cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Priapism associated with lumbar stenosis: case report and literature review

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is characterized by narrowing of the central canal, lateral recesses, or foramina leading to compression of neural tissue. The clinical syndrome associated with LSS is usually neurogenic claudication, which often presents as lower back and extremity pain, numbness, and tingling upon ambulation. Autonomic dysfunction is rarely observed in patients with LSS; however, a subset of male patients has been reported to experience intermittent priapism associated with the onset of neurogenic claudication symptoms. We present the case of a 33-year-old male who was diagnosed with LSS associated with neurogenic claudication and priapism who underwent minimally invasive decompressive surgery. Complete resolution of claudication and priapism was observed at the 6-week follow-up visit. This case report highlights minimally invasive lumbar decompression as an effective treatment for the rarely observed presentation of priapism associated with LSS.
Effects of Reduced Community College Tuition on College Choices and Degree Completion

Recent efforts to increase college access and completion concentrate on reducing tuition rates at community colleges, but researchers and policymakers alike have expressed concern that such reducti...
Markups and misallocation with evidence from exchange rate shocks

Abstract In a setting with firms that charge variable markups, this paper finds that firm heterogeneity has welfare implications that result exclusively from the differential markup adjustment to global shocks. Changes in allocative efficiency are summarized by a sufficient statistic that can be directly measured with aggregate data. I use Chilean data between 1995 and 2007 to show that exchange rate shocks can be an important driver of allocative efficiency, as there are large changes in misallocation over time due to the way firms pass-through these shocks into markups. At the firm-level, there is evidence that importing firms pass-through real exchange rate appreciations into their markups. Over time, due to the compositional effect that ensues, industries that import a larger share of their inputs become more misallocated. In a structural model with productivity gains from importing, where firm market power increases with size, I show how firm reallocation in response to a positive supply shock rationalizes the reduced-form results.
Baseline requirements for novel agents being considered for phase II/III brain cancer efficacy trials: conclusions from the Adult Brain Tumor Consortium's first workshop on CNS drug delivery.

Author(s): Grossman, Stuart A; Romo, Carlos G; Rudek, Michelle A; Supko, Jeffrey; Fisher, Joy; Nabors, L Burt; Wen, Patrick Y; Peereboom, David M; Ellingson, Benjamin M; Elmquist, William; Barker, Fred G; Kamson, David; Sarkaria, Jann N; Timmer, William; Bindra, Ranjit S; Ye, Xiaobu
The Legal Way Ahead Between War And Peace (Chapter 16)

This chapter is written from the perspective of the military operational lawyer in an attempt to explain where he fits in this world, from both the top-down and bottom-up perspectives in linking military operations to U.S. foreign policy. There are three issues hidden in this perspective. The first is tied to ideas about the changing nature of armed conflict. The operational lawyer currently functions most of the time in low-intensity armed conflicts like insurgencies or peacekeeping, precisely because that is the business his battlefield commander “clients” now do most of the time. So his professional world may be focused more often on civil affairs than traditional targeting law as such. The second is that his legal capacity is an advisory one (e.g., is not often devoted to running courts-martial or military commissions). And most of this advisory capacity is dedicated to planning military operations rather than their execution as such. Finally, combining advisory capacity with the point that “small wars” predominate, this version of armed conflict law is an amalgam of domestic and international law focusing currently on nontraditional questions like protection of NGO (nongovernmental organization) personnel providing humanitarian assistance, or how best to support civil authorities trying to reconstitute local courts and government in the face of targeted assassinations in the course of an insurgency. So the border seems porous between traditional military operations and something akin to law enforcement, and in any case involves a high degree of contact and often cooperation with nonmilitary bodies (i.e., foreign governments, the U.S. government interagency process, and NGOs).For the balance of this chapter, I look first at the current taxonomy of armed conflict and the concept that it may be an uneasy fit with traditional ideas about “war.” Thereafter, we examine how this affects military doctrine in supporting U.S. foreign policy generally, with consequent effects on the military operational lawyer. Finally, we look at the activities of military operational lawyers at the practical level in terms of planning operations. The hope is to provide some insight into what and how military operational lawyers actually make decisions touching upon the LOAC (law of armed conflict) in their workaday world.
Are renewable energy technologies cost competitive for electricity generation

Abstract Renewable energy technologies (RETs), particularly solar and wind energy technologies, have experienced a rapid decline in their costs over the last two decades. Several studies claim that RETs are cost-competitive with fossil fuel technologies based on their levelized costs of electricity (LCOE), the most common indicator used to compare the cost competitiveness of electricity-generating technologies. However, no consensus exists due to the wide variations in factors influencing the LCOEs across countries and technologies. This study calculates more than 4000 LCOEs for 11 technologies, varying all input variables. It shows that the LCOEs for RETs, except concentrated solar and offshore wind, are lower than those for fossil fuel technologies at the lower range of capital costs and discount rates of 10% or lower. However, for a reasonable range of input variables, the study cannot justify the low auction prices for solar power, below US$20/MWh, recently observed in some parts of the world. The study illustrates how various factors influence the cost of electricity generation across technologies. It also compares the trends in electricity generation costs between RETs and fossil fuels over the last two decades.
Advanced machine learning decision policies for diameter control of carbon nanotubes

The diameters of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are directly related to their electronic properties, making diameter control highly desirable for a number of applications. Here we utilized a machine learning planner based on the Expected Improvement decision policy that mapped regions where growth was feasible vs. not feasible and further optimized synthesis conditions to selectively grow SWCNTs within a narrow diameter range. We maximized two ranges corresponding to Raman radial breathing mode frequencies around 265 and 225 cm−1 (SWCNT diameters around 0.92 and 1.06 nm, respectively), and our planner found optimal synthesis conditions within a hundred experiments. Extensive post-growth characterization showed high selectivity in the optimized growth experiments compared to the unoptimized growth experiments. Remarkably, our planner revealed significantly different synthesis conditions for maximizing the two diameter ranges in spite of their relative closeness. Our study shows the promise for machine learning-driven diameter optimization and paves the way towards chirality-controlled SWCNT growth.
Why we should stop using the term “Black-on-Black crime”: an analysis across disciplines

Official statistics document that the majority of all crime committed in the U.S. is intra-racial. Only crimes involving victims and offenders of Black racial identity have been assigned an explici...
Chapter 9 Neural networks for encoding and adapting in dynamic economies

Publisher Summary This chapter describes feedforward neural networks as approximators and relates them to statistical discriminant functions, and explains the ways in which neural nets of varying complexity can represent equilibria in two repeated games and one dynamic economic model. Because linear strategies are simple to implement, a large class of equilibrium outcomes can be represented with simple perceptions. However, in the presence of imperfect monitoring, the linear proxies can overestimate the hidden variables. The chapter presents bounded rationality as a constraint on computational capabilities. Thus, the main exercise is to construct equilibria sustained by simple neural networks, and to study the ways in which the restriction on strategies reduces the set of equilibrium outcomes. The approach of Rubinstein (1986) presumes that players have access to finite automata that encode transition and outcome functions. It is believed that neural networks are useful tools to study the strategic implications of complexity cost, especially when, the feasible computing machines may have infinite states, and the computing machine can adapt itself as the game progresses.
Capabilities of Thoughtful Machines

When learning a concept the learner produces conjectures about the concept he learns. Typically the learner contemplates, performs some experiments, make observations, does some computation, thinks carefully (that is not output a new conjecture for a while) and then makes a conjecture about the (unknown) concept. Any new conjecture of an intelligent learner should be valid for at least some "reasonable amount of time" before some evidence is found that the conjecture is false. Then maybe the learner can further study and explore the concept more and produce a new conjecture that again will be valid for some "reasonable amount of time". In this paper we formalize the idea of reasonable amount of time. The learners who obey the above constraint are called "Thoughtful learners" (TEX learners). We show that there are classes that can be learned using the above model. We also compare this leaning paradigm to other existing ones. The surprising result is that there is no capability intervals in team TEX-type learning. On the other hand, capability intervals exist in all other models. Also these learners are orthogonal to the learners that have been studied in the literature.
Working Memory Capacity Offers Resistance to Mind-Wandering and External Distraction in a Context-Specific Manner

Summary: The present study examined the impact of mind-wandering and distraction in silent and noisy studying environments and how individual differences in working memory capacity offered resistance to these two distinct forms of attention failure. Two groups of participants read a text in different environments and answered reading comprehension questions. While reading, thought probes asked participants to indicate the current focus of their attention. Results showed that the relationship between working memory capacity and reading comprehension was partially driven by resistance to mind-wandering in the silent condition and by resistance to external distraction in the noise condition. The findings support the distinction between mindwandering and external distraction, two separate yet related types of attention failure that impact task performance. Further, executive abilities seem to offer resistance to these two types of attention failure differentially depending on the context. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. At any point in time, several sources of information compete for an individual’s limited focus of attention. Usually, the individual’s goals determine how attention is allocated to these sources. However, irrelevant and distracting sources of information sometimes enter the focus of attention, drawing thoughts away from the individual’s goals and negatively impacting task completion. Sometimes, the irrelevant source of information is the individual’s own internal thought processes that stray from goal-relevant thoughts. This is typically referred to as mind-wandering. Other times, the individual’s attention can be drawn to irrelevant external information (e.g., sights, sounds, and physical sensations), which is typically referred to as external distraction. One setting in which mind-wandering and external distraction can be particularly disruptive is studying—attempting to commit information to memory for later recall. Unsworth, McMillan, Brewer, and Spillers (2012) found that, among college students, two of the most common forms of everyday attention failures were mind-wandering and distraction while studying. Depending on the studying environment, mindwandering and distraction may occur with different frequencies. The present study sought to understand the roles of mind-wandering and distraction in differing studying environments and how the previously mentioned factors work to attenuate task-irrelevant thoughts to maximize performance. More specifically, do mind-wandering and distraction occur in a context-specific manner? Further, do individual differences in executive abilities (e.g., working memory capacity) offer resistance to these two types of attention failure differentially depending on the context?
Photocurrents generated by moving optical interference patterns in photoconductive semiconductors in the presence of interband optical excitations

Summary form only given. When two monochromatic optical fields interfere inside photoconductive semiconductors containing deep level recombination centers, the spatially inhomogenous optical intensity pattern causes the redistribution of photo-excited free charge carriers, resulting in the formation of an internal space charge electric field. The photoconductive semiconductor used was a Si sample with polished but not Ar-coated surfaces.
Metallic helium in massive planets

The most abundant planetary constituents in the universe are hydrogen and helium. In our own solar system, it is estimated that >70% of the planetary mass is of this form, with most of it residing in Jupiter and most of it in a metallic state. The likely metallic state of hydrogen at high pressure has long been recognized (1), although the exact nature of this state and its properties continue to be debated (2). Helium, on the other hand, is generally thought to be a reluctant partner to hydrogen at high pressure because its expected metallization pressure at low temperature is very high, perhaps around 100 Megabars (Mbar) or more. In comparison, the highest pressure in the hydrogen–helium part of Jupiter is perhaps only 40 or so Mbar (3). This suggests that most of Jupiter's interior consists of a mixture of metallic hydrogen fluid (protons in a degenerate electron sea) and neutral helium atoms, with the latter making up about a quarter of the mass but only 7% of the nuclei by number (Fig. 1). In this issue of PNAS, Stixrude and Jeanloz (4) show that band closure in pure helium occurs at lower pressures than previously thought, provided the effect of high temperatures is taken into account. This suggests that helium behaves as a metal, at least at the highest pressures encountered in Jupiter and perhaps over a wider range of pressures in the many, often much hotter, planets of Jupiter's mass and larger that are now evidently common in the universe (5). The full thermodynamic and transport properties of the relevant mixtures cannot be deduced from the behavior of the end members (pure hydrogen and pure helium) and are therefore an area of ongoing research.
Repeated Stimulation of CRF Receptors in the BNST of Rats Selectively Induces Social but not Panic-Like Anxiety

Increased extra-hypothalamic corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) neurotransmission has been suggested as one putative factor in the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders. We have previously reported that administering repeated subanxiogenic doses (termed 'priming') of the CRF receptor agonist urocortin 1 (Ucn1) into the basolateral amygdala (BLA) of rats elicited long-lasting behavioral changes in social interaction (SI) and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests of anxiety. Although substantial similarity exists, the bed nucleus of the stria terminals (BNST) and the amygdala are thought to play distinct roles in anxiety responses. Rats primed with Ucn1 in the BLA not only demonstrated increased anxiety-like behaviors, but also physiological sensitivity to intravenous sodium lactate infusions, which is seen in subjects with panic or posttraumatic stress disorders, but not social or generalized anxiety disorders. In the present study, we tested if similar priming with subanxiogenic doses of Ucn1 in the BNST of rats will induce either chronic anxiety or sensitivity to sodium lactate. After determining the dose of Ucn1 that is subanxiogenic when injected into the BNST, repeated intra-BNST injections of this subanxiogenic dose of Ucn1 (6 fmol/100 nl) elicited persistent (present even after 4 weeks) anxiety-like responses in the SI but not EPM test. Prior local injection of a CRF receptor antagonist, astressin, into the BNST blocked this effect. Unlike Ucn1 priming in the BLA, rats primed in the BNST showed no cardiovascular changes following lactate infusion. Thus, BNST priming appears to selectively model the pathophysiology of subjects with anxiety syndromes like social anxiety, which are not lactate sensitive.
Interdecadal Variability in a Hybrid Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere Model

Abstract A hybrid coupled ocean–atmosphere model is used to investigate low-frequency variability in the climate system. The model's atmospheric component is a Budyko-Sellers-North, two-dimensional energy-balance model; the oceanic component is a simplified general circulation model. The coupled model is confined to an idealized, rectangular North Atlantic basin. In the present model version, the ocean density depends exclusively on temperature. An interdecadal oscillation with a period of 40–50 years is found in the hybrid coupled model when model parameters are within the climatological range, even though density does not depend on salinity. This interdecadal oscillation is characterized by a pair of vortices of opposite signs, that grow and decay in quadrature with each other in the ocean's upper layer; their centers follow each other anticlockwise through the northwestern quadrant of the model domain. The interdecadal oscillation's physical mechanism resembles that of the interdecadal oscillation anal...
The Thymus: Clock for Immunologic Aging?

A brief overview of the effects of age on T cell function is presented. Normal immune functions can begin to decline shortly after an individual reaches sexual maturity. Foremost among the cellular changes are those in the stem cells as reflected in their growth properties and the availability of precursor T cells, and in the T cells, in which a shift in subpopulations may be occurring. Present evidence indicates that thymic involution precedes, and therefore may be responsible for, the age-dependent decline in the ability of the immune system to generate functional T cells. It now appears that the primary effect of thymic involution is on a T cell differentiation pathway; the more mature T cells are affected first, the less mature T cells only later. Thus, the thymus may be the aging clock for the immune system. Current studies are centered on processes regulating growth and atrophy of the thymus, and methods for restoring the impaired immune function of elderly individuals.
Language use in a new country: The experience of Soviet émigrés in Boston

This study, based on Soviet emigres in the greater Boston area, looks at the correlates of English language proficiency and the role that language plays in immigrants’ adjustment as defined through three concepts—difficulty in everyday situations, awareness of differentness, and satisfaction. Proficiency is most highly correlated with general level of education, length of time in the United States, and work status. High contact with both Americans and conationals is associated with the highest level of language proficiency. As a factor in adjustment, language proficiency is significantly related to difficulty in certain social situations and to feelings of embarrassment or self‐consciousness in public situations. It is not related, however, to ease of handling a number of other social situations or to other reactions such as lack of confidence in being able to accomplish things. Those who know English are most satisfied with their life in America and tend to feel more comfortable, yet they are not more li...
Migration of reactive trace compounds from Novozym® 435 into organic solvents and ionic liquids

Abstract The commercial form of immobilized Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB), known as Novozym® 435, is a catalyst routinely used in enzymatic reactions. However, we observed a number of compounds migrated from this enzyme preparation into organic solvents and ionic liquids (ILs). These compounds were further identified by GC–MS analysis as a mixture of 17 substances, including 5 major components: glycerol, benzoic acid, 2-hydroxyethyl benzoate, 2-hydroxyethyl sorbate, and sorbic acid. The importance of this discovery is that all five major compounds are reactive in the presence of CALB, especially the last four compounds are potential acyl donors in enzymatic (trans)esterification reactions. We then quantified the migration of these acyl donors into various aqueous solutions, organic solvents and ILs, and observed that the migration into polar organic solvents and ILs was rapid (10–30 min). We also measured the reactivities of these acyl donors with 1-propanol in Novozym® 435-catalyzed (trans)esterifications. Our data suggest that the initial reaction rates of sorbic acid and sorbate ester were very fast; although the initial rates of benzoic acid and benzoate were much slower, their conversions into propyl benzoate were significant within 24 h period. The presence of these compounds in Novozym® 435 may not have considerable impact on fast reactions involving high substrate concentrations, however, it is important to realize that these trace compounds may affect the enzyme activity, and may cause confusion during the analysis of enzymatic reactions.
Lipid hydroperoxides initiate the autoxidation of sulfite with concomitant production of superoxide

Abstract The inhalation of SO 2 or the ingestion of beverages or food containing sulfite as a preservative has been associated with exacerbations of obstructive pulmonary disease. In this study it is demonstrated that 15-HPETE, a likely component of the lung's inflammatory response, can initiate the autoxidation of sulfite. Since 1 mol of 15-HPETE can initiate the consumption of 3 mol of oxygen and 6 mol of sulfite, it is likely that a free radical chain mechanism is operative. Direct evidence for the production of relatively small quantities of Superoxide and indirect evidence for the production of lipid sulfonates are presented. It is possible that an intermediate free radical or product (as lipid sulfonate) is involved in the bronchospastic response to inhaled SO 2 .
A Simulative Study on the Effects of Additional Inertia Force Exerting on the Water Dynamic Features of Damaged Vessels

With the aid of “gambit” and Reynolds Stress Transport Equations, the residential cabin model and the turbulence model were established. By observing the effects of additional inertia force exerting on the water dynamic features of damaged vessels under different linear accelerations, the following conclusions could be obtained: (1) the inflow direction through square and round breaks is deviated from the heave, and contrary to the sailing direction; while that derivation of triangle breaks is comparatively smaller, less effected by inertia force (2) within high turbulence intensity areas, square breaks mainly appear in pre-inflow areas, and triangle and round breaks mainly occur in post-inflow areas (3) with the increase of acceleration, the flow coefficient of the three kind of break tends to decline, whereas that trend seems to be less noticeable with triangle breaks (4) under the effect of inertia force, the shrink coefficient of the three types of break incline to drop; the round breaks is less effected while a distinct variance could be observed in the cases of square and triangle shaped breaks.
Toward Increased AAEA Involvement in Economics Education: Discussion

to youth, e.g., 4-H, FFA and Ag in the Classroom. Our association leadership is making a useful effort to explore effective means of enhanced involvement of agricultural economists with economic education for youth. The two papers in this session have different purposes and will be discussed successively. Highsmith presents a summary of seventeen student research papers using a similar data set. Model specifications and results are not presented; a critique of the method by which conclusions have been drawn is not attempted. Educational significance of reported results is difficult to judge because the dependent variable in each study is number of questions answered correctly on the TEL. Not knowing how many questions are on this test makes it difficult to know whether a two-question improvement is important.' In this discussion, some results are highlighted and some alternative explanations are offered.
Clinical thermal imaging today

In order to make thermal imaging a universally acceptable clinical technique, one must try to understand what is being observed, and what the observation signifies. One must also prove the validity of hypotheses about underlying causes of a given local hyper or hypothermia. Such an understanding is absolutely necessary before one can adapt the available technology to meet given clinical needs effectively. This paper demonstrates that such an understanding is now developing and will lead to a far better utilization of infrared imaging technology.
Comparison of phylogenetic signal between male genitalia and non‐genital characters in insect systematics

It is generally accepted that male genitalia evolve more rapidly and divergently relative to non-genital traits due to sexual selection, but there is little quantitative comparison of the pattern of evolution between these character sets. Moreover, despite the fact that genitalia are still among the most widely used characters in insect systematics, there is an idea that the rate of evolution is too rapid for genital characters to be useful in forming clades. Based on standard measures of fit used in cladistic analyses, we compare levels of homoplasy and synapomorphy between genital and non-genital characters of published data sets and demonstrate that phylogenetic signal between these two character sets is statistically similar. This pattern is found consistently across different insect orders at different taxonomic hierarchical levels. We argue that the fact that male genitalia are under sexual selection and thus diverge rapidly does not necessarily equate with the lack of phylogenetic signal, because characters that evolve by descent with modification make appropriate characters for a phylogenetic analysis, regardless of the rate of evolution. We conclude that male genitalia are a composite character consisting of different components diverging separately, which make them ideal characters for phylogenetic analyses, providing information for resolving varying levels of hierarchy. © The Willi Hennig Society 2009.
Endovascular Excimer Laser Atherectomy Techniques to Treat Complex Peripheral Vascular Disease: An Orderly Process

Peripheral vascular disease represents the largest obstructive subsegment within the vascular system. Advances in equipment, techniques, biochemical treatments, and the influx of multiple specialties into this arena indicate a coming tidal wave of change to the standard treatment plan for patients with claudication and especially critical limb ischemia. Initial attempts in the 1980s to utilize the "laser" to treat peripheral vascular disease led to a clinical debacle: wavelengths and methods were not optimized; tissue heating was excessive, resulting in restenosis. Since then the "laser" has fallen from grace for endovascular treatment, although it has an infinite set of potential wavelengths, energy levels, and delivery methods. The xenon chloride, excimer laser, a pulsed 308-nm system, has overcome many of these early catastrophes. The long, ongoing success of this method of photoablating thrombus and plaque represents a true step forward in the endovascular treatment of occlusive disease. Although only a tool, the excimer laser provides a means to utilize electromagnetic energy instead of shearing mechanical force to resolve occlusions. With its active element at the tip, the excimer laser requires much less mechanical translation force to cross total occlusions, find the distal lumen, and thereby cause less plaque destabilization. In addition, removing the firm surface layer of plaque, decapping, and some of the plaque volume, debulking, exposes the softer subsegments of the plaque to balloon angioplasty. Utilizing this method, more complex lesions can be approached safely, with a high likelihood of successful revascularization and a low risk of potentially limb-threatening complication.
Comments of the vibronic linewidth of an isolated resonance of a higher electronic state

Abstract The linewidth of a higher electronic transition interacting with a lower continuum of vibronic states is calculated using a simple model. The calculated linewidth is two orders of magnitude smaller than observed.
Electrolyte and water exchange in bronchial asthma, with emphasis on the influence of pitressin☆☆☆

Abstract In a previous communication, the authors have presented evidence which indicated that various procedures inducing electrolyte and water changes in the body had a definite influence upon persistent bronchial asthma. An extremely low sodium chloride diet improved the asthmatic conditions, and fever therapy then led to remissions. The remissions were terminated by the ingestion of sodium chloride. During the periods of increased salt intake, the subject drank more water, stored much of it, and gained weight. The question therefore arose as to whether the increased water storage or the extra salt was instrumental in precipitating the asthmatic symptoms. The action of the pressor principle of the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland offers an answer to this question. This hormone, pitressin, when injected subcutaneously, causes a retention of body fluids without the aid of an increase in body salts. Many asthmatic children were given pitressin, and six of them with intractable asthma who tolerated the hormone were subjected to special studies. A total of twenty observations were made; three of the most typical studies are presented graphically on a chart. The subjects were all placed on an extremely low sodium chloride diet, and when pitressin was administered, there was a retention of water up to 2 kg. in some of the patients. Improvement in the asthma began during the antidiuretic phase and continued through the diuretic and subsequent periods, proving that the storage of large amounts of water in the body and its sudden loss had apparently little influence on the asthmatic symptoms. A review of the literature discloses investigations which indicate that, during pitressin antidiuresis and diuresis, despite low salt intake, sodium chloride is excreted, leading to a marked loss of body salt. It is apparent that bronchial asthma can be ameliorated, even in the presence of excessive hydration, if there is an associated depletion of sodium chloride. No positive therapeutic implications are warranted at this time, since the procedures outlined in this communication may still be considered rather involved and technically difficult to carry out with effective exactness. The whole subject is, therefore, of value more as an investigative tool rather than a therapeutic procedure.
The Relationship between the K-ABC and the VADS with Reading-Disabled Children: Validity of the K-ABC

The relationship between the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K-ABC) and the Visual-Aural Digit Span Test (VADS) was investigated in a population of elementary school reading-disabled children (N = 87). Results indicated that the Sequential factor of the K-ABC correlated significantly with the Aural-Oral, Visual-Oral, Aural-Written, and Visual-Written subtests of the VADS, as well as with the Total Score of the VADS. The K-ABC sequential subtests of Number Recall and Word Order accounted for most of the variance. The K-ABC Achievement and Simultaneous factors did not correlate significantly with any of the VADS subtests, although the K-ABC achievement subtests of Arithmetic and Reading Understanding did correlate significantly with specific subtests of the VADS and the VADS Total Score. In addition to providing support for the concurrent validity of the Sequential factor of the K-ABC, the study lends credence to the notion that disabled readers will perform a task such as the VADS using sequential...
Political Offices and Political Structure: Ethnohistoric and Archaeological Perspectives on the Native Lords of Apalachee

Ethnohistoric accounts of the Apalachee provide information about native political structure, and describe offices with a variety of political, military, and religious duties. Unfortunately, the Apalachee were transformed by incorporation into the Spanish colonial system, and the degree to which named offices correspond to precontact offices is unknown. Archaeological data suggest the existence of several offices in the late prehistoric Apalachee chiefdom, although we cannot address the nature and scope of authority and power tied to those offices. Although archaeological data provide little insight here, theoretical models suggest that the historic offices could have existed in similar form before contact.
The “Open Society” and its Fallacies

A little over 100 years ago John Stuart Mill wrote in his essay On Liberty that “… there ought to exist the fullest liberty of professing and discussing, as a matter of ethical conviction, any doctrine, however immoral it may be considered.” The sentence from which this is taken is not obiter: Chapter Two of his book is devoted to arguments, putatively philosophical in character, which if they were sound would warrant precisely such a conclusion; we have therefore every reason to assume that Mill meant by the sentence just what it says. The topic of Chapter Two is the entire “communications” process in civilized society (“advanced” society, as Mill puts it); and the question he raises is whether there should be limitations on that process. He treats that problem as the central problem of all civilized societies, the one to which all other problems are subordinate, because of the consequences, good or ill, that a society must bring upon itself according as it adopts this or that solution to it. And he has supreme confidence in the Tightness of the solution he offers. Presumably to avoid all possible misunderstanding, he provides several alternative statements of it, each of which makes his intention abundantly clear, namely, that society must be so organized as to make that solution its supreme law. “Fullest,” that is, absolute freedom of thought and speech, he asserts by clear implication in the entire argument of the chapter, is not to be one of several competing goods society is to foster, one that on occasion might reasonably be sacrificed, in part at least, to the preservation of other goods; i.e., he refuses to recognize any competing good in the name of which it can be limited.
Effect of Infarct-Related Artery Patency and Late Potentials on Late Mortality After Acute Myocardial Infarction

Objective To assess the effect of patency of the infarct-related artery and the presence of late potentials on late cardiac mortality after myocardial infarction. Material and Methods We studied the influence of the infarct-related artery patency and the presence of late potentials during signal-averaged electrocardiography on late mortality in 124 survivors of acute myocardial infarction. In addition, we assessed predictive factors of cardiac mortality by univariate and multivariate statistical analysis. Results A study group of 98 men and 26 women (mean age, 59 years) who were survivors of acute myocardial infarction underwent follow-up for a mean of 3.6 ± 1.0 years. Immediate reperfusion therapy (thrombolysis or direct angioplasty) was accomplished in 71 patients (57%). During follow-up, 13 cardiac-associated deaths occurred. Infarct-related artery patency was strongly associated with improved survival, but the presence of late potentials did not correlate with increased mortality, even among patients with impaired left ventricular function. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified occluded infarct-related arteries, prior myocardial infarction, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, and advanced age, but not late potentials, as predictors of increased late cardiac mortality. Conclusion These data suggest that coronary angiography may, but signal-averaged electrocardiography may not, identify patients with increased late risk of cardiac-related death after myocardial infarction. The low mortality among patients who have undergone successful reperfusion therapy may reduce the ability of noninvasive tests to distinguish between high- and low-risk patients.
Insulin secretory responses and phospholipid composition of pancreatic islets from mice that do not express group via phospholipase A2 and effects of metabolic stress on glucose homeostasis

Abstract Studies involving pharmacologic or molecular biologic manipulation of Group VIA phospholipase A2 (iPLA2β) activity in pancreatic islets and insulinoma cells suggest that iPLA2β participates in insulin secretion. It has also been suggested that iPLA2β is a housekeeping enzyme that regulates cell 2-lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) levels and arachidonate incorporation into phosphatidylcholine (PC). We have generated iPLA2β-null mice by homologous recombination and have reported that they exhibit reduced male fertility and defective motility of spermatozoa. Here we report that pancreatic islets from iPLA2β-null mice have impaired insulin secretory responses to d-glucose and forskolin. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometric analyses indicate that the abundance of arachidonate-containing PC species of islets, brain, and other tissues from iPLA2β-null mice is virtually identical to that of wild-type mice, and no iPLA2β mRNA was observed in any tissue from iPLA2β-null mice at any age. Despite the insulin secretory abnormalities of isolated islets, fasting and fed blood glucose concentrations of iPLA2β-null and wild-type mice are essentially identical under normal circumstances, but iPLA2β-null mice develop more severe hyperglycemia than wild-type mice after administration of multiple low doses of the β-cell toxin streptozotocin, suggesting an impaired islet secretory reserve. A high fat diet also induces more severe glucose intolerance in iPLA2β-null mice than in wild-type mice, but PLA2β-null mice have greater responsiveness to exogenous insulin than do wild-type mice fed a high fat diet. These and previous findings thus indicate that iPLA2β-null mice exhibit phenotypic abnormalities in pancreatic islets in addition to testes and macrophages.
Hydromermis conopophaga, n. sp., Parasitizing Midges (Chironomidae) in California

Hydromermis conopophaga, n. sp., a mermithid nematode, is described. It was found parasitizing Tanytarsus (Chironomidae) in California. First-stage juveniles of II. conopophapa molted within the egg 1 or 2 days before hatching and observations were made on the manner of penetration by second-stage juveniles. Artificial infections were successful under laboratory conditions. Investigations are being continued to evaluate the effectiveness and potential of this parasite as a biological control agent.
Stress and cortisol in disaster evacuees: an exploratory study on associations with social protective factors.

Though cumulative emotional and physical effects of disasters may diminish evacuees’ short and long-term mental and physical health, social factors may buffer such consequences. We approached survivors of the October 2007 San Diego, California firestorms. We gathered data during the evacuation and 3 months afterward. Questionnaires measured social support as well as PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms. Saliva samples were used to assess the stress hormone, cortisol. Analyses, adjusting for age, gender, and socioeconomic status, showed PTSD symptoms were associated with flattening of the diurnal cortisol rhythm during evacuation. Secondary analyses showed those reporting a family emphasis on moral and religious values had lower psychological distress. Though anxiety symptoms had significantly decreased in the overall sample at follow-up, blunted cortisol rhythms persisted among those individuals with continued high anxiety. Results highlight a possible psychological, and perhaps a physiological, benefit of social and existential factors in disaster situations. Future work should explore the role of psychosocial factors and stress physiology in the development of long-term health concerns among individuals exposed to disaster.
Cryogenic fracturing for reservoir stimulation – Laboratory studies

Abstract While hydraulic fracturing has revolutionized hydrocarbon production from unconventional resources, waterless or reduced-water fracturing technologies have been actively sought due to concerns arising from the heavy use of water. This study investigates the feasibility of fracture stimulation by using cryogenic fluids to create a strong thermal gradient generating local tensile stress in the rocks surrounding a borehole. Cracks form when the tensile stress exceeds the material׳s tensile strength. This mechanism has not been exploited in the context of stimulation and may be used to fracture reservoir rocks to reduce or eliminate water usage. This paper reports initial results from a laboratory study of cryogenic fracturing. In particular, we have developed experimental setups and procedures to conduct cryogenic fracturing tests with and without confining stress, with integrated cryogen transport, measurements, and fracture characterization. Borehole pressure, liquid nitrogen, and temperature can be monitored continuously. Acoustic signals are used to characterize fractures before and after the experiments. Cryogenic tests conducted in the absence of the confining stress were able to create cracks in the experimental blocks and alter rock properties. Fractures were created by generating a strong thermal gradient in a concrete block semi-submerged in liquid nitrogen. Increasing the number of cryogenic stimulations enhanced fracturing by both creating new cracks as well as widening the existing cracks. By comparing the cryogenic fracturing results from unstressed weak concrete and sandstone, we found that the generation of fractures is dependent on the material properties. Water in the formation expands as it freezes and plays a competing role during cryogenic cooling with rock contraction, thus is an unfavorable factor. A rapid cooling rate is desired to achieve high thermal gradient.
Sampling Methods for Censuses and Surveys (4th Ed.)

(1982). Sampling Methods for Censuses and Surveys (4th Ed.) Technometrics: Vol. 24, No. 3, pp. 254-257.
Changing Assessment Practices in Science and Mathematics

One recommendation of the national reform movements in mathematics and science is to change the way students are assessed. In this article five formats of alternative assessment forms are described, and suggestions are given on how these methods can be implemented within science and mathematics classrooms. Benefits of each type of assessment are discussed and potential pitfalls are elucidated. Samples of the five formats, journal writing, open-ended problems, portfolios, interviews and performance assessments, are included.
Neomercantilism and Energy Interdependence: Russian Strategies in East Asia

Abstract This article examines the potential for Russia's Siberian and Far East energy projects to create webs of interdependence with the major energy-importing countries of East Asia. Energy policy toward Asia is analyzed with reference to Europe's problematic energy dependence on Russia, where Moscow has supported attempts by state-owned companies like Gazprom to extend control over energy supply and distribution. This analysis finds that Moscow's neomercantilist energy strategy, designed to advance Russian state power, has been marginally more successful with the weaker, more energy-dependent states of Japan and South Korea. China, Asia's major rising power, is more sensitive to the prospect of becoming too dependent on Russia as a supplier of oil and gas, because dependence could constrain Beijing's global ambitions.
Efficient medical image segmentation for the visualization of lesions

Image segmentation plays a crucial role in detecting cancerous lesions in breast images. Typically, the images obtained are large in dimension and it will take considerable time to run traditional image segmentation algorithms to detect and localize lesions. To increase the efficiency of the detection process, this paper develops an efficient image segmentation algorithm which limits its attention to regions where there is the possibility of lesions to exist. The image segmentation algorithm is then applied to these regions to find a threshold value. There are three primary objectives of this paper. First, to design and implement a region of interset algorithm known as the Ranking algorithm. Secondly, to identify whether the regions detected are linked using the Linkage algorithm. Thirdly, to apply the image segmentation algorithm (Otsu algorithm) to these regions to obtain a threshold value. This threshold value is then used for global image segmentation.
Generation and detection of neoantigens in guinea pig lever slices incubated with halothane

Abstract The volatile anesthetic halothane can be biotransformed by the hepatic cytochrome P-450 system to produce a reactive intermediate, trifluoroacetyl chloride, capable of covalently binding to liver proteins. The product of this reaction, the trifluoroacetyl lysinyl moiety, can act as an epitope to alter protein antigenicity. An in vitro system has been developed to produce halothane induced neoantigens and to study conditions for formation in the liver. Liver slices, capable of halothane biotransformation, provide a viable means for mechanistic studies. Liver slices (1 cm diameter, 300 μm thick) from male Hartley guinea pigs (600–800 g) were exposed to either 1.0 or 1.7 nM halothane (media concentration) in 95% O 2 /5% CO 2 for 12 h. Covalent binding was determined using 14 C-halothane. Neoantigens were detected by Western immunoblot analysis using rabbit anti-trifluoroacetylated albumin antiserum. Covalent binding was detected by 1 h of incubation and increased linearly through 12 h (20.7 – 48.5 nmole equiv/mg protein). Covalent binding preceded and correlated with the appearance of neoantigens. By 12 h of incubation, five neoantigens were seen with molecular weights ranging from 51 to 97 kD. These neoantigens have molecular weights similar to those seen in vivo . Liver slices exposed to deuterated halothane, which is oxidatively metabolized to a lower extent, did not develop neoantigens. This in vitro model system can be used to examine the mechanism for covalent binding and neoantigen production in the hepatocyte.
Questioning religious essentialism – Ritual change and religious instability in ancient China

This paper challenges the recurring theme in archaeological research that places religions at the core of social identity. It investigates the theoretical literature that has influenced how archaeologists understand the study of religion and has subsequently reinforced this idea. It surveys the changing religious attitudes and ritual practices in ancient China during the first millennium BC to demonstrate their surprising instability. A model is presented where ritual is an ever-changing source of ideological tensions and religion is but one facet of social identity, not its basis. Consequently, religion is seen as naturally susceptible to both rapid and slow changes, driven by both inner social processes and external stimuli.