cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROCESSOR

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the development of the processor. At the sensory end—the eyes and the ears—the detail of physiological mechanism determines, to a great extent, the ways in which information is processed. The sensory organs and their central connections form a complex interface between man and his environment. Information held in short-term memory for a sufficient period of time can be transferred to the more permanent store that is usually called as long-term memory. The left hemisphere in brain usually plays a special role in storing knowledge of oral language, while the right hemisphere can be preferentially involved in processing certain information about visual form. The task of discovering process explanations for behavior is work of induction, not deduction. There is no known way to go directly and inexorably from the facts to a theory that explains those facts. The child generally learns oral language in the presence of objects and situations that he can already represent semantically.
Assessing surgical methods for treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome - which is the best?

Cubital tunnel syndrome is a common and debilitating cause of upper extremity neuropathy. Several surgical options exist for treating this condition, including simple decompression, subcutaneous anterior transposition, and submuscular anterior translocation. The literature shows no clear differences in outcomes of these procedures. Consequently, the decision of which procedure to perform is often a matter of surgeon preference. Liu et al. has designed a blinded, randomized clinical trial to compare outcomes at 6 months postoperatively. This commentary addresses strengths and potential areas of improvement in the study protocol. With revision, the aforementioned study could provide clinical value in determining the ideal surgical option for cubital tunnel syndrome that maximizes reduction of symptoms while minimizing complications.
Insect Developmental Hormones and Their Mechanism of Action

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews briefly the general endocrine regulation of the postembryonic development in insects and the characteristics of insect hormones, and then discusses what is known about their cellular and molecular modes of action. It focuses primarily on their roles in the development of the nervous system. Here, the primary emphasis is on two model insects, the moth Manduca sexta and the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Insect development is regulated by two families of hormones: steroid ecdysones and sesquiterpenoid juvenile hormones (JHs). The ecdysones control the molting of exoskeleton (cuticle) that is secreted by the underlying epidermis, and has both rigid and extensible regions. To accommodate the growth and changes in morphology that accompany metamorphosis, a new exoskeleton is periodically formed followed by the shedding of the old one. These molts are evident during the late stages of embryogenesis, and continue through the growth and metamorphic phases of postembryonic life. The adult insect does not molt.
150 Years of American Invention: Methodology and a First Geographical Application

This paper makes use of American patent data to shed light on the geographical history of invention, and introduces a methodology (the Wellesley Technology Concordance) which creates matrices describing the distribution of patents by 43 industries of manufacture and 50 sectors of use, along with all intersectoral interactions. National data (1840-1996) are presented and summarized, along with state-level totals (1883-1996). A simple constant market share analysis demonstrates the usefulness of the WTC methodology in the exploration of regional differences over time, illuminating the links between the continued success of key sectors and the emergence or submergence of geographic regions as leading inventors.
Visibility and Depth of the Stromal Demarcation Line After Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking Using Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography: Comparison Between Isoosmolar and Hypoosmolar Riboflavin.

Purpose To evaluate and compare visibility and depth of the stromal demarcation line (DL) created after corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) between 2 groups: CXL with isoosmolar and hypoosmolar riboflavin. Methods In this retrospective study performed at Metz-Thionville Regional Hospital, consecutive patients with progressive keratoconus underwent CXL using an accelerated protocol (10 min, 9 mW/cm ultraviolet-A). AS-OCT (RS-3000, Nidek) was performed at 1 month after surgery, with stromal DL visibility graded. The corneal demarcation line depth (DLD) was also measured. Results Seventy-five eyes of 58 patients with a mean age of 25.2 ± 9.1 years were enrolled in the study. Preoperative mean anterior Kmax was 57.4 ± 5.4 D. The mean thinnest pachymetry was 474.3 ± 35.7 μm. The mean depth of the stromal DL on 1-month optical coherence tomography evaluation was 331.2 ± 62.7 μm. A DL was visible (grades 1 and 2) in 54 (72%) treated eyes. A positive correlation was found between patient age and the DLD: deeper lines were found in older patients [r = 0.38, P = 0.005, confidence interval 95% (0.12; 0.58)]. Forty-one patients were included in the isoosmolar group and 34 in the hypoosmolar group: neither visibility nor DLD was significantly different between groups. The mean depth was 334.5 ± 67.5 μm and 328.1 ± 59.0 μm in the isoosmolar and hypoosmolar groups, respectively (P = 0.82). A DL was visible (grades 1 and 2) in 26 eyes (63.4%) and 28 eyes (82.4%) in the isoosmolar and hypoosmolar groups, respectively (P = 0.12). Conclusions The use of isoosmolar or hypoosmolar riboflavin does not significantly modify the depth or visibility of the stromal DL 1 month after accelerated CXL on AS-OCT evaluation.
Symmetry-protected topological interfaces and entanglement sequences

Gapped interfaces (and boundaries) of two-dimensional (2D) Abelian topological phases are shown to support a remarkably rich sequence of 1D symmetry-protected topological (SPT) states. We show that such interfaces can provide a physical interpretation for the corrections to the topological entanglement entropy of a 2D state with Abelian topological order found by J. Cano, T. L. Hughes, and M. Mulligan [Phys. Rev. B 92, 075104 (2015)]. The topological entanglement entropy decomposes as $\ensuremath{\gamma}={\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{a}+{\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{s}$, where ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{a}g0$ only depends on universal topological properties of the 2D state, while a correction ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{s}g0$ signals the emergence of the 1D SPT state that is produced by interactions along the entanglement cut and provides a direct measure of the stabilizing symmetry of the resulting SPT state. A correspondence is established between the possible values of ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{s}$ associated with a given interface---which is named the ``boundary topological entanglement sequence''---and classes of 1D SPT states. We show that symmetry-preserving domain walls along such 1D interfaces (or boundaries) generally host localized parafermion-like excitations that are stable to local symmetry-preserving perturbations.
In Vitro Production of Marine-Derived Antitumor Compounds

The sustainable supply of marine-derived bioactive compounds to meet demands for pre-clinical and clinical evaluation is a major consideration in drug development strategies. It is also a concern to environmental resource managers, particularly since conservation of genetic resources may preclude harvesting as a bulk supply strategy. Our research addresses this need by focusing on in vitro production of antitumor compounds through cell culture of the source organisms. Our objectives are: to establish cultures of bioactive marine invertebrates that can be used as models to study in vitro production of antitumor compounds and the factors which control expression of their production; to provide bulk supplies of these compounds through in vitro production; and to produce new structural analogs via manipulation of culture conditions.
Protective Progressives to Distrustful Traditionalists: A Post Hoc Segmentation Method for Science Communication

This study demonstrates a post-hoc segmentation that is effective in creating distinct and robust segments of interest for researchers and practitioners in science communication. We use agglomerati...
Toward a relational politics of representation

ABSTRACTRhetorical theories of representation, caught in the logics of transcendence/immanence, have struggled to reconcile the need to move beyond representation with the political importance of c...
Global elucidation of broken symmetry solutions to the independent particle model through a Lie algebraic approach.

Broken symmetry solutions—solutions to the independent particle model that do not obey all symmetries required by the Hamiltonian—have attracted significant interest for capturing multireference properties with mean-field scaling. However, identification and optimization of broken-symmetry solutions is difficult owing to the non-linear nature of the self-consistent field (SCF) equations, particularly for solutions belonging to low-symmetry subgroups and where multiple broken symmetry solutions are sought. Linearization of SCF solution space results in the Lie algebra, which this work utilizes as a framework for elucidation of the set of solutions that exist at the desired symmetry. To demonstrate that searches constructed in the Lie algebra yield the set of broken symmetry solutions, a grid-based search of real-restricted, real-unrestricted, complex-restricted, paired-unrestricted, and real-general solutions of the C2v (nearly D4h) H4 molecule is performed.Broken symmetry solutions—solutions to the independent particle model that do not obey all symmetries required by the Hamiltonian—have attracted significant interest for capturing multireference properties with mean-field scaling. However, identification and optimization of broken-symmetry solutions is difficult owing to the non-linear nature of the self-consistent field (SCF) equations, particularly for solutions belonging to low-symmetry subgroups and where multiple broken symmetry solutions are sought. Linearization of SCF solution space results in the Lie algebra, which this work utilizes as a framework for elucidation of the set of solutions that exist at the desired symmetry. To demonstrate that searches constructed in the Lie algebra yield the set of broken symmetry solutions, a grid-based search of real-restricted, real-unrestricted, complex-restricted, paired-unrestricted, and real-general solutions of the C2v (nearly D4h) H4 molecule is performed.
Factor Analysis of Negative Symptom Items in the Structured Interview for Prodromal Syndromes

Background Negative symptoms occur early in the clinical high risk (CHR) state and indicate increased risk of conversion to psychotic disorder and poor functional outcome. However, while the negative symptom domain has shown to be parsimoniously explained by a 2-factor construct in schizophrenia, there has yet to be an established factor structure of negative symptoms in CHR. Methods 214 individuals meeting the Structured Interview for Psychosis-Risk Syndromes (SIPS) criteria for CHR were recruited through 3 active research programs in the United States. Exploratory Factor Analysis was conducted on the 6 negative symptom items of the SIPS, and factors were evaluated with respect to functional outcome and depression. Results Factor analysis indicated a 2-factor hierarchical model with 2 negative symptom dimensions reflecting volition (Occupational Functioning and Avolition) and emotion (Expression of Emotion, Experience of Emotion and Social Anhedonia). Linear Regression showed that the emotion factor was associated with poor social function, and the volition factor was associated with poor role function and depression. Conclusions Similar to factor solutions identified in adults diagnosed with psychotic disorders, results indicated that the SIPS negative symptom subscale is not a unidimensional construct. Rather, the SIPS negative subscale has 2 distinct factors that have different associations with clinical outcome and should be interpreted independently. Results have significant relevance for informing the valid assessment and conceptual interpretation of early clinical phenomenology in the psychosis prodrome.
Addressing Frequent Issues of Home Enteral Nutrition Patients

The home enteral nutrition (HEN) population is a medically diverse group whose number has increased substantially in recent decades. Although medically stable compared with acute care patients requiring nutrition support, HEN population needs are unique and require a team approach to manage nutrition. Frequently encountered issues by the HEN team include mechanical issues of the tube site, gastrointestinal and metabolic problems, and patient preferences regarding tube weaning, formula selection, and compliance. A thorough search of the published literature on how to manage these issues was conducted using scientific healthcare databases with the following inclusion criteria: English only, last 10 years, and reviews and clinical trials. Where appropriate, references from the retrieved articles were hand-searched for relevant articles older than 10 years and cited in this review. The purpose of this review is to provide the HEN team with strategies to address the top issues of home enteral feeding.
Microbial inoculation of plants

Seed of maize, tomato, and wheat was inoculated with cultures of Azotobacter, Clostridium, and a nitrogen-fixing facultative Bacillus and grown in a nutrient-deficient sand and a highly fertile silt loam. In sand, wheat showed a significant positive response to inoculation with Azotobacter and Clostridium but maize and tomato were unaffected by inoculation. When inoculated seed was planted in Lima silt loam there were significant increases in the growth of maize, tomato, and wheat to treatment with Clostridium, inoculated maize and wheat responded to Azotobacter inoculation while only wheat responded to inoculation with the facultative Bacillus. In pure-culture studies of the ability of these cultures to establish upon plant roots it was shown that Azotobacter did not colonize the roots of lucerne, maize, tomato, or wheat to any great extent. Bacillus and Clostridium were moderate colonizers of plant roots reaching from 1 to 20 per cent the levels reached byPseudomonas fluorescens on the same plants.
Rethinking the Origins of Civic Culture and Why it Matters for the Study of the Arab World (The Government and Opposition/Leonard Schapiro Lecture 2018)

The protests of the Arab Spring sparked hope for a democratic breakthrough in a region long known for its durable systems of authoritarian rule, but optimism soon turned to disappointment. This article argues that the main problem with the post-Arab Spring narrative of failure and regression is that it equates democratization with regime change and places too great a causal burden on protests as the route to its achievement. It proposes that democratization can be understood as a multivalent process encompassing changes occurring at different registers, spurred by different causal mechanisms, and according to different time lines, rather than as a fixed package of changes that proceed in unilinear fashion from different variants of authoritarianism towards a common democratic finish line. Thinking about democratization differently alerts us to vectors of change we might otherwise fail to notice and enables us to move beyond the over-generalizations and over-simplifications that arise when we focus solely on (changes in) macro structures and relations of power.
System architecture for autonomous mobile manipulation of everyday objects in domestic environments

Assistive service robots have a great potential for helping elderly or motor-impaired people in everyday tasks. Specifically, enabling robots to manipulate objects in home environments is a critical step towards independent life. In this work, we focus on developing a complete system for autonomous mobile manipulation. We describe our system, which consists of natural language processing, perception, navigation, and integrated motion and grasp planning modules.
Manufacturing of unidirectional glass-fiber-reinforced composites via frontal polymerization: A numerical study

Abstract Frontal polymerization (FP) is explored as a faster and energy-efficient manufacturing method for dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) matrix, E-glass-fiber-reinforced composites through a series of numerical simulations based on a homogenized reaction-diffusion model. The simulations are carried out over a range of values of fiber volume fraction using (i) a transient, nonlinear, multi-physics finite element solver, and (ii) a semi-analytic steady-state solver. We observe that the front velocity and temperature decrease with an increase in the fiber volume fraction until a critical point is reached, beyond which FP is no longer observed as the front is quenched. To highlight the effect of the material properties of the reinforcing phase, the dependencies of the front velocity, width and maximum temperature on the fiber volume fraction obtained for glass/DCPD composites are compared to those associated with carbon/DCPD composites.
Zalabardo on Wittgenstein and the Unity of the Proposition

What explains the difference between a proposition and a mere list of the words it contains, presented in the same order? What unites the parts of a proposition to form a whole? Jose Zalabardo argu...
Standardization of the inpatient oncology signout process.

253Background: Provider handoffs are prone to medical errors which in turn impact patient outcomes. Standardized signout tools have helped address this issue, however not in oncology. Methods: A pr...
Validation of a custom spine biomechanics simulator: A case for standardization

Mechanical testing machines used in cadaveric spine biomechanics research vary between labs. It is a necessary first step to understand the capabilities and limitations in any testing machine prior to publishing experimental data. In this study, a reproducible protocol that uses a synthetic spine was developed and used to quantify the inherent rotation error and the ability to apply loads in a single physiologic plane (pure-moment) of a custom spine biomechanics simulator. Rotation error was evaluated by comparing data collected by the test machine and the data collected by an optical motion capture system. Pure-moment loading was assessed by comparing the out-of-plane loads to the primary plane load. Using synthetic functional spine units previously shown to have mechanics similar to the cadaveric human spine, the simulator was evaluated using a dynamic test protocol reflective of its future use in the study of cadaveric spine specimens. Rotation errors inherent in the test machine were <0.25° compared to motion capture. Out of plane loads were <4.0% of the primary plane load, which confirmed pure-moment loading. The authors suggest that a standard validation protocol for biomechanical spine testing machines is needed for transparency and accurate field-wide data interpretation and comparison. We offer recommendations based on the reproducible use of a synthetic spinal specimen for consideration.
Reported Court Curbing and Administrative Court Curbing Measures

Court curbing measures that were reported out from the judiciary committee are introduced and examined first. From both a historical approach and a quantitative analysis, there are differences between why the House and Senate pursue such hostile legislation. Whereas the Senate responds to institutionally hostile threats from the Court, the House pursues court curbing when it is more popular to attack the courts. These patterns are confirmed by the quantitative results, which reveal that in general the House responds to polarization, while the Senate responds to the Court’s agenda, and judicial review. Interestingly, administrative court curbing, which are attempts by Congress to insulate the executive from judicial review, reveal similar outcomes.
The Protection of Operating Software under Japanese Copyright Law

This article applies general principles of Japanese copyright law, as well as recent statutory amendments relating to computer programs, to the protection of operating system software. Against this framework, the views of leading Japanese commentators are critically analyzed to conclude that, if the suggested interpretations are adopted by Japanese courts, the Japanese Copyright Law could serve as a model for other countries that protect computer programs under copyright law.
Neuro-anatomical localization of EEG identical bursts in patients with and without post-anoxic myoclonus.

Abstract Background The electroencephalograph (EEG) pattern of burst suppression with identical bursts (BSIB), with or without myoclonus, occurs often after resuscitation from cardiac arrest. These patterns are associated with severe brain injury but their neuropathological basis is unknown. Using EEG source localization, we tested whether post-cardiac arrest myoclonus was associated with specific anatomical distribution of BSIB. Methods We performed a single center, case-control study of EEG-monitored post-cardiac arrest patients with BSIB. We determined the presence of myoclonus from clinical notes and video recordings. We generated normalized source density maps (sLORETA) for the first 0.5 s of each burst projected onto a standard anatomic model, and compared proportion of EEG power in the precentral gyrus (motor cortex) to the rest of the brain. Results We included 20 patients, 10 with and 10 without myoclonus. Patients with myoclonus had greater electrical activation localized to the precentral gyrus compared to those without (median 3.25 [IQR 2.74–3.59] vs 2.68 [IQR 2.66–2.71], P = 0.04). There was no difference between groups in region of burst origin. Conclusion Among patients with BSIB after cardiac arrest, those with clinical myoclonus have more electrocortical activation in the precentral gyrus.
Inconsistent with the Intent of Public Health Strategies on Incidence Rates and Case-Fatality Ratio between States with Extra Stay-at-Home and Mandating Face Masks Orders and States Only Following CDC Recommendations During COVID-19 Pandemic in the US

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is now recognized as a multi-system disease. The CDC recommends multiple preventive methods, including social distancing, hand hygiene, and wearing masks. In addition, some states imposed stay-at-home (SAH) and mandatory face mask (MFM) orders, to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The purpose of this study was to characterize the relationship between SAH and MFM approaches with the incidence rate and fatality-case-ratios (CFR). Methods: The research design is a cross-sectional study examining changes in incidence rate and CFR between states with and without SAH and MFM using available database from CDC during the pandemic periods of the date of the first positive case of each state to the date of 2020-08-23. Findings: The new daily cases curve of the nation was bent or flattened under the order of SAH and increased following the end of SAH and several nation-wide social gathering events. SAH+MFM states (n=34) and SAH+no-MFM states (n=9) have similar incidence rates, but significantly higher averages in daily new cases and daily fatality, and CFR than no-SAH+no-MFM states (n=7 states. P < 0.05), respectively. When normalized to population density, beside higher CFR in no-SAH+no-MFM, there are no significant differences in total positive cases, average daily new cases and average daily fatality among the 3 groups. When comparing masking during the period of SAH, there are significantly higher incidence rates and average daily new cases in MFM states than in no-MFM states (p<0.05). When normalized to population density, there are no significant differences in total positive cases and average daily new cases between the 2 groups. Interpretation: Our results were inconsistent with the intent of public health strategies in lowering transmission and fatality. From the policy making level, we suggested that following the CDC recommendation may be efficient for general public prevention during the pandemic. Funding: Not applicable. Declaration of Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interests.
Dreaming in crisis

This article explores how socio-political crises that implicate teachers and students play out in dreams about the psychical and material realities of schooling. Teacher dreaming during crisis reveals the impossibility of the dream of education – a fantasy of control, protection, and transformation of students. The author analyzes her own teacher fantasies of protecting and transforming students during crisis as they are unfurled in her dreams to be just that, fantasies. The crises of violence and remoteness, as engendered by antisemitism, school fighting, and Covid-19, expose the fissures of this fantasy through the transferential time and ties of teaching. Ultimately, the conflicts that ensue from dreaming during crisis generate possibilities of learning through crisis.
Application of IRIS Three-Dimensional Anatomical Models As Preoperative Surgical Planning Tools in the Management of Localized Renal Masses.

Introduction: The use of volume-rendered images is gaining popularity in the surgical planning for complex procedures. IRIS™ is an interactive software that delivers three-dimensional (3D) virtual ...
Impact of large-scale wind power penetration on incentive of individual investors, a supply function equilibrium approach

Abstract This paper investigates two problems: 1) the decision-making approach for an individual investor in a power market with the uncertainty of wind power generation, and 2) the impacts of expanding the penetration of wind energy on the profitability of the investment. To answer these questions, a comparison framework of two distinct investments is designed in which one is deterministic in a power market including only fossil-fuel generators, and another is uncertain in a power market with wind energy production. The power market is modeled as a supply function equilibrium (SFE), and a scenario-based model is implemented on the IEEE 30-bus system to deal with the uncertainty of wind energy. A novel approach, including error correction and the sensitivity analysis method, is introduced. The concept of conditional value at risk is applied to measure the investment risk. The results show that the wind speed prediction error and the wind probability density function variation create a very low impact on the final result. However, the load duration curve has a high impact on the decision-making problem. The proposed approach can address the ensured gained profit of an investment in an uncertain power market.
Anesthesia for Hepatobiliary Cancers

The primary modality of management of hepatobiliary cancers is surgical removal. The main principle of anesthetic management during partial hepatectomy is to minimize fluid administration during hepatic transection. The hepatectomy procedures have the potential of massive blood loss, and hence the presence of large venous access needs to be ensured. The usual anesthetic technique remains general anesthesia with epidural catheter placement for analgesia. Depending on whether the liver function is compensated or decompensated, the selection of anesthetic drugs and fluid management needs to be decided.
Measuring the impact of international reporting standards on market performance of publicly traded companies

Abstract The decision whether to require publicly traded companies to adopt International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) remains in flux. In 2008, the US Securities and Exchange Commission proposed a roadmap leading to complete acceptance of IFRS in the US. With the potential replacement of US GAAP with IFRS in the near future, understanding the impact of IFRS on corporate financial reporting is more important than ever. This study examines two factors which are critical considerations in the decision to accept or not to accept IFRS in the US: How different is financial statement information derived under IFRS from information derived under US generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP); and how much incremental information value, if any, is provided by IFRS over US GAAP? The present study extends prior research by examining concurrently both differences and their impact on market performance. Findings of this study support the view that differences on financial statement results between IFRS and US GAAP are not significant, thus, supporting proponents of adoption of IFRS in the US, after which all US publicly traded companies would use IFRS and not US GAAP.
Compliant Mechanisms: Design of Flexure Hinges

With a rigorous and comprehensive coverage, the second edition of Compliant Mechanisms: Design of Flexure Hinges provides practical answers to the design and analysis of devices that incorporate flexible hinges. Complex-shaped flexible-hinge mechanisms are generated from basic elastic segments by means of a bottom-up compliance (flexibility) approach. The same compliance method and the classical finite element analysis are utilized to study the quasi-static and dynamic performances of these compliant mechanisms. This book offers easy-to-use mathematical tools to investigate a wealth of flexible-hinge configurations and two- or three-dimensional compliant mechanism applications. FEATURES Introduces a bottom-up compliance-based approach to characterize the flexibility of new and existing flexible hinges of straight- and curvilinear-axis configurations Develops a consistent linear lumped-parameter compliance model to thoroughly describe the quasi-static and dynamic behavior of planar/spatial, serial/parallel flexible-hinge mechanisms Utilizes the finite element method to analyze the quasi-statics and dynamics of compliant mechanisms by means of straight- and curvilinear-axis flexible-hinge elements Covers miscellaneous topics such as stress concentration, yielding and related maximum load, precision of rotation of straight- and circular-axis flexible hinges, temperature effects on compliances, layered flexible hinges and piezoelectric actuation/sensing Offers multiple solved examples of flexible hinges and flexible-hinge mechanisms. This book should serve as a reference to students, researchers, academics and anyone interested to investigate precision flexible-hinge mechanisms by linear model-based methods in various areas of mechanical, aerospace or biomedical engineering, as well as in robotics and micro-/nanosystems.
Alligator Farming Project

Introduction The project is investigating conversion of swine farrowing house mortalities into value added products using alligators. Alligator production in the southern states has been a successful farming operation for over 15 years. Currently the southern states produce about 500,000 alligators each year; about 80% are farm raised. Alligators can convert the swine mortalities into marketable products of meat and hides. Alligators need a warm environment and clean water in order to thrive. The recommended temperature is 89F, with the performance directly related to the temperature. The temperature and building styles of commercial alligator farms are similar to swine nurseries.
Evidence‐based practice in mental health: practical weaknesses meet political strengths

Rationale, aims, and objectives Evidence-based medicine (EBM) has given rise to evidence-based practice (EBP) in the field of mental health. EBP too is predicated on an evidence hierarchy and has the goal of using the “best evidence” (usually randomized controlled trials) to improve practice. EBP is increasingly influential in mental health care in the U.S. Growing numbers of researchers and public officials endorse its claims and pursue its benefits. The rationale for this paper is to examine the potential of EBP for the field of mental health—and public mental health care specifically. Is it likely to contribute to improved lives for mentally ill people? If so, how? Methods This qualitative study relies on archival, and to a much lesser extent, informant interview data. Informants were mostly public mental health officials because they are in a position to implement EBP on a large scale and their policies are a matter of public record. Interviews were semi-structured, held in person and on the telephone, and lasted one to two hours. Archival research included the substantial literature on EBM and EBP plus studies and articles on the practice and policy of U.S. public mental health care. Results The results of this study were that there exists an extensive, coherent literature critical of EBM and of EBP specifically. Attempts to implement EBP will falter on epistemological and organizational barriers. Still, as a public idea—that more science will bring about better mental health practice—EBP may well serve political purposes, especially in the U.S. public mental health system, where more overtly ideological policies have been inadequate in the past. EBP, as a public idea, has the advantage of ambiguity, accountability, quantifiability, etc. Conclusions This paper concludes that EBP is growing more influential in public mental health care in the U.S. Its practical strengths, i.e., its improvement of mental health practice, may turn out to be less than its strengths as a public idea in the formulation and dissemination of mental health policy.
Voltage controlled magnetism in 3d transitional metals

Controlling the magnetic properties of solids by electric fields has been an interesting research subject, not only because of the intriguing correlation between the electric and magnetic orders in solid-state systems, but also the potential applications in ultra-low energy spintronic devices. In the past, research has mostly been carried out with multiferroic materials and magnetic semiconductors. Recently, more effort was focused on 3d transition ferromagnetic metals. Especially in heavy metal/ferromagnet/oxide (HM/FM/oxide) structures where the magnetic anisotropy has an interfacial origin, electric fields can cause a marked change in the magnetic anisotropy energy. This voltage-controlled magnetic anisotropy (VCMA) can be understood by the electric field induced charge transfer among different d orbitals of the FM. The order of this effect is around 100 fJ/Vm and it vanishes with the removing of the electric fields.
Uncovering Hidden Spatial Patterns by Hidden Markov Model

Many spatial data mining and spatial modeling approaches use Euclidean distance in modeling spatial dependence. Although meaningful and convenient, Euclidean distance has weaknesses. These include providing an over simplified representation of spatial dependence, being limited to certain spatial pattern and symmetrical relationships, being unable to account for cross-class dependencies, and unable to work with categorical especially multinomial data. This paper introduces Hidden Markov Model (HMM) as an attractive approach to uncovering hidden spatial patterns. The HMM assumes that a hidden state (factor or process) generates observable symbols (indicators). This doubly embedded stochastic approach uncovers hidden states based on observed symbol sequences using two integrated sets of probabilities, transition probability and emission probability. As an alternative to Euclidean distance based approaches, the HMM measures spatial dependency by transition probabilities and cross-class correlation better capturing geographic context. HMM works with data of any measurement scale and dimension. To demonstrate the method, we assume urban spatial structure as a hidden spatial factor underlying single family housing unit prices in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, we then use the HMM to uncover four hidden spatial states from home sale prices.
Failure of serial chest radiographs to predict recovery from respiratory distress syndrome.

Abstract Chest radiographs of 29 patients with the clinical and radiographic diagnosis of RDS during the first 5 days of the illness were graded according to a modification of the classification of Bomsel. There was no significant difference between the radiographs of surviving neonates and those who died of RDS. Mean L/S ratios were also collected from 26 of the 29 patients. Those who survived had significantly more mean L/S ratios >2.5 than did the nonsurvivors (p
Ca2+ permeability of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in rat hippocampal CA1 interneurones.

Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are widely expressed in the brain where they are involved in a variety of physiological processes, including cognition and development. The nAChRs are ligand-gated cationic channels, and different subtypes are known to be differentially permeable to Ca2+; the α7-containing nAChRs are generally considered to be the most permeable. Ca2+ can activate and regulate a variety of signal transduction cascades, and the influx of Ca2+ through these receptors may have implications for synaptic plasticity. To determine the Ca2+ permeability of the nAChRs in rat hippocampal interneurones in the slice, which contain diverse subtypes of α7- and non-α7-containing nAChRs, we combined patch-clamp electrophysiology recordings with conventional fura-2 fluorescence imaging techniques. We estimated the relative Ca2+ permeability of the channels by determining the ratio of the increase in [Ca2+]i level (Δ[Ca2+]i) in the soma to the integrated transmembrane current (charge, Q) induced by the activation of the nAChRs, and compared this ratio to the highly Ca2+ permeable NMDA subtype of glutamate receptor channel. In all cells tested, the Δ[Ca2+]i/Q ratio was significantly larger (i.e. more than twice as big) for responses activated by NMDA than for α7-containing nAChRs in interneurones; the activation of the non-α7 nAChRs did not produce any significant increase in [Ca2+]i. Interestingly, the Ca2+ permeability of native α7 nAChRs in PC12 cells was significantly larger than in hippocampal interneurones, and not significantly different from NMDA receptors. Therefore, the α7-containing nAChRs in rat hippocampal interneurones are significantly less permeable to Ca2+ than not only NMDA receptors but also α7 nAChRs in PC12 cells.
Internet Dependency and Academic Performance

This study investigated the relationship between Internet use (including the use of social media), the level of Internet dependency, and academic performance as measured by self-reported student grade point average (GPA). Results reveal that there is no statistically significant relationship between the level of Internet dependency, the amount of time spent on the Internet, or the amount of time spent on social networking or social networking sites and academic performance as measured by GPA. Results did reveal a statistically significant relationship between the amount of time spent on the Internet and Internet dependency.
An investigation of multicultural provisions of the Ethiopian education policy

This study is an investigation of the multicultural provisions in the Ethiopian education policy in light of promoting inclusive education. Content analysis, thematic categorization, and interpretive stance were used to analyze the data collected from the 1994 Ethiopian education policy document. The findings of the study indicate that the policy includes provisions that address the need to promote democratic cultures of equality, justice, unity and cooperation among peoples; equality and respect of diverse languages and linguistics groups; the promotion of gender awareness in the society; and the equality, tolerance and mutual coexistence among followers of different religions in the country.
Knowledge management across the enterprise resource planning systems life cycle

Abstract This paper investigates the use of knowledge management to support enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems across their entire life cycle. Knowledge management can be used to support ERP system in their choice, implementation and use, both inputs and outputs. This paper summarizes a number of actual examples and discusses some emerging efforts, focusing on knowledge management, with particular interest in case-based knowledge management. A prototype system designed to support the use of an ERP system is presented.
Carbonic anhydrases, EPF2 and a novel protease mediate CO2 control of stomatal development

Environmental stimuli, including elevated carbon dioxide levels, regulate stomatal development; however, the key mechanisms mediating the perception and relay of the CO2 signal to the stomatal development machinery remain elusive. To adapt CO2 intake to water loss, plants regulate the development of stomatal gas exchange pores in the aerial epidermis. A diverse range of plant species show a decrease in stomatal density in response to the continuing rise in atmospheric CO2 (ref. 4). To date, one mutant that exhibits deregulation of this CO2-controlled stomatal development response, hic (which is defective in cell-wall wax biosynthesis, ref. 5), has been identified. Here we show that recently isolated Arabidopsis thaliana β-carbonic anhydrase double mutants (ca1 ca4) exhibit an inversion in their response to elevated CO2, showing increased stomatal development at elevated CO2 levels. We characterized the mechanisms mediating this response and identified an extracellular signalling pathway involved in the regulation of CO2-controlled stomatal development by carbonic anhydrases. RNA-seq analyses of transcripts show that the extracellular pro-peptide-encoding gene EPIDERMAL PATTERNING FACTOR 2 (EPF2), but not EPF1 (ref. 9), is induced in wild-type leaves but not in ca1 ca4 mutant leaves at elevated CO2 levels. Moreover, EPF2 is essential for CO2 control of stomatal development. Using cell-wall proteomic analyses and CO2-dependent transcriptomic analyses, we identified a novel CO2-induced extracellular protease, CRSP (CO2 RESPONSE SECRETED PROTEASE), as a mediator of CO2-controlled stomatal development. Our results identify mechanisms and genes that function in the repression of stomatal development in leaves during atmospheric CO2 elevation, including the carbonic-anhydrase-encoding genes CA1 and CA4 and the secreted protease CRSP, which cleaves the pro-peptide EPF2, in turn repressing stomatal development. Elucidation of these mechanisms advances the understanding of how plants perceive and relay the elevated CO2 signal and provides a framework to guide future research into how environmental challenges can modulate gas exchange in plants.
Inferences about the femininity of competent women and their implications for likability

Male (N=59) and female (N=60) college students were given a written protocol describing a competent, achievement-oriented female stimulus person (SP) with either a masculine or feminine pattern of vocational and avocational interests. Three groups were given a masculine-pattern protocol and one group was given a feminine-pattern one. They were then asked to rate the SP on likability in work and social settings, femininity, and a number of other personal attributes. Two groups given the masculine-pattern protocol were also supplied with the SP's responses to items from a “personality” test answered in a predominantly feminine (Masculine—Feminine SP) or masculine (Masculine-Masculine SP) direction. The remaining groups (Masculine-Neutral and Feminine-Neutral SPs) were given no additional information. In agreement with previous findings, the Masculine-Neutral SP was liked more in social settings than was the Feminine-Neutral one. It was hypothesized and confirmed that the Masculine-Neutral SP would be perceived as similar to the Masculine-Feminine SP in femininity and likability and that both these SPs would be judged to be higher on these characteristics than the Masculine-Masculine. Complex results were obtained from the ratings of other attributes. Overall, they indicated that the Masculine-Feminine SP, in whom femininity was explicitly suggested, received the weakest ratings on a series of achievement-related attributes and the Masculine-Neutral SP the strongest.
A generalized reduced gradient method for the optimal control of multiscale dynamical systems

This paper considers the problem of computing optimal state and control trajectories for a multiscale dynamical system comprised of many interacting dynamical systems, or agents. A generalized reduced gradient (GRG) approach is presented for distributed optimal control (DOC) problems in which the agent dynamics are described by a small system of stochastic differential equations (SDEs). A new set of optimality conditions is derived using calculus of variations, and used to compute the optimal macroscopic state and microscopic control laws. An indirect GRG approach is used to solve the optimality conditions numerically for large systems of agents. By assuming a parametric control law obtained from the superposition of linear basis functions, the agent control laws can be determined via set-point regulation, such that the macroscopic behavior of the agents is optimized over time, based on multiple, interactive navigation objectives.
MEASUREMENT OF THE THERMO-PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF COMMON COOKIE DOUGH

Despite the volume of research done on food properties, the literature reports little related to the baking industry, particularly confectionary dough. This paper reports results of an experimental study of thermal conductivity, specific heat, density and thermal diffusivity of two different types of cookie dough. Thermal conductivity of both doughs were moderately dependent on temperature. Thermal diffusivities of each type dough were evaluated using experimental values of thermal conductivity, specific heat and density. Total experimental uncertainty in the thermal diffusivity was estimated as 0.134 for the AACC formula and 0.15 for the hard-sweet formula dough.
Aging and the epidermal permeability barrier: implications for contact dermatitis.

Objectives: This report examines our present knowledge of the epidermal permeability barrier as it pertains to irritant contact dermatitis and discusses how altered barrier function may affect the clinical manifestations of irritant contact dermatitis in the aged. Conclusions: Altered barrier function affects the ability of an irritant to penetrate the stratum corneum and produce deleterious effects on both stratum corneum and epidermis. Moreover, a damaged epidermis can be expected to produce a defective stratum corneum, thus resulting in a vicious cycle. Furthermore, although basal transepidermal water loss has traditionally been used as an assessment of barrier function, evidence suggests that dynamic tests of barrier function are more reliable indicators of barrier function in the clinical setting of additive, repetitive, or chronic insults. Finally, barrier disruption per se has now been shown to produce both a cytokine response and an increase in epidermal Langerhans' cell density. Thus, barrier disruption not only alters penetrance of contactants, but also may prime the inflammatory response. Studies of aged epidermal permeability barrier function provide a greater understanding of the modified response to irritants in the aged.
Relationship of residence, education, and socialization to cognitive tasks in normal people of advanced old age.

40 aged residents of a dependent care facility were tested on a series of cognitive conservation tasks. A decrement toward lowered levels of cognitive functioning was noted but specific psycho-social factors were related to this decline. Length of residence in dependent context and involvement in socialization and leisure activities were significantly related to level of cognitive functioning and were independent of sex. However, attained educational level was positively related to cognitive conservation for females but not for males. Analysis of qualitative responses to tasks suggests important considerations.