cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chronic physical conditions and aging: Is mental health a potential protective factor?

Research has shown that risk of chronic disease increases with age. Mental disorders and chronic disease are highly comorbid, with studies showing reciprocal causal relations. However, research focuses exclusively on combinations of, or a specific, mental illness. This study investigates the hypothesis that complete mental health is a protective factor against, while mental illness is a risk factor for, chronic (physical) conditions with age. Mental health is conceived of as a syndrome of subjective well-being consisting of symptoms of hedonia (positive feelings toward life) and eudaimonia (positive functioning in life). A categorical diagnosis of the presence of mental health, described as flourishing, and the absence of mental health, characterized as languishing, are described and applied to data from the MIDUS study of 3,032 adults, 25-74 years old. Data were also collected regarding 12-month prevalence of major depressive episode (MDE), and complete mental health is the absence of any of MDE and the presence of flourishing. Descriptive findings revealed a strong association of the complete mental health diagnostic categories with 23 of the 27 self-reported chronic conditions. In multivariate regression, quantity of chronic disease increased with age and was higher among moderately mentally healthy and adults with MDE, compared with the completely mentally healthy. Chronic conditions increased exponentially with age among adults with pure languishing and adults with languishing and a MDE. At all ages, completely mentally healthy adults reported the fewest chronic conditions, suggesting it may act as a protective factor in aging.
Combinational and sequential mapping with priority cuts

An algorithm for technology mapping of combinational and sequential logic networks is proposed and applied to mapping into K-input lookup-tables (K-LUTs). The new algorithm avoids the hurdle of computing all K-input cuts while preserving the quality of the results, in terms of area and depth. The memory and runtime of the proposed algorithm are linear in circuit size and quite affordable even for large industrial designs. For example, computing a good quality 6-LUT mapping of an AIG with 1 M nodes takes 150 Mb of RAM and 1 minute on a typical laptop. An extension of the algorithm allows for sequential mapping, which searches the combined space of all possible mappings and retimings. This leads to an 18-22% improvement in depth with a 3-5% LOT count penalty, compared to combinational mapping followed by retiming.
Effects of predation on intraspecific aggregation of prey and prey diversity in a subtidal marine food web

Abstract The aggregation model of coexistence suggests that intraspecific aggregation in local patches decreases richness locally, but increases richness regionally. While this model has largely been applied to competing species, it may also apply to predator–prey systems if predators influence intraspecific aggregation in their prey. Predators may influence intraspecific aggregation in prey communities by affecting prey immigration, emigration, and survival (both directly through predation and indirectly by modifying prey interactions and behavior). We performed a field experiment to determine whether predators influence the composition and aggregation of their macroinvertebrate prey in a marine subtidal food web. We quantified prey colonization of eight treatments that differed in the composition and richness of predators. We found between 50% and 70% of species exhibited positive intraspecific aggregation. We then asked whether the observed patterns in intraspecific aggregation among prey influenced local (alpha) diversity and turnover between local patches (beta diversity). Intraspecific aggregation was positively correlated with both alpha and beta diversity. The positive relationship between intraspecific aggregation and beta diversity was expected, however, the positive relationship between intraspecific aggregation and alpha diversity was not and runs counter to the negative relationship found in competitive communities. We suggest that the positive relationship we observed could occur because aggregation can increase prey survival and can generate a type III functional response.
How and Why Do Teachers Explain Things the Way They Do

Like jazz, teaching is both planned and improvisational. Many explanations come as planned parts of lessons, for example, when a teacher introduces a new topic and lays out its structure for students. But many also occur on the fly, in response to what students say, as the teacher realizes that what students say and do call for deeper, or different, understandings. One goal of this chapter is to address the question, “What causes teachers to elaborate or explain, and what shapes the ways they do so?” I argue that a teacher’s choice of which explanations to make, and when and how, can be modeled as a function of that teacher’s knowledge, goals, and orientations. That is, in-the-moment explanatory or elaborative choices made by teachers are shaped in very specific ways by the teacher’s beliefs and orientations regarding the content, the student(s), and what constitutes appropriate pedagogy; by planned and emergent goals as the lesson unfolds; and by the content and pedagogical knowledge the teacher has available and his or her perception of its relevance and utility in this context. In this chapter I outline a theoretical framework characterizing the relationship between teachers’ knowledge, goals, and orientations as they play out in the classroom and exemplify the framework with discussions of teachers’ explanations and elaborations of mathematical ideas. I also expand on Leinhardt’s framing of explanations to include not only the clarification of content matter, but various process goals including the establishment of classroom norms intended to help students develop productive habits of mind.
Fluorescence Intensity Modulation in Photochromic Conjugated Polymer Systems

The ability to modulate fluorescence intensity with a light signal enables a variety of applications based on fluorescence imaging. One approach to fluorescence photomodulation involves using a photochromic moiety that responds to a light signal in conjunction with a nearby fluorophore. We employ conjugated polymers based on poly(p-phenylene vinylene) (PPV) as the fluorophore in photochrome-fluorophore systems for fluorescence modulation. Advantages of using conjugated polymers for this purpose include their intrinsic energy migration processes that enable amplified fluorescence quenching as well as their processability. Here we present examples of PPV-based photomodulation systems that employ photochromic dyes from three common photochromic families: azobenzenes, spironaphthoxazines, and diarylethenes. In all cases we observe reversible fluorescence quenching due to fluorescence resonance energy transfer to the photogenerated form of the photochrome. Examples of the photomodulation of photochromic PPV systems in organic solution, polymer films, and conjugated polymer nanoparticles are presented.
Bringing Cooperation Back In: A Dynamic Model of Interstate Interaction

In an earlier article (Crescenzi & Enterline, 2001), we developed a formal, dynamic model of the cooperative and conflictual dimensions central to interstate relationships. However, the empirical d...
NNERVE: neural network extraction of repetitive vectors for electrodiagnosis

Neural networks have been proposed for numerous different applications in computer based medical systems. The authors present a system for decomposition and interpretation of the electromyogram. They show that signal analysis requires a multi-stage hybrid approach, using more than one neural network, and separating stages that deal with the signal itself, signal features, and the final diagnostic interpretation. The use of neural networks for decomposition provides a high degree of robustness in the face of the noise and variability present in real clinical signals, and requires a novel algorithm called pseudo-unsupervised training. The use of neural networks for signal interpretation allows this stage to be developed even in the absence of clear diagnostic interpretive criteria, and allows the discovery of new signal features and classification schemata. >
Speckle tracking echocardiography-determined measures of global and regional left ventricular function correlate with functional capacity in patients with and without preserved ejection fraction

Standard measures of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function often fail to identify left ventricular dysfunction in patients with heart failure and do not correlate with measures of functional capacity. To determine if speckle tracking echocardiography (STE)–determined measures of global and regional myocardial contractility have a linear association with functional capacity in patients with and without preserved ejection fraction. In 68 adult patients, functional status was estimated with the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI), left ventricular ejection fraction was determined with Simpson’s biplane method, and QLAB advanced quantification software (Philips, The Netherlands) was used to determine peak measures of strain. Global and regional measures of longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strain had a strong linear association with the DASI score. Longitudinal strain in the inferolateral segments had the strongest correlation with DASI (r = −0.72, P < 0.001). In patients with an ejection fraction ≥45%, ejection fraction and E/e’ had no correlation with DASI, whereas longitudinal strain in the inferolateral segments had significant correlation with DASI (r = −0.53, P = 0.03, n = 16). STE–determined measures of global and regional left ventricular function have a strong linear association with estimates of functional capacity in patients with and without preserved ejection fraction. STE–determined measures of strain, especially longitudinal strain, are likely to be important targets for therapy and should be considered in future studies aimed at improving our diagnosis of left ventricular inadequacy in patients with heart failure, especially those with preserved ejection fraction.
Forward-Chaining Versus A Graph Approach As The Inference Engine In Expert Systems

Rule-based expert systems are those in which a certain number of IF-THEN rules are assumed to be true. Based on the verity of some assertions, the rules deduce as many new conclusions as possible. A standard technique used to make these deductions is forward-chaining. In forward-chaining, the program or 'inference engine' cycles through the rules. At each rule, the premises for the rule are checked against the current true assertions. If all the premises are found, the conclusion is added to the list of true assertions. At that point it is necessary to start over at the first rule, since the new conclusion may be a premise in a rule already checked. Therefore, each time a new conclusion is deduced it is necessary to start the rule checking procedure over. This process continues until no new conclusions are added and the end of the list of rules is reached. The above process, although quite costly in terms of CPU cycles due to the necessity of repeatedly starting the process over, is necessary if the rules contain 'pattern variables'. An example of such a rule is, 'IF X IS A BACTERIA, THEN X CAN BE TREATED WITH ANTIBIOTICS'. Since the rule can lead to conclusions for many values of X, it is necessary to check each premise in the rule against every true assertion producing an association list to be used in the checking of the next premise. However, if the rule does not contain variable data, as is the case in many current expert systems, then a rule can lead to only one conclusion. In this case, the rules can be stored in a graph, and the true assertions in an assertion list. The assertion list is traversed only once; at each assertion a premise is triggered in all the rules which have that assertion as a premise. When all premises for a rule trigger, the rule's conclusion is added to the END of the list of assertions. It must be added at the end so that it will eventually be used to make further deductions. In the current paper, the two methods are described in detail, the relative advantages of each is discussed, and a benchmark comparing the CPU cycles consumed by each is included. It is also shown that, in the case of reasoning under uncertainty, it is possible to properly combine the certainties derived from rules arguing for the same conclusion when the graph approach is used.
Malignant renal tumor with extension to the inferior vena cava.

Abstract Background: Management of malignant renal tumors involving the inferior vena cava (IVC) depends on tumor extension within the cava. Methods: Of 295 patients treated for renal cancer, propagation of tumor mass through the renal vein to IVC was seen in 22 (7%) patients. Cephalad extension of the tumor was suprarenal: infrahepatic in 12, retrohepatic in 6, and within the right atrium in 4 patients. All patients had radical nephrectomy, cavotomy, and complete resection of tumors except 1 with diffuse peritoneal metastasis. Results: Twenty-one patients had curative resections. No operative deaths and no instances of pulmonary embolism or exsanguination occurred. Seventeen patients were alive at 2 years and 12 at 5 years, resulting in 77% and 55% survival rates, respectively. Conclusions: An aggressive approach for vena cava involvement from malignant renal neoplasms resulted in prevention of tumor embolus, minimization of blood loss, and maintenance of venous return to the heart.
Character, paleoenvironment, rate of accumulation, and evidence for seismic triggering of Holocene turbidites, Canada Abyssal Plain, Arctic Ocean

Abstract Four box cores and one piston core show that Holocene sedimentation on the southern Canada Abyssal Plain for the last 8010 ± 120 yr has consisted of a continuing rain of pelagic organic and ice-rafted clastic sediment with a net accumulation rate during the late Holocene of ⩽10 mm/1000 yr, and episodically emplaced turbidites 1–5 m thick deposited at intervals of 830 to 3450 yr (average 2000 yr). The average net accumulation rate of the mixed sequence of turbidites and thin pelagite interbeds in the cores is about 1.2 m/1000 yr. Physiography suggests that the turbidites originated on the Mackenzie Delta or its clinoform, and δ13C values of −27 to −25%. in the turbidites are compatible with a provenance on a delta. Extant displaced neritic and lower slope to basin plain calcareous benthic foraminifers coexist in the turbidite units. Their joint occurence indicates that the turbidites originated on the modern continental shelf and entrained sediment from the slope and rise enroute to their final resting place on the Canada Abyssal Plain. The presence of Middle Pleistocene diatoms in the turbidites suggests, in addition, that the turbidites may have originated in shallow submarine slides beneath the upper slope or outer shelf. Small but consistent differences in organic carbon content and δ13C values between the turbidite units suggest that they did not share an identical provenance, which is at least compatible with an origin in slope failures. The primary provenance of the ice-rafted component of the pelagic beds was the glaciated terrane of northwestern Canada; and the provenance of the turbidite units was Pleistocene and Holocene sedimentary deposits on the outer continental shelf and upper slope of the Mackenzie Delta. Largely local derivation of the sediment of the Canada Abyssal Plain indicates that sediment accumulation rates in the Arctic Ocean are valid only for regions with similar depositional sources and processes, and that these rates cannot be extrapolated regionally. The location of an elliptical zone of active seismicity over the inferred provenance of the turbidites suggests that they were triggered by large earthquakes. Distal turbidite sediment accumulation rates were more than two orders of magnitude greater than pelagic sediment accumulation rates on the Canada Abyssal Plain during the last 8000 years. This disparity reconciles the discrepancy between the high accumulation rates assumed by some for the Arctic Ocean because of the numerous major rivers and large ice sheets that discharge into this small mediterranean basin and the low pelagic sedimentation rates that have been reported from the Arctic Ocean.
Genetic Association between Atopy and Behavioral Symptoms in Middle Childhood

The relationship of atopic and behavioral symptoms in a community sample of 66 monozygotic and 141 dizygotic twin pairs, ages 4–11 years, was investigated via mother report questionnaires. Within-person correlation between atopic symptoms and Child Behavior Checklist internalizing symptoms (CBCL-INT) was .21 ( p <.001) for the total sample. Cross-correlations between atopy and CBCL-INT were .26 for monozygotic and .04 for dizygotic twins. A common and specific factor model applied to the data revealed that the cross-correlation between atopy and CBCL-INT was mainly due to genetic influences (77% of the covariance). This study supports the hypothesis that there is a shared genetic risk for atopy and internalizing symptoms.
Structural Action Recognition in Body Sensor Networks: Distributed Classification Based on String Matching

Mobile sensor-based systems are emerging as promising platforms for healthcare monitoring. An important goal of these systems is to extract physiological information about the subject wearing the network. Such information can be used for life logging, quality of life measures, fall detection, extraction of contextual information, and many other applications. Data collected by these sensor nodes are overwhelming, and hence, an efficient data processing technique is essential. In this paper, we present a system using inexpensive, off-the-shelf inertial sensor nodes that constructs motion transcripts from biomedical signals and identifies movements by taking collaboration between the nodes into consideration. Transcripts are built of motion primitives and aim to reduce the complexity of the original data. We then label each primitive with a unique symbol and generate a sequence of symbols, known as motion template, representing a particular action. This model leads to a distributed algorithm for action recognition using edit distance with respect to motion templates. The algorithm reduces the number of active nodes during every classification decision. We present our results using data collected from five normal subjects performing transitional movements. The results clearly illustrate the effectiveness of our framework. In particular, we obtain a classification accuracy of 84.13% with only one sensor node involved in the classification process.
Carcinoma of the breast, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, macroglobulinemia, eosinophilic chloroma and myelosclerosis--a unique association.

A patient with carcinoma of the breast, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, macroglobulinemia, diffuse plasmacytosis, eosinophilic chloroma, and myelosclerosis is described. It is speculated that the lymphoproliferative disorders in this patient were the result of an immunologic reaction to the breast carcinoma. This immune response could have further initiated a marked eosinophilia which subsequently might have led to self-perpetuating proliferation of the eosinophilic granulocytes as manifested by the development of eosinophilic chloroma. Alternatively, a unitarian concept is proposed by which a dysfunctioning multi-potential stem cell may give rise to multiple diseases fitting into the categories of both the lymphoproliferative and myeloproliferative disorders.
Evidence for a peripheral mechanism of esophagocrural diaphragm inhibitory reflex in cats

The esophagogastric junction (EGJ) is guarded by two sphincters, a smooth muscle lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and a skeletal muscle crural diaphragm. These two sphincters relax simultaneously u...
Teacher Candidate Technology Integration: For Student Learning or Instruction?.

AbstractTransfer of instructional technology knowledge for student-centered learning by teacher candidates is investigated in this study. Using the transfer of learning theoretical framework, a mixed methods research design was employed to investigate whether secondary teacher candidates were able to transfer the instructional technology knowledge for student learning to their teaching in K–12 classrooms during their field experience. Data sources were Instructional Technology and Disposition surveys, classroom observations, lesson plans, and focus-group interviews. It was observed that candidates were more prone to demonstrate near transfer uses of instructional technology (teacher-centered) over far transfer uses of instructional technology (student-centered) in lesson planning and teaching. The implications for teacher education programs are discussed.
OSCE National Minority Rights in the United States: The Limits of Conflict Prevention

This article explores the role and structure of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in the late 1990's during a period when it was undergoing a dramatic expansion of its mandate in response to the end of the Cold War. In particular the article describes the OSCE's creation of the concept of national minority rights. It presents an analysis of whether the rights and obligations of OSCE members, as stated in the various statements issued by OSCE members, states have become customary international law. Finally, it explores the question of whether US courts would recognize the existence of the OSCE's national minority rights in the United States.
Bifactor Approach to Modeling Multidimensionality of Physical Self-Perception Profile

ABSTRACTThe multi-dimensionality of Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPP) has been acknowledged by the use of correlated-factor model and second-order model. In this study, the authors critically endorse the bifactor model, as a substitute to address the multi-dimensionality of PSPP. To cross-validate the models, analyses are conducted first in exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) framework with a randomly selected subsample and then in confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) framework with a second subsample. Results from both ESEM and CFA analyses suggest that bifactor model is the best-fitted model. A general physical self-esteem factor and four domain specific factors are identified with the bifactor model. Coefficient omega hierarchical of the general factor is .86. The of the specific factors are .19, .20, .59, and .29, respectively. Gender difference at both general factor level and domain specific factor level is examined within the bifactor model. Discussions of the use and limitations of...
Influence of Developing Dirofilaria immitis on the Spontaneous Flight Activity of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)

Aedes aegypti (L.) (Black-eyed Liverpool) mosquitoes were infected with Dirofilaria immitis (Leidy) to determine if larvae developing in Malpighian tubules have an effect on spontaneous flight activity. Studies using acoustic activity chambers showed that developing larvae decreased flight activity of mosquitoes after day 8 postinfection. Parasite intensity (burden) was inversely related to flight activity after day 12 postinfection. Circadian rhythm (activity pattern) of infected mosquitoes was similar to that of uninfected mosquitoes.
EFFECT OF PROTEIN IN TUBULAR FLUID UPON PROXIMAL TUBULAR ABSORPTION.

SummaryEvidence has been presented which demonstrates that protein placed in proximal tubular fluid in a concentration similar to that of serum exerts little influence on tubular reabsorption in the normal rat. The results are consistent with the thesis that active sodium transport and its concomitant reabsorption of water are the main forces in proximal tubular reabsorption.
Unique Use of Alkylation for Chemo-Redox Activity by a PtIV Prodrug

Resistance towards chemotherapeutics displayed by cancer cells is a significant stumbling block against fruitful cisplatin-based therapy. A unique dual-acting chemotherapeutic modality, Platin-B, a prodrug of cisplatin and pipobroman-mimicking alkylating agent, was constructed to circumvent tumor resistance. Platin-B exhibited a superior cytotoxicity profile in cisplatin-resistant cancer cells. Enhanced activity and the ability to overcome cancer-induced resistance of Platin-B was related to adduct formation with intracellular glutathione, followed by the activity of Platin-B on the mitochondria of cells, along with its conventional nuclear activity. Alkylating moieties present on Platin-B enhanced its cellular and subcellular concentration and protected it from early drug sequestration by biological thiols.
A Rabbinic Ontology of the Written and Spoken Word: On Discipleship, Transformative Knowledge, and the Living Texts of Oral Torah

La reflexion sur le disciple est la matrice des conceptions rabbiniques a propos du texte ecrit et parle de la Torah. Le judaisme rabbinique classique reconnait comme Torah seulement deux types de textes. Le texte de la Torah ecrite represente la relique physique de la revelation. Le second type est le verbe et le don du Sage et represente la plenitude de la revelation dans son aspect concret existentiel. Ses unites de sens n'ont pas ete encodees a travers des symboles linguistiques, mais plutot a travers l'integration de la pensee, du discours et de l'acte
Derivation of the material models for ultra-high molecular-weight polyethylene fiber-reinforced armor-grade composites with different architectures

Purpose – To overcome the problem of inferior through-the-thickness mechanical properties displayed by armor-grade composites based on two-dimensional (2D) reinforcement architectures, armor-grade composites based on three-dimensional (3D) fiber-reinforcement architectures have recently been investigated experimentally. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach – The subject of the present work is armor-grade composite materials reinforced using ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene fibers and having four (two 2D and two 3D) prototypical architectures, as well as the derivation of the corresponding material models. The effect of the reinforcement architecture is accounted for by constructing the appropriate unit cells (within which the constituent materials and their morphologies are represented explicitly) and subjecting them to a series of virtual mechanical tests (VMTs). The results obtained are used within a post-processing analysis to derive and parameterize the correspondi...
Appearance and the influence of reconstructive surgery on body image.

This article aims to provide an understanding of the complex psychological processes underlying the development of body image in facially disfigured children, to present a general model of body image development, and to offer an understanding of the evolution of body image change following reconstructive surgery.
Strategies for Bridging Cross-Cultural Barriers for International Students' success in American Asynchronous on-line Degree Programs

The increasing popularity and acceptance of asynchronous on-line programmes has led to an increase in cross-border international collaboration and partnerships between American and international institutions of higher learning to offer on-line dual degree programmes for international students. However, the success of these partnerships depends on the ability of the international students to understand and navigate the many cultural differences between the two systems, and for American institutions to provide assistance. As an institution initiating and participating in such international programmes, the Center for Distance Learning (CDL) at State University of New York (SUNY) Empire State College, New York, United States (US), has sought to accommodate and assist international students studying at remote US universities from their home countries. To this end, the CDL formed an international distance learning group charged with fostering inter-institutional collaboration. One effort of this group was the development of Bridging, Bilingual, Bicultural ('3B') courses that use Web 2.0 tools, such as wikis, blogs, videoconferencing, lecture capture, asynchronous discussions, and virtual worlds. This article presents three retrospective case studies and discusses how the '3B' model has been used successfully to assist international students to acculturate to distance learning.
Correlation of plasma levels of digoxin in cardiac patients with dose and measures of renal function.

There is a well-established relationship between plasma concentrations of digoxin (PDC's) and therapeutic and toxic effects. The readily obtainable parameters, namely, dose, body weight, age, sex, and creatinine clearance or serum creatinine concentration, might be expected to allow accurate prediction of PDC's. We have now found that these parameters do not allow accurate prediction of PDC's in the individual patient, based on data collected in a panel of cardiac patients. Serial measurements of PDC's are therefore necessary in individual patients taking digoxin. These conclusions are based onL he following results. Forty-eight equilibrium state PDC's were measured in 25 patients (13 males, 12 females) both under ward conditions (N = 11) and in the Clinical Research Center (N = 27). Multiple linear regression accounted for only 34% of the variance of the PDC's. Individual variables accounted for the following percentages of the total variance of the PDC's: dose, 14.3%; serum creatinine concentration, 10.9%; reciprocal of body weight, 3.1%; reciprocal of urinary excretion rate of creatinine, 0.9%; age, 0.7%, and height, 0.02%. Practically, the digoxin level (ng/ml) is equal to one fifth of the product of the μ/kg dose of digoxin and the serum creatinine concentration in mg/100 ml. Such a correlation accounts for only about one third of the variance of the PDC's; hence predicted levels have a wide confidence interval.
Effect of Dietary Potassium on Absorption of Magnesium and other Macroelements in Sheep Fed Different Levels of Magnesium

Two metabolism trials were conducted with 24 crossbred wether lambs. Two levels of Mg (.1 and .2%) and four levels of K (.6, 1.2, 2.4 and 4.8%) were fed in a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement of treatments. Each trial consisted of a 10-d preliminary period followed by a 10-d collection of feed, feces and urine. Increasing levels of dietary K resulted in a linear increase in fecal Mg excretion and a linear decrease in Mg absorption. A large depression in Mg absorption occurred when K was increased from 1.2 to 2.4% with a further decrease when K was increased to 4.8%. Lambs fed the high level of Mg (.2%) absorbed and retained more (P less than .05) total Mg (g/d, but not percentage of intake) compared with the low magnesium level (.1%). Dietary Mg did not affect the amount of K excreted, absorbed or retained. Increasing the level of dietary K resulted in a linear increase in urinary, fecal and total K excreted, absorbed and retained (P less than .05).
Pitfalls in the use of epinephrine for anaphylaxis: patient and provider opportunities for improvement

Background Epinephrine remains the mainstay of treatment for life-threatening allergic reactions. A number of challenges are encountered with epinephrine, resulting in underutilization and misutilization of epinephrine. The purpose of this study was to identify the scope of epinephrine pitfalls and opportunities for improvement in the management of allergy emergencies. Methods A PubMed search from 1990 to 2015 was performed to identify all cases and reports pertaining to the use and misuse of epinephrine for anaphylaxis. Studies were assessed for obstacles or complications related to proper administration of epinephrine for treatment of allergic reactions, and were divided into problems originating with patients compared to healthcare providers. Results There were 1840 publications related to epinephrine use, of which 61 reports met inclusion criteria for pitfalls in the use of epinephrine. The most common problems reported related to lack of autoinjector availability (22), inadequate education of patients or providers (9), uncertainty about when or how to administer epinephrine (9), concern for systemic effects (13), failure to administer (8), and accidental administration (2). Responsibility for errors was divided among patients (18), providers (39), or both (4). Conclusion Epinephrine is a potent medication with lifesaving indications and is the standard of care for treatment of anaphylaxis. The delivery of epinephrine in both trained and untrained populations carries certain pitfalls and complications that can have serious consequences. Identification of the scope of the problem is an important step in improving education for both providers and patients who are tasked with use of epinephrine for allergy emergencies.
The Effect of Sequential Cues of Item Contexts in Science Assessment

Contextualized items have been widely used in science testing. Despite common use of item contexts, how the influence of a chosen context on the reliability and validity of the score inferences remains unclear. We focused on sequential cues of contextual information, referring to the order of events or descriptions presented in item contexts. We hypothesized that the sequence of information presented should allow students to understand the logic of an item. We proposed an approach for capturing information on three dimensions of sequential cues: sequence of events, sequence of intention and action, and sequence of cause and effect. We found that the addition of contexts increased the item difficulty. There was limited evidence that items with intention did not differ in item difficulty from those without intention. Findings for the other two dimensions was inconclusive because of the low frequency of certain item categories.
Ophthalmic Uses of Lasers

Three headings under which the uses of lasers in ophthalmology can be considered are: Diagnosis, Therapy and Research. There is some overlap between various classifications, but in general they are separate. In both diagnosis and research both the spatial and temporal coherence properties of the laser, are often of value. In therapy it is not yet evident that these special properties are necessary.
Interaction of Radiation with Ions in Solids

This series of five lectures presents in a fundamental and comprehensive way the interaction of radiation with ionic systems in solids. The first lecture deals with the quantum theory of solids; the adiabatic (Born-Oppenheimer) approximation is introduced and its implications for the use of the symmetry properties of the system are treated. The second lecture deals with the quantum theory of the radiation field; this theory is arrived at starting from a classical description of such a field. The third lecture deals with the interaction of a radiation field and a charged particle and treats the various radiative processes that such an interaction can produce. The fourth lecture deals with the basic processes of absorption, induced emission and spontaneous emission; in particular, the connections between the phenomenon of spontaneous emission and the “Fluctuation-Dissipation Theorem” of Statistical Mechanics are examined. Finally the fifth lecture deals with the radiative processes of ions in solids. After a quick review of the theory of lattice vibrations, the Franck-Condon principle in its various formulations (classical, semi-classical and quantum-mechanical) is introduced. This principle is then generalized and applied to ionic systems in solids; the effects of the lattice vibrations on the spectra of solids are also examined.
Slit pores preferred over cylindrical pores for high selectivity in biomolecular filtration.

Abstract Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) have enabled the fabrication of silicon nanopore membranes (SNM) with uniform non-overlapping “slit shaped” pores. The application of SNM has been suggested for high selectivity of biomolecules in a variety of medical filtration applications. The aim of this study was to rigorously quantify the differences in sieving between slit pore SNM and more commonly modeled cylindrical pore membranes, including effects of the extended Derjaguin, Landau, Verwey, and Overbeek (XDLVO) interactions. Applying equations derived for SNM in previous work, we compare the partition coefficient of slit and cylindrical pore membranes while accounting for both steric and XDLVO interactions. Simple, steric approximations demonstrate that slit pore membranes exhibit significantly lower partition coefficients than cylindrical pore models. Incorporating XDLVO interactions results in an even more marked difference between slit pore and cylindrical pore membranes. These partition coefficients were used to evaluate changes in beta-2-microglobulin (B2M) selectivity. The data demonstrate that XDLVO interactions increase the selectivity advantage that slit pores possess over cylindrical pores, particularly for larger values of the acid-base decay constant. Finally, the bovine serum albumin (BSA) to B2M selectivity ratio was investigated. The selectivity ratio appears larger in slit pores than cylindrical pores for all cases, indicating that slit pores are particularly well suited for hemofiltration applications. The results of this study have significant implications for the application of SNM in membrane processes where highly selective separation of biomolecules is desirable.
Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy for Posterior Fossa Lesions: An Initial Experience.

Background The application of laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) for intracranial lesions in the posterior fossa tumors remains challenging due to the smaller size of this compartment as well as the thickness and angle of the occipital bone. In this study, we reviewed our experience with this treatment modality for posterior fossa lesions. Methods We retrospectively reviewed our series of 8 patients with posterior fossa tumors treated with LITT from an Institutional Review Board–approved brain tumor database (2012–2017) of more than 200 cases at our institution. Results The 8 patients underwent LITT targeting 3 metastases, 2 pilocytic astrocytomas, 2 zones of radiation necrosis after radiosurgery, and 1 glioblastoma (GBM). The mean preoperative lesion volume was 4.35 cm3. A 6 months postsurgery, the mean lesion volume had decreased from 9.64 cm3 to 5.72 cm3. Two of the tumors (the GBM and a metastatic adenocarcinoma) progressed after 8.5 and 7.5 months, respectively, with mortality after 1.1 and 1.6 years, respectively. Surgical resection was performed in a patient with metastatic adenocarcinoma tumor at 7.7 months after LITT. All other lesions remained stable or were diminished at a median follow-up of 14.8 months (range, 0.4–37.5 months). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on the first postoperative day, showed an increase in mean tumor-related edema volume from 9.45 cm3 to 14.10 cm3. After a postoperative follow-up of at least 1 month, this mean decreased to 8.70 cm3. One case each of transient partial unilateral sixth cranial nerve palsy, superficial wound infection, and a late obstructive hydrocephalus were noted postoperatively. No mortality was associated with the procedure. Conclusions LITT is a safe and feasible treatment modality even in challenging locations like the posterior fossa. However, surgical indications should be tailored for each individual patient based on the size and location of tumor.
Thomas Robert Malthus, Stratification, and Subjugation: Closing the Commons and Opening the Factory

With eminently unpropitious timing, Thomas Robert Malthus wrote of resource competition just as humans were bursting the bonds of organic economies. An Essay on the Principle of Population, in warning of the ills consequent to population density and resultant resource competition, may have, however, underappreciated its evolutionary effects. Although the significance of mortality regime has superseded its overall significance, population density, and the resource competition it brings, was the variable around which life history theory was originally constructed. With the coming of density and accompanying competition, life history theory explains how populations change and stratify as they vie to survive and reproduce. As herein argued, the slowing of life history is a consequence of population density that Malthus could not suspect, but might have appreciated.
Case studies: Commercial, multiple mining tasks systems: overview of SAS enterprise miner

SAS/Enterprise Miner is a comprehensive software product that provides an end-to-end business solution for data mining. It provides a proven data mining methodology SEMMA (Sample, Explore, Modify, Model, Assess), ease-of-use capabilities, as well as a wide breadth of data mining functionality. All of the functionality needed to implement the SEMMA process is accessed through a single graphical user interface (GUI). The SEMMA process is driven by a process flow diagram (PFD), which one can modify and save. However, the GUI is designed in such a way that the business technologist with little statistical expertise can quickly and easily navigate through the SEMMA process, while the quantitative expert can go behind the scenes to fine-tune the analytical process. SAS/Enterprise Miner contains a collection of sophisticated data mining functionalities with a common user-friendly interface that enables the user to create and compare multiple models. Data mining modeling tools include decision trees, linear and logistic regression, neural networks, ensemble models memory based reasoning, two stage models, time series, principal components, as well as clustering and association rule discovery. Data preparation tools include outlier detection, variable transformations, missing data imputation, sampling, and the partitioning of data sets. Advanced visualization tools enable the user to examine large amounts of data in multidimensional histograms quickly and easily, and to compare modeling results graphically.
Zones of Thought: Reflections on the Theories of Thought

Let us reflect on the zones of thought and how they are related to the fuzzy and classical paradigms and laws of thought in cognition as the cognitive agents journey on the epistemological highway of knowing to the house of knowledge. The epistemological space is defined by the type of information structure assumed which in turn defines the type of the set of laws of thought needed for its processing. The relevant variables characterizing the information contents for the epistemic processing will be made explicit and the conditions for representational exactness and inexactness will be stated for true-false acceptance in the relevant zones of thought. The knowledge content of the processed information in each zone will be examined and related to the epistemic conditionality. In the previous chapter, we examined exactness of inexact science and how it relates to the concepts of opposite, duality, continuum and the justification for the use of the fuzzy paradigm with its laws of thought and mathematics. It may be noticed that the fuzzy laws of thought satisfy its internal requirement for true-false acceptance in all conditions of the knowledge production in that every epistemic element contains true-false characteristics including the statement of the fuzzy laws of thought. The classical laws of thought cannot satisfy its condition of true-false evaluation as observed by Russell which leads to many philosophical discussions on the principle of excluded middle.
Morphological characterisation of natural fibre reinforced thermoplastics (NFRTP) processed by extrusion, compression and rotational moulding

In this paper we describe a methodology for applying conventional morphological characterization techniques to some ofthe manufacturing processes ofnatural fibre reinforced thermoplastics (NFRTP). The composites studied consisted of a matrix of polypropylene or polyethylene, and of discrete jute, sisal and other natural fibres as the reinforcement. Different microscopic techniques have been used to characterize the processing stages and the structure-property relationships during the manufacture ofNFRTPs using single screw extrusion, compression and rotational moulding. Important issues in the processing of discrete fibre composites, such as fibre length distributions, fibre orientation and overall fibre dispersion in the matrix have been studied. Transcrystallinity in the case PP/sisal and PP/jute composites has also been reported. In all cases the characterization procedures described here are related to the manufacturing processes studied in each particular case. In fact, a systematic approach to morphological characterization is presented in this study. We believe that all or some of techniques discussed here could be implemented as quality control procedures in the manufacturing of products using NFRTPs.
Multipurpose Microspheres-Fiber Laser

Doped silica microspheres are used to build a novel, rugged, and tunable laser system. The injected microspheres into a hollow fiber are pumped externally and their emission is collected along the cladding of the fiber.
High Resolution Wide Field Stimulated Raman Scattering Microscopy

Fluorescent imaging modalities, such as STED, PALM and STORM, has demonstrated the feasibility of super-resolution imaging. However, no comparable super-resolution imaging has been achieved based on non-fluorescent contrast mechanisms. We present a novel super-resolution approach based on incorporating stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) contrast into a standing-wave (SW) total internal reflection microscope. SW-SRS microscopy has the potential to improve the lateral resolution of current SRS microscopy in total internal reflection geometry. There is a critical difficulty to implement SW-SRS microscopy. Stimulated Raman gain, SRG, is a weak modulation of the intensity of the Stokes beam. The ratio of the SRG to Stokes beam intensity is a function of pump beam instantaneous intensity. The need for wide field imaging further reduces pump beam flux resulting in very unfavorable SRG to Stokes beam intensity ratio. As an example, using a standard Ti-Sapphire laser exciting a 100 × 100 micron square region, SRG to Strokes beam intensity can be as low as 10ˆ-9. This low signal to noise ratio is particularly challenging for wide field imaging that requires area detectors, such as CCD cameras, with limited dynamic range. To overcome these difficulties, we show that SRG to Stokes beam ratio can be improved to 10ˆ-4 by utilizing mJ pulses using a regenerative amplifier, optimization of pulse durations and bandwidths, and destructive interference of the Strokes beam background. We gratefully acknowledge funding from the Singapore-MIT Alliance (SMA-2), the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART), and the Samsung Scholarship.
Insulation Performance of SF 6 Substitute N 2 With The Effect of Micro-moisture

Using N 2 or dry air to replace SF 6 as high-voltage switchgear insulation media is a hot topic in the development of environmental friendly switching equipment. To make switchgear equipment with N 2 has a much compact structure in space, engineers should fully understand the insulation characteristics of N 2 . In this paper, the insulation characteristics of N 2 with trace water were studied from the point view of electron swarm parameters and the breakdown tests. Firstly, the density-normalized effective ionization coefficient $(\alpha-\eta)/N$ in N 2 -H 2 0 gas mixtures were calculated by solving the Boltzmann equation in the condition of steady-state Townsend discharge experiment. Values of the limiting electric field strength for which the electron ionization exactly balances the attachment were derived from the effective ionization coefficient data. Secondly, the breakdown characteristics of N 2 with the effect of moisture by the sphere-plate electrodes have been investigated. From the calculation and experiment results, it was revealed that the insulation characteristics of N 2 were not severely affected by different water content ranging from 0 μL/L to 1,000 $\mu\mathbf{L}/\mathbf{L}$ in N 2 . And the breakdown voltage was decreased $8\sim 15$ % with increasing moisture contents from 1,500 to 2,000 μL/L.