cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
WE‐D‐M100J‐04: Prediction of Lung Radiation‐Induced Pneumonitis Using the Support Vector Machine Algorithm

Purpose: To build and test a Support Vector Machine (SVM) model to predict the occurrence of lung radiation‐induced Grade 2+ pneumonitis. SVM is a sophisticated statistical technique that is capable of using complex hypersurfaces to separate the cases with and without pneumonitis. Method and Materials: Two SVM models were built using data from 235 patients with lungcancertreated using radiotherapy (34 diagnosed with pneumonitis). One model (SVMall) selected input features from all dose‐volume and non‐dose factors. For comparison, the other model (SVMdose) selected input features only from lungdose‐volume factors. The models were built with in‐house developed software that employed a unique strategy to sequentially add/remove/substitute features. The SVM models were tested using ten‐fold cross‐validation, wherein 1/10th of the data were tested, in turn, using the model built with the remaining 9/10th of the data. Results: The input features selected to build SVMall were the lung generalized equivalent uniform dose (EUD) with exponents a=1.2, 1.3, 1.4, chemotherapy prior to radiotherapy (yes/no), tumor location (central/peripheral), gender, and histology (adenocarcinoma/other; small cell/other). The input features for SVMdose were EUD a = 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, lung volume receiving > 48 Gy (V48), and V50. Both models selected EUD a ≈ 1 (EUD a=1 is the mean lungdose, which frequently appears as a strong predictor of radiation pneumonitis in literature). The area under the cross‐validated SVMall Receiver Operating Characteristics curve was 0.76 (sensitivity/specificity = 74%/75%), compared to the corresponding SVMdose area of 0.71 (sensitivity/specificity = 68%/68%). SVMall was statistically superior (p=0.01), indicating that non‐dose features significantly contribute to separating patients with and without pneumonitis. Conclusions: The SVM model constructed from dose and non‐dose input factors is a valuable prospective tool for predicting the occurrence of radiation‐induced lung pneumonitis.
A proton-recoil telescope for in-line absolute neutron fluence measurements

Abstract A proton recoil telescope has been designed for absolute neutron fluence monitoring at the Oak Ridge Electron Linear Accelerator. This telescope uses a combination radiator designed to compensate for the rapid decrease in neutron intensity over the energy range from 0.5 to 5.0 MeV. The telescope has greater than 99% transmission and can be used for in-line fluence measurements. Absolute uncertainties vary from 2% to 10% depending on the neutron energy.
Predictors of Chapter 13 Completion Rates: The Role of Socioeconomic Variables and Consumer Debt Type

This study examined whether demographic or financial variables best predict completion of Chapter 13 bankruptcy plans. Multinomial logistic regression revealed that demographic variables were more important than financial variables in predicting completion. Completion of a Chapter 13 repayment plan was not associated with a debtor’s monthly income or expenses. Never married debtors, dependent children, a previous filing, and higher mortgage arrears increased the likelihood of dismissal. Longer job tenure and home ownership improved completion rates. Discharge was associated with higher unsecured debts. Results can help improve Chapter 13 completion rates. Debtors need guidance in setting up realistic repayment plans. Financial counselors could help ensure that repayment plans are feasible and to counsel debtors who miss a plan payment.
The Retail Bank CD Market: An Assessment of Geographic Scope

Over the past fifteen years, legislative, regulatory, and technological changes have occurred which have redefined the concept of a “local” bank deposit market. This study employs an interest rate covariability model to evaluate the geographic extent of bank retail CD markets. Classifying deposits according to both size and maturity, a total of four markets are analyzed using yield data for six major state banking areas. The evidence presented for all four cases supports the view that significant, though not perfect, integration exists. The principal finding is that the geographic scope of retail CD markets is inversely related to both size and maturity.
No loss, no gain: how deletions in our genome contribute to early-onset obesity.

Large, rare chromosomal deletions associated with severe early-onset obesity Bochukova et al. (2010) Nature 463(7281):666–670
Vibration Transient Response Using Statistical Energy Analysis

Transient Statistic Energy Analysis (T. S. E. A.) for transient response of a vibration system is investigated in this paper. Mathematical expressions of the rise time and the peak energy were derived. Numerical modeling of the system was also made. It showed that the peak energy decrease as the internal loss factor and the coupling stiffness decrease, the rise time decease as the internal loss factor and the coupling loss factor increase. It was found that the results of TSEA and the traditional methods are identical.
Biomethanation: Anaerobic fermentation of CO2, H2 and CO to methane

Studies to examine the microbial fermentation of coal gasification products (CO2, H2 and CO) to methane have been done with a mixed culture of anaerobic bacteria selected from an anaerobic sewage digestor. The specific rate of methane production at 37°C reached 25 mmol/g cell hr. The stoichiometry for methane production was 4 mmol H2/mol CO2. Cell recycle was used to increase the cell concentration from 2.5 to 8.3 g/liter; the volumetric rate of methane production ran from 1.3 to 4 liter/liter hr. The biogasification was also examined at elevated pressure (450 psi) and temperature to facilitate interfacing with a coal gasifier. At 60°C, the specific rate of methane production reached 50 mmol/g cell hr. Carbon monoxide utilization by the mixed culture of anaerobes and by a Rhodopseudomonas species was examined. Both cultures are able to carry out the shift conversion of CO and water to CO2 and hydrogen.
Survival, Growth, and Food Habits of Walleye X Sauger Hybrids (Saugeye) in Ponds

Abstract The saugeye (F1 hybrid of female walleye [Stizostedion vitreum] X male sauger [Stizostedion canadense]) was evaluated in Ohio ponds (0.29-0.37 hectares) for 3 years. Saugeye were stocked (mean total length = 34 mm) on 30 May 1979. First-summer survival estimates ranged from 0 to 81%. The lack of survivors in two of the four ponds was attributed to predation by largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus). Growth in two ponds was good (mean total length = 195 mm and 214 mm) despite the presence of dense aqaatic macrophytes. Mean total length at the end of the second year varied little (approximately 284 mm) and growth was slow due to low abundance of prey. Mean total lengths at the end of the third summer were 351 mm and 400 mm in two ponds. Minimum survival rates from July 1980 to November 1981 in two ponds were 57 aud 24%. Saugeye were exclusively piscivorous and ate fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas), golden shiners (Notemigonus crysoleucus), bluegill (Lepomi...
Transition Metal Polyhydride Complexes. 9. The Effect of Ligand σ- and π-Bonding on the H−Ta−H Bond Angle in Six-Coordinate Tantalum(V) Dihydride Complexes

In the known structures of the pseudo-octahedral complexes [Ta(OR)2L‘(H)2L]+, with L = PR3 and L‘= Cl-, OR-, the “trans” hydrides are bent away from the sterically less demanding ligand (L‘) toward the bulkier phosphine group (L). Here, ab initio calculations on a series of analogous model complexes (R = H; L, L‘ = OH-, F-, Cl-, Br-, CO, CN-, CS, BF, N2, CH3-, NH3, PH3, CH3CN, NH2-, and H-) are used to examine the effect of the σ- and π-bonding of the ligands L and L‘ on the direction of H−Ta−H bending. While the trend in the trans influence, which dominates the Ta−L bond length of the ligand trans to L‘, originates primarily from σ-bonding, the direction of the distortion of the “trans” hydrides originates primarily from the relative π-acceptor ability of the ligand L to that of the ligand L‘. Generally, as the ligands are varied, the hydrides will bend toward the stronger π-acceptor (L vs L‘). With certain ligand pairs the possibility of two isomers exists, one with hydrides bent toward L and another wi...
A new possibility for the prenatal diagnosis of metabolic diseases. Example: Pompe's Disease: 2

Antibodies were made against acid α-glucosidase (α-glu) from human liver. This enzyme is missing in patients with Pompe's disease (PD). Fibroblasts from patients with PD and controls were labelled in culture with 3-H-leucine for a 24 hour period. Afterwards the fibroblasts were harvested and immunoprecipitation was carried out employing the mentioned antibody and Protein A - Sepharose Cl-4B gel. The resultant immunoprecipitates were analysed by SDS gel electrophoresis. It could be demonstrated that α-glu deficient fibroblasts form polypeptides which can be precipitated with antibodies against α-glu. These polypeptides show the same electrophoretic mobility as subunits of α-glu in controls. "Chase experiments" (overdose of unlabelled leucine after labelling with 3-H-leucine) showed that these polypeptides disappear rapidly in fibroblasts of patients with PD. By multiplying the percentage of 3-H-leucine incorporated in α-glu with the specific enzyme activity, a value is formed which seems characteristic for the variant forms of PD. It may be speculated that with the help of 1. specific antibodies, 2. Protein A - Sepharose Cl-4B gel and 3. radioactive labelled cells many enzyme defects cannot only be diagnosed more correctly but also characterized and localized within the cell.
Carbon Monoxide Research Group, LDS Hospital, Utah in reply to Scheinkestel et al. and Emerson: The role of hyperbaric oxygen in carbon monoxide poisoning

UNLABELLED This comprehensive response was invited by the Editor of Emergency Medicine Australasia to allow our Group from Salt Lake City, Utah to review the two articles 'Where to now with carbon monoxide poisoning?' by Scheinkestel et al. and the accompanying COMMENTARY 'The dilemma of managing carbon monoxide poisoning' by Emerson published in the April issue of Emergency Medicine Australasia.
Infection-related mental and inferior alveolar nerve paresthesia: literature review and presentation of two cases.

A review of the literature on infection-related mental and inferior alveolar nerve paresthesia is given. This is followed by 2 case reports. The first case is of a mandibular left second molar in which a chloropercha overfill puff occurred in the vicinity of the inferior alveolar canal. The tooth remained asymptomatic until 2 and ½ yr later, when the periapical lesion enlarged and swelling, pain, and paresthesia developed. The paresthesia resolved 2 weeks following periapical surgery. The second case is of a mandibular right first premolar in which paresthesia began 1 day after the initial endodontic treatment. The intracanal medication was formocresol on a cotton pellet that was squeezed dry. The paresthesia was treated by irrigation, antibiotics, and dexamethasone. The paresthesia lasted 7 weeks, and when it resolved the root canal was filled with gutta-percha/eucapercha. Almost 9 months later, the tooth remained asymptomatic.
DIFFERENTIAL ENERGY AND ANGULAR CROSS SECTIONS FOR IONIZATION BY SEVERAL- HUNDRED-keV ELECTRONS: THEORY AND COMPARISON WITH EXPERIMENT.

A procedure for calculating cross sections for ionization of electrons in various shells of an atom differential in both angle and final electron energy is developed. Calculations for ionization of carbon, copper, and gold for incident energies in the range 100-400 keV are presented and compared with recent experimental results.
Ranking and selection tutorial: 2-factor normal means procedures

We discuss sampling procedures for selecting that one of a number of normal populations (with common known variance) which has the largest mean. We present procedures appropriate for single-factor experiments, and then give procedures devised for 2-factor experiment's without interaction between the factor-levels. In all cases, the procedures guarantee a prespecified probability of selecting the correct population.
Ecological correlates of net accumulation rates of Cladocera remains in lake sediments

Paleolimnological study of plant and animal microfossils is based on either relative abundances or net accumulation rates of various taxa. Interpretation of the latter is difficult because ecological factors that influence accumulation rates have been unknown. I use a novel method of 210Pb assay to estimate net accumulation rates of bosminids and chydorids at the sediment-water interface of 15 Florida (U.S.A.) lakes which represent a wide range of trophic state, water chemistry, and morphometry. Thirty-two species of Chydoridae, and two genera of Bosminidae were recovered from the lake sediments. Accumulation rates of 6 of the 11 more abundant chydorid species and both bosminid taxa were positively correlated with trophic state as measured by chlorophyll a concentration. Lake size was positively correlated with accumulation rates of 4 chydorid species and both bosminids. Weedbed area was positively correlated with accumulation rates of 2 chydorids, but neither bosminid. Lakewater pH was positively correlated with only one chydorid species’ accumulation rate. Multiple regression models explain statistically nearly all of the variance in each of the limnological variables, and can be used as transfer functions for paleolimnological inference.
A novel peptide inhibitor targeted to caspase-3 cleavage site of a proapoptotic kinase protein kinase C delta (PKCδ) protects against dopaminergic neuronal degeneration in Parkinson's disease models

Oxidative stress and apoptosis are considered common mediators of many neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson's disease (PD). Recently, we identified that PKCdelta, a member of the novel PKC isoform family, is proteolytically activated by caspase-3 to induce apoptosis in experimental models of PD [Eur. J. Neurosci. 18 (6):1387-1401, 2003; Antioxid. Redox Signal. 5 (5):609-620, 2003]. Since caspase-3 cleaves PKCdelta between proline and aspartate residues at the cleavage site 324DIPD327 to activate the kinase, we developed an irreversible and competitive peptide inhibitor, Z-Asp(OMe)-Ile-Pro-Asp(OMe)-FMK (z-DIPD-fmk), to mimic the caspase-3 cleavage site of PKCdelta and tested its efficacy against oxidative stress-induced cell death in PD models. Cotreatment of z-DIPD-fmk with the parkinsonian toxins MPP(+) and 6-OHDA dose dependently attenuated cytotoxicity, caspase-3 activation, and DNA fragmentation in a mesencephalic dopaminergic neuronal cell model (N27 cells). However, z-DIPD-fmk treatment did not block MPP(+)-induced increases in caspase-9 enzyme activity. The z-DIPD-fmk peptide was much more potent (IC50 6 microM) than the most widely used and commercially available caspase-3 inhibitor z-DEVD-fmk (IC50 18 microM). Additionally, z-DIPD-fmk more effectively blocked PKCdelta cleavage and proteolytic activation than the cleavage of another caspase-3 substrate, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Importantly, the peptide inhibitor z-DIPD-fmk completely rescued TH(+) neurons from MPP(+)- and 6-OHDA-induced toxicity in mouse primary mesencephalic cultures. Collectively, these results demonstrate that the PKCdelta cleavage site is a novel target for development of a neuroprotective therapeutic strategy for PD.
Quantum field-theory models in less than 4 dimensions

The scalar ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{0}{\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{4}$ interaction and the Fermi interaction ${G}_{0}{(\overline{\ensuremath{\psi}}\ensuremath{\psi})}^{2}$ are studied for space-time dimension $d$ between 2 and 4. An unconventional coupling-constant renormalization is used: ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{0}={u}_{0}{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}^{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}$ ($\ensuremath{\epsilon}=4\ensuremath{-}d$) and ${G}_{0}={g}_{0}{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}^{2\ensuremath{-}d}$, with ${u}_{0}$ and ${g}_{0}$ held fixed as the cutoff $\ensuremath{\Lambda}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty}$. The theories can be solved in two limits: (1) the limit $N\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty}$ where $\ensuremath{\varphi}$ and $\ensuremath{\psi}$ are fields with $N$ components, and (2) the limit of small $\ensuremath{\epsilon}$, as a power series in $\ensuremath{\epsilon}$. Both theories exhibit scale invariance with anomalous dimensions in the zero-mass limit. For small $\ensuremath{\epsilon}$, the fields $\ensuremath{\varphi}$, ${\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{2}$, and $\ensuremath{\varphi}{\ensuremath{\nabla}}_{{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{1}}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}{\ensuremath{\nabla}}_{{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{n}}\ensuremath{\varphi}$ all have anomalous dimensions, except for the stress-energy tensor. These anomalous dimensions are calculated through order ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{2}$; they are remarkably close to canonical except for ${\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{2}$. The ${(\overline{\ensuremath{\psi}}\ensuremath{\psi})}^{2}$ interaction is studied only for large $N$; for small $\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ it generates a weakly interacting composite boson. Both the ${\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{4}$ and ${(\overline{\ensuremath{\psi}}\ensuremath{\psi})}^{2}$ theories as solved here reduce to trivial free-field theories for $\ensuremath{\epsilon}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0$. This paper is motivated by previous work in classical statistical mechanics by Stanley (the $N\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty}$ limit) and by Fisher and Wilson (the $\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ expansion).
Warm-Glow versus Cold-Prickle: The Effects of Positive and Negative Framing on Cooperation in Experiments

Experiments on privately provided public goods generally find that subjects are far more cooperative than predicted, while experiments on oligopolies and the commons almost always obtain the Nash-equilibrium predictions, despite being very similar games. This paper examines whether this difference could be due to the fact that with public goods there is a positive externality, while with the others the externality is negative. The result of the experiments is that subjects are more willing to cooperate when the externality is positive, even though the potential outcomes are the same. This suggests a behavioral asymmetry between the warm-glow of doing something good and cold-prickle of doing something bad.
Overview of plasma-based accelerator concepts

An overview is given of the physics issues relevant to the plasma wakefield accelerator, the plasma beat-wave accelerator, the laser wakefield accelerator, including the self-modulated regime, and wakefield accelerators driven by multiple electron or laser pulses. Basic properties of linear and nonlinear plasma waves are discussed, as well as the trapping and acceleration of electrons in the plasma wave. Formulas are presented for the accelerating field and the energy gain in the various accelerator configurations. The propagation of the drive electron or laser beams is discussed, including limitations imposed by key instabilities and methods for optically guiding laser pulses. Recent experimental results are summarized.
Air-Stable All-Inorganic Nanocrystal Solar Cells Processed from Solution

We introduce an ultrathin donor-acceptor solar cell composed entirely of inorganic nanocrystals spin-cast from solution. These devices are stable in air, and post-fabrication processing allows for power conversion efficiencies approaching 3% in initial tests. This demonstration elucidates a class of photovoltaic devices with potential for stable, low-cost power generation.
Methods for rapid computation of RCS in aircraft design

Techniques are presented for improving the computational performance of radar cross section (RCS) prediction for aircraft. The motivation is to bring RCS and other electromagnetic requirements into a multidisciplinary, integrated design environment where optimization is likely to be employed. Techniques directly applicable to the method of moments and high frequency approximations are discussed.
Dysaster cajamarcensis. a new shrubby genus and species of Astereae (Asteraceae) from Peru

Dysaster cajamarcensis is a spreading broad-leaved shrub named as a new genus and species of the tribe Astereae subtribe Hinterhuberinae collected in northern Peru. It has bisexual disc florets, disc style branches with strong stigmatic lines and hairy appendages, compressed achenes in both ray and disc florets, and papyraceous involucral bracts.
Proficiency and Retention of Neonatal Resuscitation Skills by Pediatric Residents

BACKGROUND: The basic knowledge and skill base to resuscitate a newborn infant is taught in the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP). We hypothesize that caregivers will perform below current acceptable standards before the recertification period of two years. METHODS: This is a prospective descriptive study evaluating performance of pediatric residents’ NRP knowledge and skills over time. NRP scores are used as baseline data. Follow‐up is performed before the resident9s first NICU rotation. Differences in the mean scores are analyzed for degree of retention. Subset score analysis is also performed. RESULTS: Eighty-eight subjects completed both evaluations. Knowledge scores maintained close to passing throughout the academic year. Subset evaluation revealed significant deficits within the intubation lesson. Alarming deficits were seen in skills evaluation starting at initial NRP certification with 39.1% residents having failing scores. Mean scores were below passing for every group on follow-up testing. Subgroup analysis of skills revealed deficits in the initial phases of resuscitation (lessons 1–3). CONCLUSIONS: Deterioration of skills is seen shortly after training. It appears that knowledge is generally better retained. Discrepancies between areas of knowledge and skill deterioration indicate that proficiency in one does not necessarily indicate proficiency of the other.
The joint effect of smoking and AIB1 on breast cancer risk in BRCA1 mutation carriers

Women with BRCA1 mutations are at an elevated risk for breast cancer. AIB1 (NCOA3/SRC3) genotype and smoking may alter this risk. We examined the differences in breast cancer risk by AIB1 polyglutamine repeat polymorphism and pre-diagnosis smoking habits for BRCA1 mutation carriers to determine if there was an interaction between smoking and AIB1 genotype. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression was used with 316 female BRCA1 mutation carriers to model breast cancer risk. Ever having smoked was associated with a decreased breast cancer risk [Hazard Ratio (HR) = 0.63, 95% CI, 0.47-0.87]. A dose-response relationship between number of pack-years smoked and breast cancer risk was also found for women who smoked /=20 pack years (HR = 0.41, 95% CI, 0.23-0.71; P for trend = 0.0007). Women with a 28 repeat allele for AIB1 had a significantly reduced risk of breast cancer (HR = 0.72, 95% CI, 0.51-1.00). Women who smoked >/=20 pack-years with a 28 repeat allele had an even greater reduced risk of breast cancer (HR = 0.19, 95% CI, 0.07-0.54) compared to women who were never smokers with no 28 allele. Since AIB1 appears to modulate the effect of endogenous hormones via the estrogen receptor, and smoking affects circulating hormone levels, these results support evidence that steroid hormones play an important role in breast carcinogenesis in BRCA1 mutation carriers, and suggest mechanisms for developing novel cancer prevention strategies for BRCA1 mutation carriers.
Experiments in torque control of the AdeptOne robot

Redesign of the controller for an AdeptOne robot is described. The focus is on the production of controllable torque from Adept's nonlinear three-phase variable-reluctance motors. An experimental motor characterization and a linearizing commutation algorithm are described. Results of the torque controller are presented. Initial measurements of AdeptOne dynamic parameters obtained using the torque controller are reported. Organization of the controller within an open-architecture multiprocessor system permits rapid prototyping of a variety of control algorithms. >
Actinic comedonal plaque

Solitary plaques developed on the sun-exposed and damaged skin of five elderly, fair-skinned individuals. The lesions, erythematous to bluish confluent nodules and plaques with a cribriform appearance and comedone-like structures, presented a distinctive histologic picture of dilated, keratin-filled follicles within a matrix of amorphous, damaged collagen. We believe these cases demonstrate a distinct entity within the realm of actinic dermatoses, for which the name "actinic comedonal plaque" seems appropriate.
Marsh‐atmosphere CO2 exchange in a New England salt marsh

We studied marsh-atmosphere exchange of carbon dioxide in a high marsh dominated salt marsh during the months of May to October in 2012–2014. Tidal inundation at the site occurred only during biweekly spring tides, during which we observed a reduction in fluxes during day and night. We estimated net ecosystem exchange (NEE), gross primary production (GPP), and ecosystem respiration (Reco) using a modified PLIRTLE model, which requires photosynthetically active radiation, temperature, and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) as control variables. NDVI decreased during inundation, when the marsh canopy was submerged. Two-time series of NDVI, including and excluding effects of tidal inundation, allowed us to quantify the flux reduction during inundation. The effect of the flux reduction was small (2–4%) at our site, but is likely higher for marshes at a lower elevation. From May to October, GPP averaged −863 g C m−2, Reco averaged 591 g C m−2, and NEE averaged −291 g C m−2. In 2012, which was an exceptionally warm year, we observed an early start of net carbon uptake but higher respiration than in 2013 and 2014 due to higher-air temperature in August. This resulted in the lowest NEE during the study period (−255.9±6.9 g C m−2). The highest seasonal net uptake (−336.5±6.3 g C m−2) was observed in 2013, which was linked to higher rainfall and temperature in July. Mean sea level was very similar during all 3 years which allowed us to isolate the importance of climatic factors.
The Influence of Contextual Factors on Afro-American and Euro-American Children's Performance: Effects of Movement Opportunity 2nd Music

Abstract The present study sought to further establish that contextual factors informed by certain postulated cultural experiences could influence performance on a learning task. Towards this end, low income Afro-American and Euro-American children learned to pair pictures in an acquisition context that allowed for them to coordinate movement with music (High Movement Expressive [HME]) and in an acquisition context which allowed for little movement opportunity and no music (Low Movement Expressive [LME]). Children were subsequently tested For picture pair retention in a context where music was present or in a context where music was absent. The findings revealed that Afro-American children's tested performance was superior with the HME acquisition context, while Euro-American children's performance was superior with the LME context. In addition, music present at testing context seemed to have an independent enhancing effect only on Afro-American children's performance. The cultural and educational implica...
Integrating Computer Ethics across the Curriculum: A Case Study

There is an increased use of computers in the educational environment of today that compels educators and learners to be informed about computer ethics and the related social and legal issues. This paper addresses different approaches for integrating computer ethics across the curriculum. Included are ideas for online and on-site workshops, the design of a faculty seminar day and an academic course. The paper contains a template for designing modules that are relevant for individual disciplines as well as those that are discipline-independent. One module is presented in detail. Survey results are presented for a two year project on integrating computer ethics across the curriculum. The study of computer ethics is critical as technology is being integrated into every aspect of our lives.
Parameter Estimation From Electromagnetic Simulations Using Signal Models

This article describes two algorithms for estimation of the optimal “system” parameters of time sequences (TSs) and frequency-domain signatures generated in electromagnetic (EM) simulations. The time-domain and frequency-domain signal models are applied to data computed by the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method, and the method of moments, respectively. The FDTD method requires computation of very long TSs to accurately characterize the slowly decaying transient behavior of resonant structures. Therefore, it becomes critical to investigate methods of reducing the computational time for such objects. Existing methods in EM literature tend to use Prony-based linear predictor-type algorithms for modeling and extrapolating time-domain data. These methods minimize a linearized “equation error” criterion that approximates the true nonlinear fitting-error criterion posed by the estimation problem. In this article, we describe an efficient iterative method that minimizes the true nonlinear criterion and attains a significantly improved impulse response fitting over Prony's method, using fewer ARMA model parameters. The frequency-domain state space method (SSM) presented in this article addresses the estimation of rational transfer function models from EM-simulated data. The data are modeled in terms of complex sinusoids, whose amplitude and phase yield the decay/growth constants and the range, respectively, associated with discrete scattering centers. The model facilitates determination of key geometric and physical parameters of a circuit, antenna, or scatterer, which is an important first step in its design and optimization. Robust state space techniques, borrowed from linear systems theory, are applied to form the system matrix of the underlying microwave problem, whose complex eigenvalues, via signal compression and spectral decomposition, allow for the isolation of specific modal responses suited to calculation of the design parameters. Keywords: model-based parameter estimation; autoregressive moving average (ARMA); signal models; signal extrapolation; Prony; electromagnetic simulation; state space method; signal processing; rational transfer function; linear systems; finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method; method of moments; ultrawideband processing
The effects of dietary oxidized fat and selenium source on performance, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase activity in broiler chickens.

Abstract Normal or elevated selenium status of broilers, which is influenced by dietary selenium sources, improves the bird’s ability to overcome the adverse effects of reactive oxygen metabolites. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding graded levels of peroxidized poultry fat on blood and hepatic glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and hepatic glutathione reductase activity in broiler chickens fed either inorganic sodium selenite (SEL) or organic selenium enriched in the organic selenium yeast product Sel-Plex (SP). Nine starter diets, varying in levels of oxidized fat (0, 3, and 6 mEq/kg) and dietary selenium sources, were fed to 360 male chicks from hatch to 21 d of age. Sel-Plex or SEL was added to the basal diet to provide either 0 or 0.2 ppm of supplemental selenium in the diets. Blood and hepatic samples were obtained for each treatment group at 21 d of age. Neither peroxidized fat nor selenium source significantly altered the activity of hepatic glutathione reductase (P ≤ 0.05). Blood GSH-Px was influenced significantly by both fat and selenium source (P ≤ 0.05), but the fat × selenium source interaction was not significant (P ≥ 0.3). A selenium source effect on the hepatic GSH-Px activity (P ≤ 0.05) was evidenced by higher GSH-Px activity, even in the basal diet with no added peroxidized fat. An increase in GSH-Px activity was seen in the erythrocyte and hepatic samples in both the SEL and SP treatments when peroxidized fat was given at 3 mEq/kg, but in the erythrocytes and in the hepatic tissues from SEL-supplemented birds, there was an apparent inhibition of GSH-Px activity. This inhibition was not seen in the hepatic tissue samples from SP-fed birds. Because elevated GSH-Px activity is indicative of oxidative stress, it was concluded that dietary SP supplementation resulted in better selenium and redox status in broilers than did SEL. These results indicate that the dietary selenium supplied in an organic form (selenium yeast as SP) improved the selenium and redox status in broilers, leading to greater resistance to oxidative stress than when the inorganic form of selenium (SEL) was fed.
The Special Structure and Function of Troponin I in Regulation of Cardiac Contraction and Relaxation

In this chapter I review evidence for a pivotal role of the sarcomeric thin filament protein, troponin I, in cardiac muscle activation and its modulation by covalent modifications, sarcomere length, and intracellular pH. This evidence demonstrates that the cardiac variant of troponin I (cTnl), which is the only isoform expressed in the adult myocardium, has unique structure and function that are specialized for extrinsic and intrinsic control of cardiac contraction and relaxation.
Incremental benefit of maximum-intensity-projection images on observer detection of small pulmonary nodules revealed by multidetector CT.

OBJECTIVE. Our purpose was to assess the incremental effect of maximum-intensity-projection (MIP) image processing on the ability of various observers to detect small (<1 cm in diameter) central and peripheral lung nodules revealed by multidetector CT.MATERIALS AND METHODS. We retrospectively identified 25 patients with metastatic disease, each having from two to nine nodules that were 3-9 mm in diameter. Two senior and three junior reviewers interpreted all images on a workstation. The observers first reviewed axial images (3.75-mm collimation, 3-mm reconstruction interval, multidetector acquisition) in cine and sequential fashion and recorded the size, lobe, and central or peripheral (within 1 cm of the edge of lung) location of each nodule. MIP images (10-mm slab, 8-mm interval) were then reviewed, and additional nodules detected were recorded. Final counts were established by consensus.RESULTS. The reviewers found 122 nodules (71 peripheral, 51 central) in the 25 patients. The addition of MIP slabs si...
Infantile cortical hyperostoses.

SUMMARY Three patients with infantile cortical hyperostoses (Caffey) are described. The only clinical symptom was swelling of the lower legs. Radioscopy showed extreme thickening of periosteuni, also along parts of the skelet not swollen clinically. Features not hitherto described and observed in our patients were, (1) occurrence within the same family, and (2) marked forward curvature of the tibiae.
Analysis of chitin particle size on maximum power generation, power longevity, and Coulombic efficiency in solid–substrate microbial fuel cells

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) produce bioelectricity from a wide variety of organic and inorganic substrates. Chitin can be used as a slowly degrading substrate in MFCs and thus as a long-term fuel to sustain power by these devices in remote locations. However, little is known about the effects of particle size on power density and length of the power cycle (longevity). We therefore examined power generation from chitin particles sieved to produce three average particle sizes (0.28, 0.46 and 0.78 mm). The longevity increased from 9 to 33 days with an increase in the particle diameter from 0.28 to 0.78 mm. Coulombic efficiency also increased with particle size from 18% to 56%. The maximum power density was lower for the largest (0.78 mm) particles (176 mW m−2), with higher power densities for the 0.28 mm (272 mW m−2) and 0.46 mm (252 mW m −2 ) particle sizes. The measured lifetimes of these particles scaled with particle diameter to the 1.3 power. Application of a fractal dissolution model indicates chitin particles had a threedimensional fractal dimension between 2 and 2.3. These results demonstrate particles can be used as a sustainable fuel in MFCs, but that particle sizes will need to be controlled to achieve desired power levels. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Toward a metaphor-enriched personality psychology.

Conventional wisdom on metaphor suggests that it is the province of poets, metaphor is an optional way of thinking, or that metaphor merely serves communication purposes. In this chapter, we show that such wisdom is at variance with how human beings actually think and function. We first provide a brief overview of the metaphor representation perspective. We then make a case for the utility of this perspective in understanding how people differ from each other and do so within a broader context of how personality has traditionally been assessed. We then present four lines of personality research inspired by the metaphor representation perspective. We conclude with a discussion of the challenges and unanswered questions involved in translating the metaphor representation perspective to personality psychology.
Reconsidering the Determinants of Public Authority Use

This article investigates the causes of differences among states in the use of independent public authorities. Contrary to findings in previous work, I find that the evidence does not support the view that authorities are "borrowing machines," created to provide better access to capital markets. Rather, the factors associated with use of authorities seem distinct from those associated with general obligation borrowing, which suggests that purely fiscal motivations are not primary determinants of the use of authorities. The existence of independent public authorities poses important theoretical challenges for students of public administration. What Doig (1983, 301) calls "this peculiar animal" looms large in the menagerie of public organizational forms. A recent study (Leigland 1994) that uses a fairly narrow definition of the term counts over seven thousand public authorities in the United States, with outstanding debt in 1981 of over $29 billion, about one-fifth as large as the total full-faith-and-credit debt of state and local governments at that time. Yet despite the importance of such organizations, and the many decades over which they have been on the public scene, they continue to fit uneasily into the public administration literature. Mitchell (1991, 429) has lamented that the "education and training of public authority managers has been largely overlooked in the literature, curricula, and professions of public administration and public management." As Doig notes (1983, 296-97), many conventional generalizations about the difficulties of public management simply do not apply to these organizations: "Goals are often clear, incremental performance results are regularly used in evaluating effectiveness, and the pressure to achieve immediate results is at times far less than it is in other public agencies and in many business corporations. . . . If we 571/Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory I thank Christy Evans, Anna Gunnthorsdottir, and Rhonda Trautman for assis-
Reforming the Civil Engineering Management Courses and Training Students' Engineering Management Ability

The training targets of the norms of the civil engineering majors required by the construction markets after China's entering WTO are analyzed.The major courses offered in the university are dealt with and a series of engineering management courses according to the training targets are saggested,thus to improve the students' engineering management ability by putting them into teaching practice.
Diagnostic value of echocardiography in permanence eustachian valve

Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of echocardiography in the permanence eustachian valve.Methods The sonograms of 25 patients with permanence eustachian valve were retrospectively analyzed.Results Funicular high-level echo was detected in the right atrium in all the twenty-five cases,one terminatio adhered to orifice of inferior vena cava,mostly at right border,and another terminatio floated in the right atrium accompaning the cardiac cycle.Abnormal blood flow was not found.Conclusion Echocardiography is simple and easy in the diagnosis of permanence eustachian valve.
Addressing immunization registry population inflation in adolescent immunization rates.

Objective While U.S. adolescent immunization rates are available annually at national and state levels, finding pockets of need may require county or sub-county information. Immunization information systems (IISs) are one tool for assessing local immunization rates. However, the presence of IIS records dating back to early childhood and challenges in capturing mobility out of IIS areas typically leads to denominator inflation. We examined the feasibility of weighting adolescent immunization records by length of time since last report to produce more accurate county adolescent counts and immunization rates. Methods We compared weighted and unweighted adolescent denominators from the Oregon ALERT IIS, along with county-level Census Bureau estimates, with school enrollment counts from Oregon's annual review of seventh-grade school immunization compliance for public and private schools. Adolescent immunization rates calculated using weighted data, for the state as a whole, were also checked against comparable National Immunization Survey (NIS) rates. Results Weighting individual records by the length of time since last activity substantially improved the fit of IIS data to county populations for adolescents. A nonlinear logarithmic (ogive) weight produced the best fit to the school count data of all examined estimates. Overall, the ogive weighted results matched NIS adolescent rates for Oregon. Conclusion The problem of mobility-inflated counts of teenagers can be addressed by weighting individual records based on time since last immunization. Well-populated IISs can rely on their own data to produce adolescent immunization rates and find pockets of need.
Chapter 5 – The New Electric Vehicle Society

Use of electrical power for vehicles brings with it stability in prices and supply as well as national security. A primary obstacle to displacing larger amounts of liquid fuels with electrical power in the past has been the high price of batteries. For the first time in history, the path to lower cost batteries and ultimate sustainable and major gains of battery-powered vehicles seems inevitable. In addition, there are new approaches to direct use of grid power for transportation.
When is a thrombogenic matrix not thrombogenic

In this issue of Blood, Kristofik et al report that the subendothelial extracellular matrix (ECM) of thrombospondin-2–null (TSP2-null) mice is less able to support platelet adhesion than that of wild-type mice because of a defect in von Willebrand factor (vWF) recruitment.1
Complications of external fixation. A problem-oriented approach.

External fixation is an effective method of stabilizing many fractures in veterinary orthopedics; however, it is not foolproof. The optimal way to minimize complications is to pay careful attention to the principles of fixator selection and application. Major complications that threaten the success of fracture healing include failure of the fixator to maintain reduction, failure of the bone-pin interface, and fracture healing problems. Minor complications that cause discomfort or inconvenience include pintract drainage, poor limb use, and neurovascular damage. Prompt recognition of any complications that do arise combined with an understanding of the cause and appropriate treatment usually result in a successful outcome.
The Nitrate–Nitrite–Nitric Oxide Pathway in Traditional Herbal Medicine and Dietary Supplements with Potential Benefits for Cardiovascular Diseases

For thousands of years, herbal medicine has been serving as a major health care tool for disease prevention and treatment. Many of the traditional medicines with cardiovascular benefits exert nitric oxide (NO)-related effects on tissues and organs with diseases. The herbals containing nitrogen-metabolizing enzymes that convert inorganic nitrite and nitrate into NO have been reported widely as alternative sources of NO production independent of the enzymatic synthesis of NO from l-arginine. The nitrate–nitrite–NO pathway in plants and animals offers a new avenue which may define the biological action as well as assess the safety of certain herbal medicines commonly used for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. In this chapter, the production of nitrate, nitrite, and NO, and molecular basis of their biological action will be discussed. Evidence will be presented to support the notion that the nitrite, nitrate, and reductase activity ingested in herbal medicines constitute a robust and natural system for NO generation to overcome pathological conditions associated with NO insufficiency and combat cardiovascular disease.
Acerola juice, the richest known source of vitamin C; a clinical study in infants.

Summary Acerola juice is the richest known source of vitamin C, having from fifty to one hundred times the ascorbic acid content of orange juice. Thirty infants ranging in age from 3 to 7 weeks were given acerola juice as the only significant source of ascorbic acid in their diet. All infants showed average or better growth and development for their age and weight. Ascorbic acid levels in the blood plasma of all infants were above average after the acerola juice was introduced into the diet. No reactions occurred from ingestion or from skin and intradermal tests with acerola juice. Acerola juice can be blended with apple juice which is naturally low in vitamin C, and used to satisfy the ascorbic acid requirements in infant feeding. It is particularly valuable in infants who are allergic to orange juice or where the family allergic history deems it advisable to delay giving orange juice until one year of age.
Listening to the din of the First World War

In Great War texts, ranging from memoirs and journal articles to songs and novels, former soldiers comment not only on the extraordinary noise of the battlefield, but also on the importance of list...
Cerebrovascular physiology in liver disease

Mental status changes in acute and chronic liver disease can account for a significant portion of ICU admissions and mortality. Much of the pathology associated with these conditions is associated with an inability to maintain adequate blood flow. Thus, an understanding of both normal cerebrovascular physiology as well as the physiology behind derangements seen in both acute and chronic liver failure can help lead to better understanding and optimized management of these critically ill patients.
Promoting Beijing Opera in America: The Confucius Institute of Chinese Opera at Binghamton University

The Confucius Institute of Chinese Opera at Binghamton University (CICO) was co-founded by Binghamton University, SUNY (BU), and the National Academy of Chinese Theater Arts (NACTA) 中國戲曲學院 in Novem...