cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Poor Fixation on Computer-assisted Topographic Corneal Analysis: Pseudokeratoconus

Introduction: The effect of changing the alignment of the corneal surface in relation to the plane of the videokeratoscope mires in computer-assisted topographic corneal analysis was evaluated. Methods: The corneas of five subjects were analyzed with the visual axis at 0 ° , 2.5 ° , 5 ° , and 10 ° below the central axis of the videokeratoscope. The relative steepness of the inferior and superior cornea was compared using inferior-superior (I-S) values at each deviation from the central axis. A similar analysis was performed on three aspheric test surfaces with different central curvatures. Results: The difference in the relative steepness of the inferior and superior cornea was found to increase in proportion to the deviation from alignment with the central axis in both the test subjects and the aspheric test surfaces. Conclusion: This change in relative steepness produces a pattern that mimics keratoconus and can be seen at deviations of less than 5 ° in some patients. The increase in the I-S value was significant at 5 ° of deviation ( P
Multimodal reasoning for automatic model construction

This paper describes a program called PRET that automates system identification, the process of finding a dynamical model of a black-box system. PRET performs both structural identification and parameter estimation by integrating several reasoning modes: qualitative reasoning, qualitative simulation, numerical simulation, geometric reasoning, constraint reasoning, resolution, reasoning with abstraction levels, declarative meta-level control, and a simple form of truth maintenance.Unlike other modeling programs that map structural or functional descriptions to model fragments, PRET combines hypotheses about the mathematics involved into candidate models that are intelligently tested against observations about the target system.We give two examples of system identification tasks that this automated modeling tool has successfully performed. The first, a simple linear system, was chosen because it facilitates a brief and clear presentation of PRET's features and reasoning techniques. In the second example, a difficult real-world modeling task, we show how PRET models a radio-controlled car used in the University of British Columbia's soccer-playing robot project.
Nonreciprocity Based on Nonlinear Resonances

Breaking reciprocity is fundamentally important for the protection of sources from incoming signals and to route signals traveling in opposite directions asymmetrically. Nonreciprocal devices are usually realized through certain types of magnetic materials, such as ferrites, under biasing with a static magnetic field, but recently, there has also been interest in magnetless approaches, including spatiotemporal modulation and nonlinear effects. Here, we provide an overview of nonreciprocal devices realized through nonlinearities, which have the advantage of not requiring any sort of bias and therefore, being fully passive. We explain the operation principle of such devices focusing on the most common type, nonlinear isolators based on nonlinear Fano resonators. We show that, despite being able to achieve high isolation, these structures are subject to a tradeoff between forward transmission and isolation power range stemming from time-reversal symmetry. Next, we show how this tradeoff can be overcome in structures comprising multiple nonlinear resonators and provide an example at microwave frequencies. Finally, we discuss the limitations imposed by thermodynamics on the operation of nonlinear isolators when they are simultaneously excited from both sides, and we envision practical operations in which nonlinear isolators can be fundamentally useful.
A Journal Editor’s Identity Journey: An Autoethnography of Becoming, Being, and Beyond

This autoethnography essay describes the identity journey of the founding editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Multicultural Education (IJME). In this essay the author shares her story of founding and becoming the editor of this international journal, the sociocultural meaning of being a journal editor to her, and her decision to leave this journal editor position. She frames the multicultural identity discourse in an autoethnographic narrative style and links her journal editor identity with the journal’s identity focusing on justice, open-access, and peer-review.
The effectiveness of correction & republication as quality control in scholarly communication – A bibliometric analysis

The practice of correction and republication is a mechanism for identifying and updating non‐maleficent yet message‐distorting errors in the biomedical literature. Inappropriate use of anomalous literature is evinced by citation of invalidated scholarly works, and though it is known that republished versions of articles are cited more often than corrected versions, the strength of the effect of invalidation, correction, and republication has not been previously quantified. Robust analysis of 15,000+ citations to 548 articles indexed in PubMed indicates that the practice of correction and republication is a strong predictor of reduced post‐republication citation relative to controls. This bibliometric analysis shows that corrected articles are cited on average 51% less than controls overall and that the practice of correction and republication results in a fast‐acting and long‐lasting reduction in citation of flawed works by downstream researchers.
Frameless Stereotactic Navigation during Insular Glioma Resection using Fusion of Three-Dimensional Rotational Angiography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Background Perioperative cerebral infarction is a potential complication of glioma resection, of which insular tumors are at higher risk because of the proximity of middle cerebral artery branches, including the lateral lenticulostriates and long insular arteries. In this study, 3 patients received three-dimensional rotational angiography, which was fused with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for frameless stereotactic navigation during dominant-hemisphere insular glioma resection. Methods All patients obtained a preoperative catheter angiogram with a three-dimensional rotational acquisition of the ipsilateral internal carotid artery. The pixel-based axial three-dimensional angiography data, thin-cut structural MRI, tractography from diffusion tensor imaging, and expressive language activation from functional MRI were uploaded into the iPlan software (Brainlab, Heimstetten, Germany) and fused. The target tumor, regional blood vessels, adjacent functional areas, and their associated fiber tracts were segmented and overlaid on the appropriate MRI sequence. This image fusion was used preoperatively to visualize the relationship of the mass with the adjacent vasculature and intraoperatively for frameless stereotactic navigation to optimize preservation of arterial structures. Results Three patients aged 27–60 years with excellent baseline functional status presented with seizures and were found to have a large dominant-hemisphere T2 hyperintense nonenhancing insular mass. Surgical resection was performed using multimodality neuronavigation. None sustained a postoperative arterial infarction or a perioperative neurologic deficit. Conclusions Neuronavigation using a fusion of three-dimensional rotational angiography with MRI is a technique that can be used for preoperative planning and during resection of insular gliomas to optimize preservation of adjacent arteries.
Current Trends in Systemic Therapies in Elderly Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

The incidence of colorectal cancer increases with age and the population is aging, making treatment of elderly patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) an increasingly common part of oncology practice. We review the literature regarding systemic treatment of colorectal cancer in the elderly population. Most of the data for toxicity and efficacy of systemic therapies for mCRC in older patients comes from subgroup analysis of pooled phase II and III trials of both chemotherapy and targeted agents. These studies suggest that combination chemotherapy and targeted therapy are well-tolerated in fit elderly patients with slightly increased risk of toxicity. Assessment of functional status independent of age can help differentiate which patients are candidates for combination chemotherapy, single-agent chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or supportive care. Fit, elderly patients should be treated as younger patients. Dose-reduced doublet therapy with dose escalation as tolerated is a safe and effective way to treat less-fit elderly patients. Most targeted therapies appear to be safe in the elderly population without significant concerns for increased toxicity.
Effects of Ethnicity and Message Framing on Colorectal Cancer Screening

We examined the relative effectiveness of gain- versus loss-framed videotaped messages designed to increase colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among low-income Caucasians, African Americans, and Mexican Americans. The participants were 164 people living in low-income neighborhoods. Participants watched either a gain-framed or a loss-framed videotape. They completed pre- and post-video questionnaires and received a take-home immunoassay Fecal Occult Blood Test (iFOBT) kit that they were asked to use and return by mail. Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that iFOBT return rates varied significantly by ethnicity (p < .002) and framing condition (p < .004). Screening kits were returned by 68.4% of Caucasians, 37.7% of African Americans, and 64.8% of Mexican Americans; 65.0% of participants who saw the gain-framed video returned the iFOBT kit, but only 50.0% of those who saw the loss-framed video returned the kit. Framing made a difference only for Caucasians, and the direction of the difference was opposite from the direction predicted. The return rate for Latinos was similar to that for Caucasians; however, Latino rates did not vary as a function of type of framing. It is possible that message framing must be specifically targeted if it is to be effective for Latinos and African Americans.
Application of a Substrate-Mediated Selection with c-Src Tyrosine Kinase to a DNA-Encoded Chemical Library

As aberrant activity of protein kinases is observed in many disease states, these enzymes are common targets for therapeutics and detection of activity levels. The development of non-natural protein kinase substrates offers an approach to protein substrate competitive inhibitors, a class of kinase inhibitors with promise for improved specificity. Also, kinase activity detection approaches would benefit from substrates with improved activity and specificity. Here, we apply a substrate-mediated selection to a peptidomimetic DNA-encoded chemical library for enrichment of molecules that can be phosphorylated by the protein tyrosine kinase, c-Src. Several substrates were identified and characterized for activity. A lead compound (SrcDEL10) showed both the ability to serve as a substrate and to promote ATP hydrolysis by the kinase. In inhibition assays, compounds displayed IC50's ranging from of 8-100 µM. NMR analysis of SrcDEL10 bound to the c-Src:ATP complex was conducted to characterize the binding mode. An ester derivative of the lead compound demonstrated cellular activity with inhibition of Src-dependent signaling in cell culture. Together, the results show the potential for substrate-mediated selections of DNA-encoded libraries to discover molecules with functions other than simple protein binding and offer a new discovery method for development of synthetic tyrosine kinase substrates.
Regionally decreased gyrification in middle-aged adults with autism spectrum disorders

Objective To examine changing features of cortical morphology in middle-aged adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) vs typical comparison (TC) participants, hypothesizing regionally decreased local gyrification index (lGI), given our previous findings of accelerated lGI decline during adolescence. Methods After quality assurance, T1-weighted MRI sequences from 20 participants with ASD and 21 TC participants (40–61 years) matched on age were analyzed. lGI, cortical thickness (CT), and surface area (SA) were measured with FreeSurfer version 5.3. Statistical analyses used a general linear model including age, nonverbal IQ, and total brain volume as covariates. Clusters of significant group effects were used as regions of interest for behavioral analyses. Results Clusters of decreased lGI were observed bilaterally in the ASD group with large effect sizes in insular and anterior cingulate (ACC), left postcentral, and middle frontal and right orbitofrontal and supramarginal regions. lGI was also shown to decline with age across groups in bilateral precentral and right supramarginal clusters. No significant group, age, or group-by-age interaction effects were observed for CT or SA in this age group. lGI showed a significant correlation with Social Responsiveness Scale total scores in a right caudal ACC cluster in the TC group only, while several correlations were found in the ASD group between executive function scores and clusters in the bilateral insula and right orbitofrontal cortex. Conclusion The pattern of regionally decreased lGI observed here in middle-aged adults with ASDs is consistent with an abnormal trajectory of cortical folding changes across different stages of life in ASDs, as shown in previous studies.
Tacrolimus and Indomethacin Are Safe and Effective at Reducing Pancreatitis After Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Patients Who Have Undergone Liver Transplantation.

Background & Aims Biliary complications occur in up to 25% of patient following liver transplantation and are often managed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Pancreatitis is the most common adverse event after ERCP (PEP). Tacrolimus and rectal indomethacin have each been reported to reduce risk of PEP. We investigated the incidence of PEP in patients who have undergone ERCP after liver transplantation and the effectiveness of tacrolimus and/or indomethacin in reducing risk of PEP. Methods We performed a retrospective study of 337 patients who underwent ERCP (n = 937 procedures) for biliary complications after liver transplantation from June 1, 2007 through December 1, 2015. After June 1, 2012, rectal indomethacin (100 mg) was routinely administered at the conclusion of the ERCP unless patients had contraindications. Indomethacin was given after 286 ERCP procedures. After excluding patients with acute/chronic rejection, 323 patients were maintained on a stable dose of tacrolimus prior to ERCP (901 procedures). We collected data on demographic and clinical variables, pre-procedural tacrolimus trough levels, and development of PEP. We calculated adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for the association between tacrolimus and indomethacin use and risk of PEP using mixed-effects multivariable logistic regression. The primary outcome was development of PEP; secondary outcomes included the development moderate-to-severe PEP, cholangitis and bleeding. Results PEP occurred after 2.2% of ERCP procedures. A trough level of tacrolimus above 2.5 ng/mL was associated with 79% lower odds of PEP (OR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.06–0.72; P = .01). Indomethacin was associated with a 91% reduction in risk of PEP (OR, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.01–0.85; P = .03). Indomethacin use did not affect rates of bleeding or cholangitis or decrease in glomerular filtration rate. In patients with trough levels of tacrolimus above 2.5 ng/mL, addition of indomethacin reduced the odds of PEP by 93% compared with patients who were unexposed to indomethacin. (OR, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.01–0.90; P = .04). Conclusions In a retrospective study of patients who underwent ERCP for biliary complications after liver transplantation, we found trough levels of tacrolimus above 2.5 ng/mL to significantly reduce risk for PEP. Rectal administration of indomethacin after ERCP significantly decreased rates of pancreatitis, and reduced risk further in patients given tacrolimus. Administration of both drugs prevented patients from developing moderate or severe pancreatitis. Indomethacin did not worsen renal function in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Loser Like Israel Galván: Epic Fails in La fiesta

Abstract: This article aims to update generally assumed readings on Spanish bailaor Israel Galvan regarding solitude (Didi-Huberman) and silence (Frayssinet Savy) by interrogating his show La fiesta (2017). La fiesta contributes to a revaluation of his solo career as a flamenco dancer and deliberately proposes a non-normative flamenco universe that searches for alternative modes of dancing. Moved by notions such as failure, forgetfulness, and stupidity (Halberstam) I will demonstrate how celebratory spaces and times such as the one evoked by Galvan facilitate actions and movements outside of the limits normativity imposes. Key Words: Israel Galvan, party, failure, solitude, silence, flamenco Resumen: Este trabajo propone actualizar lecturas generalmente aceptadas en torno a la figura del bailaor espanol Israel Galvan en relacion con las nociones de soledad (Didi-Huberman) y silencio (Frayssinet Savy) por medio de una aproximacion a su espectaculo La fiesta (2017). La fiesta contribuye a una reevaluacion de su trayectoria como bailaor solista y propone deliberadamente un universo flamenco no normativo que aspira a formas alternativas de danza. Inspirado por nociones como las de fracaso, olvido y estupidez (Halberstam) demostrare como espacios y tiempos de celebracion como el evocado por Galvan facilitan acciones y movimientos fuera de los limites impuestos por la normatividad. Palabras clave: Israel Galvan, fiesta, fracaso, soledad, silencio, flamenco
Epitaxial Regrowth and Hole Shape Engineering for Photonic Crystal Surface Emitting Lasers (PCSELs)

Abstract In the present research, epitaxial regrowth by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) is investigated as a fabrication process for void-semiconductor photonic crystal (PhC) surface emitting lasers (PCSELs). The PhC is patterned by electron beam lithography (EBL) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etch and is subsequently regrown by molecular beam epitaxy to embed a series of voids in bulk semiconductor. Experiments are conducted to investigate the effects of regrowth on air-hole morphology. The resulting voids have a distinct teardrop shape with the radius and depth of the etched hole playing a very critical role in the final regrown void’s dimensions. We demonstrate that specific hole diameters can encourage deposition to the bottom of the voids or to their sidewalls, allowing us to engineer the shape of the void more precisely as is required by the PCSEL design. A 980 nm InGaAs quantum well laser structure is optimized for low threshold lasing at the design wavelength and full device structures are patterned and regrown. An optically pumped PCSEL is demonstrated from this process.
Ethnobotany of the garífuna of Eastern Nicaragua

We report the diversity of plants used by the Garifuna focusing on medicinals. Garifuna plants documented in this study are distributed among 75 families, 193 genera, and 254 species. Included are 229 medicinals, 93 food plants, and 94 species for other uses. Garifuna medicinals treat more than 30 human ailments and most are native (74%) to eastern Nicaragua. About 70% of the medicinals have some bioactive principle, most are herbs (37%) or trees (34%), and leaves are the most frequently utilized plant part. Most are prepared as decoctions and are administered orally. Most food plants are domesticates, and only 14 of 51 domesticated food species are native to the NW tropics with only three to Mesoamerica. Garifuna culture is changing rapidly as a result of contact with immigrating mestizos from central Nicaragua. This study provides a written record of folk medicine and ethnobotany for the people of eastern Nicaragua.
In situ synchrotron diffraction of pressure-induced phase transition in DyPO 4 under variable hydrostaticity

In situ synchrotron x-ray diffraction was conducted on polycrystalline ${\mathrm{DyPO}}_{4}$ to elucidate the details of the pressure-induced transition from the xenotime polymorph to the monazite polymorph. We used three different pressure-transmitting media (neon, a 16:3:1 methanol-ethanol-water mixture, and potassium chloride) to investigate the effect of hydrostaticity on the phase behavior. Specifically, our data clearly show a hydrostatic onset pressure of the xenotime-monazite transition of 9.1 GPa, considerably lower than the 15.3 GPa previously determined by Raman spectroscopy. Based on (quasi)hydrostatic data taken in a neon environment, third-order Birch-Murnaghan equation-of-state fits give a xenotime bulk modulus of 144 GPa and a monazite bulk modulus of 180 GPa (both with pressure derivatives of 4.0). Structural data and axial compressibilities show that ${\mathrm{DyPO}}_{4}$ is sensitive to shear and has an anisotropic response to pressure. More highly deviatoric conditions cause the onset of the transition to shift to pressures at least as low as 7.0 GPa. We attribute early transition to shear-induced distortion of the ${\mathrm{PO}}_{4}$ tetrahedra. Our characterization of the high-pressure behavior of ${\mathrm{DyPO}}_{4}$ under variable hydrostaticity is critical for advancing rare earth orthophosphate fiber coating applications in ceramic matrix composites and may inform future tailoring of phase composition for controlled shear and pressure applications.
Risk factors in beef cattle for terminal rectal mucosa colonization of Escherichia coli 0157:H7

Escherichia coli 0157:H7 (STEC 0157) is an important foodborne pathogen of humans. Cattle are sub-clinically colonized with STEC 0157 at the terminal rectal mucosa (TRM). Live cattle serve as an important reservoir for human exposure, but it is unknown if health or performance characteristics of cattle predict their risk for colonization. Our objective was to test if disease during the finishing phase, growth performance, or carcass quality measurements at harvest increased the odds of E. coli TRM colonization at the time of slaughter.
Between populism and democracy: ‘the People’ in election discourse

A global trend of populism affects established democracies in Europe and around the world. Instrumental to this wave is the notion of the People, harnessed by populists’ rhetoric to their political advantage. Yet only little is known on the various, even contradicting meanings of the People in political discourse. Drawing on popular sovereignty theories and representation studies, in this paper I develop a theoretical framework of four key facets of the People—political, national, spatial, and abstract, and their two dimensions—concrete and diffuse. I argue that while elections are associated primarily with the political facet of the People, cross-temporal approaches to electoral representation highlight the People as a multifaceted construct. I explore these theoretical conjectures with computational text analysis of news media coverage of the 2016 American election. I find that the People is a multidimensional construct, with temporal dynamics that connect the political facet with the broader political agency of the People. However, this connection holds only before the 2016 election, and not after them. The results are discussed in relation to populism and the challenges democracies are facing.
Decentralized Authoritarianism in China: Authoritarianism and Decentralization

In November 2002, Hu Jintao became the fourth general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) of the “reform era,” which began in earnest in December 1978. The carefully orchestrated leadership transition was widely regarded as the most predictable and peaceful transfer of power in the history of the People's Republic. The contrast with the events of the late 1980s that rocked the communist world could not have been greater. When communism ended, first in Eastern Europe, then in the Soviet Union itself, the future of the Chinese regime seemed very much in doubt. The series of demonstrations during the spring of 1989 proved that the CCP was not immune to the kind of political instability that led to the destruction of communism elsewhere. Although by the summer of 1989 the Chinese leadership seemed to have “won,” scholars outside China ascribed the use of force against demonstrators to the desperation of a Party weakened by ten years of reforms; Deng's pyrrhic victory signified a “transition postponed,” but certainly not a precluded one (Shue, 1992; Pei, 1994). Fifteen years later, the transition has still not taken place. Instead, the post-Tiananmen leadership surprised the world by embracing a breathtaking series of politically difficult reforms: deeper integration with the world economy, culminating with World Trade Organization membership in 2001; the restructuring of the state sector, including massive layoffs; the privatization of much of the housing sector in urban areas; and the generalization of partially competitive elections at the village level.
The Contribution of Personality and Refugee Camp Experience to Callous and Unemotional Traits Among Immigrant Adolescents in the United States: Implications for the DSM-5 “Limited Prosocial Emotions” Specifier

Callous and Unemotional (C&U) traits characterize a group of adolescents who engage and persist in especially severe antisocial behaviors. These traits have been included in DSM-5 within a “Limited Prosocial Emotions” (LPE) specifier for Conduct Disorder. To investigate the generalizability of this specifier to non-Western cultures, we examined associations among Big Five personality, refugee camp experience, and C&U traits among 81 immigrant adolescents from non-Western cultures. Adolescents with refugee camp history endorsed higher levels of Uncaring than other adolescents. Personality traits explained 6 (Unemotional) to 18 % (Callousness) of the variance in C&U traits. The association between Neuroticism and Callousness held only for adolescents with a refugee camp history. Our results corroborate the importance of considering personality to understand C&U traits and the LPE specifier. Results also raise questions regarding the applicability of C&U traits to non-Western adolescents with varying pre-immigration experiences, and raise the possibility that the LPE specifier is vulnerable to false-positive identifications among such individuals.
Chapter 18 Strategies in the development of peptide antagonists

Publisher Summary The development of a competitive antagonist for a specific agonist ligand requires that the peptide ligand binds to the same receptor binding site as the agonist in a manner that blocks the agonist from binding to the receptor site but does not bind in a manner that activates the transduction mechanism. This chapter discusses approaches to the development of peptide receptor antagonists and three examples that show the principles involved in the antagonist design of peptide neurotransmitters and hormones can equally be applied to the development of growth factor inhibitors, enzyme inhibitors, antigen inhibitors, and any other system where molecular recognition is critical to a biological process. The development of peptide antagonists requires a highly interdisciplinary approach with excellent chemistry to design, synthesize and determine the structure of compounds of interest; state of the art analytical and biophysical facilities, including high field 2D and 3D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and computer graphics and computer facilities; and comprehensive binding assays and in vitro and in vivo biological assays. Some of the analogues discussed in the chapter promise to provide unique new insights into the roles of opioid receptor in the control of pain, in the mechanisms of addiction and its management, and in determining the pharamcophore for μ opioid receptor antagonists.
From footprint to function: an approach to study gene expression and regulatory factors in transgenic plants

Differential expression of genes plays an indispensable role in the developmental program of biological organisms. This is especially evident in the case of higher eukaryotes where each individual cell of an organism has a distinctive biochemical composition. In most cases, the phenotype and morphology of a particular cell are results of a regulated program of gene expression. Although different mechanisms of gene regulation are known to play important roles in development, such as differential splicing and mRNA stability, regulation at the level of transcription initiation has been the most intensely studied.
Effect of Radiation on Corrosion of Structural Materials by Molten Fluorides

A survey of the experimental methods used in testing the radiation stability of molten salts and their corrosion properties is presented. The effects of irradiation on the corrosion of Inconel exposed to fluoride fuel mixtures and on the physical and chemical stability of the fuel mixtures were investigated by irradiating in the MTR capsules filled with static fuel and by operating in-pile forced-circulation loops in the LITR and in the MTR. In the many capsule tests and in the three inpile loop tests made to date, no major changes have occurred in the fuel mixtures that can be attributed to irradiation. other than normal burn-up of uranium Metallurgical examinations of the Inconel capsules and tubing have likewise shown no changes in corrosion that can be the result of radiation damage. The low corrosion results obtained for the in-pile loops have been confirmed by chemical analyses for corrosion products in the fuel mixtures. (auth)
'The Reasonable Zone of Right Answers': Analytical Feedback on Student Writing

This article develops the theory behind and practice of written analytical feedback on student writing for law practice. After Section I, which provides an introduction, Section II discusses the theory. It begins by addressing the function of legal writing classes in teaching students how to produce the kind of accurate and precise analysis that is the necessary foundation for documents useful in law practice. The section then goes on to discuss how this focus on analysis requires legal writing teachers to play a dual role - that of a legal educator as well as reader in law practice - in providing written critique of their students' draft documents. Section III concludes by providing examples of how this theory should play out in the practice of giving such written comments. This section describes a specific legal problem that is the basis for examples that follow, including student attempts at communicating analysis, teacher feedback on those attempts, and commentary on why the feedback is pedagogically successful.
The effect of thermal environment and age on neonatal pig behavior.

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the ability of a radiant environment and the presence of a littermate to attract pigs during the first 3 d of age. The effect of stimuli on pig movement was studied in an enclosed rectangular aluminum test chamber containing four similar sections that were heated independently. In Exp. 1, all sections were at 34.8 degrees C to evaluate the chamber for biases of where pigs located themselves at 1 (n = 24) and 2 d (n = 26) of age. More (P < .025) pigs settled (e.g., no movement for 7 min) in end sections than in middle sections. Age did not affect time to settle or settling location. The effect on pig location of heating one chamber end section to either 23, 40, 48, 56, or 64 degrees C and leaving the remaining sections unheated (24 degrees C) was determined in Exp. 2. Settling of pigs at 1 (n = 50) and 2 d (n = 50) of age was affected by temperature (P < .001) but not by age. The minimum distance between average pig location and the heated section occurred at 48 degrees C. Experiment 3 involved 15 pigs each at 1 and 3 d during a 1-h trial to compare the relative pig attraction to 1) a heated chamber end section at 44.4 degrees C when remaining sections were at 23.5 degrees C, 2) an anesthetized littermate in an end section when all sections were at 24.1 degrees C, or 3) a choice test involving a 45.5 degrees C end section and an anesthetized littermate in the opposite end section with three unheated sections at 23.7 degrees C. Average distance between the test animal and the heated section was greater (P < .01) than that between the test animal and an anesthetized pig. Pigs that were allowed a choice preferred to lie near an anesthetized littermate in a cold section rather than alone in a 45 degrees C section (P < .01), and they were less (P < .005) active when an anesthetized littermate was present in the chamber. Although radiant heat effectively attracted pigs, heat was less attractive than an anesthetized littermate. The greater attraction of pigs to a littermate than to radiant heat may explain why pigs remain near the sow and littermates during d 1 and 2 after birth.
In Sickness and in Health: Firm Performance and Managerial Health

This paper examines the importance of CEO characteristics for firm valuation and policies using the insight that managerial effort depends in part on the health of the manager and health is part of human capital. We use CEO health shocks as a time-varying and physical managerial attribute that can change the degree of managerial effort. Using hand-collected data on CEO deaths and medical leaves to identify large health shocks, we find that firm value is considerably lower and corporate financial policies are largely less precarious (lower cash holdings, leverage, and return volatility) in the years preceding the death of the manager compared to a matched sample of firms. Chronic health conditions and weak governance environments primarily produce these effects. Stock prices also decline by about 2% when top managers take medical leaves. Overall, our results suggest that CEO health has important consequences for the performance and financial policies of firms.
Boosted dibosons from mixed heavy top squarks

The lighter mass eigenstate ($$\widetilde{t}_1$$) of the two top squarks, the scalar superpartners of the top quark, is extremely difficult to discover if it is almost degenerate with the lightest neutralino ($$\widetilde{\chi}_1^0$$), the lightest and stable supersymmetric particle in the R-parity conserving supersymmetry. The current experimental bound on $$\widetilde{t}_1$$ mass in this scenario stands only around 200 GeV. For such a light $$\widetilde{t}_1$$, the heavier top squark ($$\widetilde{t}_2$$) can also be around the TeV scale. Moreover, the high value of the higgs ($h$) mass prefers the left and right handed top squarks to be highly mixed allowing the possibility of a considerable branching ratio for $$\widetilde{t}_2 \to \widetilde{t}_1 h$$ and $$\widetilde{t}_2 \to \widetilde{t}_1 Z$$. In this paper, we explore the above possibility together with the pair production of $$\widetilde{t}_2$$ $$\widetilde{t}_2^*$$ giving rise to the spectacular di-boson + missing transverse energy final state. For an approximately 1 TeV $$\widetilde{t}_2$$ and a few hundred GeV $$\widetilde{t}_1$$ the final state particles can be moderately boosted which encourages us to propose a novel search strategy employing the jet substructure technique to tag the boosted $h$ and $Z$. The reconstruction of the $h$ and $Z$ momenta also allows us to construct the stransverse mass $$M_{T2}$$ providing an additional efficient handle to fight the backgrounds. We show that a 4--5$$\sigma$$ signal can be observed at the 14 TeV LHC for $$\sim$$ 1 TeV $$\widetilde{t}_2$$ with 100 fb$$^{-1}$$ integrated luminosity.
Prolactinoma, Clinical Manifestations

Prolactinomas are pituitary adenomas that produce prolactin. They may cause symptoms either due to their mass effects or due to their prolactin oversecretion.
A note on Kirkwood's algebraic method for decision problems

The main objectives of this note are to point out some strengths and some limitations of Kirkwood’s algebraic method for decision problems, and to propose a modification to address the limitations. The modification is based on the valuation network technique, and it enables us to better relate Kirkwood’s method to the graphical techniques of valuation networks and influence diagrams.
Equivalent orbitals for multiconfigurational spin‐tensor electron propagator method (MCSTEP): The vertical ionization potentials of B, NO, CF, and OF

The multiconfigurational spin tensor electron propagator method (MCSTEP) was developed as an implementation of electron propagator/single particle Green's function methods for ionization potentials (IPs) and electron affinities (EAs). MCSTEP was specifically designed for open shell and highly correlated (nondynamically correlated) initial states. For computational efficiency the initial state used in MCSTEP is typically a small complete active space (CAS) multiconfigurational self-consistent field (MCSCF) state. If in a molecule there are some degenerate orbitals which are not fully or half occupied, usual MCSCF calculations will make these orbitals inequivalent, i.e., the occupied ones will be different from the nonoccupied ones, so that the degeneracy is broken. In this article, we use a state averaged MCSCF method to get equivalent orbitals for the initial state and import the integrals into the subsequent MCSTEP calculations. This gives, in general, more reliable MCSTEP vertical IPs. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., 2008
Regenerative axonal sprouting in the cat trochlear nerve

Following peripheral trochlear nerve axotomy in the cat, the normal number of myelinated axons is restored despite significant motor neuron death, suggesting regulation of the number of myelinated axons in the regenerated nerve. In this study we used light and electron microscopy to examine the production and maintenance of axonal sprouts at different locations in the nerve and at different postoperative intervals. Despite proliferative sprouting and an overproduction of nonmyelinated axons in the regenerating trochlear nerve, the number of myelinated axons was strictly regulated. Only ∼1,000 regenerated axons were eventually remyelinated, but many nonmyelinated axons were still present 6–8 months postaxotomy. Regenerated axons were remyelinated in a proximal-to-distal direction between 3 and 4 weeks postaxotomy. We also examined the maturation of regenerated myelinated axons by measuring axon diameter and myelin index (an expression of myelin thickness). Mean myelinated axon diameter remained significantly below normal in long-term regenerated nerves. Mean myelin index was not different from normal at 4 weeks postaxotomy but was significantly decreased at long postoperative intervals, reflecting a slightly thicker myelin sheath relative to the axon diameter. This relative increase in mean myehn thickness could serve to restore normal conduction velocity despite the decrease in mean axon diameter. We suggest that the regulation of the number of myelinated axons at the normal number despite cell death and the increase in mean myelin thickness may both be compensatory mechanisms that function to restore preoperative conditions and maximize functional recovery. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of oxide powders by way of a polymeric steric entrapment precursor route

A polymerized organic–inorganic complexion route is introduced for the synthesis of yttrium aluminum garnet, YAG (Y3Al5O12) and cordierite (Mg2Al4Si5O18) powders. Long-chain polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol (–[CH2–CHOH]-n or PVA) or polyethylene glycol (H[O–CH2–CH2]nOH or PEG) were used as the organic carriers for a precursor ceramic gel. Calcined powders were very porous and homogeneous in distribution of components. Experimental studies by differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetric analysis, x-ray diffraction, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance, and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry indicated that metal-ion chelation is not the primary mechanism for obtaining molecularly homogeneous precursor powders. Water-soluble cations of mixed oxides in the PVA or PEG process were sterically entrapped in the entangled network and resulted in fine and pure, mixed oxide powders.
Cholinergic innervation of cerebral cortex in organotypic slice cultures: Sustained basal forebrain and transient striatal cholinergic projections

Abstract Slices of entire forebrain hemispheres were taken from early postnatal rat pups and maintained as organotypic slice cultures. Basal forebrain cholinergic neurons, identified by histochemical staining for acetylcholinesterase, develop axons that grow rapidly into cerebral cortex. Ingrowth occurs by two routes: some axons course laterally from the basal forebrain region to reach lateral neocortex; others course dorsally from the septum to reach medial cortex. By one to two weeks in vitro , acetylcholinesterase-positive axons have extended throughout most of the cortical territory. In addition to basal forebrain cholinergic axons, the normally local circuit cholinergic neurons of the striatum also send axons into cerebral cortex. These striatum-derived axons can be distinguished from basal forebrain axons by their distinct morphological characteristics and by their different response to excision of the striatum or basal forebrain. Further, acetylcholinesterase-positive axons in cortex that originate from striatum appear to retract or degenerate after about one week in culture, while those from basal forebrain remain present and apparently healthy beyond two weeks. These data document the basal forebrain cholinergic Ingrowth into cerebral cortex using this whole hemisphere slice culture system and also demonstrate different degrees of maintenance of cortical afferents that are derived from different subcortical sources.
A VoiceFont Creation Framework for Generating Personalized Voices

This paper presents a new framework for effectively creating VoiceFonts for speech synthesis. A VoiceFont in this paper represents a voice inventory aimed at generating personalized voices. Creating wellformed voice inventories is a time-consuming and laborious task. This has become a critical issue for speech synthesis systems that make an attempt to synthesize many high quality voice personalities. The framework we propose here aims to drastically reduce the burden with a twofold approach. First, in order to substantially enhance the accuracy and robustness of automatic speech segmentation, we introduce a multi-layered speech segmentation algorithm with a new measure of segmental reliability. Secondly, to minimize the amount of human intervention in the process of VoiceFont creation, we provide easy-to-use functions in a data viewer and compiler to facilitate checking and validation of the automatically extracted data. We conducted experiments to investigate the accuracy of the automatic speech segmentation, and its robustness to speaker and style variations. The results of the experiments on six speech corpora with a fairly large variation of speaking styles show that the speech segmentation algorithm is quite accurate and robust in extracting segments of both phonemes and accentual phrases. In addition, to subjectively evaluate VoiceFonts created by using the framework, we conducted a listening test for speaker recognizability. The results show that the voice personalities of synthesized speech generated by the VoiceFont-based speech synthesizer are fairly close to those of the donor speakers.
Opsonin depletion after surgery.

PREVIOUS studies have demonstrated a state of decreased host resistance after surgery1–3. While the precise pathophysiological causes of this phenomenon are unknown, recent findings suggest that depression of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) may be involved4,5. Intravascular phagocytic clearance of foreign colloidal and particulate matter by the RES is highly dependent on the presence of circulating serum or plasma factors called “opsonins”6–8, so RE depression after surgery may be related to depression of opsonic activity. Indeed, the role of opsonins in resistance to infection9, and the findings of marked RE depression buring periods of plasma opsonin depletion6,7, suggest that ooth the reduced resistance and the depressed RE activity observed after surgery may be related to a functional depression of the opsonic system.
Development of an automated, handheld, immunoaffinity fluorometric biosensor

A new immunoaffinity fluorometric biosensor has been developed for detecting and quantifying aflatoxins, a family of potent fungi-produced carcinogens that are commonly found in a variety of agriculture products. They have also been cited as a biological agent under weapons development. The handheld, self-contained biosensor is fully automatic, highly sensitive, quick, quantitative, and requires no special storage. Concentration from 0.1 parts per billion to 50 ppb can be determined in less than 2 minutes with a 1 ml sample volume. Higher concentrations can be determined by simply reducing the sample volume. The device operates on the principles of immunoaffinity for specificity and fluorescence for a quantitative assay. The analytic procedure is flexible so that other chemical and biological analytes could be detected with minor modifications to the current device.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
REACTIONS OF PHOTOCHEMICALLY FORMED TRANSIENTS FROM 2‐NITROTOLUENE

— Kinetic data are reported for the thermal decay of colored transients formed by U.V. irradiation of aqueous solutions of 2-nitrotoluene. The transients display an acid-base equilibrium with a pK value of 3.7. The decay is catalyzed by acids and the following rate constants in liter sec-l mole-1 were evaluated for the base form of the transient reacting with an acid at 30.0°C: 3.5 × 10-3 (H2O), 2.6×103 (CH3COOH), 4.7×104 (+NH3CH2COOH) and 4.2×105(H+).
Kinetic parameters by the method of mixed potentials

Abstract A steady-state titrational procedure has been developed leading to the direct determination of the transfer coefficients of both the Ce3+/Ce4+ and Fe2+/Fe3+ couples in one experiment. The results are derived from the dependence of mixed potentials on the concentrations of the various reactants. The success of the above method is attributed to the recognition of the optimum experimentals conditions for obtaining directly linear Tafel regions, and thus avoiding mass-transport corrections. In addition, the titrational procedure has led to the discovery of the significant effect that platinum oxide has on the Ce3+/Ce4+ transfer coefficient.
Ethnicity and psychotherapy with HIV-infected patients: Three case studies

Nationwide, demographic changes have led to an increased awareness of the impact of cultural diversity on the delivery of medical and psychological care . Due to the over-representation of minority and socially stigmatized groups among those affected by HIV, understanding the effects of psychosocial, linguistic and cultural membership on treatment relationships is crucial. In the psychological treatment of HIV-infected patients, psychotherapists can enhance the lives of their patients and support their involvement and compliance with medical treatment planning. Case studies are presented in which psychotherapy helped resolve difficulties in the medical care of three HIV-positive women that were due to cultural misunderstanding between doctors and patients.