cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cannabidiol for the Treatment of Drug-Resistant Epilepsy in Children: Current State of Research

The reported effectiveness of these home preparations, especially those with high cannabidiol (CBD) concentrations, has garnered the attention of the medical community. In particular cannabis sativa, known for its lack of a psychoactive effect and high CBD content, has become a target of medical research. The shift in public and political interest to medicinal applications of CBD demands renewed research into its efficacy. Pediatric populations in particular stand to benefit significantly from a better understanding of the safety and efficacy of this novel treatment. This review discusses the current state of CBD research and identifies areas that require further investigation as they pertain to pediatric epilepsy populations. It will especially cover those suffering from refractory epilepsies for which other methods of remediation have not sufficed.
Light Scattering and Birefringence in BaTiO3 Ceramics

In the last few years Land and his coworkers at the Sandia Corporation Laboratories have demonstrated that electrically-controlled birefringence and light scattering can be realized in lead-zirconate-titanate (PZT) ferroelectric ceramics.1–7 The electrically controlled birefringence is related to the change induced by an electric field in the statistically-averaged birefringence of the crystallites comprising the ceramic. The electrically controlled light scattering has been interpreted by Nettleton in terms of domain wall displacement.8 By appropriate choice of modified PZT ceramics and device configuration, it has been possible to devise electrically controlled light shutters, spectral filters, optical memories, light modulators, variable contrast black-and-white displays and multicolor displays.1–4 Subsequently other laboratories have investigated various aspects of image storage and display based on the electrically-controlled birefringence in modified PZT ferroelectric ceramics.9–12 Meanwhile Heartling at Sandia was able to improve the optical transparency of PZT by the addition of various modifiers, culminating in his preparation of the first optically transparent ferroelectric ceramic, lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT).13–16 The development of the transparent PLZT may well enable the electrically controlled birefringence in these ferroelectric ceramics to realize practical application.
Dwarf galaxy mass estimators versus cosmological simulations

We use a suite of high-resolution cosmological dwarf galaxy simulations to test the accuracy of commonly used mass estimators from Walker et al. (2009) and Wolf et al. (2010), both of which depend on the observed line-of-sight velocity dispersion and the 2D half-light radius of the galaxy, R_e. The simulations are part of the Feedback in Realistic Environments (FIRE) project and include 12 systems with stellar masses spanning 10^5–10^7 M⊙ that have structural and kinematic properties similar to those of observed dispersion-supported dwarfs. Both estimators are found to be quite accurate: M_(Wolf)/M_(true) = 0.98^(+0.19)_(−0.12) and M_(Walker)/M_(true) = 1.07^(+0.21)_(−0.15), with errors reflecting the 68 per cent range over all simulations. The excellent performance of these estimators is remarkable given that they each assume spherical symmetry, a supposition that is broken in our simulated galaxies. Though our dwarfs have negligible rotation support, their 3D stellar distributions are flattened, with short-to-long axis ratios c/a ≃ 0.4–0.7. The median accuracy of the estimators shows no trend with asphericity. Our simulated galaxies have sphericalized stellar profiles in 3D that follow a nearly universal form, one that transitions from a core at small radius to a steep fall-off ∝r^(−4.2) at large r; they are well fit by Sersic profiles in projection. We find that the most important empirical quantity affecting mass estimator accuracy is R_e. Determining R_e by an analytic fit to the surface density profile produces a better estimated mass than if the half-light radius is determined via direct summation.
Adolescent internal condylar resorption (AICR) of the temporomandibular joint, part 1: A review for diagnosis and treatment considerations.

Background Adolescent internal condylar resorption (AICR) is a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pathology that develops predominately in teenage females during pubertal growth (onset between ages 11 and 15 years), with a distinct clinical, radiographic, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) presentation. Clinical and imaging presentation: The condition usually occurs bilaterally with: (1) Progressive retrusion of the mandible; (2) High occlusal plane angle facial morphology; (3) Worsening Class II occlusion; and (4) TMJ symptoms such as pain, headaches, noises, etc. MRI imaging demonstrates decreased condylar head size and anterior disc displacement. Treatment protocol: AICR can be successfully treated when the condyles and discs are salvageable with the following surgical protocol: (1) Removal of bilaminar tissue surrounding the condyle; (2) Reposition the disc with the Mitek anchor technique; and (3) Orthognathic surgery to advance the maxillo-mandibular complex in a counterclockwise direction. Conclusion AICR can be successfully treated using the specific protocol presented herein to provide stable and predictable outcomes.
The Effects of Palate Features and Glossectomy Surgery on /S/ Production.

Purpose The aims of this article were to determine the effects of hard palate morphology and glossectomy surgery on tongue position and shape during /s/ for patients with small tumors. The first ex...
Actinomyces neuii infection following ovarian cystectomy

Background: Abdominal Actinomyces infections are rare complications of surgery. A case of Actinomyces neuii presenting as a severe postoperative pelvic infection is described. Case: A 30 year-old nulligravid female was transferred from an outside hospital for a postoperative fluid collection, fever, leukocytosis, and abdominal pain following exploratory laparotomy and bilateral ovarian cystectomy. She rapidly decompensated requiring emergent exploratory laparotomy, bilateral salpingooophorectomy, and abdominal washout. Cultures isolated A. neuii . Following a prolonged ICU admission, she was treated with prolonged antibiotics and made a complete recovery. Conclusions: Rare pathogens, such as A. neuii , may cause severe infections following gynecologic surgery. Multidisciplinary care at tertiary care facilities is critical.
The influence of bat echolocation call duration and timing on auditory encoding of predator distance in noctuoid moths.

ABSTRACT Animals co-occur with multiple predators, making sensory systems that can encode information about diverse predators advantageous. Moths in the families Noctuidae and Erebidae have ears with two auditory receptor cells (A1 and A2) used to detect the echolocation calls of predatory bats. Bat communities contain species that vary in echolocation call duration, and the dynamic range of A1 is limited by the duration of sound, suggesting that A1 provides less information about bats with shorter echolocation calls. To test this hypothesis, we obtained intensity–response functions for both receptor cells across many moth species for sound pulse durations representing the range of echolocation call durations produced by bat species in northeastern North America. We found that the threshold and dynamic range of both cells varied with sound pulse duration. The number of A1 action potentials per sound pulse increases linearly with increasing amplitude for long-duration pulses, saturating near the A2 threshold. For short sound pulses, however, A1 saturates with only a few action potentials per pulse at amplitudes far lower than the A2 threshold for both single sound pulses and pulse sequences typical of searching or approaching bats. Neural adaptation was only evident in response to approaching bat sequences at high amplitudes, not search-phase sequences. These results show that, for short echolocation calls, a large range of sound levels cannot be coded by moth auditory receptor activity, resulting in no information about the distance of a bat, although differences in activity between ears might provide information about direction.
Papanicolaou Address: Why the next generation should take this journey and overcome constraint.

Cytopathology is experiencing many forces that are changing and constraining current practice, including the need for cost efficiencies, new technologies, expectations for higher quality and faster turnaround time, and a diminishing workforce. Two “hot topics” that will have considerable influence on the changes in the future practice of cytopathology are artificial intelligence and optimization of cervical screening intervals and methods. The future growth and success of the cytopathology subspecialty will require using constraint as a catalyst to achieve transformative solutions, as well as an optimistic “we can if…” entrepreneurial attitude. Success will also require living the field's traditions and values: mentorship, sponsorship, innovation and creativity, a willingness to assume new roles, and the ability to network and support career journeys through active participation in a professional society.
Doing Well by Doing Good: Distinguishing the Right from the Good in Theories of Corporate Social Responsibility

Global economic and environmental circumstances require that business in the twenty-first century be practiced in a way that is economically vibrant enough to address the real needs of billions of people, yet ecologically informed so that the earth’s capacity to support life is not diminished by that activity and ethically sensitive enough that the human dignity is not lost or violated in the process. This paper will argue that any adequate model of corporate social responsibility (CSR) must meet these three normative standards: it must be economically, environmentally, and ethically sound. My argument to support this conclusion falls into two parts: arguments against the adequacy of mainstream models of CSR to meet these standards and arguments in support of the sustainability alternative. This alternative provides a contemporary model of the good company that is true to the Christian tradition as well as being economically and environmentally satisfactory for addressing global needs.
Experiments on Chaos in a Continuous Stirred Reactor

The Belousov-Zhabotinskii reaction can undergo a variety of oscillation types in an open system as has been demonstrated by means of experiments [1] and mathematical models [2,3]. There is also evidence that chaotic behavior can occur in this reaction system [4–12]. Recent theories support the proposition that chaos can be produced by chemical reactions and flow [11, 13–17] and that the observed behavior is not an artifact of the experiments.
Real-Time narrative-centered tutorial planning for story-based learning

Interactive story-based learning environments offer significant potential for crafting narrative tutorial guidance to create pedagogically effective learning experiences that are tailored to individual students. This paper reports on an empirical evaluation of machine-learned models of narrative-centered tutorial planning for story-based learning environments. We investigate differences in learning gains and in-game performance during student interactions in a rich virtual storyworld. One hundred and eighty-three middle school students participated in the study, which had three conditions: Minimal Guidance, Intermediate Guidance, and Full Guidance. Results reveal statistically significant differences in learning and in-game problem-solving effectiveness between students who received minimal guidance and students who received full guidance. Students in the full guidance condition tended to demonstrate higher learning outcomes and problem-solving efficiency. The findings suggest that machine-learned models of narrative-centered tutorial planning can improve learning outcomes and in-game efficiency.
Preparation of (Ga1−xZnx)(N1−xOx) Photocatalysts from the Reaction of NH3 with Ga2O3/ZnO and ZnGa2O4: In Situ Time-Resolved XRD and XAFS Studies

Gallium zinc oxynitrides (Ga1−xZnx)(N1−xOx) are important due to their visible-light photocatalytic activity. Using in situ time-resolved X-ray diffraction (XRD), we have monitored the formation of wurtzite (Ga1−xZnx)(N1−xOx) compounds during the solid-state reaction of NH3 with Ga2O3/ZnO mixtures or a ZnGa2O4 spinel. The ZnGa2O4 spinel was found to be a key intermediate in the formation of (Ga1−xZnx)(N1−xOx) and imposes a limit on the zinc content in the gallium zinc oxynitrides. Furthermore, after its formation, a wurtzite (Ga2/3Zn1/3)(N2/3O1/3) phase evolves to (Ga0.9Zn0.1)(N0.9O0.1) with increasing nitridation reaction time as a result of the removal of Zn and O atoms from the system. Once (Ga2/3Zn1/3)(N2/3O1/3) is formed, one must minimize exposure of the compound to NH3. Zinc and gallium K-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) data revealed that the local structures around gallium and zinc atoms in the (Ga1−xZnx)(N1−xOx) systems are similar to those of GaN and ZnO, respectively, with relativel...
Self-Efficacy Beliefs

American Black women must depend upon their own selves and have confidence in their personal abilities to succeed. They endure many slights against their existence just because they are uniquely created with a darker hue in mainstream, American society. Their hue in no way diminishes their intellect.
Opportunities and Challenges in Monitoring Cyber-Physical Systems Security

Technological advances in distributed cyber-physical systems (CPS) will fundamentally alter the way present and future human societies lead their lives. From a security or privacy perspective, a (multi-agent) cyber-physical system is a network of sensors, actuators, and computation nodes, i.e., a system with multiple attack surfaces and latent exploits that originate both through software attacks and physical attacks. In this paper, we argue that we are in pressing need to bring about a paradigm shift in software development for multi-agent CPS. To this end, security and privacy policies should be made a critical ingredient of agent interfaces with a goal of ensuring both localized safety and privacy for each agent, as well as guaranteeing global system safety and security. We present our vision on new theory, algorithms, and tools to foster a culture of secure-by-design multi-agent CPS.
Continuous and minimally invasive measurement of blood flow in the spinal cord

Surgery and trauma commonly cause spinal cord ischemia. We have developed a catheter-based optical tool to continuously monitor spinal cord blood flow intraoperatively in a ovine model of spinal surgery.
A surprising role for myelin in Williams syndrome.

A new study reveals an unexpected mechanism underlying behavioral abnormalities in the neurodevelopmental disorder Williams syndrome. A deficit in myelination, resulting from the deletion of a Williams syndrome-associated gene in forebrain excitatory neurons, causes hypersociability by impairing action potential conduction. Accordingly, rescuing myelination or conduction normalizes this behavior.
Caring for Dying Patients and Their Families

Whenever it comes, death is not optional. We all die, our patients, their families, our families and ourselves, the physicians. Freud once said, “The goal of all life is death.”2 On a more spiritual note, Coelho described death as a “beautiful woman,” always sitting at his side (Coelho, p. 183).
Do SNe Ia Provide Direct Evidence for Past Deceleration of the Universe

Observations of SN 1997ff at z ~ 1.7 favor the accelerating Universe interpretation of the high-redshift type Ia supernova data over simple models of intergalactic dust or SN luminosity evolution. Taken at face-value, they provide direct lines of evidence that the Universe was decelerating in the past, an expected but untested feature of the current cosmological model. We show that the strength of this conclusion depends upon the nature of the dark energy causing the present acceleration. Only for a cosmological constant is the SNe evidence definitive. Using a new test which is independent of the contents of the Universe, we show that the SN data favor recent acceleration (z 0.5).
Who Undermines the Peace at the Ballot Box? The Case of Colombia

ABSTRACTElectoral politics and violent civil conflict often coexist. Citizens exposed and unexposed to violence bear the costs of conflict unevenly and, thus, conceive of militant vs. accommodation...
Oblique Incidence PML Reflection Analysis for Cylindrical FDTD

The main objective of this presentation is to apply discrete FDTD theory to the stretched-coordinates PML for cylindrical FDTD and derive the overall numerical reflection coefficient off the PML region with obliquely incident cylindrical waves. Obtained predictive equations avoid the need for actual FDTD experiments which are problematic when the PML layers are within a wavelength from the axis of rotation. Presented work will aid in predicting near-field cylindrical FDTD PML effeiciency in applications such as borehole EM analysis.
Dollar Spot Suppression on Creeping Bentgrass in Response to Repeated Foliar Nitrogen Applications

Dollar spot is caused by the fungus Clarireedia spp. and is the most economically important disease of golf course turfgrass in temperate regions of the United States. Previous research has demonstrated that nitrogen (N) fertilization may reduce dollar spot severity, but the results have been inconsistent, and the impact of N as part of repeated foliar fertilization applications to golf course putting greens remains unclear. Two independent trials were replicated in Madison, Wisconsin and Glenview, Illinois in the 2015, 2016, and 2017 growing seasons. The objective of the first trial was to evaluate the effect of four different N rates applied as urea (4.9, 9.8, 19.4, and 29.3 kg N/ha applied every 2 weeks) on dollar spot severity, and the objective of the second trial was to evaluate the effect of three N sources (calcium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, and ammonium nitrate applied every 2 weeks) on dollar spot severity. Results from the N rate trial at both locations indicated that only the highest (29.3 kg N/ha) rate consistently reduced dollar spot severity relative to the nontreated control. Nitrogen source had minimal and inconsistent impacts on dollar spot severity based on location and year. Although these results show that meaningful reductions in dollar spot severity can be achieved by manipulating N fertilizer application rates, the rate of N needed for disease suppression may be impractical for most superintendents to apply and result in undesirable nontarget impacts.
When Is It Safe to Proceed With Pancreaticoduodenectomy Without Biliary Decompression

BackgroundAn absolute bilirubin level where preoperative biliary decompression (PBD) is indicated before pancreaticoduodenectomy has been elusive. Our goal was to identify a total bilirubin level w...
Can variation in canopy $$\delta$$13C be attributed to changes in tree height? An investigation of three conifer species

Evidence supporting hydraulic limitation hypothesis was found using foliar δ13C in combination with nitrogen content per unit leaf area and statistical partitioning for three conifer species. One theory behind the productivity decline of mature forests is the hydraulic limitation hypothesis (HLH); leaf-level gas exchange is reduced with increasing forest canopy height via increased hydraulic resistance in the xylem pathway, which in turn limits photosynthesis via stomatal regulation. Foliar $$\delta$$ 13C can be used to assess the HLH as it reflects the history of leaf-level gas exchange. However, this method should be used with caution as co-varying factors, including light levels and foliar nutrient status, can also influence foliar $$\delta$$ 13C. We explore the potential use of foliar $$\delta$$ 13C to assess leaf-level hydraulic limitation using three coniferous species across three height classes (short, intermediate and tall) in northern Idaho, USA. Foliar samples were collected from multiple canopy locations varying in height from each height class to measure $$\delta$$ 13C of bulk foliar materials as well as sugar and starch extracted from the samples. We also quantified nitrogen content per unit leaf area (Narea) as an integrated measure of nutrient status and light environment of a given foliar sample, which can partly account for various non-stomatal limitations for photosynthesis, and thus affect foliar $$\delta$$ 13C. Using sequential ANOVAs, we tested the hypothesis that foliar $$\delta$$ 13C variation was attributable to foliar sample height changes after accounting for Narea. The hypothesis was supported by analyses using foliage samples from the top canopy location across the three height classes for each conifer species, especially for bulk foliage and extracted sugar. In conclusion, we found evidence supporting the HLH using foliar $$\delta$$ 13C from three conifer species.
On the implementation and usability of CPO evolution in geodynamic modelling

Flow in the Earth's mantle causes preferred orientation of crystals called Lattice/Crystal Preferred orientation (LPO or CPO). This preferred orientation is one of the main reasons why seismic anis...
Using Tableau to Discover the Effect of Chemical Release at Wildlife Preserve

We viewed visual datasets from chemical testing in the Boonsong Lekagul Wildlife Preserve waterways to determine if any of the chemical readings would prove harmful to the environment. With the amount of data provided, we utilized Tableau to visualize these findings to better understand the trends and anomalies that came with it. We also developed a prediction to what direction the rivers flow, and how each location is related to one another.
Myocardial Fat Accumulation Is Independent of Measures of Insulin Sensitivity.

Background: Myocardial steatosis, an independent predictor of diastolic dysfunction, is frequently present in type 2 diabetes mellitus. High free fatty acid flux, hyperglycemia, and hyperinsulinemia may play a role in myocardial steatosis. There are no prior studies examining the relationship between insulin sensitivity (antilipolytic and glucose disposal actions of insulin) and cardiac steatosis. Objective: Using a cross-sectional study design of individuals with and without metabolic syndrome (MetSyn), we examined the relationships between cardiac steatosis and the sensitivity of the antilipolytic and glucose disposal actions of insulin. Methods: Pericardial fat (PF) volume, intramyocardial and hepatic fat (MF and HF) content, visceral fat (VF) and sc fat content were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging in 77 subjects (49 without MetSyn and 28 with MetSyn). In a subset of the larger cohort (n = 52), peripheral insulin sensitivity index (SI) and adipocyte insulin sensitivity (Adipo-SI) were determined...
Purification and Characterization of a Potent 70-kDa Thiol Lysyl- proteinase (Lys-gingivain) from Porphyromonas gingivalis That Cleaves Kininogens and Fibrinogen*

We isolated an enzyme from a major periodontal pathogen, Porphyromonas gingivalis (also called Bacteroides gingivalis), that is capable of initially increasing the coagulant activity of high molecular weight kininogen (HK), releasing bradykinin from HK and low molecular weight kininogen (LK), and destroying the light chain (coagulant portion) of HK. This enzyme, a membrane-bound thiol proteinase that preferentially cleaves the P1-Lys position of tripeptide substrates, is also able to rapidly render fibrinogen nonclottable. We will refer to this enzyme as lys-gingivain because of its origin from P. gingivalis, its classification as a thiol proteinase, and its action as a lysyl-amidase. The activity of lys-gingivain is enhanced by beta-mercaptoethanol, and the enzyme has a molecular mass of 68-70 kDa, a pH optimum of 7.4, and is not inactivated by plasma protease inhibitors. The second-order rate constant for the destruction of the coagulant activity of the HK light chain (surface-binding domain) at 23 degrees C is 2.3 x 10(7) M-1 s-1, and, for cleavages that render fibrinogen unclottable, is 2.05 x 10(6) M-1 s-1. These data suggest that lys-gingivain is a very potent proteinase that would be fully functional in anaerobic periodontal crevices and might participate in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Lys-gingivain appears to be the most potent kininogenase and fibrase to be described to date.
Exploring the Role Of Human Judgment in Making Discount Decisions in the Lodging Industry

This study assesses the process of making pricing decisions, specifically discounts, in the lodging industry. The study applied a qualitative technique employing structured interviews of hotel managers in the United States. The assessments included the narration of events, stages, and cycles of choices made by hotel managers. The findings of the study enhanced the understanding of how management's discount choice was constructed. In addition, this study identified the habitual management practices in the lodging industry such as “less-than-35 rule,” “trial and error,” and “follow suit.” To confirm the findings from the interviews, a follow-up study was conducted. The survey was designed to learn what kinds of information managers rank highly when considering price adjustments in their operations. Different rankings on information attributes among departments were investigated; results show that managers from different departments rank some information elements differently. Learning the process of a discou...
ISO 14001 and Pollution Reduction: A Cross-Country Panel Study

ISO 14001 is the most widely adopted voluntary environmental program in the world. While several single country studies have explored the effect of ISO 14001 participation on pollution reduction at the facility level, this is the first paper to assess (1) national level pollution reduction effects of national ISO 14001 participation levels, (2) across a large number of countries, and (3) across a range of pollutants. We examine whether, all else equal, the national level uptake of ISO 14001 are associated with reductions in air emissions (sulfur dioxide, SO2 and Carbon dioxide, CO2) and water pollution (biochemical oxygen demand, BOD). Because firms, regulators, and environmental groups tend to focus more on visible types of pollution in relation to less visible ones, we hypothesize that ISO 14001 uptake should be associated with more pronounced reductions in air pollution (visible) in relation to water pollution (less visible). Our analyses of pollution levels for a panel of 134 countries for 1991-2005 period suggests that one percent increase in aggregate levels of ISO 14001 adoption are associated with 0.04 percent reductions in air pollution (both SO2 and CO2) but not water pollution.
Time to Test Incentives to Increase Organ Donation

29. Delmonico FL, Arnold R, Scheper-Hughes N, Siminoff LA, Kahn J, Youngner SJ. Ethical incentives—not payment—for organ donation. N Engl J Med. 2002;346(25):2002-2005. 30. Salim A, Malinoski D, Schulman D, Desai C, Navarro S, Ley EJ. The combination of an online organ and tissue registry with a public education campaign can increase the number of organs available for transplantation. J Trauma. 2010;69(2): 451-454.
Mesosome structure in Chromobacterium violaceum.

Abstract Exponentially growing cells of the gram-negative bacterium Chromobacterium violaceum demonstrate invaginations of the cytoplasmic membrane with a high frequency. These invaginations conform to the ultrastructural appearance of mesosomes of gram-positive bacteria. As many as four mesosomes are observed per cell, each of which may increase the total membrane surface of the cell by 30%. Washing of cells in dilute tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane buffer effects a distension of the mesosome “neck” and/or cytoplasmic membrane clarifying the association of the mesosome to the cytoplasmic membrane. Plasmolysis effects an eversion of the mesosome into the plasmolysis vacuole.
Recruitment of Cat Motoneurons in the Absence of Homonymous Afferent Feedback

This study provides the first test in vivo of the hypothesis that group Ia muscle-stretch afferents aid in preventing reversals in the orderly recruitment of motoneurons. This hypothesis was tested by studying recruitment of motoneurons deprived of homonymous afferent input. Recruitment order was measured in decerebrate, paralyzed cats from dual intra-axonal records obtained simultaneously from pairs of medial gastrocnemius (MG) motoneurons. Pairs of MG motor axons were recruited in eight separate trials of the reflex discharge evoked by stimulation of the caudal cutaneous sural (CCS) nerve. Some reports suggest that reflex recruitment by this cutaneous input should bias recruitment against order by the size principle in which the axon with the slower conduction velocity (CV) in a pair is recruited to fire before the faster CV axon. Recruitment was studied in three groups of cats: ones with the MG nerve intact and untreated (UNTREATED); ones with the MG nerve cut (CUT); and ones with the MG nerve cut and bathed at its proximal end in lidocaine solution (CUT+). The failure of electrical stimulation to initiate a dorsal root volley and the absence of action potentials in MG afferents demonstrated the effective elimination of afferent feedback in the CUT+ group. Recruitment order by the size principle predominated and was not statistically distinguishable among the three groups. The percentage of pairs recruited in reverse order of the size principle was actually smaller in the CUT+ group (6%) than in CUT (15%) or UNTREATED (19%) groups. Thus homonymous afferent feedback is not necessary to prevent recruitment reversal. However, removing homonymous afferent input did result in the expression of inconsistency in order, i.e., switches in recruitment sequence from one trial to the next, for more axon pairs in the CUT+ group (33%) than for the other groups combined (13%). Increased inconsistency in the absence of increased reversal of recruitment order was approximated in computer simulations by increasing time-varying fluctuations in synaptic drive to motoneurons and could not be reproduced simply by deleting synaptic current from group Ia homonymous afferents, regardless of how that current was distributed to the motoneurons. These findings reject the hypothesis that synaptic input from homonymous group Ia afferents is necessary to prevent recruitment reversals, and they are consistent with the assertion that recruitment order is established predominantly by properties intrinsic to motoneurons.
Revisiting the Classics: Police and Community in Chicago: A Tale of Three Cities: Wesley Skogan

As a field of social science research, policing has been fortunate to have a number of influential academic researchers and a rich history of significant writing. This is something to be celebrated...
Does a Better Education Make For Better Managers? An Empirical Examination of CEO Educational Quality and Firm Performance

This paper represents the first attempt, to our knowledge, to empirically examine the relationship between the quality of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) education and firm performance. This is an important question as many papers in the management literature have postulated that managers with higher educational attainment will be more adaptive and innovative, and more likely to possess other characteristics that may improve firm performance. We find four results in our analysis. First, using the mean entrance scores as proxies for the prestige of undergraduate and graduate programs, we find no evidence that firms with CEOs from more prestigious schools perform better than firms with CEOs from less prestigious schools. Second, we find that firms managed by CEOs with MBA or law degrees perform no better than firms with CEOs without graduate degrees. Third, we find some limited evidence that firms led by CEOs with non-MBA, non-law graduate degrees have slightly better risk-adjusted market performance than other firms. Fourth, we find that compensation is somewhat higher for CEOs who attended more prestigious schools.
Cycle time metrics for R&D semiconductor wafer fabrication

This paper presents a case study for the successful development and effective use of cycle time metrics for fabricating semiconductor wafers in a research and development (R&D) environment. The metrics include multiples of theoretical cycle time (MTCT), breakdown analysis of cycle time, and cumulative queue times of baseline processes. Each of these metrics was applied to equipment types, process recipes, and overall pilot line performance as well as to production areas such as Films, Implant, and Etch.
The role of the American College of Cardiology in promoting and maintaining the delivery of quality cardiovascular care in the future

The mission of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) has always been and will continue to be the fostering of optimal cardiovascular care and disease prevention. The challenge currently facing the College is how best to continue to accomplish this mission in view of changes in demographics,
Medium-based design: Extending a medium to create an exploratory learning environment

This article introduces medium-based design – an approach to creating exploratory learning environments using the method of extending a medium. First, the characteristics of exploratory learning environments and medium-based design are described and grounded in related work. Particular attention is given to extending a medium – medium-based design's core method. Then, the product and process of two environments are detailed to show how medium-based design enables the creation of exploratory learning environments. Finally, a study compares medium-based design to a conventional design process to test the hypothesis that medium-based design is particularly effective in creating exploratory learning environments.
h-COBORDISMS AND MAPPING CYLINDER OBSTRUCTIONS

In this paper we prove a realizability theorem for Quinn’s mapping cylinder obstructions for stratified spaces. We prove a continuously controlled version of the s-cobordism theorem which we further use to prove the relation between the torsion of an h-cobordism and the mapping cylinder obstructions. This states that the image of the torsion of an h-cobordism is the mapping cylinder obstruction of the lower stratum of one end of the h-cobordism in the top filtration. These results are further used to prove a theorem about the realizability of end obstructions.
Kinetic control of metamorphic imprint during synplutonic loading of batholiths: An example from Mount Stuart, Washington

The superimposition of Barrovian-type metamorphism on low-pressure contact aureoles in magmatic arcs is subject to the kinetic constraints of temperature and influx of H 2 O and may be cryptically developed or not at all. The spatial distribution of detectable overprint will reflect these kinetic factors rather than the geometry of the imposed load. Many of the features believed indicative of magma loading, including apparent steep baric gradients, may be produced in this way. On the basis of adding areas of cryptic metamorphism to the area of obvious Barrovian overprint on the northeast side of the Mount Stuart batholith, we conclude that loading 2–3 m.y. after emplacement was probably much more extensive (sheetlike) than believed previously.
Impact of high occupancy vehicle lanes on carpooling behavior

High occupancy vehicle lanes have become an integral part of regional transportation planning. Their purpose is to increase ridesharing by offering a travel time advantage to multiple occupant vehicles. This paper examines the extent to which an HOV facility increases ridesharing. Using data from the Route 55 HOV facility in Orange Country, California, changes in the carpooling rate on Route 55 are compared to that of a control group of freeway commuters. The analysis shows that the carpooling rate among peak period commuters, and particularly those who use the entire length of the facility, has increased. However, there has been no significant increase in ridesharing among the entire population of Route 55 commuters. Results suggest that barriers to increased ridesharing are formidable, that travel time savings must be large in order to attract new carpoolers, and that further increases in capooling will likely require development of extensive HOV lane systems.
A first response to the preceding essays

"First" is to indicate that I am far from having come to terms with the fact and the nature of these responses to some of my work. But surely, I feel much honored by the individuals who have written in the preceding pages with such intensive intelligence. I am grateful, and I feel rewarded and encouraged. My special thanks go to George Psathas, the editor of Human Studies, for having suggested the collection of their papers, and to James M. Ostrow and David Rehorick for their conscientious, painstaking editorial work. What excites me in particular is that my effort means something to people with different points of view and interests. To simplify: James Ostrow's point of view may be called that of an analyst of experience; Seungsook Moon's, that of an Asian woman social scientist and intellec? tual; John Powell Ward's, that of a poet and student of literature; Irving Louis Horowitz's, that of a sociologist; Louise Levesque-Lopman's, that of a feminist; Mildred Bakan's, that of a (phenomenologically oriented) philosopher.1
CAFTA-DR Effects on FDI Inflows, Growth, and Distribution of the Workforce in Costa Rica: A System Dynamics Approach

As regional trading arrangements have spread, enlarged, and deepened over the last decades, the study of the relation between trade agreements and foreign direct investment (FDI) still presents difficulties due to the multi-dimensional character of such relationships. This article attempts to shed new light on how some of the Central American Free Trade (CAFTA) policies will impact FDI inflows on the manufacturing and agricultural sectors in Costa Rica. Specifically, we look at how the growth and distribution of the workforce is affected by the treaty. The results show that the agreement provisions will have a positive effect on FDI. From these results it is possible to estimate that in the long run, the implementation of CAFTA has a higher probability of generating the intended benefits. System dynamics modeling is used in this article.
Relaxation in a confined and entangled polymer liquid

We investigate the dynamics of a monodisperse polymer melt that is confined to the vicinity of a plane by a harmonic potential. Polymer molecules are represented by harmonic bead-spring chains with fluctuating bead mobility tensors. Mobility fluctuation rates are determined self-consistently from the chain dynamics. The calculation of the viscoelastic shear modulus is mapped onto the solution of a dynamically disordered random walk, in which a walker hops among lattice sites with fluctuating hopping rates. The relevant random walk problems are solved within the effective medium approximation, yielding the shear modulus and coefficient of shear viscosity as functions of chain length, entanglement molecular weight, and strength of the confining potential. Calculations illustrate the competition between entanglement effects, which retard chain dynamics, and the effect of the external field, which promotes relaxation.