cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical Manifestations and Sequences of Organ Failure

In the short history of modern surgery--whether one begins with Ambrose Pare, John Hunter, or Theodore Billroth--there have been limits to surgical capability. Whether these limits were imposed by pain requiring the development of anesthesia or hemorrhage and fluid loss requiring hemostasis and intravenous fluids or infection requiring antisepsis and then asepsis, there have always been challenges to extend technical capability and biologic understanding. There are still limits or weak links in our overall capability to care for patients after severe injury, major life-threatening operations, or catastrophic illnesses requiring operations for treatment and in patients with significant chronic illness who face any of these problems.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Chiral 1,2-Amino Alcohols and Morpholin-2-ones from Arylglyoxals

Chiral 1,2-amino alcohols are privileged scaffolds with important applications as drug candidates and chiral ligands. Although various methods for the preparation of this structural motif have been reported, these methods are limited because of the use of precious metals and ligands. Here, we report a practical and high yielding synthesis of chiral 1,2-amino alcohols using arylglyoxals and pseudoephedrine auxiliary. This reaction is catalyzed by a Bronsted acid and provides morpholinone products in high yields and selectivities. The morpholine ring was converted into 1,2-amino alcohols in a two-step protocol.
New Type of Sensitivity Analysis Using Bayesian Approach with Artificially Designed Data

A new type of sensitivity analysis is proposed with the help of a Bayesian approach. The main idea is the use of two calibration data sets: one is experimental, and the other is artificially design...
Police Surveillance Machines: A Short History

Our experiences with surveillance machine adoption have led to many foreseeable consequences that hold lessons about surveillance technology markets, private power, and police reform. However, these questions of private power, police agencies as consumers, surveillance platforms, and limited public access and input are not limited to this experience. Many new police technologies will arise in the same way. If we are to effectively use technologies to bring about a more just law enforcement system, we must design police systems of procurement and use in a manner that emphasizes democratic, not private, control. Our experience with police body cameras provides us with a cautionary tale.
Pass-through of motor gasoline taxes: Efficiency and efficacy of environmental taxes

Abstract To investigate the efficacy and efficiency of environmental taxes, I analyze the rate at which taxes on motor gasoline are passed to consumers by estimating two cointegrating vector autoregression models for each of six states. For state models that specify the retail price of motor gasoline without taxes, exclusion tests suggest that taxes on motor gasoline are not passed to consumers on a one-for-one basis. For state models that specify the retail price of motor gasoline including taxes, results indicate that taxes are passed to wholesale prices in Florida and Massachusetts on a one-for-one basis and are passed to retail prices with a ‘mark-up’ in Florida, Massachusetts, New York, and Ohio, and are not fully passed through in Washington. State-specific rates of pass-through differ from results suggested by theory and fixed effects estimators, which may be biased by the presence of nonstationary data and the assumption that the rate of pass through is the same across states. Rates of pass through greater than one transfer $12.2 billion from consumers to retailers in FL, $2.3 billion in MA, and $19.2 billion in NY during the sample period, which represent 10.7%, 6.0%, and 23.9% of total expenditures on regular motor gasoline.
Some Results on the Computation of Feedback Capacity of Gaussian Channels with Memory

We study the problem of computing the capacity of channels with feedback for the class of Gaussian channels with linear state-space models (possibly with hidden states) under the presence of quadratic input constraints. We first show that the input-output directed information is maximized by a Gaussian feedback policy. A few special cases are considered where such an optimization can be performed in a computationally tractable manner. In such cases, we show that the supremum of directed information admits a single-letter expression involving the convex log-determinant program as the block length tends to infinity.
Oncogenic AKTivation by methylation

AKT, also known as protein kinase B, is one of the most frequently dysregulated serine/threonine kinases in cancer, and its hyperactivity drives tumorigenesis and chemotherapy resistance. Two studies now find that AKT methylation by the methyltransferase SETDB1 is an early step in its oncogenic activation.
Qualitative Meta-Data Analysis: Perceptions and Experiences of Online Doctoral Students

The profiles of online and traditional doctoral students contrast sharply. A traditional doctoral student lives on-campus and pursues the degree in a face to face environment. This meta-data analysis peruses the research findings from primary research studies on online doctoral students. A systematic search of qualitative research articles, that presented the personal perspectives of online doctoral students, was examined to identify common properties in isolated studies. Factors that directly impact the ability of doctoral candidates to be successful in their online doctoral degree program were identified. Positive factors included cohort groups, supportive mentors, and the ability to pursue a doctoral degree. Obstacles faced by doctoral online students included balancing work, family, school, and a sense of isolation. The results of this meta-data analysis will provide higher education with insights into the online doctoral students’ perceptions and experiences.
Machine learning based detection of genetic and drug class variant impact on functionally conserved protein binding dynamics

The application of statistical methods to comparatively framed questions about protein dynamics can potentially enable investigations of biomolecular function beyond the current sequence and structural methods in bioinformatics. However, chaotic behavior in single protein trajectories requires statistical inference be obtained from large ensembles of molecular dynamic (MD) simulations representing the comparative functional states of a given protein. Meaningful interpretation of such a complex form of big data poses serious challenges to users of MD. Here, we announce DROIDS v3.0, a molecular dynamic (MD) method + software package for comparative protein dynamics, incorporating many new features including maxDemon v1.0, a multi-method machine learning application that trains on large ensemble comparisons of concerted protein motions in opposing functional states and deploys learned classifications of these states onto newly generated protein dynamic simulations. Local canonical correlations in learning patterns generated from self-similar MD runs are used to identify regions of functionally conserved protein dynamics. Subsequent impacts of genetic and drug class variants on conserved dynamics can also be analyzed by deploying the classifiers on variant MD runs and quantifying how often these altered protein systems display the opposing functional states. Here, we present several case studies of complex changes in functional protein dynamics caused by temperature, genetic mutation, and binding interaction with nucleic acids and small molecules. We studied the impact of genetic variation on functionally conserved protein dynamics in ubiquitin and TATA binding protein and demonstrate that our learning algorithm can properly identify regions of conserved dynamics. We also report impacts to dynamics that correspond well with predicted disruptive effects of a variety of genetic mutations. In addition, we studied the impact of drug class variation on the ATP binding region of Hsp90, similarly identifying conserved dynamics and impacts that rank accordingly with how closely various Hsp90 inhibitors mimic natural ATP binding.
Economic damages from a worst-case oil spill in the Straits of Mackinac

Abstract This paper presents research on the economic damages from a hypothetical worst-case oil spill at the Straits of Mackinac between Lakes Huron and Michigan. This spill could occur because the Enbridge Line 5 oil pipeline traverses the Straits between Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsula. We quantify potential economic damages to outdoor recreation, commercial fishing, shipping, residential properties, and energy and water supplies. Damages are estimated for two spill scenarios occurring at the onset of the summer tourism season with extensive shoreline oiling. Using evidence from past spills, economic damages would last for between one and two years and would affect locations on the periphery of the spill area, depending on the activity. We project the loss from the worst-case scenario would be at least $1.3 billion.
“Sentimos que nossa força está no chão de fábrica”: dualismo, poder do chão de fábrica e reforma das leis do trabalho no fim do apartheid na África do Sul

Este artigo explora a transformacao das relacoes de trabalho sul-africanas durante os anos 80. Em 1979, motivada pela nova militância de chao de fabrica, a Comissao Wiehahn recomendou que os trabalhadores negros, anteriormente excluidos da maquinaria de trabalho do Estado, fossem autorizados a se unir a sindicatos reconhecidos. A maioria das discussoes sobre essa mudanca nas relacoes de trabalho do apartheid concentra-se no debate que se seguiu dentro dos sindicatos negros, divididos entre preservar sua independencia ou assegurar a legitimacao do Estado. Este artigo examina, em vez disso, o debate sobre os “niveis de negociacao”: se os sindicatos negros emergentes exigissem negociar no nivel da fabrica, onde eles teriam garantida a forca do chao de fabrica por meio da organizacao e da pratica democratica, ou buscariam os beneficios das estruturas corporativas de negociacao, que ha muito tempo privilegiava trabalhadores brancos? A eventual tendencia para o corporativismo, eu argumento, imprimiu o carater do movimento trabalhista sul-africano na era pos- apartheid . Um desejo compreensivel de exercer influencia na politica economica nacional corroeu a tradicao de controle dos trabalhadores, a democracia do chao de fabrica e o sindicalismo de luta que os sindicatos negros haviam forjado durante as decadas de 1970 e 1980.
A Future for Public Access

The decline of public access was not primarily a matter of technological changes but began much earlier in the attempts to eliminate or at least limit the public obligations of cable providers and of over-the-air broadcasters. These were part of the neoliberal reshaping of the economic and political sphere including the public sphere. The principles of participatory democracy and public ownership of the airwaves, including some extensions to cable, gave way to a vision of communication media as private property and reject models of the public good as rooted in popular sovereignty. In neoliberalism, privatization redistributes wealth and power to the wealthy, leading to an artificial austerity that affects all levels of government.
Inducing Corporate Social Responsibility: Should Investors Reward the Responsible or Punish the Irresponsible?

Investors with a pro-social or sustainability agenda increasingly attempt to influence firm managers to adopt socially responsible behavior, either through positive/reward tactics or negative/punishment tactics. This paper considers how investors can use each approach to differentially influence managers to make more CSR investments. The paper uses game theory with an all-pay contest structure to model how a large institutional investor could reward firms for CSR activities by creating a socially responsible investment fund (reward contest) or punish firms via shareholder activism (punishment contest). We identify conditions under which the punishment contest induces a higher level of CSR activity among firms compared to the reward contest. Managers bearing substantial private costs stemming from the activism is one such condition. Spillover effects are seen as the other managers in the economy engage in CSR to avoid being punished by the investor’s activism. This level of engagement is not the case when rewards are used—only those managers with an expectation of being rewarded increase their CSR activity in that scenario. This suggests, for example, that incorporating thresholds or tiers (e.g. gold, silver, and bronze-level winners) can increase the effectiveness of reward contests. Implications for designing both positive and negative CSR inducements are explored. We also identify the ethical dilemmas that relate to such influence attempts.
Do Interviews Influence Admission Decisions? An Empirical Analysis From an Institution.

Introduction The admission interview is regarded as one of the most significant moments in the process of applying to medical school, but there is limited empirical evidence that supports this claim. Previous analyses have offered what is largely anecdotal evidence of the interview's importance while also suggesting that there is ample opportunity for ethnic and gender bias to impact interview scores. We also asked what medical schools can learn from comparing the attributes of matriculants and those applicants who rejected offers of acceptance. Materials and methods This study investigated the association between interview performance and admission committee decisions for applicants applying to the School of Medicine of the USU. The study cohort included all candidates who were invited for an on-site interview at the USU in 2014, 2015, and 2016 (n = 1825). Results Seventeen percent of the variance of the outcome variables-admission committee decisions to accept, place on the alternate list, or reject an applicant-can be explained by considering interview scores alone. Applicant age, race, ethnicity, and gender did not significantly impact interview overall ratings. Matriculants to the USU had similar interview ratings and distribution of gender, race, and ethnicity when compared to those applicants who rejected offers of acceptance. Matriculants were more likely to have previous military experience. Conclusion Our analysis provides some justification for the importance of the interview in the admission process. Applicant demographics (age, race, gender, and ethnicity) were not associated with interview scores. Differences between matriculants to the USU and those who rejected offers of acceptance are small, indicating that the USU continues to build a class body that excels in both cognitive and noncognitive domains.
Hearing Sensitivity, Cardiovascular Risk, and Neurocognitive Function: The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL).

Importance Both cardiovascular disease risk and hearing impairment are associated with cognitive dysfunction. However, the combined influence of the 2 risk factors on cognition is not well characterized. Objective To examine associations between hearing impairment, cardiovascular disease risk, and cognitive function. Design, Setting, and Participants This population-based, prospective cohort, multisite cross-sectional analysis of baseline data collected between 2008 and 2011 as part of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos included 9623 Hispanic or Latino adults aged 45 to 74 years in New York, Chicago, Miami, and San Diego. Exposures Hearing impairment of at least mild severity was defined as the pure tone average of 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz greater than 25 dB hearing level (dB HL) in the better ear. Our measure of cardiovascular disease risk was a latent class variable derived from body mass index, ankle-brachial index, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, and the Framingham Cardiovascular Risk score. Main Outcomes and Measures Results on Brief-Spanish English Verbal Learning Test (episodic learning and memory), and Word Fluency (verbal fluency), and Digit Symbol Subtest (processing speed/executive functioning), and a cognitive composite of the mentioned tests (overall cognition). Results Participants (N = 9180) were 54.4% female and age 56.5 years on average. Hearing impairment was associated with poorer performance on all cognitive measures (global cognition: unstandardized β, −0.11; 95% CI, −0.16 to 0.07). Cardiovascular grouping (healthy, typical, high cardiovascular disease risk, and hyperglycemia) did not attenuate the associations between hearing impairment and cognition (global cognition: unstandardized β, −0.11; 95% CI, −0.15 to −0.06). However, cardiovascular grouping interacted with hearing impairment such that hyperglycemia in the context of hearing impairment exacerbated poor performance on learning and memory tasks (F3 = 3.70 andF3 = 2.92, respectively). Conclusions and Relevance The findings of this cohort study suggest that hearing impairment increases the likelihood that individuals with excessively high glucose perform poorly on learning and memory tasks. Further research is needed to specify the mechanisms by which cardiovascular disease risk and hearing impairment are collectively associated with cognition.
The US Perspective of Benefit of Minimally Invasive Surgery: Why Is This Important Now?

With the advent of new technologies, surgical specialties have witnessed impressive changes in operative techniques, shifting toward minimally invasive procedures, including laparoscopic and robotic approaches. The benefits of minimally invasive surgery are abundant—improved postoperative pain control, decreased postoperative hospitalization, and less estimated blood loss, among others. Within the realm of gynecology, there has been widespread use of laparoscopic approaches for common procedures, including hysterectomy and myomectomy, and current evidence supports improved clinical outcomes for laparoscopic technique compared to conventional laparotomy for such procedures. Introduction of robotic platforms has further revolutionized the field of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. Robotic hysterectomy has shown promise, with comparable clinical outcomes, decreased hospitalization, shift toward outpatient procedure, and improved postoperative pain profile compared with laparoscopic approach. Similar benefits are seen for robotic myomectomy, with a significant reduction in intraoperative blood loss and postoperative pain. Resection of endometriosis is a complex procedure that requires impeccable visualization and surgical dexterity, which are components of laparoscopy that require further refinement; robotic platforms have the ability to improve upon laparoscopy and aid in endometrial resection, particularly in complex cases. With most robotic gynecologic operations, operative times are cited to be longer than with laparoscopic approaches, which can be mitigated by increased surgeon experience. Cost remains a barrier to implementation of robotic surgical systems, with the largest contributor to overall cost being the initial acquisition of the platform; however, largest predictor of cost-effectiveness of robotics in gynecology remains physician expertise, supporting the continued commitment to minimally invasive technology.
The Conceptualization Process in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Commentary on Chapter “Case Formulation in Standard Cognitive Therapy”

This chapter offers a concise review of the conceptualization process in Cognitive Behavior Therapy. It describes the conceptualization process of CBT in ten steps, from the need to develop a working model of the patient’s problems to the collaborative work with the patient in order to refine the conceptualization. The therapist and patient develop specific targets for change and establish a direction and symptom cluster upon which to focus. In a following step, through a series of cognitive and behavioral experiments the patient commit himself or herself to change the psychopathological scenario. Last, the patient and therapist evaluate the success of the commitment to change and the patient can assess his or her new set of actions and goals.
Transfibular approach to ankle arthrodesis: surgical technique guide and tips

Abstract Ankle arthrodesis remains a mainstay for treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis. Multiple approaches and techniques for tibiotalar arthrodesis are well described and the surgeon should choose the technique based on comfortability, fixation preference, and the state of the surrounding soft tissue. The lateral approach is often utilized due to its familiar anatomic location and shared incisional approach as with a standard distal fibular fracture. This technique guide describes a simplified and reproducible 2-incision lateral approach for the arthrodesis of the ankle joint in treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis.
Probabilistic bounds on neuron death in deep rectifier networks

Neuron death is a complex phenomenon with implications for model trainability: the deeper the network, the lower the probability of finding a valid initialization. In this work, we derive both upper and lower bounds on the probability that a ReLU network is initialized to a trainable point, as a function of model hyperparameters. We show that it is possible to increase the depth of a network indefinitely, so long as the width increases as well. Furthermore, our bounds are asymptotically tight under reasonable assumptions: first, the upper bound coincides with the true probability for a single-layer network with the largest possible input set. Second, the true probability converges to our lower bound as the input set shrinks to a single point, or as the network complexity grows under an assumption about the output variance. We confirm these results by numerical simulation, showing rapid convergence to the lower bound with increasing network depth. Then, motivated by the theory, we propose a practical sign flipping scheme which guarantees that the ratio of living data points in a $k$-layer network is at least $2^{-k}$. Finally, we show how these issues are mitigated by network design features currently seen in practice, such as batch normalization, residual connections, dense networks and skip connections. This suggests that neuron death may provide insight into the efficacy of various model architectures.
Severe subcutaneous emphysema caused by small injury to the abdominal wall during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

Abstract A 67-year-old man underwent RARP in the Trendelenburg position with pneumoperitoneum at 12 mmHg. Gradual elevation of End-tidal CO2(EtCO2) began, and extensive subcutaneous emphysema was recognized when EtCO2 reached 58 mmHg. After interruption of pneumoperitoneum, careful observation of the surgical field led to detect an injury of the abdominal wall of 1 cm in length, suggesting the cause of severe subcutaneous emphysema. The injury was repaired and RARP was terminated without any cardiovascular problems. Attention should be paid that even minor abdominal wall injury could lead to severe subcutaneous emphysema which may cause respiratory or cardiovascular problems during laparoscopic surgeries.
Intention Matters: Success Rate of Bilateral Oophorectomy at the Time of Vaginal Hysterectomy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Study Objective To determine the incidence of successful bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) at the time of vaginal hysterectomy (TVH) for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and to evaluate associated factors. Design Retrospective review. Setting Tertiary center. Patients or Participants All women who underwent TVH for POP who were consented for BSO “if possible” and “including extraordinary measures” between January 2014 and December 2019. Interventions BSO at the time of TVH for POP. Measurements and Main Results A total of 454 patients underwent TVH for POP and were consented for BSO during the study period. Of these, 420 patients (92.5%) were consented for “BSO if possible” and 34 patients (7.5%) were consented for “BSO including extraordinary measures.” “Success” was defined as ability to perform BSO vaginally. The success rate of BSO in all patients was 58.9% (n=267). Of the patients consented for extraordinary measures, the success rate was 91.2% (n=31). The 3 cases where BSO could not be performed vaginally were successfully completed laparoscopically. Patients who were in the “BSO if possible” group had a success rate of 55.5% (n=233). After controlling for confounders, concurrent posterior repair remained associated with successful BSO (adjOR 1.78 [95% CI=1.19-2.65]). Successful BSO was more common with a longer operative time compared to unsuccessful cases (151 min vs 134 min, p Conclusion When the pre-operative intention is to perform a BSO with extraordinary measures at the time of TVH for POP, the success rate is high, compared to when BSO is simply an opportunistic procedure. This suggests that the success is closely linked to the surgeon's determination to complete this procedure vaginally.
The FTCA Discretionary Function Exception and Accounting Malpractice

These two short pieces discuss General Dynamics Corp. v. United States, in which the Ninth Circuit reversed what appeared to be the first successful use of the Federal Torts Claims Act (FTCA) by a government contractor to pursue a professional malpractice claim against a federal agency, awarding more than $25 million in damages due to professional malpractice committed by the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA). The latter piece: (1) briefly summarizes the history of the case, explaining how a routine contractual compliance audit lead to a $25 million malpractice award; (2) introduces the discretionary function exception to the FTCA; (3) examines the application of the discretionary function exception in the context of prosecutorial discretion; (4) discusses two significant cases that demonstrate the fragile boundaries of the discretionary function exception; (5) describes guidance from the Department of Justice for government counsel faced with raising the discretionary function exception to dismiss FTCA actions; and (6) concludes by acknowledging that efforts to reign in the scope of the discretionary function exception to the FTCA are sure to continue. The earlier piece discusses the district court decision.
Percutaneous Absorption and Irritant Dermatitis

Dermatotoxicology is defined as a science that deals with adverse skin effects and the substances that produce them. Three key subdisciplines are skin irritation, skin sensitization, and skin penetration. The bioresponse is dependent upon the inherent toxicity of the chemical and absorption of that chemical into and through the skin. Percutaneous absorption is defined as the rate and extent to which a chemical penetrates into and through skin. The skin is recognized both as a barrier to absorption and as a primary route to the systemic circulation. The skin’s barrier properties are often, but not always, impressive. Fluids and electrolytes are reasonably well retained within the body, while at the same time many foreign chemicals are partially restricted from entering the systemic circulation. Despite these barrier properties, the skin is the route by which many chemicals enter the body. In most instances, the toxicology of the chemical is slight, and/or the bioavailability (rate and amount of absorption) of the chemical is too low to cause an immediate response. However, some chemicals applied to the skin have the potential to produce toxicity. Percutaneous absorption is now a primary focal point for dermatotoxicology. It is now recognized that local and systemic toxicity depends on a chemical penetrating the skin. Table 1 shows the relationship of percutaneous absorption to toxicologic activity. A local or systemic effect cannot occur unless the chemical has inherent toxicity and the chemical is able to overcome the barrier properties of skin and enter a biologic system (local skin and/or systemic circulation) [1].
A Model Study toward the Concise Synthesis of Bromotyrosine-Derived Spiroisoxazoline Natural Products and Analogous Core Structures

A model study of the first non-aromatic ring based approach toward α-hydroxyspiroisoxazolines resembling the bromotyrosine derived natural product and analogous spiroisoxazoline core structures were implemented. The desired molecular architecture was achieved through the multifunctionalization of a key 1,3-diketo spiroisoxazoline. Our strategy could serve as an efficient alternative of previously developed approaches that utilize an aromatic ring oxidation as the essential step to synthesize this class of natural products.
Selection of Charge Air Cooling System for Two-Stroke Cycle Diesel Engines

Air-to-air and air-to-water charge air cooling techniques significantly reduce charge air temperature; improving fuel economy and reducing NOx emission levels and cylinder temperatures of turbocharged two-stroke diesel engines. System selection is influenced by installation constraints, type of application, and cost considerations. Two new methods of charge air cooling as applied to on-highway diesel engines are described. The effects of environmental conditions and load factor on engine coolant and charge air temperature are analyzed.
Physiological studies on Phymatotrichum omnivorum. II. Physicochemical properties of glycogen.

The physical and chemical properties and molecular structure of glycogen from Phymatotrichum omnivorum (Shear) Dugg. were studied. Glycogen samples from rabbit liver and shellfish were compared with Phymatotrichum glycogen in physicochemical properties. Analyses of purity showed the isolated glycogen was highly pure. Purified glycogen had an optical rotation of + 183.3°, and optical rotatory dispersion showed the absence of optically active substances between 200 and 600 nm. Maximum absorption of the glycogen-iodine complex was at 395 nm. I.R. spectra confirmed the α-1,4 linkage as well as α-d-glucopyranose units of the glycogen molecule. Alpha- and Beta-amylase studies indicated the average chain length was 13 glucose units with 43% limit dextrin. Results of periodate oxidation of glycogen agreed closely with the result of the amylase studies.
The Current Policy Debate in School Finance: Why Does It Matter?.

chool finance is once again a hot topic. Over the last two years, nearly half the states have been somehow involved in debate about the adequacy and/or fairness of their school finance systems. A dozen states are now in various stages of litigation on the constitutionality of their funding systems. These cases are generally about mitigating the wealth-related differences in spending between school districts. In Alabama, Connecticut, Louisiana, and Oklahoma, lawsuits have shifted the emphasis from equitable funding to adequacy (that is, ensuring that states provide the resources needed for each child to meet the state's education standards). Beyond the courts, a concern about property taxes is fueling the debate in some states. Poor student performance is the motivating factor in other instances, where a major question is whether spending more money on schools is the way to improve student achievement. Hovering above all this are the recent discussions of education goals and standards and calls for systemic education reform. The Goals 2000: Educate America Act and various related state and national initiatives contain lots of ideas about school reform that raise questions about how we finance our schools.
Home exercise in rheumatoid arthritis functional class II: goal setting versus pain attention.

Objective To evaluate the effects of a 12-week home exercise and cognitive treatment program in functionally independent patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods Forty-two patients were assessed with the Arthritis Self-efficacy Scale, the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire, the Ritchie articular index, measurement of joint mobility, and registration of capacity and pain in functional tasks. The patients were then randomized to either a "goal-setting" subgroup, in which individual goals for the exercise were set and exercise encouraged despite pain, or to a "pain attention" subgroup, where advice to decrease exercise load in case of pain was given. All patients used the same home exercise program aiming at improved range of motion, muscle function and aerobic capacity. Results After the intervention period, exercise had conferred better self-efficacy for "other symptoms," increased capacity in most functional tasks, decreased activity induced pain, lowered Ritchie index, and increased joint mobility. Some improvements regarding pain were larger in the goal-setting subgroup. Conclusion Home exercise influences self-efficacy for mood and fatigue, physical capacity, and pain. Additional cognitive treatment seems to positively influence the perception of pain.
Remote Sensing Methods

Remotely sensed data allows archaeologists and historic preservationists the ability to detect phenomena previously unobservable to them by nondestructive methods. Archaeologists have successfully used aerial photography since the turn of the century and it continues to be an important research tool today. Multispectral scanners and computer-implemented analysis techniques extend the range of human vision and provide the investigator with innovative research designs at scales previously unimaginable. Pioneering efforts in the use of remote sensing technology have demonstrated its potential, but it is the recent technological developments in remote sensing instrumentation and computer capability that provide for unlimited, cost-effective applications in the future. The combination of remote sensing, Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is radically altering survey, inventory, and modeling approaches.
Psychometrically equivalent Mandarin bisyllabic speech discrimination materials spoken by male and female talkers.

The purpose of this study was to develop, digitally record, evaluate, and psychometrically equate a set of Mandarin bisyllabic word lists for use in measurement of speech discrimination. Familiar bisyllabic words were digitally recorded by male and female talkers of Standard Mandarin. Percentage of correct word recognition was measured for each word at ten intensity levels (−5 to 40 dB HL) in 5 dB increments using 20 normally hearing subjects. Using logistic regression, 200 words with the steepest logistic regression slopes were included in four psychometrically equivalent word lists of 50 words each, and eight half-lists of 25 words each. To increase auditory homogeneity of the lists, the intensity of words in each list was digitally adjusted so that the threshold of each list was equal to the midpoint between the mean thresholds of the male and female half-lists. Digital recordings of the psychometrically equivalent word recognition lists are available on compact disc.
The happiness hypothesis: Finding modern truth in ancient wisdom.

Jonathan Haidt skillfully combines two genres-philosophical wisdom and scientific research-delighting the reader with surprising insights. He explains, for example, why we have such difficulty controlling ourselves and sticking to our plans; why no achievement brings lasting happiness, yet a few changes in your life can have profound effects, and why even confirmed atheists experience spiritual elevation. In a stunning final chapter, Haidt addresses the grand question "How can I live a meaningful life?," offering an original answer that draws on the rich inspiration of both philosophy and science. ""The Happiness Hypothesis" is a wonderful and nuanced book that provides deep insight into the some of the most important questions in life--Why are we here? What kind of life should we lead? What paths lead to happiness? From the ancient philosophers to cutting edge scientists, Haidt weaves a tapestry of the best and the brightest. His highly original work on elevation and awe--two long-neglected emotions--adds a new weave to that tapestry. A truly inspiring book." -David M. Buss, author of "The Evolution of Desire: Strategies of Human Mating" "In this beautifully written book, Jonathan Haidt shows us the deep connection that exists between cutting-edge psychological research and the wisdom of the ancients. It is inspiring to see how much modern psychology informs life's most central and persistent questions-Barry Schwartz, author of "The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less" "In our quest for happiness, we must find a balance between modern science and ancient wisdom, between East and West, and between 'left brain' and 'right brain.' Jon Haidt has struck that balance perfectly, and in doing so has given us the most brilliant and lucid analysis of virtue and well-being in the entire literature of positive psychology. For the reader who seeks to understand happiness, my advice is: Begin with Haidt."-Martin E.P. Seligman, Director, Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania and author of "Authentic Happiness" "Haidt is a fine guide on this journey between past and present, discussing the current complexities of psychological theory with clarity and humor. . . Haidt's is an open-minded, robust look at philosophy, psychological fact and spiritual mystery, of scientific rationalism and the unknowable ephemeral - an honest inquiry that concludes that the best life is, perhaps, one lived in the balance of opposites."-Bookpage
Effect of exogenous ACTH on precursor utilization in lemming adrenal-steroidogenesis.

Administration of ACTH to lemming adrenals in vitro increased the incorporation rate of 14C-acetate and 3H-cholesterol into corticosteroids. Incorporation of labeled acetate into corticosterone and cortisol was stimulated more markedly than was incorporation of exogenous cholesterol. The relative incorporationrate of acetate (measured either as specific activity or as % incorporation) was favored by high doses of exogenous ACTH. Labeled progesterone secretion rates were marked in control and treated glands, but showed depletion of progesterone formed from acetate at higher ACTH doses. (Endocrinology 83: 1387, 1968)
Automated summative usability studies: an empirical evaluation

This paper evaluates a method for summative usability testing using an automated data collection system. We found automated summative testing to be a simple and effective alternative to lab-based summative testing and could be successfully conducted remotely. In our study, a web-based control window led participants through the summative study, provided tasks to perform, and asked follow up questions about the user experience. Using a within-group comparison, we found no major differences between data collected by a usability engineer and that collected through an automated testing system for performance metrics. Using a between-group comparison, we found automated summative studies could be conducted remotely with minor but acceptable differences in time on task and likelihood to give up on a task compared to lab-based testing. Task success and task satisfaction ratings were not different between remote and lab-based summative testing. Written comments provided by participants through the testing system were sufficient to identify the major usability problems that led to task failure but did not reveal as comprehensive a set of issues as did a usability engineer observing the sessions.
Orbital stability of systems of closely-spaced planets, II: configurations with coorbital planets

We numerically investigate the stability of systems of 1 $${{\rm M}_{\oplus}}$$ planets orbiting a solar-mass star. The systems studied have either 2 or 42 planets per occupied semimajor axis, for a total of 6, 10, 126, or 210 planets, and the planets were started on coplanar, circular orbits with the semimajor axes of the innermost planets at 1 AU. For systems with two planets per occupied orbit, the longitudinal initial locations of planets on a given orbit were separated by either 60° (Trojan planets) or 180°. With 42 planets per semimajor axis, initial longitudes were uniformly spaced. The ratio of the semimajor axes of consecutive coorbital groups in each system was approximately uniform. The instability time for a system was taken to be the first time at which the orbits of two planets with different initial orbital distances crossed. Simulations spanned virtual times of up to 1 × 108, 5 × 105, and 2 × 105 years for the 6- and 10-planet, 126-planet, and 210-planet systems, respectively. Our results show that, for a given class of system (e.g., five pairs of Trojan planets orbiting in the same direction), the relationship between orbit crossing times and planetary spacing is well fit by the functional form log(t c /t 0) = b β + c, where t c is the crossing time, t 0 = 1 year, β is the separation in initial orbital semimajor axis (in terms of the mutual Hill radii of the planets), and b and c are fitting constants. The same functional form was observed in the previous studies of single planets on nested orbits (Smith and Lissauer 2009). Pairs of Trojan planets are more stable than pairs initially separated by 180°. Systems with retrograde planets (i.e., some planets orbiting in the opposite sense from others) can be packed substantially more closely than can systems with all planets orbiting in the same sense. To have the same characteristic lifetime, systems with 2 or 42 planets per orbit typically need to have about 1.5 or 2 times the orbital separation as orbits occupied by single planets, respectively.
Ultra wide-stopband planar microstrip bandpass filter above defected ground structure

In this paper, the design of a compact planar bandpass filter above a defected ground plane is presented. The filter is designed as a combination of microstrip resonators and exploits the properties of a planar electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structure patterned unto the ground plane of the printed circuit board material to provide a very wide stopband of up to 5 times the fundamental frequency. The structure is fabricated and excellent agreement between measurement and simulation results are obtained; attesting for the functionality of this design approach. The proposed filter herein features operation at the protected L-band radiometric region centered around 1413MHz.
Cloning and characterization of a bursicon-regulated gene Su(H) in the house fly Musca domestica

Bursicon is a neuropeptide that regulates cuticle sclerotization (hardening and tanning) in insect via a G-protein coupled receptor. However, the signal transduction pathway downstream of the G-protein coupled receptor is currently not well known. In our recent microarray analysis, we identified a panel of genes regulated by bursicon in Drosophila. One of the genes, Suppressor of Hairless ,o rSu(H), has drawn our attention because its product acts down-stream of the bursicon receptor. In the present study, we cloned the Drosophila homolog, mdSu(H), from the house fly Musca domestica using 3 � and 5 � rapid amplification of complementary DNA ends. Real-time polymerase chain reactionanalysisrevealedthatthelevelofmdSu(H)transcriptisup-regulatedby ∼3-fold1h after recombinant bursicon injection, which correlates well with the cuticle sclerotization process observed in the recombinant bursicon-injected flies. We infer that Su(H) is an essential gene involved in the insect cuticle sclerotization process.
The Origins of Progressive Education.

By the dawn of the twentieth century, a new way of thinking about the nature of the child, classroom methods, and the purposes of the school increasingly dominated educational discourse. Something loosely called progressive education, especially its more child-centered aspects, became part of a larger revolt against the formalism of the schools and an assault on tradition. Our finest scholars, such as Lawrence A. Cremin, in his magisterial study of progressivism forty years ago, have tried to explain the origins and meaning of this movement. One should be humbled by their achievements and by the magnitude of the subject. Variously defined, progressivism continues to find its champions and critics, the latter occasionally blaming it for low economic productivity, immorality among the young, and the decline of academic standards. In the popular press, John Dewey's name is often invoked as the evil genius behind the movement, even though he criticized sugar-coated education and letting children do as they please. While scholars doubt whether any unified, coherent movement called progressivism ever existed, its offspring, progressive education, apparently did exist, wreaking havoc on the schools.
Effect of Electromechanical Coupling on the Young’s Modulus of Zinc Oxide Nanowires

The Young’s modulus of zinc oxide nanowires was measured to be significantly lower than bulk zinc oxide, which cannot be explained within the framework of existing theories. We propose that the strong electromechanical coupling in piezoelectric materials, such as zinc oxide, influences the measured mechanical properties. The asymmetric wurtzite crystal structure and the ionic nature of the molecular bonding result in internal electric fields during straining of the zinc oxide nanowire, which in turn lead to reduction in the measured modulus. In case of flexural deformation, additional electromechanical coupling is present due to the flexoelectric effect.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Studies on the formation of 6-hydroxydopamine in mouse brain after administration of 2,4,5-trihydroxyphenylalanine (6-hydroxyDOPA).

: 2,4,5-Trihydroxyphenylalanine (6-OH-DOPA) destroys central and peripheral noradrenergic neurons, while sparing dopaminergic neurons. Previous studies indicate that 6-OH-DOPA toxicity is mediated by the formation of 6-hydroxydopamine. However, levels of 6-hydroxydopamine in brain following peripheral administration of 6-OH-DOPA have not been documented. In the current study, 6-OH-DOPA and 6-hydroxydopamine were measured in brain by HPLC with electrochemical detection after intraperitoneal injection of 6-OH-DOPA. When mice were injected with 100 mg 6-OH-DOPA/kg, 6-hydroxydopamine levels in the striatum were highest (1.9 μg/g) at 15 min and fell slowly to 24% of the peak value at 4 h. Experiments with reserpine indicated that the relative stability of 6-hydroxydopamine was largely dependent upon storage in synaptic vesicles. Reserpine (10 mg/kg) lowered striatal 6-hydroxydopamine levels to 21.6% of control (non-reserpine-treated) values at 1 h, and to 8.9% of control values at 4 h. Levels of 6-hydroxydopamine in the striatum at 1 h were increased 113% by pargyline (100 mg/kg), 145% by α-methyldopahydrazine (carbidopa; 25 mg/kg), and 261% by pargyline and carbidopa together. Levels of dopamine in the striatum were unchanged at 2.5 h after 200 mg 6-OH-DOPA/kg (with pargyline and 50 mg carbidopa/kg), whereas levels of norepinephrine in the frontal cortex fell by 77%. At the same time, 6-hydroxydopamine levels were 8.8-fold higher in the striatum (5.54 μ/g) than in the cortex (0.63 μg/g). The latter results show that the striatum is resistant to 6-OH-DOPA-mediated depletion of catechol-amines even though the concentrations of 6-hydroxydopamine approach those of endogenous dopamine.