cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Colonial Discourse and the Writings of Katherine Mayo

Abstract This article examines the writings of Katherine Mayo (1867–1940), an influential writer and journalist on international issues in the 1920s and ′30s, and locates them within the genre of “colonial discourse.” The authors begin with a chronological overview of her writing on Dutch Guiana, the United States and Europe and then scrutinize in greater detail her work on the Philippines and India. It is suggested that using culturally and racially essentialist tropes, Mayo painted a culturally and politically regressive picture of colonial “others” while simultaneously reifying the Anglo-Saxon “self.” In doing so, she functioned not as the objective reporter she claimed to be but as an active supporter of continued United States and British colonial rule in different parts of the world and an opponent of the immigration of Asians, namely Indians and Filipinos, to the United States.
Jenseits des Hindukusch

Mit dem Abzug eines Grosteils der deutschen Truppen aus Afghanistan ging im Dezember 2014 die ISAF-Mission, der bis dahin intensivste und verlustreichste Auslandseinsatz in der Geschichte der Bundeswehr, zu Ende. Mittels einer Analyse von 14 Reden und anderen Sprechakten von EntscheidungstragerInnen und ExpertInnen der deutschen Ausenpolitik geht dieser Beitrag der Frage nach, wie der Einsatz im ausenpolitischen Diskurs ruckblickend verarbeitet und normativ eingeordnet wird. Hierauf aufbauend wird untersucht, welche Ruckschlusse aus dem militarischen Engagement am Hindukusch fur kommende Entscheidungen uber Auslandseinsatze der Bundeswehr gezogen werden. Zentraler Befund ist die Widerspruchlichkeit zwischen den Erfahrungen der Bundesregierung aus dem ISAF-Einsatz einerseits und den offentlich von ihr artikulierten Entscheidungskriterien fur zukunftige Auslandseinsatze andererseits: Die Verwirklichung derselben normativen Zielsetzungen, die in Afghanistan kaum realisiert werden konnten, wird regierungsseitig immer noch als zentral fur eine Konstruktion weltweiter militarpolitischer Verantwortung Deutschlands dargestellt. Diese selbstzugeschriebene Verantwortung soll die moglichst unbeschrankte Einsatzmoglichkeit der Bundeswehr auch fernab des eigenen Staats- und Bundnisgebiets moralisch rechtfertigen. Ausgehend von einem erfahrungsbasierten Handlungsmodell gelangt der Beitrag zu der These, dass dieser Bezug auf Werte und Altruismus zur Begrundung von Auslandseinsatzen trotz widersprechender Erfahrungen aus der ISAF-Mission lediglich der offentlichkeitswirksamen Rechtfertigung von kunftigen Auslandseinsatzen dienen soll. Die gegenwartig tatsachlich wirksamen, im Wesentlichen eigennutzigen Entscheidungskriterien fur Auslandseinsatze kommen in den Sprechakten der Bundesregierung angesichts der hohen Legitimationserfordernisse dagegen nur implizit zum Ausdruck.
In-vivo cervical spine FSU dynamic motion measured by dual ultrasound: The effect of muscle activation

The etiology of neck pain is commonly evaluated by static X-Ray, CT or MRI images. Recently, we demonstrated that ultrasound (US) was capable of providing non-invasive, real-time, dynamic images of cervical spine functional spine units (FSU) ex-vivo that reflected their mechanical properties. In this work, we present a dual US system to measure the dynamic motion of cervical spine FSUs in-vivo for human subjects repetitively jumping from a height to evaluate the effect of para-cervical muscle activities on the dynamic mechanical properties of the FSU.
Acid Phosphatase Activities of the Skin, Flesh, and Seed in Sechium edule , Sw, the Chayote.

The skin, flesh, and seed of the green variety of chayote ( Sechium edule ) were analyzed for relative phosphatase activities on phenyl phosphate, sodium phytate, fructose-1, 6-diphosphate, β-glycerol phosphate. glucose-1-phosphate, glucose-6-phosphate, and ATP. Relative rates of phosphatase activities were highest with ATP and lowest with glucose-1-phosphate. Activities of all phosphatases were highest in the skin and lowest in the seed.
Neural representation of a melodic motif: Effects of polyphonic contexts.

Abstract In music, a melodic motif is often played repeatedly in different pitch ranges and at different times. Event-related potential (ERP) studies have shown that the mismatch negativity (MMN) reflects memory trace processing that encodes two separate melodic lines (“voices”) with different motifs. Here we investigated whether a single motif presented in two voices is encoded as a single entity or two separate entities, and whether motifs overlapping in time impede or enhance encoding strength. Electroencephalogram (EEG) from 11 musically-trained participants was recorded while they passively listened to sequences of 5-note motifs where the 5th note either descended (standard) or ascended (deviant) relative to the previous note (20% deviant rate). Motifs were presented either in one pitch range, or alternated between two pitch ranges, creating an “upper” and a “lower” voice. Further, motifs were either temporally isolated (silence in between), or temporally concurrent with two tones overlapping. When motifs were temporally isolated, MMN amplitude in the one-pitch-range condition was similar to that in the two-pitch-range upper voice. In contrast, no MMN, but P3a, was observed in the two-pitch-range lower voice. When motifs were temporally concurrent and presented in two pitch ranges, MMN exhibited a more posterior distribution in the upper voice, but again, was absent in the lower voice. These results suggest that motifs presented in two separate voices are not encoded entirely independently, but hierarchically, causing asymmetry between the upper and lower voice encoding even when no simultaneous pitches are presented.
Terahertz plasmonic lasers with narrow beams and large tunability

Plasmonic lasers generate coherent long-range or localized surface-plasmon-polaritons (SPPs), where the SPP mode exists at the interface of the metal (or a metallic nanoparticle) and a dielectric. Metallic-cavities sup- porting SPP modes are also utilized for terahertz quantum-cascade lasers (QCLs). Due to subwavelength apertures, plasmonic lasers have highly divergent radiation patterns. Recently, we theoretically and experimentally demonstrated a new technique for implementing distributed-feedback (DFB), which is termed as an antenna- feedback scheme, to establish a hybrid SPP mode in the surrounding medium of a plasmonic laser’s cavity with a large wavefront. This technique allows such lasers to radiate in narrow beams without requirement of any specific design considerations for phase-matching. Experimental demonstration is done for terahertz QCLs that show beam-divergence as small as 4-degrees. The antenna-feedback scheme has a characteristic feature in that refractive-index of the laser’s surrounding medium affects its radiative frequency in the same vein as refractive- index of the cavity. Hence, any perturbations in the refractive-index of the surrounding medium could lead to large modulation in the laser’s emission frequency. Along this line, we report ~57 GHz reversible, continuous, and mode-hop-free tuning of such QCLs operating at 78 K based on post-process deposition/etching of a dielectric on an already mounted QCL chip. This is the largest tuning range achieved for terahertz QCLs when operating much above the temperature of liquid-Helium. We review the aforementioned experimental results and discuss methods to increase optical power output from terahertz QCLs with antenna-feedback. Peak power output of ~13 mW is realized for a 3.3 THz QCL operating in a Stirling cooler at 54 K. A new dual-slit photonic structure based on antenna-feedback scheme is proposed to further improve output power as well as provide enhanced tunability.
Random Incompressible Motion on Two and Three-Dimensional Lattices and Its Application to the Walk on a Random Field

One of the more important features of turbulent flow is its ability to disperse contaminants. But, because the most convenient way of describing the turbulent field is in terms of Eulerian or “laboratory” coordinates, and particle dispersion is naturally expressed in Lagrangian or “material” coordinates, dispersion is not well predicted quantitatively. The principal difficulty is that the two-point Eulerian statistics which characterize the velocity field do not admit to unique two-point Lagrangian displacement statistics which describe particle dispersion.
Correlating the properties of amorphous silicon with its flexibility volume

For metallic glasses, ``flexibility volume'' has recently been introduced as a property-revealing indicator of the structural state the glass is in. This parameter incorporates the atomic volume and the vibrational mean-square displacement, to combine both static structure and dynamics information. Flexibility volume was shown to quantitatively correlate with the properties of metallic glasses [J. Ding et al., Nat. Commun. 7, 13733 (2016)]. However, it remains to be examined if this parameter is useful for other types of glasses with bonding characteristics, atomic packing structures, as well as properties that are distinctly different from metallic glasses. In this paper, we tackle this issue through systematic molecular-dynamics simulations of amorphous silicon $(a$-Si) models produced with different cooling rates, as $a$-Si is a prototypical covalently bonded network glass whose structure and properties cannot be characterized using structural parameters such as free volume used for metallic and polymeric glasses. Specifically, we demonstrate a quantitative prediction of the shear modulus of $a$-Si from the flexibility for atomic motion. This flexibility volume descriptor, when evaluated on the atomic scale, is shown to also correlate well with local packing, as well as with the propensity for thermal relaxations and shear transformations, providing a metric to map out and explain the structural and mechanical heterogeneity in the amorphous material. This case study of a model of covalently bonded network $a$-Si, together with our earlier demonstration for metallic glasses, points to the universality of flexibility volume as an indicator of the structure state to link with properties, applicable across amorphous materials with different chemical bonding and atomic packing structures.
An Overview of the Chipola Formation, Northwestern Florida

The Alum Bluff Group of northwestern Florida includes four "formations" - the Chipola, Oak Grove, Shoal River, and Hawthorn units (Fig. I). Of these, the Chipola and Oak Grove are believed, on the basis of molluscan fauna, to be stratigraphic equivalents, and arc of late Early Miocene age (Akers, 1972). The Shoal River and Hawthorn are assumed to be Middle Miocene.
Computational Microscopy at 5 Meters Using Axially-Symmetric Sequential Fourier Sampling

Acousto-optically generated traveling interference fringes spatially modulate a laser source which is projected onto a distant target to sequentially probe its Fourier components. We present 2D reconstructed images with a record 17 µm resolution at 5 m.
Matching and Ranking Cases

This chapter presents both partial matching and ranking procedures, the combination of which allows a reasoner to select useful or most-useful cases. Matching is the process of comparing two cases to each other and determining their degree of match. Ranking is the process of ordering partially-matching cases according to goodness of match or usefulness. When one match cases, one can either produce a score that signifies degree of match, or one can simply determine if yes, a case matches sufficiently, or no, it does not. When one ranks cases, one determines which of the several cases, all of which match partially, is better than the others. Often, ranking procedures use the output of matching procedures to order partially-matching cases according to their usefulness. However, sometimes the relationship between matching and ranking is more complicated. Some schemes, for example, use multiple matching and ranking steps. CASEY, for example, begins by using retrieval functions to choose partially-matching cases, focusing its dimensional matches on those features it knows to be most important.
Rates of Anovulation in Adolescents and Young Adults with Moderate to Severe Primary Dysmenorrhea and Those without Primary Dysmenorrhea

Objective To evaluate rates of presumptive anovulation in eumenorrheic adolescents and young adults with moderate to severe primary dysmenorrhea and those without primary dysmenorrhea.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Screening Tests and Treatment for Post-Acute Coronary Syndrome Depression: A Systematic Review.

Objectives To evaluate (1) the diagnostic accuracy of selected depression screening instruments and strategies versus a validated criterion standard in adult patients within 3 months of an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) event and (2) the comparative safety and effectiveness of a broad range of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments for depression in adult patients who have received a criterion-based diagnosis of depression or had clinically important depressive symptoms using a validated depression scale and who are within 3 months of an ACS event. Data sources We searched PubMed®, Embase®, PsycINFO®, CINAHL®, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for English-language studies published from January 1, 2003, to August 15, 2017, that evaluated the accuracy of tools for diagnosing depression in patients after ACS or that evaluated interventions for treating post-ACS patients identified with depression. Review methods Two investigators individually screened each abstract and full-text article for inclusion; abstracted data; and rated quality, applicability, and strength of evidence. Where appropriate, random-effects models were used to compute summary estimates of effects. Results We identified 21 primary articles describing 10 unique studies that met our inclusion criteria: 6 studies relevant to diagnostic accuracy and 4 studies relevant to treatment effectiveness. For diagnostic accuracy, based on six studies evaluating four instruments involving 1,755 post-ACS patients, evidence suggests that a range of different depression screening instruments produce high (97%) negative predictive values (i.e., percentage of patients who screen negative who do not have the condition) but produce low ( Conclusions Among several depression screening tools, the BDI is the most studied. Existing tools miss less than 3 percent of patients with depression, but only 50 percent of patients who screen positive actually have clinically confirmed depression. Enhanced care interventions and a strategy using CBT plus second-generation antidepressants for patients with severe depression or partial response to CBT improved depressive outcomes more than usual care. The effects of depression interventions on cardiovascular outcomes are uncertain.
The (non)use of alcohol in topless establishments: Protection for women or gender policing?:

This article considers current and proposed restrictions placed on the adult industry in Chicago in order to explore the attempts made through legislation to control legal forms of sex work, specif...
Composite materials for thermal applications

The transfer of heat by conduction is involved in the use of a heat sink to dissipate heat from an electronic package, the heating of an object on a hot plate, the operation of a heat exchanger, the melting of ice on an airport runway by resistance heating, the heating of a cooking pan on an electric range, and in numerous industrial processes that involve heating or cooling. Effective transfer of heat by conduction requires materials (such as a heat sink material) of high thermal conductivity. In addition, it requires a good thermal contact between the two surfaces (such as the surface of a heat sink and the surface of a printed circuit board) across which heat transfer occurs. Without good thermal contacts, the use of expensive thermal conducting materials for the components is not cost effective. The attainment of a good thermal contact requires a thermal interface material, such as a thermal grease, which must be thin (small in thickness) between the mating surfaces, must conform to the topography of the mating surface and preferably should have a high thermal conductivity as well. This chapter addresses materials for thermal conduction, including materials of high thermal conductivity and thermal interface materials. In addition, this chapter addresses materials for thermal insulation and heat retention, which are important in buildings for the purpose of energy saving. Thermoelectric applications can be considered a subset of thermal applications, but they are addressed in Chapter 6 rather than this chapter.
EARTHQUAKE EFFECTS IN THE SAFETY AND RELIABILITY ANALYSIS OF ENGINEERING STRUCTURES

Abstract Earthquake effects on the surface of the ground are extremely varied and complex in nature. Their effects on engineering structures are of the same order of complexity. Structures subject to earthquake effects which lend themselves to study by model are examined with respect to their safety and reliability. Application of model study to actual structures, foundations, ground acceleration without permanent relative ground distribution and failure criteria are discussed. A crucial question is that of the sensitivity of the predicted structural response to the various available models. Consequences of the distribution of damping in the structure and in the foundation are presented.
Implementation of a Peer Learning Program Replacing Score-Based Peer Review in a Multispecialty Integrated Practice.

OBJECTIVE. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of a peer learning program to score-based peer review in a radiology department. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Our score-based peer review prog...
A copper-catalyzed double coupling enables a 3-step synthesis of the quassinoid core architecture

The quassinoids are a fascinating class of degraded triterpene natural products which possess, among other attributes, potent anti-cancer activity. Their complex polycyclic ring systems also serve as inspiration for the development of new chemical methods and strategies – especially those pertaining to C–C bond formation. Herein we disclose a novel tandem cross coupling/SN2′ reaction of vicinal epoxy vinyl triflates with simple Grignard reagents catalyzed by Cu(I). Using this transformation, the polycyclic core architecture of the quassinoids can be generated in only three linear steps from carvone epoxide, forming five carbon–carbon bonds in the process.
DVL1 and DVL3 differentially localize to CYP19A1 promoters and regulate aromatase mRNA in breast cancer cells

The CYP19A1 gene encodes aromatase, an enzyme that converts androgens into estrogens and consequently directly contributes to both the depletion of androgens and the synthesis of estrogens in several organs. Aromatase is critical for diverse biological processes such as proliferation, regulation of fat metabolism and hormone signaling. Additionally, it is also overexpressed in diverse cancers and drives hormone-dependent tumor progression and increases 17-β-estradiol (E2) within tumors and the tumor microenvironment. Although the inhibition of E2 production via aromatase inhibitors represents a major therapeutic paradigm in clinical oncology, fundamental questions regarding how cancer cells gain the capacity to overexpress aromatase remain unanswered. Multiple tissue-specific CYP19A1 promoters are known to be aberrantly active in tumors, yet how this occurs is unclear. Here, for the first time, we report that Dishevelled (DVL) proteins, which are key mediators of Wnt signaling, regulate aromatase expression in multiple breast cancer cell lines. We also report that DVL enters the nucleus and localizes to at least two different CYP19A1 promoters (pII and I.4) previously reported to drive overexpression in breast tumors and to a very distal CYP19A1 placental promoter (I.1) that remains poorly characterized. We go on to demonstrate that DVL-1 and DVL-3 loss of function leads to differential changes in various aromatase transcripts and in E2 production. The report, herein, uncovers a new regulator of CYP19A1 transcription and for the first time demonstrates that DVL, a critical mediator of WNT signaling, contributes to aberrant breast cancer-associated estrogen production.
Self-energies: enabling multiphysics and multiscaling in optoelectronic quantum transport modeling

State of the art optoelectronic quantum transport methods either face prohibitive numerical load or significant physical approximations. This work introduces a good compromise in terms of an extension of Buttiker probes that can handle electron/hole recombination and generation in atomically resolved tight binding representations in the nonequilibrium Green’s function framework.
Bilateral GORE Iliac Branch Endoprosthesis with prior open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

Abstract The GORE Iliac Branch Endoprosthesis (W. L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz) has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in the treatment of aortoiliac and common iliac aneurysms, with promising results to date. The efficacy of using the device to overlap with a Dacron graft has yet to be elucidated. We present the case of a patient with prior open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair who we treated with bilateral iliac branch endoprostheses.
Recolonizing Gray Wolves (Canis lupus) in Northern California: Preliminary Analysis of Suitable Areas for Reoccupancy

After almost a century of absence, gray wolves (Canis lupus) are beginning to recolonize California. Based on current knowledge of wolf habitat use, we developed an expert opinion model to explore the prospects for wolf recovery in Northern California. In our model, we consider the following variables: ungulate prey availability, forest canopy cover, human population density, road density, and livestock distribution. The resulting maps predict favorable wolf habitat and identify areas with high potential for wolf–human conflict in Northern California. Validation and refinement of our model will be possible once California-specific wolf distribution data becomes available. Until then, the preliminary findings from this study can inform management of this endangered species.
Transgender and gender non-conforming adult preparedness for aging: Concerns for aging, and familiarity with and engagement in planning behaviors.

Background: Research on transgender and gender-nonconforming (TGNC) aging is limited. To date, most of the literature about TGNC aging has focused on discrimination (particularly in healthcare), violence and abuse, caregiving and family relations, and religiosity. Aims: The purposes of this study were to: (a) document concerns about aging among TGNC adults, including concerns that are identity-specific; (b) examine preparation for aging and end of life (i.e., familiarity and planning) among TGNC adults; and (c) examine potential differences in familiarity and planning based on gender identity. Methods: One hundred fifty-four individuals who currently or have ever identified as TGNC completed a national online survey assessing these constructs. Results: TGNC individuals reported many concerns about aging, both gender identity-specific and not. The most common aging concern was losing the ability to care for themselves followed by having to go into a nursing home or assisted living facility. The age preparatory behaviors individuals were most commonly aware of included: life insurance, wills, organ donation, regular medical checkups, living wills, durable power of attorney for healthcare, and trusts. Gender-nonconforming individuals had significantly more familiarity with age preparatory behaviors than trans feminine individuals, but had lower levels of planning to engage in age preparatory behaviors than both trans masculine and trans feminine individuals. Conclusion: The current findings highlight the need for providers to address age preparatory behaviors with TGNC individuals or provide referrals to support individuals in this planning.
Complex and Potentially Harmful Medication Patterns in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction.

Abstract Background Complex medication regimens, often present in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, may increase the risk of adverse drug effects and harm. We sought to characterize this complexity by determining the prevalence of polypharmacy, potentially inappropriate medications, and therapeutic competition (where a medication for 1 condition may worsen another condition) in 1 of the few dedicated heart failure with preserved ejection fraction programs in the United States. Methods We conducted chart review on 231 patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction seen in the University of Michigan's Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction Clinic between July 2016 and September 2019. We recorded: 1) standing medications to determine the presence of polypharmacy, defined as ≥10 medications; 2) potentially inappropriate medications based on the 2016 American Heart Association Scientific Statement on drugs that pose a major risk of causing or exacerbating heart failure, the 2019 Beers Criteria update, or a previously described list of medications associated with geriatric syndromes; and 3) competing conditions and subsequent medications that could create therapeutic competition. Results The prevalence of polypharmacy was 74%, and the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications was 100%. Competing conditions were present in 81% of patients, of whom 49% took a medication that created therapeutic competition. Conclusion In addition to confirming that polypharmacy was highly prevalent, we found that potentially inappropriate medications and therapeutic competition were also frequently present. This supports the urgent need to develop patient-centered approaches to mitigate the negative effects of complex medication regimens endemic to adults with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
Self-esteem, self-consciousness and social anxiety among college students

The present study aims to find the effect of self-esteem and self-consciousness on social anxiety among college students. A sample of 170 students from age 18-25 was included in the study. For the present study Self-Consciousness Scale–(SCS-R) by Scheier, M. F., & Carver, C. S., Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS) by Mattick and Clarke’s (1998), and Rosenberg self-esteem scale were used to measure public and private self-consciousness, social anxiety and self-esteem respectively. The results showed a positive correlation between Public Self-consciousness and social anxiety, a negative correlation between self-esteem and social anxiety, and no correlation was found between Private self-consciousness and social anxiety.
Expanding Opportunities through Research for Societal Impacts

According to the U.S. Census, the United States of America will become a majority-minority country by 2045. As the U.S. experiences this demographic shift, what will happen to computer science? Will our discipline become more inclusive? What shifts will occur in computer science? Computer science does not have a good record addressing its diversity challenges. A simple Google search for "Silicon Valley's Diversity Problem" really makes this clear. Further exploration into data from the Computing Research Association (CRA), shows how underrepresented minority groups are in computing at the Bachelor, Master, Doctoral, and faculty levels. Can computer science improve its diversity during the demographic shift? Dr. Gilbert believes it is possible to change the demographics in computer science, but it will require a cultural shift in computing along with institutional change, starting with computer science education.
The relationship between asthma, eosinophilia, and outcomes in coronavirus disease 2019 infection.

BACKGROUND: The impact of asthma diagnosis and asthma endotype on outcomes from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To describe the association between asthma diagnosis and endotype and clinical outcomes among patients diagnosed as having COVID-19 infection. METHODS: Retrospective multicenter cohort study of outpatients and inpatients presenting to 6 hospitals in the Mount Sinai Health System New York metropolitan region between March 7, 2020, and June 7, 2020, with COVID-19 infection, with and without a history of asthma. The primary outcome evaluated was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation, and hospital length of stay. The outcomes were compared in patients with or without asthma using a multivariate Cox regression model. The outcomes stratified by blood eosinophilia count were also evaluated. RESULTS: Of 10,523 patients diagnosed as having COVID-19 infection, 4902 were hospitalized and 468 had a diagnosis of asthma (4.4%). When adjusted for COVID-19 disease severity, comorbidities, and concurrent therapies, patients with asthma had a lower mortality (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.64 (0.53-0.77); P < .001) and a lower rate of hospitalization and intensive care unit admission (OR, 0.43 (0.28-0.64); P < .001 and OR, 0.51 (0.41-0.64); P < .001, respectively). Those with blood eosinophils greater than or equal to 200 cells/µL, both with and without asthma, had lower mortality. CONCLUSION: Patients with asthma may be at a reduced risk of poor outcomes from COVID-19 infection. Eosinophilia, both in those with and without asthma, may be associated with reduced mortality risk.
Voyage en Haute-Égypte: Prêtres, coptes, et catholiques

As a doctoral student in Egypt in 1989, Catherine Mayeur-Jaouen was researching what became her first book – a study of the thirteenth-century Sufi saint, al-Sayyid Ahmad al-Badawi, and pilgrimage ...
Teacher motivation, quality instruction, and student outcomes: Not a simple path

Abstract In this commentary, I briefly describe the assumptions of the researchers, then consider what we have learned from the studies in this issue about the links between teacher motivation, instruction, and student perceptions and how best to study these links. Next, I describe three surprises and two concerns about the work reported. In discussing the implications of the research in this issue, I raise several questions that could be investigated to help us understand why teacher and student perceptions might differ and what can be done to bring them into better alignment. Finally, I explore some implications of these studies for teacher education.
A Simulation-Validated Shape Grammar for Architectural Acoustics

A visual language for designs of acoustical arrays is defined by a shape grammar that deploys design rules using shape representations of acoustic panels with labels and weights to specify known formal and performative information. Reciprocal 3-D acoustic plots are computationally simulated using a perfectly matched layer finite element method and inform how the interactions of invisible sound waves are impacted by visual design decisions. This paper presents the results of this framework with 3 × 3 arrays of diffusers and absorbers, resulting in the introduction of an aesthetic value $$~\bar{E}$$ , incorporated with the diffusion coefficient, allowing for nuanced objective performative evaluation of these arrays. This ultimately leads to creative visual expressions of design rooted in acoustic theory and performance.
The universality of LDPC codes on wireless channels

Root and Variaya proved the existence of codes that can communicate reliably over any linear Gaussian channel for which the mutual information exceeds the information rate of the code. In this paper we demonstrate that properly designed low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes are such codes and that their performance lies in close proximity to the Root and Variaya capacity for the linear Gaussian vector channels (a.k.a. space-time channels). We also demonstrate the robustness of the codes on the partial-band jamming channel and in fast Rayleigh fading.
Subverting Rule 56? McDonnell Douglas, White v. Baxter Healthcare Corp. , and the Mess of Summary Judgment in Mixed-Motive Cases

Summary judgment is often the make-or-break setting for a plaintiff alleging illegal employment discrimination. For most plaintiffs, the present law of summary judgment in employment discrimination will end their case. Plaintiffs are losing most of the cases they file because they are frequently unable to survive an employer's motion for summary judgment. That result may be about to change if the Sixth Circuit's ruling in White v. Baxter Healthcare Corp. gains traction. While McDonnell Douglas creates a heightened burden for plaintiffs to meet at summary judgment, Baxter effectively removes any burden on a plaintiff necessary to survive an employer's summary judgment motion. This paper argues that both the use of McDonnell Douglas at summary judgment, and the new Baxter standard, effectively circumvent Rule 56.
Efficient Parallel Algorithms on Interval Graphs

We design efficient parallel algorithms for solving several problems on interval graphs. The problems include finding a BFS-tree and DFS-tree, articulation points and bridges, and minimum coloring. Each of our algorithms requires O(log n) time employing O(n) processors on the EREW PRAM model, where n is the number of vertices. The proposed algorithms for computing articulation points and bridges have better performance in terms of the cost (i.e, processor-time product) than the existing algorithms in [RR90], yet having the same time complexity. Our novel approach to the construction of BFS tree is based on elegantly capturing the structure of a given collection of intervals. This structure reveals important properties of the corresponding interval graph, and is found to be instrumental in solving many other problems on such graphs. Although the time- and processor-complexities of the proposed DFS-tree construction or minimum-coloring is comparable with the best-known ones [KI89], our approach to these problems are new. For example, the approach to the construction of a DFS tree is based on reducing the problem into an all dominating neighbors (ADN) problem; while that to the minimum coloring is by transforming this problem into a linked list ranking problem.
A declustering scheme with guaranteed worst-case additive error O(k/sup 1/(d-1)/) for d-dimensional range queries

Declustering schemes for range queries have been widely used in parallel storage systems to allow fast access to multidimensional data. A declustering scheme distributes data blocks among several devices (e.g., disks) so that the number of parallel block accesses needed per query is minimized. Given a system of k disks, a query that accesses m blocks needs a number of parallel block accesses that is at least OPT=/spl lceil/m/k/spl rceil/. In literature, the performance of any declustering scheme is measured by its worst-case additive deviation from OPT. A number of asymptotically optimal declustering schemes are known for 2-dimensional range queries. The case of higher dimensions appears intrinsically very difficult. None of the proposed schemes provide any non-trivial performance guarantees in higher dimensions. In this paper, we describe a declustering scheme which has guaranteed worst-case performance of OPT+O(k/sup 1/(d-1)/) parallel block accesses for d dimensions. Our scheme is a generalization of a 2-dimensional scheme proposed by Atallah and Prabhakar in 2000.
Grundsätze der diagnostischen medizinischen Mikrobiologie

Die medizinische Mikrobiologie als Diagnostik beschaftigt sich mit der atiologischen Diagnose von Infektionskrankheiten, indem sie die Krankheitserreger isoliert und typisiert sowie immunologische Reaktionen des Patienten (Antikorper, Hautreaktivitat) untersucht. Ihr Aufgabengebiet umfast ferner die vernunftige Lenkung der antimikrobiellen Therapie auf der Basis von Laboratoriumsuntersuchungen.
Chromosomal Integration of F′ Factors in Recombination-Deficient Hfr Strains of Escherichia coli

In matings between F′ donors and recombination-deficient Hfr recipients, we isolated progeny which transferred both episomal markers and Hfr markers early and with high frequency. A number of these progeny had two integrated sex factors. Investigation of these double Hfr strains showed that the F′ nearly always integrated in a homologous region of the chromosome. In any particular mating system integration was specific as to location and direction of chromosome transfer.
Back to Schopenhauer

This paper analyzes the philosophy of Schopenhauer with reference to contemporary cultural attitudes, particularly the standard reaction to this philosopher’s “pessimism.” Schopenhauer’s melancholy thought is most often the subject of a kind of insincere ridicule; he is something of a “philosophers’ joke.” Is this because he is a bad philosopher? I think not. His philosophy is taken less than seriously simply because it is overtly and unmistakably pessimistic. Why is this? And what does it say about our culture if this is the case? I briefly discuss the pessimistic aspects of Schopenhauer’s ideas, and then turn to an analysis of how and why these ideas are more often caricatured than critiqued.
Principles of Persuasion

Drawing on the literatures on negotiation, communication, and persuasion as well as his research on organizational transformation, the author proposes a framework for understanding and enacting the persuasion process in organizations. He lays out key goals of persuasion and ways that skilled leaders can manage the process. The framework focuses attention on the ways leaders shape perceptions of interests and alternatives, as well as how they persuade one-on-one and from a distance. He also highlights the importance of gaining acceptance of tough, unpopular decisions, noting that the way leaders manage the process can have a major impact on outcomes in such situations.
Low-risk thyroid cancer, surgical training, and radioactive iodine.

Michigan have undertaken an interesting and complex study of surgeon training and use of radioactive iodine for low risk thyroid cancer patients. This study is based on several hypotheses, a questionnaire to the surgeons and correlating their training to radioactive iodine use. Clearly, management of thyroid cancer starting from extent of thyroidectomy, radioactive iodine use and extent of suppressive therapy continue to be a controversial subject and depends on experience and judgment of the treating physician. Even though there are no firm standards of practice, the general tendency in the United States appears to be total thyroidectomy followed by radioactive iodine ablation. Some of these decisions are made definitely by surgeons who have performed the surgical procedure; however, there is an enormous impact of endocrinologists, and the patient themselves having read extensively on Google. Clearly, trying to correlate these issues of treatment, referring specifically to the surgeon training, parent specialty, and attending the professional meeting may be difficult. In any case, the authors have made a genuine effort to correlate these issues and concluded that training with a thyroid surgeon and attending one or more professional society meeting a year was associated with lower rate of hospital based RAI use. Clearly, these conclusions may be difficult to digest because decision making regarding RAI is generally not one individual decision. The manuscript mentions Stage I thyroid cancer patients while a majority of the manuscript discusses the low risk thyroid cancer patients. Clearly, Stage I thyroid cancer patients, especially below the age of 45 with lymph node metastasis, definitely will require radioactive iodine and is quite rational approach, while in the truly low risk thyroid cancer patient, where the tumor appears to be intrathyroidal, the role of radioactive iodine is always questioned and similar opinion is reflected in the ATA guidelines. The basic conclusion that can be made out of this manuscript is the surgeon training, and the experience of the surgeon is more important in treatment policies. Having read this manuscript several times, certain important points need to be highlighted. The collection of the data and its relation to NCDB is quite complex. It should be mentioned that the average surgeon age was 51 years and the surgeon’s average years in practice was 19. This reflects the seniority of the surgeons and their training several years before the ATA guidelines and our recent multidisciplinary management of thyroid cancer. The practice distribution of thyroidectomy is also quite interesting that the general surgeons comprised of 39 %
Challenging the doctrines of JPEG steganography

The design of both steganography and steganalysis methods for digital images heavily relies on empirically justified principles. In steganography, the domain in which the embedding changes are executed is usually the preferred domain in which to measure the statistical impact of embedding (to construct the distortion function). Another principle almost exclusively used in steganalysis states that the most accurate detection is obtained when extracting the steganalysis features from the embedding domain. While a substantial body of prior art seems to support these two doctrines, this article challenges both principles when applied to the JPEG format. Through a series of targeted experiments on numerous older as well as current steganographic algorithms, we lay out arguments for why measuring the embedding distortion in the spatial domain can be highly beneficial for JPEG steganography. Moreover, as modern embedding algorithms avoid introducing easily detectable artifacts in the statistics of quantized DCT coefficients, we demonstrate that more accurate detection is obtained when constructing the steganalysis features in the spatial domain where the distortion function is minimized, challenging thus both established doctrines.
Interference-free detection of trace copper in the presence of EDTA and other metals using two complementary chelating polymers

Abstract The presence of copper in water and wastewater is receiving close scrutiny because it is more toxic to fish and aquatic life than to humans. The use of copper, especially in the microelectronics industry, has grown significantly during the last two decades and is often present in the treated wastewater along with EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra acetate) and other strong ligands. Rapid detection of copper in such bodies of water is a scientifically challenging problem. Here, we present a novel sorption technique that senses copper by forming a distinctive turquoise-blue color at concentrations as low as 25 μg/L. Most importantly, the detection technique is free of interference from EDTA or other metals. Two chelating polymers with complementary sorption properties form the heart of the process. While one chelating polymer with only nitrogen donor atoms selectively sorb copper at a very acidic pH (∼1.5) in the presence of EDTA and competing metals (e.g. Zn, Ni, Pb), the other with imminodiacetate functionality shows distinctive blue color upon copper sorption. The sensing technique performed very well with tap water, river water and treated wastewater spiked with a trace amount of copper from the background of EDTA and other competing metals.
Enshrining indigenous knowledge as a public good : indigenous education and the Maori sense of place

Whether to pursue international legal measures to extend intellectual property rights to cover indigenous knowledge or to treat it as a public good is the subject of debate. This paper makes the case that investing indigenous knowledge as a public good is an ethical position compatible with the idea that indigenous and traditional knowledge represents community property, is holistic and is passed on through generations in a cultural context. International property rights have proved to be ineffective in protecting indigenous peoples or their knowledge. In an effort to reverse this trend, we propose a national education plan in New Zealand, not only to incorporate indigenous knowledge into the curriculum, but also to integrate the cultural importance of whanau into school practices. Whanau, the Maori sense of place, is the equivalent of the ultimate Maori public good and represents an enviro-identity more complex than family structure. In order to realize the perspective of place, the school system requires the inclusion of indigenous education into a learning model that seeks to foster the recognition that we are all bound to place and dependent upon local ecosystems.
“Si dictare velis”: Versified Artes dictandi and Late Medieval Writing Pedagogy

Abstract : Among the hundreds of medieval treatises on letter writing ( artes dictandi ) are at least four that are written entirely in hexameter verse. Moreover, the verse treatises by Jupiter Monoculus and Otto of Luneburg are preserved in dozens of fourteenth- and fifteenth-century manuscripts, where they are usually accompanied by commentaries. The surprising popularity of these texts is due in part to their curricular association with the most successful general composition textbook of the Middle Ages, Geoffrey of Vinsauf9s Poetria nova , which is also written in hexameters. In addition, they served the same pedagogical functions as the verses that are embedded in many prose artes dictandi: they give pleasure through variety, they provide concise summaries of doctrine, and they facilitate memorization through the use of meter and (often) rhyme.
Assessment of retinal function before and after idiopathic macular hole surgery.

Purpose To evaluate preoperative and postoperative retinal function in patients who underwent macular surgery for idiopathic macular hole. Design Prospective, comparative, interventional case series. Methods Thirty eyes of 30 patients with idiopathic macular hole were included in the study. Patients underwent pars plana vitrectomy and peeling of the internal limiting membrane (ILM). ILM visualization was improved in 15 patients by using triamcinolone acetonide and in the remaining 15 patients by using infracyanine green dye. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography examination was performed to document macular hole closure. Retinal function was assessed preoperatively and postoperatively over a period of 12 months by best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurement (ETDRS chart), MP-1 microperimetry, and focal electroretinogram recording (fERG). Focal electroretinograms were recorded in response to a sinusoidally modulated (41 Hz), uniform field presented to the macular (18 degrees) and foveal (2.25 degrees) region. Results Macular hole closure was achieved in all patients in both groups. At 12 months, visual acuity improved in both groups ( P P P P P = .095). Conclusion Vitrectomy and ILM peeling assisted with either triamcinolone acetonide or infracyanine green staining improves visual acuity and mean macular sensitivity at 12 months in patients affected by idiopathic macular hole. However, triamcinolone acetonide staining is associated with an increase of fERG's first harmonic amplitude in the foveal and macular region, whereas in the case of infracyanine green staining it seems to decrease after surgery. The reduction of the amplitude of fERG's first harmonic suggests that infracyanine green may have a late toxic effect on photoreceptor cells.
Insulin-like growth factor I receptor is required for the mitogenic and transforming activities of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor.

R− cells are 3T3-like cells derived from mouse embryos in which the insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) receptor (IGF-IR) genes have been disrupted by targeted homologous recombination. These cells cannot grow in serum-free medium supplemented by the growth factors that sustain the growth of other 3T3 cell lines, and cannot be transformed by oncogenes that easily transform wild type mouse embryo cells. We have used these cells to study the role of the IGF-IR in the growth and transformation of cells overexpressing the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-bb receptor. We report that an overexpressed PDGF-bb receptor fails to induce mitogenesis or transformation in cells lacking the IGF-IR, while capable of doing so in cells expressing the IGF-IR. We conclude that the ability of the activated PDGF-bb receptor to stimulate cell proliferation and transformation requires a funcitional IGF-IR. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.