cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Hierarchical Classification Approach to Automated Essay Scoring.

a b s t r a c t This study evaluates the use of a hierarchical classification approach to automated assessment of essays. Automated essay scoring (AES) generally relies on machine learning techniques that compute essay scores using a set of text variables. Unlike previous studies that rely on regression models, this study computes essay scores using a hierarchical approach, analogous to an incremental algorithm for hierarchical classification. The corpus in this study consists of 1243 argumentative (persuasive) essays written on 14 different prompts, across 3 different grade levels (9th grade, 11th grade, college freshman), and four different time limits for writing or temporal conditions (untimed essays and essays written in 10, 15, and 25 minute increments). The features included in the analysis are computed using the automated tools, Coh-Metrix, the Writing Assessment Tool (WAT), and Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC). Overall, the models developed to score all the essays in the data set report 55% exact accuracy and 92% adjacent accuracy between the predicted essay scores and the human scores. The results indicate that this is a promising approach to AES that could provide more specific feedback to writers and may be relevant to other natural language computations, such as the scoring of short answers in comprehension or knowledge assessments.
The influence of a moving medium on neutron distribution

Abstract Some aspects of the influence of the motion of the medium on the neutron distribution are discussed. It is shown that the motion affects the spatial and angular distributions in both stationary and time dependent cases and the effect increases with time. It is also shown that the motion changes the conditions for the existence of the spatial moments of the neutron distribution function.
A miniature high resolution 3-D imaging sonar.

Abstract This paper discusses the design and development of a miniature, high resolution 3-D imaging sonar. The design utilizes frequency steered phased arrays (FSPA) technology. FSPAs present a small, low-power solution to the problem of underwater imaging sonars. The technology provides a method to build sonars with a large number of beams without the proportional power, circuitry and processing complexity. The design differs from previous methods in that the array elements are manufactured from a monolithic material. With this technique the arrays are flat and considerably smaller element dimensions are achievable which allows for higher frequency ranges and smaller array sizes. In the current frequency range, the demonstrated array has ultra high image resolution (1″ range × 1° azimuth × 1° elevation) and small size (
Father Involvement in Early Head Start Programs

This study examined fathers’ participation in Early Head Start programs using quantitative and qualitative data from 326 Early Head Start fathers when children were 36 months of age. About half (49%) of the fathers were involved in at least one program activity. A quarter (26%) of the fathers participated at a higher level, in two or more types of program activities. Fathers participated in parent education programs (17%), group socializations (15%), father-only activities (6%), policy councils and program committees (9%), home visits (32% ever, 17% monthly), and in dropping children off at the Early Head Start center (24% ever, 12% nine times or more). In multivariate analyses, at least one level of involvement was predicted by maternal engagement in the program and maturity of the father involvement program. Higher level involvement in the program was predicted by the father being African American/ Black or Hispanic, maternal engagement in the program, and maturity of the father involvement program. Bivariate analyses showed that fathers in predominantly homebased programs who participated in frequent home visits were more often married, non-English speaking, and in families where both mothers and fathers had lower than typical levels of education. Fathers in predominantly center-based programs who frequently dropped off the Early Head Start child at the center were more often men of color, fathers of girls, and partnered with an employed mother or a mother rated as engaged in the Early Head Start program. Qualitative analyses underscore the potential for father program participation in mature programs and among policy- relevant groups.
‘Subjects, Participants, Collaborators’: READING COMMUNITY IN PUBLIC HEALTH LITERATURE

Following critiques of top–down, culturally insensitive health research agendas and methodologies,1 academics and policy makers have come to emphasize sustainability and local ownership by calling ...
The Relationships Among Manager-, Employee-, and Customer-Company Identification: Implications For Retail Store Financial Performance

Abstract Based on the premise of an interpersonal “chain of influence” with respect to organizational identification, we posit a relationship between company managers, employees, and customers with respect to organizational identification with the retailer. Specifically, we hypothesize that the level of a store manager's identification with the retailer is positively related to the level of their store employees’ identification with the retailer, which in turn is positively related to the level of customers’ identification with the retailer, which results in increased levels of store financial performance. We investigate these relationships using data from 306 retail stores within a single retail chain.
Information of interactions in complex systems

I am responding to Leydesdorff's (2009) ‘Interaction information: linear and nonlinear interpretations’, published in the current issue of this journal, but want to address the larger problem of wh...
Impurity and morphological dependence on photoluminescence and enhanced impurity-induced two-photon absorption in ZnO

In this study, we characterize the relative crystal quality of zinc oxide (ZnO) synthesized at various temperatures via photoluminescence (PL) measurements. By varying the oxidation temperature during the growth process, different sample morphologies arise. These structural differences cause changes in the PL spectra which allow us to gain insight into the crystal purity. We employ three independent spectroscopic methods to examine ZnO prepared with various morphologies; time-integrated PL, random lasing, and time-resolved PL. As a result of the impurity band being resonant with the two-photon absorption (2PA) range, multifold enhanced 2PA is observed and the 2PA coefficient is measured to be 2500 cm/GW for tetrapod ZnO at 613 nm.
Hypothenar Hammer Syndrome

50-year-old air-conditioning repairman presented to our emergency room with a 12-hour history of progressively worsening pain, decreased temperature, and bluish discoloration involving the third right finger. The patient denied a history of prior cardiovascular problems but did smoke tobacco heavily. Careful questioning revealed that he often utilized his hand as a “hammer” and had been particularly vigorous with this technique a few days prior to admission. Physical examination demonstrated ischemic changes in the tip of the middle finger of his right hand. An x-ray (Figure 1) of the right hand demonstrated an old un-united fracture of the ulnar styloid. He was treated with intravenous heparin and underwent angiography of the right upper extremity via the right femoral approach. The study demonstrated subtotal occlusion of the right ulnar artery at the wrist with poor filling of the digital arteries supplying the lateral 3 fingers (arrows, Figure 2). The results were compatible with hypothenar hammer syndrome, a term first coined by Conn et al 1 in 1970 although Guttani 2,3 (1772) and Von Rosen 2,4,5 (1934) had previously described similar cases. The syndrome is seen in the dominant hand of males who, during occupational or recreational activities, use their hand as a hammer. The mechanism of the injury relates to repetitive trauma to the superficial division of the ulnar artery in the hypothenar region of the hand. He was treated with several boluses of nitroglycerin, verapamil, and papaverine administered into the brachial artery. Repeat angiography demonstrated improved filling. His symptoms improved over the next 24 hours and did not recur. He was discharged on a regimen of subcutaneous dalteparin for 5 days and oral aspirin, clopidogrel, and nifedipine. He was also advised to quit smoking and refrain from using his hand in the manner described.
Review of the species of Eumys Leidy, 1856 Rodentia, Cricetidae from the Oligocene Orellan to Arikareean of North America

ABSTRACT The species of Eumys Leidy, 1856, are reviewed. Six species are recognized and emended diagnoses are presented for the genus and all species. The enigmatic species, Coloradoeumys galbreathi Martin, 1980, is considered a new junior synonym of Eumys elegans Leidy, 1856; Coloradoeumys Martin, 1980, therefore becomes a new subjective synonym of Eumys Leidy, 1856. Additional specimens of Eumys cricetodontoides White, 1954, and Eumys parvidens Wood, 1937, are recognized and described. A new species, Eumys euryodus, from the Whitneyan of Nebraska is described. Size and proportional measurements of the molars, along with features of the occlusal morphology, are the major factors used to distinguish the species of Eumys.
Adaptation and Accommodation to Young Children with Disabilities: A Comparison of Korean and Korean American Parents

This article presents a comparative study of the adaptation of Korean and Korean American parents to their children with developmental disabilities. Repeated interviews with 16 mothers in each group were designed to elicit parental descriptions of the major chronological events concerning their child, process of adaptation and accommodation, sources of stress and support, and perceived benefits and contributions to their lives. The interviews were conducted in Korean, transcribed, translated, and analyzed in a structured procedure in keeping with one major tradition of qualitative research. Comparative cross-cultural research allows investigators to see taken-for-granted phenomena that might otherwise go unseen. The study revealed that both Korean and Korean American parents experienced a process of transformation in regard to their beliefs and feelings about their exceptional children. Religion played an important role in this process. Public policy, social services, and available resources were dramatic...
Three-terminal video coding

Following recent works on the sum-rate of quadratic Gaussian multi-terminal coding of symmetric sources, this paper presents a practical three-terminal video coding scheme that saves the sum-rate over independent coding of three correlated video sequences1. The first video sequence is coded by H.264/AVC, while the other two sequences are compressed sequentially using Wyner-Ziv coding with side information generated from the already decoded sequences. To improve the performance of Wyner-Ziv coding, a depth-map-based view interpolation approach and a novel soft-decision side information generation method are proposed. Experimental results show that our scheme can achieve a lower sum-rate than separate H.264/AVC coding. Comparison with JMVM joint encoding is also provided.
Teaching functional decomposition for the design of electrical and computer systems

Clearly defining a detailed and realistic design is often challenging, and the failure to do so leads to problems in the subsequent implementation phase. They range in severity from difficulties in testing, to a partial or complete redesign, or a failed design. The method of functional decomposition is a powerful tool for designing computer and electrical systems that addresses these problems. The formal application of functional design techniques improves the quality of designs developed in capstone projects, and is widely applicable to many domains. This paper advocates and addresses the teaching of the functional design technique for computer and electrical systems.
Toxicity of imine–iminium dyes and pigments: electron transfer, radicals, oxidative stress and other physiological effects

Although conjugation is well known as an important contributor to color, there is scant recognition concerning involvement of imine and iminium functions in the physiological effects of this class of dyes and pigments. The group includes the dyes methylene blue, rhodamine, malachite green, fuchsin, crystal violet, auramine and cyanins, in addition to the pigments consisting of pyocyanine, phthalocyanine and pheophytin. The physiological effects consist of both toxicity and beneficial aspects. The unifying theme of electron transfer–reactive oxygen species–oxidative stress is used as the rationale in both cases. Toxicity is frequently prevented or alleviated by antioxidants. The apparent dichotomy of methylene blue action as both oxidant and antioxidant is rationalized based on similar previous cases. This mechanistic approach may have practical benefit. This review is important in conveying, for the first time, a unifying mechanism for toxicity based on electron transfer–reactive oxygen species–oxidative stress arising from imine–iminium. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wound fluid angiogenesis factor stimulates the directed migration of capillary endothelial cells

During wound healing, new capillaries grow into the wound site. An angiogenesis factor isolated from wound fluid stimulates the movement of capillary endothelial cells in a filter migration assay. Experiments were carried out to determine whether the movement seen in the assay was chemokinetic or chemotactic. Capillary endothelial cells were plated onto a collagen-coated coverslip and inverted over a visualization apparatus. Cells exposed to a constant concentration of wound fluid angiogenesis factor (WAF) were more mobile than cells not exposed to WAF, and this movement was chemokinetic. When exposed to a gradient of WAF, the cells translocated toward the higher concentration; this directional movement was chemotactic. Cells in a gradient of WAF morphologically aligned with the gradient. These data support the idea that wound healing angiogenesis is regulated by the chemotaxis of capillary endothelial cells.
Optimal and non-optimal behavior across species

We take a behavioral approach to decision-making and, apply it across species. First we review quantitative theories that provide good accounts of both non-human and human choice, as, for example, in operant analogues to foraging (including the optimal diet model and delay-reduction theory). Second we show that for all species studied, organisms will acquire observing responses, whose only function is to produce stimuli correlated with the schedule of reinforcement in effect. Observing responses are maintained only by “good news”: “no news” is preferred to “bad news”. We then review two areas of decision-making in which human participants (but not necessarily non-humans) tend to make robust errors of judgment or to approach decisions non-optimally. The first area is the sunk-cost effect in which participants persist in a losing course of action, ignoring the currently operative marginal utilities. The second area is base-rate neglect in which participants overweight case cues (such as witness testimony or medical diagnostic tests) and underweight information about the base rates or probabilities of the events in question. In both cases we argue that the poor decisions we make are affected by the misapplication of previously learned rules and strategies that have utility in other situations. These conclusions are strengthened both by the behavioral approach taken and by the data revealed in cross-species comparisons.
Measurement and analysis of higher-order-mode (HOM) damping in B-factory R-F cavities

We have previously described a fully automated "bead" puller system which can be used to measure both longitudinal and transverse field profiles. Converting bead-puller data to impedances requires knowledge of the Q-values of the individual modes. A second system enables us to acquire cavity spectra and then simultaneously fit up to three resonances plus a uniform background. R/Q measurements on the "bare" cavity (i.e., with only the beam ports open) have been consistent with predictions by URMEL. Due to overlapping resonances, we have not been able to measure R/Q for many of the damped modes, but for those for which we have, there is generally good agreement with the undamped cases. Assuming this to be true in general, we use the measured Q-values for the damped modes in conjunction with the "best available" measured R/Q, and conclude that with a few possible exceptions (which if need be can be dealt with by additional dedicated dampers), the damping for the higher order modes is adequate for the operation of the machine.
Some French Reactions to the Council of Trent

In this age of growing ecumenicism, many scholars are turning to the history of the sixteenth century for a fresh examination of the origins of those ideas and institutions which continue to divide the Christian community. During these years of the widely publicized meetings of an ecumenical council sponsored by the Roman Catholic Church, many are turning specifically to the canons and decrees drafted by the Council of Trent for a fresh study of the extent to which they do or must divide Christians. But fully to understand these Tridentine decisions from an ecumenical perspective requires not only a knowledge of their texts and of the debates from which they emerged. It requires also a knowledge of the hostile reactions which they aroused among the many Christians who would not accept these decisions or the authority of those who promulgated them. An interesting spectrum of such reactions can be found among French criticisms of Trent published during the sixteenth century. Of these publications, three seem to me to demonstrate this proposition neatly: one by a distinguished French theologian, John Calvin; a second by a distinguished French jurisconsult, Charles Dumoulin; a third by a prominent French lawyer and historian, Innocent Gentillet. These works have not been ignored by such experts on the historiography of Trent as Professor Jedin.' But I feel they merit a more detailed and more considered examination than they have as yet received. This paper sketches some of the lines upon which such an examination might proceed. John Calvin's most extended comment on the Council of Trent was his Acta Synodi Tridentinae cum antidoto. It was published in 1547, after the first seven sessions of the Council, held under the sponsorship of Pope Paul III, had been completed. It was soon reissued in a French translation, which was somewhat longer and earthier than the Latin original.2 And it quickly provoked a spirited retort by the German Catholic polemicist Cochlaeus. The main purpose of Calvin's pamphlet was to demonstrate that the canons and decrees of the Council of Trent do not conform to the basic truths of Christian doctrine revealed in Holy Scripture. It took the form of a full reprint of texts of the decisions by these early sessions of the Council, with Calvin's opinions of each appended. From a purely polemical point of view, this method would seem to have certain obvious disadvantages. It makes accessible to one's readers not only one's own views but also those of one's opponents. But it was a method that Calvin was to use many times. Another example is provided by his refutation of Servetus, when there was even more reason, from Calvin's point of view, to suppress statement of the rare but dangerous 149
Reshaping of global gene expression networks and sex-biased gene expression by integration of a young gene.

New genes originate frequently across diverse taxa. Given that genetic networks are typically comprised of robust, co-evolved interactions, the emergence of new genes raises an intriguing question: how do new genes interact with pre-existing genes? Here, we show that a recently originated gene rapidly evolved new gene networks and impacted sex-biased gene expression in Drosophila. This 4–6 million-year-old factor, named Zeus for its role in male fecundity, originated through retroposition of a highly conserved housekeeping gene, Caf40. Zeus acquired male reproductive organ expression patterns and phenotypes. Comparative expression profiling of mutants and closely related species revealed that Zeus has recruited a new set of downstream genes, and shaped the evolution of gene expression in germline. Comparative ChIP-chip revealed that the genomic binding profile of Zeus diverged rapidly from Caf40. These data demonstrate, for the first time, how a new gene quickly evolved novel networks governing essential biological processes at the genomic level.
The Need for) A Model of Translational Mind Science Justice Research

Despite the historical importance of translational research to social psychological investigations of social justice issues, the culture and incentives of contemporary social psychology are ambivalent towards non-experimental field research. This ambivalence poses a significant impediment to social psychology’s role in societal change. This paper offers a brief history of how the field evolved from a relative emphasis on translating social psychology from the laboratory to the field (and back) to the present moment. In doing so, we enumerate the most significant impediments to contemporary translational social psychology, namely that conducting translational research often involves greater cost, greater difficulty advancing psychological theory, and more time navigating logistics compared with basic laboratory research. Finally, using the example of recent multi-investigator research on race and gender equity in policing, we outline emerging strategies for how to conduct translational research amidst contemporary impediments, and offer modest suggestions for how the field can better facilitate this kind of research in the future. Taken together this review offers a set of theoretical and practical suggestions for easing the path from research to societal change.
Sensitivity of summer Lake Superior thermal structure to meteorological forcing

We use a one-dimensional model, forced with realistic meteorological measurements, to determine to first order the sensitivity of summer surface water temperature, heat content, and vertical stratification scale to three forcing variables: air temperature, wind speed, and previous winter ice cover, all three of which have exhibited long-term trends over the last few decades. Summer-averaged surface temperature increases with increased air temperature, decreased ice cover, and decreased wind speed. Differences in heat content between model runs with differing initial temperatures (a proxy for winter ice cover) decrease over the course of the season, but significant differences present in late spring persist through the summer season. Interannual variability in wind speed is the predominant driver of variability in the vertical stratification scale.
Time and Necessity in Avicenna’s Theory of Demonstration

Avicenna’s (d. 1037) theory of demonstration is largely inspired by Aristotle’s Posterior Analytics but also, at the same time, characterized by significant flashes of originality. One of the areas where Avicenna’s innovative contribution is most evident is his interpretation of the notion of necessity in the context of demonstrative arguments. The paper investigates two issues. First, the relationship between the notion of substantial necessity and that of descriptional necessity and their relevance for Avicenna’s theory of scientific discourse. Second, the question whether Barbara LXL qualifies as a genuine demonstrative argument, i.e., whether its combination of modalized premises provides sufficiently strong epistemic grounds for certitude to come about in the conclusion of a syllogism.
Oil Absorbency of Graft Copolymers from Softwood Pulp

Considerable research has been devoted to developing oil absorbents for clean-up of oil spills and removal of emulsified oil from waste water. Agricultural products and residues, such as kapok fiber,1 cotton,2,3 rice hulls,4 corncob meal,5 bagasse fibers,6 and peat moss7 have been used for this application, and these materials have the advantage of being inexpensive and readily available. Moreover, cellulosic products exist in fibrous form and can be easily formed into mats, pads, and nonwoven sheets. Mats and column packings for oil removal have also been prepared by mixing cellulosic fibers with synthetic fibers, e.g., polyethylene8 or polypropylene-polyethylene-nylon blend.9 Cellulosics have also been mixed with inorganic materials, such as clay,10 magnesium hydroxide, and alumina11 to give oil-absorbent compositions.
Advancing the use of Lactobacillus acidophilus surface layer protein A for the treatment of intestinal disorders in humans

Intestinal immunity is subject to complex and fine-tuned regulation dictated by interactions of the resident microbial community and their gene products with host innate cells. Deterioration of this delicate process may result in devastating autoinflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which primarily comprises Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Efficacious interventions to regulate proinflammatory signals, which play critical roles in IBD, require further scientific investigation. We recently demonstrated that rebalancing intestinal immunity via the surface layer protein A (SlpA) from Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM potentially represents a feasible therapeutic approach to restore intestinal homeostasis. To expand on these findings, we established a new method of purifying bacterial SlpA, a new SlpA-specific monoclonal antibody, and found no SlpA-associated toxicity in mice. Thus, these data may assist in our efforts to determine the immune regulatory efficacy of SlpA in humans.
Modeling and measurement of photoconductive and photorefractive dynamics in PVK-based materials

Summary form only given. Photorefractive (PR) materials are potentially interesting for a variety of applications, most of which require fast response times. Recently, several experimental studies were directed towards understanding the processes limiting PR speed in polymers. In order to understand these recent results, we have adapted Schildkraut and Buettner's model for the evolution of the photorefractive space charge field in polymers. We have closely examined the contribution of trapping, detrapping and recombination, and have extended the model to include multiple trapping mechanisms. Most significantly, we have developed a procedure to solve the system of coupled nonlinear dynamical and constitutive equations in or er to elucidate the photoconductive mechanisms responsible for dynamic photorefractive behavior. We have applied this model in conjunction with experimental studies to establish its ability to predict the photorefractive response from measurements of photoconductive properties, and thus to verify the validity of the model.
Upgrade to the Omega laser system

Funding for the Omega Laser Upgrade project has been approved and the design of a 30-kJ 351-nm 60-beam laser system has begun. This system will provide a unique capability to validate high-performance/direct-drive laser-fusion targets. We highlight various design features of a system that will attain 1-2% irradiation uniformity with versatile pulse shaping, thus providing a wide range of irradiation options for direct-drive experiments. The Nd:glass laser system consists of sixty beam lines using 15- and 20-cm disk power amplifiers, frequency tripling, phase conversion with diffractive optics, and smoothing by spectral dispersion. The initial pulse shape will be achieved by coaxial propagation of two beams having different pulse widths. These main and foot pulses will occupy different portions of the laser aperture. In addition, electro-optic technology will be used for shaping and truncation of these pulses.
Where Credit is Due: Acknowledging Your Sources

This article provides a working definition of plagiarism and practical suggestions for how to avoid it.
State services research capacity: Building a state infrastructure for mental health services research

State mental health agencies in the United States manage increasingly larger and complex systems of care. This requires an increasingly sophisticated workforce and decision support infrastructure. However, with the exception of larger states with their own research and evaluation offices, few states have the necessary resources to develop these important elements. Bringing in talent from academic organizations who have research as a priority may be the preferred direction for many states. The unique approach developed in South Carolina is the first systematic collaboration between a state mental health system and a multi-institutional, inter-disciplinary academic group oriented towards developing a comprehensive, statewide infrastructure for policy-relevant mental health services research.
Characteristic polynomials of chemical graphs via symmetric function theory

The characteristic polynomial corresponding to the adjacency matrix of a graph is constructed by using the traces of the powers of the adjacency matrix to calculate the coefficients of the characteristic polynomial via Newton's identities connecting the power sum symmetric functions and the elementary symmetric functions of the eigenvalues. It is shown that Frame's method, very recently employed by Balasubramanian, is nothing but symmetric functions and Newton's identities.
Optimal strategies in immunology

After a first encounter with most antigens, the immune system responds to subsequent encounters with a faster, more efficient and more strenuous antibody response. The memory of previous antigen contacts is carried by lymphocytes. Expanding on the model developed in Part I of this paper, we examine the optimal strategy available to the immune system for B memory cell production. We again find that the strategy should be of the bang-bang variety.
Ultra-High-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Brain Tumors

Ultra-high-field (UHF) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has the potential to provide imaging with greater signal-to-noise ratio than lower field strengths. Artifacts magnified at higher field strengths, such as susceptibility, can in some instances be advantageously leveraged to identify smaller structures. UHFMRI can thus deliver images with greater spatial resolution leading to direct visualization of microvascularity within tumors. Despite technical challenges, UHFMRI affords higher spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio with advanced imaging methods including spectroscopy, oxygen, chemical shift, chemical exchange saturation transfer, and multinuclear imaging, thus showing great promise for the molecular imaging of brain tumors.
SoTL as a Subfield for Political Science Graduate Programs

This article offers a theoretical proposal of how political science graduate programs can emphasize teaching in the discipline by creating the subfield of the scholarship of teaching and learning (...
A Unified Continuous Flow Assembly-Line Synthesis of Highly Substituted Pyrazoles and Pyrazolines

A rapid and modular continuous flow synthesis of highly functionalized fluorinated pyrazoles and pyrazolines has been developed. Flowing fluorinated amines through sequential reactor coils mediates diazoalkane formation and [3+2] cycloaddition to generate more than 30 azoles in a telescoped fashion. Pyrazole cores are then sequentially modified through additional reactor modules performing N-alkylation and arylation, deprotection, and amidation to install broad molecular diversity in short order. Continuous flow synthesis enables the safe handling of diazoalkanes at elevated temperatures, and the use of aryl alkyne dipolarphiles under catalyst free conditions. This assembly line synthesis provides a flexible approach for the synthesis of agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals, as demonstrated by a four-step, telescoped synthesis of measles therapeutic, AS-136A, in a total residence time of 31.7 min (1.76 g h-1).
Integrative Networks Across Basal Ganglia Circuits

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the basic circuitry that underlies parallel processing. It outlines the anatomical basis for integration across different cortico-basal ganglia circuits; and also discusses functional data that support integrative processing through the basal ganglia. The basal ganglia (BG) work in concert with the frontal cortex to orchestrate and execute motivated, planned behaviors requiring limbic, cognitive, and motor control systems. The basal ganglia are traditionally considered to process this information in parallel and segregated functional streams consisting of reward, associative, and motor control circuits. It reviews that frontal cortex contains divisions associated with specific functions; expressed behaviors are the result of a combination of complex information processing that involves all of frontal cortex. Indeed, appropriate responses to environmental stimuli require continual updating, and learning to adjust behaviors according to new data. This necessitates coordination between limbic, cognitive, and motor systems, to form smoothly executed, goal-directed behaviors. Parallel processing of functional information through different basal ganglia circuits does not address how information flows between circuits, thereby developing new, or adapting to previously, learned behaviors. While the anatomical pathways appear to be generally topographic from cortex through BG circuits, and there are some physiological correlates to the functional domains of the striatum, a large growing body of evidence supports a duel processing system. Thus, information is not only processed in parallel streams, but also through integrative mechanisms through which information can be transferred between functional circuits.
Inferior Vena Cava Filter Placement and Retrieval Rates among Radiologists and Nonradiologists.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement and retrieval rates among radiologists, vascular surgeons, cardiologists, other surgeons, and all other health care providers for Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries in the years 2012–2015. Materials and Methods The nationwide Medicare Physician/Supplier Procedure Summary Master Files were used to determine the volume and utilization rate of IVC filter placement, IVC filter repositioning, and IVC filter retrieval, which correspond to procedure codes 37191, 37192, and 37193, respectively. Procedural code 37193 was not available before 2012, so data were reviewed for the years 2012–2015. Results The total volume of Medicare IVC filter placement decreased from 57,785 in 2012 to 44,378 in 2015, with radiologists responsible for 60% of all filter placements. Volume of IVC filter placement declined across all specialties, including radiologists, who placed 33,744 in 2012 and 27,957 in 2015. In contrast, total retrieval of IVC filters increased from 4,060 removals in 2012 to 6,166 in 2015. Retrieval rate per 100,000 Medicare beneficiaries increased from 11 in 2012 to 16 in 2015. Radiologists removed the bulk of the filters: 64% in both 2012 and 2015. Vascular surgeons, cardiologists, and other surgeons retrieved, respectively, 20%, 10%, and 5% of all IVC filters in 2012 and 22%, 9%, and 5% in 2015. Conclusions From 2012 to 2015, IVC filter placement steadily decreased across all specialties. Retrieval rate of IVC filters continued to rise over the same period. Radiologists were responsible for the majority of IVC filter placements and retrievals.
Empathy Intervention to Reduce Implicit Bias in Pre-Service Teachers:

There have been long-term concerns regarding discriminatory discipline practices used with culturally and linguistically diverse students, with little research on the impact teacher-centered empath...
Citizen Preferences for the Allocation of Federal Tax Dollars: A Segmentation Approach:

Much of the research in marketing concerning public policy has focused on the interaction of marketing with federal agencies such as the FTC and the FDA. The purpose of this study was to expand mac...
The Integration of Radiotherapy with Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer

Five-year survival rates for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) range from 14% to 49% for stage I to stage IIIA disease, and are <5% for stage IIIB/IV disease. Improvements have been made in the outcomes of patients with NSCLC due to advancements in radiotherapy (RT) techniques, the use of concurrent chemotherapy with RT, and the emergence of immunotherapy as first- and second-line treatment in the metastatic setting. RT remains the mainstay treatment in patients with inoperable early-stage NSCLC and is given concurrently or sequentially with chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced unresectable disease. There is emerging evidence that RT not only provides local tumor control but also may influence systemic control. Multiple preclinical studies have demonstrated that RT induces immunomodulatory effects in the local tumor microenvironment, supporting a synergistic combination approach with immunotherapy to improve systemic control. Immunotherapy options that could be combined with RT include programmed cell death-1/programmed cell death ligand-1 blockers, as well as investigational agents such as OX-40 agonists, toll-like receptor agonists, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 inhibitors, and cytokines. Here, we describe the rationale for the integration of RT and immunotherapy in patients with NSCLC, present safety and efficacy data that support this combination strategy, review planned and ongoing studies, and highlight unanswered questions and future research needs.
More on Roots and Weights

In this section (and the next several sections), we consider root systems apart from their origins in semisimple Lie algebras. There are many results about root systems that are relevant to the understanding of semisimple Lie algebras but whose proofs involve only the root systems and not the Lie algebras from which they came. Therefore, it is convenient to separate the theory of root systems from Lie algebras.
California Wellness Study: American Indians and Obesity.

This paper identifies the prevalence and predictors of obesity among California’s American Indian adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted at 13 rural sites. Indian healthcare clinics served as the sampling frame and were selected because of their proximity and access to the target population. Four-hundred and fifty adult American Indians participated; 74 percent were female and 26 percent were male. The average age was 40, ranging from 18-74. Measures included socio-demographics, general health, BMI, type 2 diabetes, exercise and dietary habits. Eighty-two percent were overweight, obese or morbidly obese. Chisquare tests revealed three variables significantly associated with BMI categories: having type 2 diabetes, female gender and poor general health status. A logistic regression model for obese/morbidly obese (BMI > 30) versus overweight/normal (BMI < 30) persons found gender and diabetes status as significant predictors, while general health status showed trend. Females had 1.59 greater odds of being obese than males (p=0.04). Those that do not have diabetes are less likely to be obese (p=0.02). Those that do not have good general health were 2.5 times more likely to be obese than those that have good general health (p=0.06). Overall goodness of fit was significant (p=0.0009). It is important to identify individuals and population who are normal/overweight, obese/morbidly obese so support and interventions can be planned and implemented.
Exercise in the Therapy of Diabetes Mellitus

Exercise has been advocated for patients with diabetes for many years but it was only little over a decade ago that the American Diabetes Association felt there was enough evidence of benefit to recommend exercise as a routine part of the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Our understanding of the complex interactions of exercise with diabetes is still incomplete and the most effective ways to use exercise in the treatment of the disease are still under investigation. During exercise major cardiorespiratory and circulatory responses occur to efficiently supply the increased oxygen and energy needs of the working muscles. Whole body oxygen consumption and glucose turnover may increase more than ten fold and even greater increases may occur in the skeletal muscles.1 In healthy individuals, a complex hierarchy of hormonal responses regulates the needed alterations in fuel metabolism necessary to maintain normal plasma glucose levels during prolonged activity.2 This metabolic response to exercise may be severely disordered in patients with diabetes mellitus. In order to understand the effects of diabetes on fuel metabolism during exercise, it is important to first review the normal physiology.
Introduction: Methodological Challenges and Strategies in the TEDS-M Study

This chapter provides an introduction to Part III of the book which highlights specific methodological challenges and strategies in the Teacher Education and Development Study in Mathematics (TEDS-M), a cross-national study of teacher education programs that prepare future primary and secondary mathematics teachers. The TEDS-M Technical Report (Tatto MT, The Teacher Education and Development Study in Mathematics (TEDS-M). Policy, practice, and readiness to teach primary and secondary mathematics in 17 countries: technical report. International Association for the Evaluation of Student Achievement, Amsterdam, 2013) provides the complete methodology and procedures. Chapters in this part discuss challenges with sampling, interpretation, and validation. The chapter on sampling introduces non-statisticians to the basic concepts of statistical sampling and its application in TEDS-M using examples and graphical illustrations. Instruments to capture the demographic and outcome variables of interest in TEDS-M did not exist, much less for use internationally, so TEDS-M researchers had to create, validate, and interpret appropriate measurements for the target populations. Importantly, the TEDS-M study, at the request of the participating countries, included assessments of knowledge, an approach that had not been attempted at the time in any country, much less at an international scale. The chapter on anchor points explains the development of a method to help interpret the assessment results. While the TEDS-M Technical Report includes information on overall instrument validation, the final two chapters in this Part III, look more closely at differential item functioning, and at the alignment of the teacher knowledge assessments to national expectations concerning mathematical knowledge for teaching using the United States case as an example.
Residual Tumor Volume, Cell Volume Fraction, and Tumor Cell Kill During Fractionated Chemoradiation Therapy of Human Glioblastoma using Quantitative Sodium MR Imaging

Purpose: Spatial and temporal patterns of response of human glioblastoma to fractionated chemoradiation are described by changes in the bioscales of residual tumor volume, tumor cell volume fraction and tumor cell kill, as derived from tissue sodium concentration measured by quantitative sodium magnetic resonance imaging at 3 Tesla. These near real-time patterns during treatment are compared with overall survival. Experimental Design: Bioscales were mapped during fractionated chemoradiation therapy in patients with glioblastomas (n=20) using tissue sodium concentration obtained from serial quantitative sodium magnetic resonance imaging at 3 Tesla and a two-compartment model of tissue sodium distribution. The responses of these parameters in newly diagnosed human glioblastomas undergoing treatment were compared to times to disease progression and survival. Results: Residual tumor volume following tumor resection showed decreased cell volume fraction due to disruption of normal cell packing by edema and infiltrating tumor cells. Cell volume fraction showed either increases back towards normal as infiltrating tumor cells were killed, or decreases as cancer cells continued to infiltrate and extend tumor margins. These highly variable tumor responses showed no correlation with time to progression or overall survival. Conclusions: These bioscales indicate that fractionated chemoradiotherapy of glioblastomas produces variable responses with low cell killing efficiency. These parameters are sensitive to real-time changes within the treatment volume while remaining stable elsewhere, highlighting the potential to individualize therapy earlier in management, should alternative strategies be available.
The Social Life of Maps in America, 1750–1860, by Martin Brückner. and Chapel Hill

In The Social Life of Maps in America, 1750–1860, Martin Bruckner contends that maps of the United States shaped American life during the colonial era and early republic. Scholars have demonstrated...
Practical joint reconstruction of activity and attenuation with autonomous scaling for time-of-flight PET

Recent research has showed that attenuation images can be determined from emission data, jointly with activity images, up to a scaling constant when utilizing the time-of-flight (TOF) information. We aim to develop practical CT-less joint reconstruction for clinical TOF PET scanners to obtain quantitatively accurate activity and attenuation images. In this work, we present a joint reconstruction of activity and attenuation based on MLAA (maximum likelihood reconstruction of attenuation and activity) with autonomous scaling determination and joint TOF scatter estimation from TOF PET data. Our idea for scaling is to use a selected volume of interest (VOI) in a reconstructed attenuation image with known attenuation, e.g. a liver in patient imaging. First, we construct a unit attenuation medium which has a similar, though not necessarily the same, support to the imaged emission object. All detectable LORs intersecting the unit medium have an attenuation factor of e -1≈ 0.3679, i.e. the line integral of linear attenuation coefficients is one. The scaling factor can then be determined from the difference between the reconstructed attenuation image and the known attenuation within the selected VOI normalized by the unit attenuation medium. A four-step iterative joint reconstruction algorithm is developed. In each iteration, (1) first the activity is updated using TOF OSEM from TOF list-mode data; (2) then the attenuation image is updated using XMLTR-a extended MLTR from non-TOF LOR sinograms; (3) a scaling factor is determined based on the selected VOI and both activity and attenuation images are updated using the estimated scaling; and (4) scatter is estimated using TOF single scatter simulation with the jointly reconstructed activity and attenuation images. The performance of joint reconstruction is studied using simulated data from a generic whole-body clinical TOF PET scanner and a long axial FOV research PET scanner as well as 3D experimental data from the PennPET Explorer scanner. We show that the proposed joint reconstruction with proper autonomous scaling provides low bias results comparable to the reference reconstruction with known attenuation.
Radiosurgical Management of Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a disabling pain syndrome that afflicts one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve. When medical management fails, several surgical therapies exist, with varying rates of success. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has gained traction as a primary form of treatment for medically refractory TN, especially in patients with advanced age and medical comorbidities or those in whom invasive procedures may be contraindicated. As our understanding of radiobiology has increased, a wealth of literature has accumulated regarding the indications, treatment planning and delivery of radiosurgery for TN. Although no universal consensus exists to date, we review in this chapter generally agreed upon practice principles, complication profiles, and toxicity mitigation strategies. We also briefly discuss the use of SRS in special instances of TN, such as in the treatment of TN secondary to multiple sclerosis (MS), compressive mass lesions, and recurrent TN.