, an A kinase anchoring protein expressed in the myocardium, localizes protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase C and other signaling molecules to the β2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR). PKA modulates cardiac function by phosphorylating key substrates of the excitation-contraction coupling mechanism such as troponin I, phospholamban, L-type Ca2+ channels and the ryanodine receptor. PKA is activated upon agonist stimulation of β-ARs, thus, the purpose of this study was to determine whether disruption of the PKA/Gravin interaction would alter cardiac function upon β-AR stimulation. WT and gravin-knockout (KO) mice were given an acute challenge with isoproterenol (ISO; 0.25μg/g) injected intraperitoneally, then cardiac function was measured via echocardiography. Control animals were injected with an equal volume of 0.002% ascorbic acid. All experiments were performed with n≥6. Baseline electrocardiography revealed no differences between the WT and KO mice prior to treatment. Additionally, there were no significant differences in body weight or left ventricular (LV) mass between the WT and gravin-KO mice. As expected, heart rate was equally increased in both ISO treated groups when compared to their respective controls (WT vehicle: 489±28.9; KO vehicle: 447.8±20.1; WT ISO: 596.4±8.1; KO ISO: 570.7±16.4; BPM; p<0.0001). However, cardiac output was significantly increased in the gravin-KO vehicle mice as well as in the gravin-KO mice acutely challenged with ISO compared to their WT counterparts (WT vehicle: 19.82±1.18; KO vehicle: 24.78±1.00; WT ISO: 26.97±1.35; KO ISO: 32.84±1.39; ml/min; p<0.0001). Similarly, stroke volume was also much greater in both the vehicle and ISO treated gravin-KO mice than the respective WT group (WT vehicle: 43.94±4.01; KO vehicle: 51.30±2.36; WT ISO: 54.47±4.16; KO ISO: 68.03±2.67; µl; p=0.0056). Finally, LV fractional shortening was also significantly enhanced in both gravin-KO groups when compared with WT mice (WT vehicle: 33.89±2.47; KO vehicle: 43.00±3.25; WT ISO: 54.47±4.16; KO ISO: 68.03±2.67; %; p<0.0001). This data indicates that disruption of gravin’s scaffold mediated signaling is able to increase baseline contractility as well as augment contractility in response to acute β-AR stimulation.
Redox properties of birnessite from a defect perspective

Birnessite, a layered-structure MnO2, is an earth-abundant functional material with potential for various energy and environmental applications, such as water oxidation. An important feature of birnessite is the existence of Mn(III) within the MnO2 layers, accompanied by interlayer charge-neutralizing cations. Using first-principles calculations, we reveal the nature of Mn(III) in birnessite with the concept of the small polaron, a special kind of point defect. Further taking into account the effect of the spatial distribution of Mn(III), we propose a theoretical model to explain the structure–performance dependence of birnessite as an oxygen evolution catalyst. We find an internal potential step which leads to the easy switching of the oxidation state between Mn(III) and Mn(IV) that is critical for enhancing the catalytic activity of birnessite. Finally, we conduct a series of comparative experiments which support our model.
Molecular Imaging of P-glycoprotein in Chemoresistant Tumors Using a Dual-Modality PET/Fluorescence Probe

Overexpression of P-glycoprotein (Pgp) has been considered a primary cause for multidrug resistance in a variety of cancers for three decades. However, clinical translation of Pgp targeted therapeutics has been hindered by lack of patient preselection based on the Pgp presence in tumors. We aim to develop a molecularly targeted probe for imaging tumoral Pgp in vivo with positron emission tomography (PET) and fluorescence, and to provide a tool for preselecting the patients with tumoral Pgp expression. Thus, a Pgp monoclonal antibody 15D3 was chemically modified with IRDye800 (IR800) and DOTA chelator. The specificity of the antibody conjugates DOTA-Pab-IR800 was verified in Pgp-expressing 3T3-MDR1 and control 3T3 cells. After radiolabeling with 64Cu, the probe was applied in small animal PET imaging of Pgp in a mouse xenograft model of NCI/ADR-Res cells, which are chemoresistant through overexpression of Pgp. Quantification analysis of the PET images demonstrated that the tumor uptake of the radioactive p...
Progressive ratio (PR) schedules and the sipometer: Do they measure wanting, liking, and/or reward? A tribute to Anthony Sclafani and Karen Ackroff

Abstract This paper honors the contributions made by Anthony (Tony) Sclafani and Karen Ackroff to both the Columbia University Seminar on Appetitive Behavior and to the field of ingestive behavior in general. We review their use of the progressive ratio (PR) licking paradigm, to determine whether the taste of sucrose, independent of its post-ingestive effects, is always positively reinforcing in animals. They demonstrated a monotonic increase in licking as concentration increased, and obtained results identical to those obtained with a lever-pressing paradigm, but licking was easier and more natural than lever pressing. The PR paradigm was translated to evaluate liquid food reward value in humans. An instrument (the sipometer) was devised that initially permitted a few seconds access to small amounts of a sweet beverage as the participants increased the time to obtain it in 3–5-sec increments. The device went through two refinements and currently delivers the reinforcer and measures the pressure exerted to obtain it. The sipometer is compared with other techniques for measuring motivation and reward. The use of the sipometer and the PR method are discussed in relation to the theoretical challenges inherent in measuring motivation and pleasure, from both psychological and behavioral economics perspectives, and why it is or is not important to separate these processes for both theoretical and practical applications.
Soap-Making Process Improvement: Including Social, Cultural and Resource Constraints in the Engineering Design Process

The engineering profession is increasingly recognizing that engineers’ abilities to utilize a systems perspective and collaborate on multidisciplinary teams are critical professional competencies required to solve contemporary engineering challenges. Understanding context, including but not limited to social and cultural context, is one aspect of systems thinking that is important to effective problem-solving, yet such training is not yet standard in our engineering curricula. Humanitarian engineering-related capstone design projects offer both hands-on and field opportunities to integrate social and cultural appropriateness into a formal engineering design curriculum. Over the 2015-2016 academic year, Oregon State University offered a capstone project aimed at optimizing and implementing an improved soap-making process for TERREWODE, a non-governmental organization in Uganda. The ultimate goal of this soap-making project was to expand income-generating opportunities for victims and survivors of obstetric fistula. The project consisted of a six-month, on-campus design phase and a three-week field implementation and research trip in Soroti, Uganda. Six Social Justice (SJ) criteria were used in assessing project context and developing design requirements. Throughout the design phase, experimental testing drove the majority of design decisions. During field implementation and research, the three-student capstone design team worked closely with TERREWODE and their members to optimize the process, understand cultural conditions, and recommend options for potential local solar power systems.
The examination of behavior inhibition system sensitivity, experiential avoidance, and sex in relation to post-traumatic stress symptom severity: Comparison of a moderated versus mediated model

Abstract Research has shown that women are more likely to develop PTSD subsequent to trauma exposure in comparison with men. Additionally, women are more likely to report maladaptive emotion regulation strategies as well as behavior inhibition system sensitivity, both of which are risk factors for the development of PTSD. This relationship is not well understood, with some research supporting a moderating role of experiential avoidance in the BIS-PTSD relationship and other research supporting a mediating role. Using a co-ed college student sample (N = 370; 78.4% Female), the current study aimed to compare both a moderated and mediated model as well as attempt to understand what role sex might play in these models. Results support a moderated mediation model, with experiential avoidance serving as the mediator between behavior inhibition sensitivity and post-traumatic stress symptom severity, with sex acting as a moderator for this relationship. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Mapping the field of software life cycle security metrics

Abstract Context: Practitioners establish a piece of software’s security objectives during the software development process. To support control and assessment, practitioners and researchers seek to measure security risks and mitigations during software development projects. Metrics provide one means for assessing whether software security objectives have been achieved. A catalog of security metrics for the software development life cycle could assist practitioners in choosing appropriate metrics, and researchers in identifying opportunities for refinement of security measurement. Objective: The goal of this research is to support practitioner and researcher use of security measurement in the software life cycle by cataloging security metrics presented in the literature, their validation, and the subjects they measure. Method: We conducted a systematic mapping study, beginning with 4818 papers and narrowing down to 71 papers reporting on 324 unique security metrics. For each metric, we identified the subject being measured, how the metric has been validated, and how the metric is used. We categorized the metrics, and give examples of metrics for each category. Results: In our data, 85% of security metrics have been proposed and evaluated solely by their authors, leaving room for replication and confirmation through field studies. Approximately 60% of the metrics have been empirically evaluated, by their authors or by others. The available metrics are weighted heavily toward the implementation and operations phases, with relatively few metrics for requirements, design, and testing phases of software development. Some artifacts and processes remain unmeasured. Measured by phase, Testing received the least attention, with 1.5% of the metrics. Conclusions: At present, the primary application of security metrics to the software development life cycle in the literature is to study the relationship between properties of source code and reported vulnerabilities. The most-cited and most used metric, vulnerability count, has multiple definitions and operationalizations. We suggest that researchers must check vulnerability count definitions when making comparisons between papers. In addition to refining vulnerability measurement, we see research opportunities for greater attention to metrics for the requirement, design, and testing phases of development. We conjecture from our data that the field of software life cycle security metrics has yet to converge on an accepted set of metrics.