cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Relationship Between Creativity and Conformity Among Preschool Children

The current study investigated the relationship between creativity and conformity based on the work of Starkweather (1964). The subjects were 45 preschool children. Creativity was assessed using the Multidimensional Stimulus Fluency Measure (Moran, Sawyers, Fu, & Milgram, 1983), an original thinking task. Two forms of conformity were assessed: social conformity and impersonal conformity using the Starkweather Social Conformity Test and the Starkweather Form Boards Test respectively (Starkweather, 1964). Starkweather's hypothesis of a curvilinear relationship between conformity and creativity was found for the social conformity task (X2 = 11.69, p < .01). The findings support the hypothesis that highly conforming and highly nonconforming children do not score as high on creativity measurements as their freedom of expression (i.e., not following a rigid pattern of conforming/nonconforming) counterparts. Chi-square analyses revealed significantly more children in the high creativity and freedom of expression group as compared to the low creativity and conforming/nonconforming children. That is, significantly fewer children were found in the low conformity/low creativity cell and more in the low conformity/high creativity cell than were expected by chance. No differences were found for impersonal conformity, perhaps due to the insensitivity of the instrumentation to assess conformity. It is concluded that freedom of expression may be seen as an important personality trait in the identification and nurturance of creative potential and problem solving in young children.
Visual gloss scaling and multidimensional scaling analysis of painted specimens

Painted panels were prepared in a wide range of gloss and in three achromatic colors (white, middle grey, and black) by varying the composition and heat treatment of an automotive acrylic-lacquer system. Magnitude scaling was used to estimate visual dissimilarities between the members of all possible pairs of specimens in series of 15–20 samples. The data were analyzed by multidimensional scaling using several commercially available computer programs. The experiments were carried out and the results are discussed for evaluation of several types of gloss: distinctness-of-image, specular, contrast, sheen, and reflection haze. The resulting interval scales were all unidimensional. The visual data were correlated with a variety of instrumental gloss measurements made on the same specimens by using commercially available glossmeters.
Mine Safety, Productivity and Job Design

Modern surface mine safety and productivity data were summarized as part of the Bureau of Mines Industrial Hazards/Human Factors program. Safety Information was obtained through mine site visits (observations and interviews), national actuarial statistics, tables, and MSHA accident reports. The examination of 148 accidents showed three specific contributing factors. First, mining is a rugged industry in which the environment is unstable and unpredictable. This unpredictability contributes to both accident incidence and severity. Second, large vehicles (120 ton haulpacks) move, fully loaded among small vehicles and people. This mismatch in size makes a collision a very severe accident. Finally, job design was found to be a contributing factor in accidents. Sixty-seven percent of the sampled accidents involved the misuse of a tool or procedure. These are not random errors, but reflect short cuts the workers take to save energy and increase productivity. It was proposed that correct job procedures would not ...
Why and How Should Middle East and African Studies Be Connected? (posed by Mervat Hatem)

For years, I struggled with the presentation of the category of “Middle East” to my students at Howard University, a historically black college. Like many of their professors, my students did not consider North Africa to be part of Africa. The reason was simple: the study of the continent was bifurcated between two fields, African and Middle East studies. African studies focused on sub-Saharan Africa; North Africa was the purview of Middle East studies.
On the asymptotic regret of a sequential procedure for estimating the mean of a normal distribution

Abstract To estimate the mean μ of a normal distribution, Takada (Ann. Statist. 20(1992) 562–569) proposed a stopping time t for which the regret of the sequential procedure ( t, X t ) is asymptotically negative only when μ = 0. Using a bias-reduction version of the sample mean, \ gm n , to estimate μ at each sampling stage n ≥ 1, we show that the regret of the procedure ( t, \ gm t ) is asymptotically negative when μ = 0 and for other values of μ as well if the bias term is chosen properly.
The 3D chemical distribution of a flame retardant in a fiberglass-reinforced polymer blend as measured with synchrotron x-ray tomography

A fiberglass-reinforced polymer blend with a new-generation flame retardant is studied with multi-energy synchrotron X-ray tomography to assess the blend homogeneity. Relative to other composite materials, this sample is difficult to image due to low contrast between fiberglass and the polymer blend. To investigate the chemical composition of this polymer blend, new procedures and algorithms were developed to produce, segment and analyze a chemical concentration distribution that assesses the flame retardant distribution throughout the blend. The results show an extremely homogenous system to the level of the tomography resolution, 3.26 μm. The processes and algorithms used herein include: (a) correction of reconstructed subvolumes absorption values, (b) model for chemical distribution, including the fiberglass matrix, (c) model for chemical distribution, excluding the fiberglass matrix, and (d) an algorithm for generating the radial concentration distribution about the glass fibers in the polymer matrix.
Studies of the contractile response in the protozoan, Vorticella picta

Four experiments explored the contractile response ( ConR ) of Vorticella picta , a stalked ciliate. Repetitive mechanical stimulation decreased the probability of a “normal” ConR , increased the frequency of no response , and changed ConR topography. Repeated mechanical stimulation also reduced the ConR period (i.e., time needed for the subject to contract and then uncoil to the fully extended feeding state), and this effect occurred long before the no response and topographical changes began to occur. A stimulus elicited either a ConR or no response depending on whether the organism was fully extended or was in the process of extending from a previous ConR .
A Directly Patternable, Click‐Active Polymer Film via Initiated Chemical Vapor Deposition

Click-active surfaces patterned at 200 nm resolution are demonstrated using the dual functional polymeric film, poly(propargyl methacrylate) (PPMA). The commercially available monomer of propargyl methacrylate (PMA) is polymerized in a single step by initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD). FT-IR and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirm retention of the click-active acetylene functional group in the bulk and surface of the iCVD film, respectively. Treating substrates with silane coupling agents prior to deposition results in grafting of iCVD PPMA polymers onto various inorganic surfaces. This grafting technique provides the chemical and mechanical stability required for the PPMA layer to survive the subsequent wet chemical steps used for click functionalization. Successful attachment of an azido-functionalized coumarin dye is demonstrated. Moreover, the PPMA film displays direct positive-tone sensitivity to e-beam irradiation, which enables e-beam patterning without the use of a resist layer. Direct e-beam exposure of the multifunctional PPMA iCVD layer results in a 200 nm pattern to which quantum dot nanoparticles are selectively conjugated on the sub-strates by click chemistry.
Adapting the Grason-Stadler 829 electronic switch for use with solid state programming equipment*

The Grason-Stadler Type 829 electronic switch is widely used in auditory research for "transient-free" gating of stimulus waveforms. Although the instrument incorporates a repetition-rate generator for self-cycling operation and has a "sync output" through which other apparatus can be activated, external control of the switch by other equipment is less convenient. Signal channels can be turned "on" and "off' by means of contact closures (which ground designated inputs) or by delivering negative pulses to these inputs. For stable operation, these triggers should have an amplitude of about -90 V. Pulses of this size are, unfortunately, not available from such vacuum tube generators as the Tektronix 161 and 162; they are, of course, far greater than those provided by solid state programming units. We have solved this problem simply and inexpensively by adding two one-stage amplifiers to the 829 switch. Each amplifier is a triode which receives positive pulses from our programming equipment and delivers the larger negative triggers required by the electronic switch. Operation of the two-channel amplifier is as follows (see Fig. 1): When the two grids are at ground potential-as they would be were the amplifiers connected to Tektronix pulse generators-the triodes are self-biased nearly to cutoff. Quiescent plate currents are 0.6 mA each. Electrode voltages for this condition are shown with the left hand triode of Fig. 1. The cathode resistor and bypass capacitor have a time constant of 1 msec. For positive pulses briefer than this, each state has a gain of about -14. Input pulses whose amplitude equals +7 V yield lOON negative triggers. The waveforms of the latter are somewhat degraded by the Miller-eapacitance of the triode amplifiers, but this does not affect reliability of switching.
Model-free observer backstepping control design for nonlinear systems in strict feedback form

A model-free control system design for nonlinear system in strict feedback form is presented. A type of neurofuzzy system is used as a system identifier. A Luenberger-type observer is designed from the identifier structure. The controller is based on backstepping and Lyapunov design schemes. Variable structure control is added to deal with uncertainties arising from estimation errors. Together, this control system is capable of controlling a system where the system model is not known and only output is measurable. However, some assumptions of the actual system are required. A tracking problem example is provided together with stability proofs of the closed loop signals.
Predicting rates of interspecific interaction from phylogenetic trees

Integrating phylogenetic information can potentially improve our ability to explain species' traits, patterns of community assembly, the network structure of communities, and ecosystem function. In this study, we use mathematical models to explore the ecological and evolutionary factors that modulate the explanatory power of phylogenetic information for communities of species that interact within a single trophic level. We find that phylogenetic relationships among species can influence trait evolution and rates of interaction among species, but only under particular models of species interaction. For example, when interactions within communities are mediated by a mechanism of phenotype matching, phylogenetic trees make specific predictions about trait evolution and rates of interaction. In contrast, if interactions within a community depend on a mechanism of phenotype differences, phylogenetic information has little, if any, predictive power for trait evolution and interaction rate. Together, these results make clear and testable predictions for when and how evolutionary history is expected to influence contemporary rates of species interaction.
High resolution noncontrast MRI of the hip

The relatively thin cartilage of the hip joint, as well as its complex geometry, poses challenges for standardized, reproducible assessment of cartilage and the acetabular labrum. With appropriate pulse sequence parameters, however, accurate, reproducible assessment of cartilage and the labrum is feasible. More detailed evaluation of cartilage biochemistry may be obtained with techniques aimed at noninvasively evaluating the integrity of collagen and/or proteoglycan components in the articular cartilage. One of the benefits of noncontrast techniques lie in the ability to visualize the native synovium, and thereby detect the presence of synovial proliferative disorders, the clinical symptoms of which may mimic a labral tear or traumatic cartilage injury. Standard cartilage evaluation allows for the detection of surface delamination and osteoarthritis in the setting of femoroacetabular impingement, as well as subtle areas of subchondral collapse and secondary delamination of cartilage in the setting of osteonecrosis. This preserves the use of hip arthroscopy as a therapeutic rather than a diagnostic tool.
Review : Neural Stem-Like Cells: Developmental Lessons with Therapeutic Potential

It is possible, by a variety of means, to isolate, propagate, and characterize engraftable clones of cells from the mammalian CNS that fulfill the operational definition of a "stem cell": self-maintaining, self-renewing, and extremely multipotent in vitro and in vivo. Even as debates flourish over how neural stem cells might best be defined, identified, represented, and manipulated, clonal cells with "stem-like" features have begun to provide valuable models for studying commitment, differentiation, and plasticity in the CNS. Furthermore, by learning in this way the basic biology of neural stem cells, and by then exploiting those inherent properties for therapeutic ends, novel and multifaceted strategies seem poised to emerge for redressing a variety of heretofore untreatable CNS dysfunctions. Stem-like cells have begun to show promise for neural cell re placement and molecular support therapy in various animal models of degenerative, developmental, and acquired CNS insult. NEUROSCIENTIST 4:408-425, 1998
EMI Emissions from mismatches in High Speed Differential Signal Traces and Cables

The use of so-called differential signaling for high speed signals has become very common in today's high speed system designs. While this signal strategy allows better data quality and signal integrity, there are some significant EMC and signal integrity issues that are not readily apparent. This paper demonstrates that a significant amount of common-mode current can be created when the two legs of the differential signal are skewed in time, or if the rise and fall times of the signals differ. These common mode currents can impact the EMC performance, causing significant levels of emissions unless careful design consideration is given to shielding and common-mode (ground) current return.
A partially buried site in homologous HPr proteins is not optimized for stability.

Abstract The energetic consequences of site-specific replacement of a residue at a partially buried site in the two homologous HPr proteins from Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis is described. We determined previously that the replacement of a partially buried Lys residue with Glu at position 49 in E. coli HPr increased the conformational stability of the protein substantially because the side-chain of the latter residue could act as a hydrogen-bond acceptor. Here, we extend this analysis to other side-chains with different chemical properties and abilities to form hydrogen bonds to compare the properties of this position in the backgrounds of two different homologous HPr proteins. We find that the variants with polar residues that can form a tertiary hydrogen bond with a nearby site in the protein are more stable than either hydrophobic residues or polar residues that become buried yet are incapable of forming a new hydrogen bond. Furthermore, the protein with the wild-type residue in each HPr variant is not among the most stable of the proteins studied. These results suggest a general strategy for designing variants in which the overall stability of a protein can be modulated in a defined fashion.
Regulation of 5-aminolevulinic acid synthesis in Rhodobacter sphaeroides 2.4.1: the genetic basis of mutant H-5 auxotrophy.

Rhodobacter sphaeroides H-5 was isolated as a 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) auxotroph following treatment of wild-type cells with N-methyl-N-nitroso-N'-nitroguanidine (J. Lascelles and T. Altshuler, J. Bacteriol. 98:721-727, 1969). The existence in R. sphaeroides 2.4.1 of the genes hemA and hemT, each encoding the enzyme 5-aminolevulinic acid synthase (EC 2.3.1.37), raised questions as to the genetic basis for the ALA auxotrophy in mutant H-5. We therefore cloned both the hemA and hemT genes from mutant H-5. The hemA gene has been sequenced in its entirety and bears four base pair substitutions which encode three amino acid changes relative to the sequence of wild-type strain 2.4.1. Complementation analysis of an Escherichia coli ALA auxotroph has revealed that the loss of ALA synthase activity in the HemA mutant enzyme could be localized to two of the amino acid substitutions. On the other hand, the hemT gene from mutant H-5 was able to complement an E. coli mutant requiring ALA for growth. Complementation analyses were also carried out by introducing the cloned hemA or hemT gene of mutant H-5 or wild-type 2.4.1 in trans into H-5 and, in parallel, into our previously described HemA-HemT double mutant strain AT1 (E. L. Neidle and S. Kaplan, J. Bacteriol. 175:2304-2313, 1993). This analysis revealed that while the complementation pattern of mutant AT1 parallels that for the E. coli ALA auxotroph, mutant H-5 could only be complemented by the wild-type hemA gene. The ability of the hemT gene of either mutant H-5 or wild-type 2.4.1 to complement the ALA auxotrophy of mutant AT1 but not mutant H-5 was consistent with beta-galactosidase activities obtained with hemT-lacZ transcriptional fusions. We conclude that the ALA auxotrophy of mutant H-5 arises from (i) a nonfunctional HemA protein containing multiple missense substitutions and (ii) an inability of the normal hemT gene to be expressed in the mutant H-5 genetic background, i.e., an additional mutation of unknown origin is required for hemT expression. These studies bear directly on the regulation of the expression of the hemA and hemT genes of R. sphaeroides 2.4.1.
Failure-detecting arithmetic convolutional codes and an iterative correcting strategy

Errors due to failures in data processing algorithms may be detected and even corrected by employing systematic convolutional codes defined over the fixed-point arithmetic structures supporting the computations. A new class of arithmetic convolutional codes using symbols from the finite ring associated with normal signed arithmetic is based on binary burst-correcting codes and a code's performance in the larger context exceeds that of an underlying basis code. When failures satisfy the usual guard band requirements for the binary code, error correction is possible using an iterative feedback decoder processing syndromes that are defined over the integers modulo a power of two. A class of high rate burst-correcting codes is discussed in more detail and their properties guarantee the detection of the onset of errors. The corrector also contains failure error-detecting capabilities.
Did Reagan Make Gorbachev Possible

This article examines how Soviet leaders responded to Ronald Reagan during his first presidential administration. It contests the notion that Reagan's tough rhetoric and arms buildup from 1981 to 1984 made Gorbachev possible. It draws on fresh evidence to argue that Reagan's words and deeds had precisely the opposite effect—they emboldened hard-liners within the Kremlin and ultimately postponed “new thinking.”
Internet mobility 4×4

Mobile IP protocols allow mobile hosts to send and receive packets addressed with their home network IP address, regardless of the IP address of their current point of attachment in the Internet.While some recent work in Mobile IP focuses on a couple of specific routing optimizations for sending packets to and from mobile hosts [Joh96] [Mon96], we show that a variety of different optimizations are appropriate in different circumstances. The best choice, which may vary on a connection-by-connection or even a packet-by-packet basis, depends on three factors: the characteristics the protocol should optimize, the permissiveness of the networks over which the packets travel and the level of mobile-awareness of the hosts with which the mobile host corresponds.Of the sixteen possible routing choices that we identify, we describe the seven that are most useful and discuss their benefits and limitations. These optimizations range from the most costly, which provides completely transparent mobility in all networks, to the most economical, which does not attempt to conceal location information. In particular, hosts should retain the option to communicate conventionally without using Mobile IP whenever appropriate.Further, we show that all optimizations can be described using a 4×4 grid of packet characteristics. This makes it easier for a mobile host, through a series of tests, to determine which of the currently available optimizations is the best to use for any given correspondent host.
Contradictions and Confounds in Coverage of Obesity: Psychology Journals, Textbooks, and the Media

Although obesity is not listed as a psychiatric condition in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, psychologists focus on obesity in their research, clinical practice, and teaching. This article reviews the methods and outcomes of the weight loss research in psychology journal articles, and discusses some of the confounds. These studies focus on comparisons among treatment conditions rather than on the low amounts of weight lost, and do not use clinical criteria for evaluating outcome. Although improvement in physical health is viewed as the reason for weight loss programs, few studies assess physical health. There has been little concern about how weight loss participants feel when they regain weight. Furthermore, the journal peer review process does not encourage paradigm shifts. The article also discusses how the results of the weight loss research studies are covered in undergraduate psychology textbooks and how they are (mis)interpreted by the media. Recommendations for a paradigm shift in the peer review process, coverage in textbooks and the media, are offered.
The Effect of 53 μm IR Radiation on 18 cm OH Megamaser Emission

OH megamasers (OHMs) emit primarily in the main lines at 1667 and 1665 MHz and differ from their Galactic counterparts due to their immense luminosities, large line widths, and 1667/1665 MHz flux ratios, which are always greater than 1. We find that these maser properties result from strong 53 μm radiative pumping combined with line overlap effects caused by turbulent line widths ~20 km s−1; pumping calculations that do not include line overlap are unreliable. A minimum dust temperature of ~45 K is needed for inversion, and maximum maser efficiency occurs for dust temperatures ~80-140 K. We find that warmer dust can support inversion at lower IR luminosities, in agreement with observations. Our results are in good agreement with a clumpy model of OHMs, with clouds sizes 1 pc and OH column densities ~5 × 1016 cm−2, that is able to explain both the diffuse and compact emission observed for OHMs. We suggest that all OH main-line masers may be pumped by far-IR radiation, with the major differences between OHMs and Galactic OH masers caused by differences in line width produced by line overlap. Small Galactic maser line widths tend to produce stronger 1665 MHz emission. The large OHM line widths lead to inverted ground-state transitions having approximately the same excitation temperature, producing 1667/1665 MHz flux ratios greater than 1 and weak satellite line emission. Finally, the small observed ratio of pumping radiation to dense molecular gas, as traced by HCN and HCO+, is a possible reason for the lack of OH megamaser emission in NGC 6240.
The LINQ between XML and databases: a gentle introduction

The Language INtegrated Query (LINQ) provides a unified paradigm for querying relations and XML. LINQ's query comprehension syntax is SQL-like and provides a natural pathway for students to use to explore the XML and database connection. This paper describes a suite of exercises for using LINQ to query a relational database returning XML results, to query XML, and to transform the structure of one XML document to another.
A significant diffuse component predicts for inferior survival in grade 3 follicular lymphoma, but cytologic subtypes do not predict survival

Grade 3 follicular lymphoma (FL3) is thought to have an aggressive clinical course. On the basis of possible biologic differences, the new World Health Organization (WHO) classification of lymphoma suggests further subdivision of FL3 into grades 3a and 3b and states that the percentage of involvement by diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) should also be reported. However, the clinical implications of these features are unclear. Therefore, we studied 190 newly diagnosed patients with lymph node-based FL3 who received anthracycline-containing combination chemotherapy. The follicular component was subclassified as grade 3a (FL3a) or grade 3b (FL3b) according to the WHO criteria, or as follicular large cleaved cell type (FLC). The percentage of a diffuse component, if present, was also recorded. Of the 190 cases, there were 107 FL3a (56%), 53 FL3b (28%), and 30 FLC (16%) cases. Diffuse areas were seen in 72 cases (31 FL3a, 28 FL3b, and 13 FLC). There were no significant differences in the clinical characteristics, overall survival, or event-free survival between patients with grades FL3a, FL3b, or FLC. However, those cases with a predominant diffuse component (> 50% diffuse) had a significantly worse overall survival (P =.0037) and event-free survival (P =.012). Therefore, we conclude that the subdivision of FL3 into cytologic subtypes does not appear to be important clinically. However, patients with FL3 having a diffuse component of more than 50% have an inferior survival that is similar to the survival of those with DLBCL.
Ring chromosome 18 abnormality in acute myelogenous leukemia: the clinical dilemma

The ring chromosome is a circular, structural abnormality composed of either multiple chromosomes or a single chromosome with loss of genetic material at one or both ends. This chromosomal rearrangement is often unstable with frequent recombinations and may be accompanied by either loss or amplification of genetic material[1]. Considering that ring chromosomes are rare in acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), it is difficult to risk stratify patient prognosis, particularly when the ring chromosome occurs as the sole abnormality. Here we report a case of a ring chromosome 18 abnormality in a patient with newly diagnosed AML with monocytic differentiation. Cytogenetic analysis demonstrated 46, XY, r(18)(p11q21) karyotype in 19 of 34 evaluated metaphase cells. The patient received induction chemotherapy and subsequent allogeneic cord blood transplant from a sex-matched donor, and remained in hematologic and cytogenetic remission for 120 days post transplant. Soon after, he developed post transplant lymphoproliferative disorder and died of multi-organ failure. Although r(18) chromosomal abnormalities were not classified in the recent updated evidence-and expert opinion-based recommendations for the diagnosis and management of AML (likely due to the small number of reported cases), the patient was treated as high risk with stem cell transplantation. This was based on the unstable nature of the ring chromosome and the poor outcomes described in the literature of patients with sole ring 18 abnormalities.
Further Comment: Critique without Difference: A Response to Goodman

In "Change without Difference: School Restructuring in Historical Perspectives," Jesse Goodman offers his critique of the "third wave" school restructuring movement and highlights the history of the fields critiqued in an effort to show that the traditions of those involved in this movement cause them to propose an agenda of social functionalism, individualism, and expertism for school reform.1 He suggests that due to a reliance on technology, a faith in efficiency and productivity, and a history in instructional systems management, these current "restructuralists" propose nothing more than a return to the past.We wish to take issue with many of Goodman's assertions. In the process, we hope to make clear the true values that underlie the systemic transformation movement. We also wish to point out some inherent contradictions in Goodman's argument, take issue with a historical approach that freezes disciplines in a single moment, and suggest that critique in the service of evolution of a discipline is more...
Interrogating regional international societies, questioning the global international society

English School (ES) scholars have long asserted that international society at the global level is the framework within which international order is discussed and conclusions as to how to ensure its...
The threat of sexism in a STEM educational setting: the moderating impacts of ethnicity and legitimacy beliefs on test performance

Social identity threat has negative consequences for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The present study examined whether legitimacy beliefs—beliefs that status differences between men and women in STEM fields are fair—put women at risk for experiencing social identity threat and poorer performance on a difficult logic test. Legitimacy beliefs served as a risk factor for both women from ethnic groups that are overrepresented in STEM (e.g., Asian Americans and European Americans) and from ethnic groups that are underrepresented in STEM (African Americans and Latina Americans), albeit under different conditions. Among women from overrepresented ethnic groups, legitimacy beliefs were negatively related to test performance when explicit cues to sexism were present. However, among women from underrepresented ethnic groups, legitimacy beliefs were negatively related to test performance when explicit cues to sexism were absent. The present research points to the need for inclusion of ethnic diversity in studies of women in STEM.
Hyperglycemic clamp-derived disposition index is negatively associated with metabolic syndrome severity in obese subjects.

Abstract Objective Metabolic syndrome is associated with insulin resistance and increased future risk of type 2 diabetes. This study investigates the relationship between insulin secretion, insulin resistance and individual metabolic syndrome components in subjects without a prior diagnosis of diabetes. Research Design and Methods We assessed insulin secretion during hyperglycemic clamps by infusing dextrose to maintain hyperglycemia (200 mg/dL), followed by L-arginine administration. Studies in 98 individuals (mean age 45.3 ± 1.2 years, 56% female, 22% African-American, 49% with metabolic syndrome) were analyzed. We tested the association between the number of metabolic syndrome components and individual outcome variables using linear mixed-effects models to adjust for potential confounding effects of age, sex, and race. Results Insulin sensitivity index was reduced in the presence of 1 or more metabolic syndrome components. Insulin sensitivity was independently associated with age, waist circumference, male gender and decreased HDL cholesterol. The acute insulin response was greater with two or more metabolic syndrome components, and late glucose-stimulated and L-arginine-stimulated insulin responses exhibited a similar trend. In contrast, the disposition index, a measure of beta cell compensation for insulin resistance, was linearly lower with the number of metabolic syndrome components, and was negatively associated with age, Caucasian race, waist circumference, fasting glucose, and decreased HDL cholesterol. Conclusions The insulin secretory response in metabolic syndrome is inadequate for the worsening insulin sensitivity, as demonstrated by a decline in disposition index. A dysfunctional insulin secretory response is evident in non-diabetic individuals and worsens with accumulation of metabolic syndrome components.
Analysis of BHT and BHA in Foods by Gas Chromatography with Wide BoreColumn

ワイドボアーカラムを用いた食品中のBHT, BHAの分析条件を検討した.その結果,魚介乾製品ではCBP1とCBP20が,バターではCBP1がそれぞれ有効であり,サラダ油では検討した3種のカラムのどれを使用しても分析は可能であった.添加回収実験を行ったところ,魚介乾製品の BHTが81.1%, バターのBHAが83.7%であった以外は90%以上の回収率が得られた.次に,炭化水素類によるBHT, BHA,フルオレンへの妨害の有無を調べたところ, CBP1ではBHTがn‐C15の, DB17では BHT がn-C17とi-C19の,CBP 20ではフルオレンがn‐C23の妨害を受けることが明らかになった.
Principles and Efficient Implementation of Charge Replacement in Hybrid Electrical Energy Storage Systems

Hybrid electrical energy storage systems (HEES) are comprised of multiple banks of inhomogeneous EES elements with difference characteristics. They have been proposed to achieve desired performance metrics of an ideal energy storage device, i.e., high energy capacity, high output power level, low self-discharge, low cost, and long service life. Implementation of appropriate charge management policies enables efficient storage and retrieval of the electrical energy, attaining performance metrics that are close to the respective best values across the constituent EES elements in the HEES system. This paper addresses a global charge replacement problem in HEES systems, namely, how to dynamically select a subset of the EES banks and discharge them to meet the load power demand in a prespecified amount of time. Precisely, the global charge replacement optimization problem is formulated as a mixed-integer nonlinear programming problem, and a hierarchical algorithm is presented to efficiently solve this problem. At the top level the proposed algorithm considers the complete discharging process and allocates the load demand among all available EES banks, whereas at the bottom level it employs convex optimization methods to solve for discharging currents and the voltage level of a shared charger transfer interconnect. A prototype HEES system has been built to demonstrate the energy benefits brought by HEES systems and the efficacy of the proposed charge replacement algorithm.
The role of biotite as a catalyst in reaction mechanisms that form sillimanite

Biotite can act as a mineral catalyst that accelerates sillimanite-forming reactions in many high-grade pelites. In this process, biotite is replaced by sillimanite in one area while it is precipitated by local reactions in other areas of a rock. This mechanism develops because of the constraints imposed on material transport to and from growing sillimanite by minerals in the surrounding matrix. Textural evidence for biotite replacement is generally easily identified, but that for biotite-producing reactions is usually subtle. Failure to recognize the biotite-producing reactions can result in erroneous conclusions regarding the role of metasomatism in the formation of sillimanite. Models based on irreversible thermodynamics show that this type of reacdon mechanism can develop where sillimanite grows under conditions that are isochemical at the hand-specimen scale.
The Effects of Gamification on Corporate Compliance Training: A Field Experiment of True Office Anti-Corruption Training Programs

Companies rely on internal controls to comply with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.K. Bribery Act. One such control is anti-corruption employee training. Although corporate training is a key component of anti-fraud policies and procedures, it is often perceived as dull by employees. To motivate greater engagement, firms are experimenting with training that involves elements of digital games, known as gamification. We perform a field experiment with 158 employees of a large, multinational bank to examine the effectiveness of gamified anti-corruption training. We find that employees strongly prefer gamified training to traditional, non-gamified training and that gamified training modestly increases employees’ knowledge of the bank’s anti-corruption policies. Interestingly, we also find that employees with less work experience outperform those with greater work experience on the post-training knowledge assessment. Our results suggest that gamification is a valuable tool for improving anti-corruption training.
Impact ICT on Academic Achievement – An Empirical Study

Our world is changing, and information and Communication technology (ICT) is central to this change. Use of ICT in education develops higher order skills such as collaborating across time and place and solving real world problems. It improves the perception and understanding of the world of the student. ICT can be used to prepare the workforce for the information society and the new global economy. The focus of the paper was to explore the attitude of the teachers towards the use of ICT in higher education and its impact on their academic achievement in Tuticorin city. The present study is based on both primary and secondary data covered only three months period (2014). The total household sample is 70. The proportionate random sampling technique has been adopted to select 70 teachers from Tuticorin city. Secondary data and information are collected from the annual reports of the department of statistics, Tamilnadu, books, journals and websites. Class interval technique was used to analysis the age, family size and experience. Percentage analysis, averages, ranking method, standard deviation, chi-square tests, Cramer’s V and probability analysis were used for the analysis. It is found that majority of the teachers are most knowledgeable in word processing was ranked first followed by emailing. Well-informed in internet browsing was ranked third, proficiency in spread sheets ranked fourth. Information in statistical tools and presentation tools were ranked fifth and sixth respectively. To know the teacher’s attitude and usage of ICT in teaching learning, many teachers have also expressed the opinion that incorporating ICT in teaching is time consuming (59.29%), Lack of skill (20.35%), Syllabus pressure (12.39%) and needs access to a lot of infrastructure (7.96). They want the institution to recognize teachers who use ICT and provide the necessary infrastructure so that others who are nonusers of ICT will be motivated. The result of chi-square-test revealed that there is no significant difference between teacher’s attitude and usage of ICT in teaching learning and barriers in implementing ICT in higher education in Tuticorin town.
Analysis of Chemical Pollutant Test Result for Food in Meizhou City in 2009

[Objective] To understand the status of food pollution by chemical pollutant in urban Meizhou,and provide scientific evidence for food safety.[Methods]Food samples of local and neighborhood production,with representativeness and typicality,timeliness,collected from markets,supermarkets,small food stores and hotels of urban Meizhou were tested for related chemical pollutants.[Results]Except for the food without national standard,the qualification rate of lead,mercury,aluminum and nitrite was 97.73%,96.15%,24.00%,90.00%,respectively.[Conclusion]The Aluminum qualification rate is extremely low.The severe aluminum pollution on food is mainly due to non-standardized operation in food production and processing.Supervision department should strengthen the supervision and monitoring.
Epidemiological features of scarlet fever in Zhejiang in 2007-2011

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of scarlet fever in Zhejiang province,and to provide basic evidence for prevention and control.Methods Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the data collected from with scarlet fever from 2007 to 2011 in Zhejiang province.Results A total of 4 736 cases were reported during this 5 year period with the average incidence of 1.84 per 100 thousand population.There were more male cases than females(Z=17.193,P0.05)and the incidence was the highest among those aged 3-8 years(P0.01).Most cases appeared in April to June and majority were preschool children(40.88%)and students(33.64%).98.08% cases were clinically diagnosed,while only 1.92% were laboratory diagnosed.Conclusions The incidence of scarlet fever remains in a relatively higher level,suggesting that more work needs to be done on disease surveillance and prevention in order to control the outbreak or epidemic of scarlet fever.
Genetic structure of the threatened Phaedranassa schizantha (Amaryllidaceae)

Phaedranassa schizantha (Amaryllidaceae) is an endangered species endemic to Ecuador and two varieties have been described: P. schizantha var. schizantha and P. schizantha var. ignea. We assessed population genetic structure and demographic patterns in 11 populations across the range of the species using 13 microsatellite loci. Our data show that genetic diversity was generally lower in the southern part of the range and was especially low in populations closest to cities. We found significant population differentiation (FST = 0.14, DEST = 0.34) and evidence of a genetic bottleneck. Genetic variation did not show isolation by distance. Instead, results suggest genetic barriers around two main cities. Bayesian analysis identified two genetic groups, neither of which represents either of the two varieties previously recognized. Coalescent analysis indicates a relatively recent colonization pattern between the two genetic groups (< 3000 generations). Conservation efforts need to be taken to facilitate genetic exchange between the groups, especially between locations that seem to be genetically isolated.
Climate change velocity underestimates climate change exposure in mountainous regions

Climate change velocity is a vector depiction of the rate of climate displacement used for assessing climate change impacts. Interpreting velocity requires an assumption that climate trajectory length is proportional to climate change exposure; longer paths suggest greater exposure. However, distance is an imperfect measure of exposure because it does not quantify the extent to which trajectories traverse areas of dissimilar climate. Here we calculate velocity and minimum cumulative exposure (MCE) in degrees Celsius along climate trajectories for North America. We find that velocity is weakly related to MCE; each metric identifies contrasting areas of vulnerability to climate change. Notably, velocity underestimates exposure in mountainous regions where climate trajectories traverse dissimilar climates, resulting in high MCE. In contrast, in flat regions velocity is high where MCE is low, as these areas have negligible climatic resistance to movement. Our results suggest that mountainous regions are more climatically isolated than previously reported.
Responses during Facial Emotional Expression Recognition Tasks Using Virtual Reality and Static IAPS Pictures for Adults with Schizophrenia

Technology-assisted intervention has the potential to adaptively individualize and improve outcomes of traditional schizophrenia SZ intervention. Virtual reality VR technology, in particular, has the potential to simulate real world social and communication interactions and hence could be useful as a therapeutic platform for SZ. Emotional face recognition is considered among the core building blocks of social communication. Studies have shown that emotional face processing and understanding is impaired in patients with SZ. The current study develops a novel VR-based system that presents avatars that can change their facial emotion dynamically for emotion recognition tasks. Additionally, this system allows real-time measurement of physiological signals and eye gaze during the emotion recognition tasks, which can be used to gain insight about the emotion recognition process in SZ population. This study further compares VR-based facial emotion recognition with that of the more traditional emotion recognition from static faces using a small usability study. Results from the usability study suggest that VR could be a viable platform for SZ intervention and implicit signals such as physiological signals and eye gaze can be utilized to better understand the underlying pattern that is not available from user reports and performance alone.
Blue cross blue shield of Minnesota: missing the forest for the trees.

On September 29th, Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) of Minnesota issued a bulletin stating that manual therapy and massage codes (97140 and 97124 respectively) would no longer be covered as of January 1, 2009. As a student in a doctoral program that strongly endorses the use of evidence-based interventions, this policy is short-sighted and could indirectly promote interventions that lack credible evidence. Manual therapy is heavily supported in the literature as a successful intervention for the spine1,2, headaches3, neck4,5, and shoulder6. Unwillingness to reimburse these codes, specifically 97140, implies that BCBS of Minnesota is either uninformed, or that they do not care for the well being of their insured. There is information that this policy may be reactionary effort to curb inappropriate use of these codes by practitioners other than physical therapists. Indeed, if fraud or inappropriate use is prevalent, the answer is enforcement; not punishing the insured and other healthcare providers such as physical therapists, who provide these interventions in an appropriate manner. This thoughtless action by BCBS of Minnesota has the potential to undermine our professional stance as advocates of evidence based care. I understand that the Minnesota Physical Therapy Chapter is working diligently to arrive at a constructive solution to this situation. As a physical therapists community, we should support their efforts in every possible way. We cannot afford, economically or politically, to allow BCBS of Minnesota to institute a policy that restricts physical therapy practice by eliminating reimbursement for the use of manual therapy and massage interventions. As a profession, we can't miss the forest for the trees: even if BCBS of Minnesota elects to do so.
High-Performance Energy-Efficient Dual-Supply ALU Design

This chapter describes the design of a single-cycle 64-bit integer executionALU fabricated in 90 nm dual-Vt CMOS technology, operating at 4 GHz in the 64-bit mode with a 32-bit mode latency of 7 GHz (measured at 1.3V, 25° C). The lower- and upper-order 32-bit domains operate on separate off-chip supply voltages, enabling conditional turn-on/off of the 64-bit ALU mode operation and efficient power-performance optimization. High-speed single-rail dynamic circuit techniques and a sparse-tree semi-dynamic adder core enable a dense layout occupying 280 × 260µm2 while simultaneously achieving (i) low carry-merge fan-outs and inter-stage wiring complexity, (ii) low active leakage and dynamic power consumption, (iii) highDCnoise robustness with maximum low-Vt usage, (iv) single-rail dynamic-compatible ALU write-back bus, (v) simple 2ф 50% duty-cycle timing plan with seamless time-borrowing across phases, (vi) scalable 64-bitALU performance up to 7 GHz measured at 2.1V, 25° C, and (vii) scalable 32-bit ALU performance up to 9 GHz measured at 1.68V, 25° C.