cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Visual and tactual identification of form orientation

Abstract Normally sighted Ss, 4 years old to adults, made form orientation judgments tactually or visually. Partially sighted and totally blind Ss, 6 years old to adults, made form orientation judgments tactually. Normally sighted Ss showed strong visual orientation identification which were consistent across the age range. Neither normally sighted nor totally blind Ss showed any clear tactual orientation identifications. Partially sighted Ss showed tactual orientation identifications similar to the visual identifications made by normally sighted Ss. The meaning of these results for the perception of form orientation is discussed.
Pseudoparadoxical impulsivity in restrictive anorexia nervosa: a consequence of the logic of scarcity.

Objective To explain an apparently paradoxical pattern wherein sufferers of restrictive anorexia nervosa exhibit both rigorous self-restraint and episodic impulsivity. Method The experimental, historical, and clinical literatures were examined for evidence of psychological and behavioral changes accompanying severe dietary constriction; such changes were noted and compared with those reported to occur in anorexics. Results Increased impulsivity in association with dietary constriction is described in diverse literatures. A number of lines of evidence suggest that the serotonergic system mediates this change. Discussion Many forms of impulsivity can be understood as having once constituted fitness-enhancing responses to resource scarcity. It is suggested that an evolved psychological mechanism calibrates the individual's sensitivity to risk in light of future prospects. Self-injurious behaviors are explicable as misfirings of such a mechanism. Similarly, excessive exercising by anorexics may reflect the misdirection of reward systems that normally encourage adaptive increases in ranging behavior under conditions of scarcity. © 2002 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 31: 376–388, 2002.
symmetric versus Hermitian formulations of quantum mechanics

A non-Hermitian Hamiltonian that has an unbroken symmetry can be converted by means of a similarity transformation to a physically equivalent Hermitian Hamiltonian. This raises the following question: in which form of the quantum theory, the non-Hermitian or the Hermitian one, is it easier to perform calculations? This paper compares both forms of a non-Hermitian ix3 quantum-mechanical Hamiltonian and demonstrates that it is much harder to perform calculations in the Hermitian theory because the perturbation series for the Hermitian Hamiltonian is constructed from divergent Feynman graphs. For the Hermitian version of the theory, dimensional continuation is used to regulate the divergent graphs that contribute to the ground-state energy and the one-point Green's function. The results that are obtained are identical to those found much more simply and without divergences in the non-Hermitian -symmetric Hamiltonian. The contribution to the ground-state energy of the Hermitian version of the theory involves graphs with overlapping divergences, and these graphs are extremely difficult to regulate. In contrast, the graphs for the non-Hermitian version of the theory are finite to all orders and they are very easy to evaluate.
High-speed tunnel injection quantum well and quantum dot lasers

To circumvent the numerous performance-limiting effects of hot-carrier phenomena in semiconductor quantum-well lasers, we have demonstrated the innovative approach of directly injecting carriers into the lasing subband by tunneling. These lasers, made with a variety of material systems, have shown evidence of reduced hot-carrier effects. Specifically, measured small-signal modulation bandwidth of approximately 50 GHz and maximum intrinsic bandwidth of 110 GHz have been achieved with 0.98 micrometers lasers. These are the highest measured modulation bandwidths in any laser. Auger recombination has been virtually eliminated in 1.55 micrometers lasers and reduced chirp and temperature dependence are also demonstrated. Significant reduction of hot-carrier and carrier leakage effects have also been recently demonstrated in small-area vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers. These experimental results are supported by recent simulations that identify gain suppression in high speed lasers to be caused by a coupling between the electron temperature and the quasi Fermi level. Lasers with quantum dots as gain media promise high differential gain, very low threshold current, temperature-insensitive operation and high modulation bandwidth. We have investigated room-temperature single-mode ridge-waveguide quantum box lasers in which the quantum box gain regions are realized by self-organized growth and carrier injection is achieved by conventional means over hetero-barriers and by tunneling. The tunneling injection quantum dot lasers show improvements in both differential gain (6 X 10-14 cm2) and modulation bandwidth. These results will be presented and discussed.
Embodied Domestics, Embodied Politics: Women, Home, and Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is commonly considered to be a fear of outside, open, or crowded spaces, and is treated with therapies that work on acclimating the agoraphobic to external places she would otherwise avoid. I argue, however, that existential phenomenology provides the resources for an alternative interpretation and treatment of agoraphobia that locates the problem of the disorder not in something lying beyond home, but rather in a flawed relationship with home itself. More specifically, I demonstrate that agoraphobia is the lived body expression of a person who has developed an inward-turning tendency with respect to being-at-home, and who finds herself, as a result, vulnerable and even incapacitated when attempting to emerge into the public arena as a fully participatory agent. I consider this thesis in light of the fact that since World War I agoraphobia has been diagnosed significantly more in women than in men; indeed, one study found women to be 89% more likely than men to suffer from agoraphobia. I conclude that agoraphobia is a disorder that stands as an emblematic expression of the ongoing pathology of being a woman in contemporary society–a disorder that reflects that even today women belong to a political world in which they are not able to feel properly at-home.
Cost of Aviation Infrastructure in the United States

What portion of the total amount spent annually on commercial air transportation in the United States eventually goes toward paying for infrastructure, including capital, operational, and security-related costs? Previously unavailable data provided by 10 large carriers are used to estimate the amounts paid through various domestic and international taxes and fees as well as the amounts paid directly by the airlines for airport and air traffic management infrastructure. At least 85% of the survey results can be confirmed through publicly available sources. Combined data sources are used to conclude that in 2004, infrastructure-related costs accounted for approximately 15% of the total amount spent by consumers for passenger and cargo air transport. This would make infrastructure-related costs the third largest category in 2004 (with labor first and fuel second). This conclusion contrasts with conventional wisdom: because of incomplete accounting and data fragmentation, the full magnitude of infrastructure-...
Impact of increased police presence in a non-criminogenic area

Police experiments typically study saturation patrols and crackdown initiatives in high crime areas. Similarly, some evaluation efforts focus on the efficacy of problem-solving techniques to reduce offending rates in crime hot spots. However, little academic attention has been paid to the impact of these types of approaches on affluent neighborhoods because these types of crime control initiative are not routinely carried out in intact neighborhoods. This research examines the impact of saturation patrols in affluent neighborhoods and its effect on offender behavior.
Kaposi's sarcoma: the role of HHV-8 and HIV-1 in pathogenesis

Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) is the most common neoplasm in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients, with up to 20% of individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) afflicted with this multifocal, systemic disease. For many years, scientists have striven to understand the complex pathogenesis of KS. Although experts generally agree on several key points [such as human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) being necessary but not sufficient for the development of KS], many questions still remain unanswered. This review summarises current theories on the molecular pathogenesis of KS, including the role of HHV-8, HIV-related proteins and growth factors in the initiation and progression of AIDS-related KS.
Influence of ethanol dependence and methionine enkephalin antisense on serum endomorphin-1 and methionine enkephalin levels

: Background: Opiate peptides are involved in the physical dependence on ethanol. Levels of methionine enkephalin (MEnk), for example, are affected by ethanol. No study on the effect of ethanol on endomorphin, the endogenous ligand for the μ-opiate receptor, has yet been conducted. Methods: We examined the effect of ethanol ingestion on serum endomorphin (EM)-1 and MEnk levels. We also determined the effect of antisense directed at MEnk on serum levels of EM-1 and MEnk. Results: Serum EM-1 levels steadily decreased about 20% during 56 days of ethanol ingestion in liquid feed, whereas a similar decrease in serum MEnk levels was not statistically significant. Serum MEnk levels decreased about 20% by 48 hr after antisense injection and then returned to baseline, whereas serum EM-1 levels increased by about 80% and remained elevated for about 2 weeks. In mice not treated with antisense or alcohol, there was no correlation between the serum levels of EM-1 and MEnk. Conclusions: These results show that serum levels of EM-1 are decreased by physical dependence on ethanol and that this effect is not directly mediated through MEnk.
A Comparison of Guilt in Bereaved Parents Whose Children Died by Suicide, Accident, or Chronic Disease.

Based on a model of bereavement guilt developed by the investigators, this study assessed the frequency of guilt feelings, explored their sources, and compared the guilt experiences of parents whos...
In vitro effect of isotretinoin on monocyte chemotaxis.

Abstract The effect of isotretinoin on the chemotaxis of human monocytes was studied in an in vitro system using a Nucleopore chamber. The chemoattractant used was zymosan-activated serum. Inhibition of monocyte chemotaxis was achieved with isotretinoin in concentrations of 1 × 10 −3 m and 5 × 10 −4 m. It is felt that the improvement seen in patients with inflammatory skin diseases such as cystic acne and acne conglobata who are treated with isotretinoin may in part be a result of this anti-inflammatory action.
Influence of pinealectomy on serum estrogen and progesterone levels in blind-anosmic female rats.

Previous studies show that the suppression of gonadal function in blind-anosmic rats is dependent on the pineal gland. The present results demonstrate that in young female rats both the pineal gland and dual sensory deprivation have additional independent antigonaldal effects.
The banal conviviality of neoliberal cosmopolitanism

This paper examines the depiction of the banal cosmopolitan conviviality of metropolitan life in two recent British novels: Maggie Gee's My Cleaner (2006) and Tessa Hadley's The London Train (2011). Both texts depict cross-cultural encounters in London as typical to everyday life in a global metropolis and central to the mode of metropolitan cosmopolitanism. Yet, at the same time, through a narrative pattern of failed individual development, these texts draw to the surface the neoliberal values that undergird even seemingly progressive notions about the transformative value of metropolitan diversity. Neoliberal alterity becomes hyper-individualised, acting as a catalyst for self-actualisation, rather than as the point where a variety of global systems and histories coalesce. I argue, therefore, that Gee's and Hadley's critique turns to the way both neoliberal and progressive depictions of metropolitan difference ignore and make invisible the socio-economic barriers that underpin every day life in the metr...
Microvascular Permeability in Diabetes and Insulin Resistance

Microvascular barrier injury has been implicated in the initiation and progress of end organ complications of diabetic mellitus. Plasma leakage and fluid retention are seen in various tissues of diabetic patients or animals at the early stages of the disease before structural microangiopathy can be detected. Clinical and experimental evidence suggests that hyperglycemia, often accompanied with insulin deficiency or insulin resistance, causes impaired autoregulation and increased permeability in microvessels. Multiple molecular pathways have been identified as contributors to the altered fluid homeostasis, including increased polyol flux that promotes oxidative stress, advanced glycation that leads to carbonyl stress, and excessive glucose metabolism that results in protein kinase C activation. These abnormal metabolic activities are associated with the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors, which can stimulate an array of signaling reactions and structural changes at the endothelial barrier and ultimately cause microvascular leakage. Interventions that manipulate these metabolic and inflammatory pathways have demonstrated efficacy in delaying the progress of diabetic microvascular complications; however, their direct effects and mechanisms of action on the microcirculation remain elusive. A deeper understanding of the molecular basis of diabetes-induced endothelial barrier dysfunction will provide a framework for the development of new therapeutic targets to treat this chronic and debilitating disease process.
Modeling Sources of Teaching Self-Efficacy for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Graduate Teaching Assistants.

Graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) have a large impact on undergraduate instruction but are often poorly prepared to teach. Teaching self-efficacy, an instructor’s belief in his or her ability to teach specific student populations a specific subject, is an important predictor of teaching skill and student achievement. A model of sources of teaching self-efficacy is developed from the GTA literature. This model indicates that teaching experience, departmental teaching climate (including peer and supervisor relationships), and GTA professional development (PD) can act as sources of teaching self-efficacy. The model is pilot tested with 128 GTAs from nine different STEM departments at a midsized research university. Structural equation modeling reveals that K–12 teaching experience, hours and perceived quality of GTA PD, and perception of the departmental facilitating environment are significant factors that explain 32% of the variance in the teaching self-efficacy of STEM GTAs. This model highlights the import ant contributions of the departmental environment and GTA PD in the development of teaching self-efficacy for STEM GTAs.
Racial Differences in Satisfaction with Physicians A Study of Older Adults

This analysis examines the association between race and satisfaction with physicians among a sample of community-dwelling older adults. It is hypothesized that minority elderly will hold more negative attitudes toward physicians than will their White peers due to the difficulty in establishing rapport in the physician-patient relationship. Using data from the Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly (Duke), we find that African Americans believe that physicians do not display much compassion for, and respect toward, the elderly. However, African Americans report more positive attitudes about the prudence of physicians. These findings are discussed in the context of improving the physician-patient relationship.
Plant communities in harsh sites are less invaded: a summary of observations and proposed explanations

Plant communities in abiotically stressful, or 'harsh', habitats have been reported to be less invaded by non-native species than those in more moderate habitats. Here, we synthesize descriptive and experimental evidence for low levels of invasion in habitats characterized by a variety of environmental stressors: low nitrogen; low phosphorus; saline, sodic or alkaline soils; serpentine soils; low soil moisture; shallow/rocky soils; temporary inundation; high shade; high elevation; and high latitude. We then discuss major categories of hypotheses to explain this pattern: the propagule limitation mechanism suggests invasion of harsh sites is limited by relatively low arrival rates of propagules compared with more moderate habitats, while invasion resistance mechanisms suggest that harsh habitats are inherently less invasible due to stressful abiotic conditions and/or increased effects of biotic resistance from resident organisms. Both propagule limitation and invasion resistance may simultaneously contribute to low invadedness of harsh sites, but the management implications of these mechanisms differ. If propagule limitation is more important, managers should focus on reducing the likelihood of propagule introductions. If invasion resistance mechanisms are in play, managers should focus on restoring or maintaining harsh conditions at a site to reduce invasibility.
Correlated longitudinal changes across linguistic, achievement, and psychomotor domains in early childhood: evidence for a global dimension of development.

An important question within developmental psychology concerns the extent to which the maturational gains that children make across multiple diverse domains of functioning can be attributed to global (domain-general) developmental processes. The present study investigated this question by examining the extent to which individual differences in change across children’s development in five different domains are correlated. Multivariate growth-curve models were fit to longitudinal data on linguistic, mathematics, reading, gross motor, and fine motor skills in 8950 children ranging in age from 44 to 86 months (3.7 years to 7.2 years). All five rates of change were positively intercorrelated. A common factor accounted for 42% of the individual differences in change. These results suggest that a global dimension underlies substantial proportions of cognitive and psychomotor development.
Beam dynamics in a storage ring for neutral (polar) molecules

The force from a non-uniform electric field on the electric dipole moment of a molecule may be used to circulate and focus molecules in a storage ring. The nature of the forces from multipole electrodes for bending and focusing are described for strong-field-seeking and for weak-field-seeking molecules. Fringe-field forces are analyzed. Examples of storage ring designs are presented; these include long straight sections and provide bunching and acceleration.
Stereo‐scanning electron microscopy of desmids

SUMMARY Stereo-pairs of scanning electron micrographs are presented of two species of Staurastrum, one species of Cosmarium and two species of Micrasterias, including the triradiate, diploid variant of M. thomasiana. Techniques for processing these cells are discussed and some typical morphological variations encountered in cultures are illustrated; the methods are reasonably quick and reliable and may prove useful in taxonomic studies of desmids.
Toward a framework for the development of mathematical knowledge for teaching

Shulman (1986, 1987) coined the term pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) to address what at that time had become increasingly evident—that content knowledge itself was not sufficient for teachers to be successful. Throughout the past two decades, researchers within the field of mathematics teacher education have been expanding the notion of PCK and developing more fine-grained conceptualizations of this knowledge for teaching mathematics. One such conceptualization that shows promise is mathematical knowledge for teaching—mathematical knowledge that is specifically useful in teaching mathematics. While mathematical knowledge for teaching has started to gain attention as an important concept in the mathematics teacher education research community, there is limited understanding of what it is, how one might recognize it, and how it might develop in the minds of teachers. In this article, we propose a framework for studying the development of mathematical knowledge for teaching that is grounded in research in both mathematics education and the learning sciences.
Rank-Cluster-and-Prune: An Algorithm for Generating Clusters in Complex Set Partitioning Problems

Clustering problems are often difficult to solve due to nonlinear cost functions and complicating constraints. Set parti- tioning formulations can help overcome these challenges, but at the cost of a very large number of variables. Therefore, techniques such as delayed column generation must be used to solve these large integer programs. The underlying pricing problem can suffer from the same challenges (non-linear cost, complicating constraints) as the original problem, however, making a mathe- matical programming approach intractable. Motivated by a real-world problem in printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing, we develop a search-based algorithm (Rank-Cluster-and-Prune) as an alternative, present computational results for the PCB problem to demonstrate the tractability of our approach, and identify a broader class of clustering problems for which this approach can be used. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 56: 215-225, 2009
Concurrency for the application programmer

This workshop explores the impact and opportunities of parallel computing on application programmers.
Pulmonary stretch receptor spike time precision increases with lung inflation amplitude and airway smooth muscle tension.

Slowly adapting pulmonary stretch receptors (SARs) respond to different lung inflation volumes with distinct spike counts and patterns, conveying information regarding the rate and depth of breathi...
Changes in Microflora and Other Characteristics of Vacuum-packaged Pork Loins irradiated at 3.0 kGy

Effects of 3.0-kGy irradiation on microflora and other attributes of fresh, vacuum-packaged pork loins were examined during storage (2–4°C, 98 days) and mishandling (24–25°C, 24 and 48 hr). Shelf life of pork chops from irradiated loins was determined at 5°C. Irradiated loins kept at 2–4°C tested negative for Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., Clostridium perfringens and Staphylococcus aureus. Yersinia spp. was detected in pork chops held at 5°C; this organism, C. perfringens and Aeromonas spp. were present in abused samples. In two irradiated samples Listeria monocytogenes was found. Irradiation reduced aerobic, anaerobic and Aeromonas spp. counts; lactobacilli were least affected. Chemical spoilage began after 91 days at 2–4°C. With irradiation, TBA values were unaffected but Hunter a color values increased.
Basis Construction from Power Series Expansions of Value Functions

This paper explores links between basis construction methods in Markov decision processes and power series expansions of value functions. This perspective provides a useful framework to analyze properties of existing bases, as well as provides insight into constructing more effective bases. Krylov and Bellman error bases are based on the Neumann series expansion. These bases incur very large initial Bellman errors, and can converge rather slowly as the discount factor approaches unity. The Laurent series expansion, which relates discounted and average-reward formulations, provides both an explanation for this slow convergence as well as suggests a way to construct more efficient basis representations. The first two terms in the Laurent series represent the scaled average-reward and the average-adjusted sum of rewards, and subsequent terms expand the discounted value function using powers of a generalized inverse called the Drazin (or group inverse) of a singular matrix derived from the transition matrix. Experiments show that Drazin bases converge considerably more quickly than several other bases, particularly for large values of the discount factor. An incremental variant of Drazin bases called Bellman average-reward bases (BARBs) is described, which provides some of the same benefits at lower computational cost.
The study of star formation with IRAS

A brief review is made of how IRAS has advanced our understanding of star formation. The IRAS survey has revealed the presence of embedded infrared sources within small, dense cores of molecular gas. Some of these objects may be protostars of roughly solar mass deriving a substantial fraction of their energy from infalling material. Circumstellar disks appear to surround many young stars, both in the embedded phase and, later, as T Tauri stars. IRAS also cataloged regions of high mass star formation across the galaxy. These data may lead to an understanding of what triggers the formation of such stars. Finally, while high mass star formation obviously contributes strongly to the infrared emission from galaxies, observations within the Galaxy show that a substantial fraction of infrared emission comes from dust heated by the ambient radiation field and not directly by young stars.
A microeconomic approach to multi-robot team formation

The aggregation of robots into teams is necessitated due to the limited power and communication capabilities in emergency environments. The formation of robot teams significantly enhances the performance and efficiency of search and rescue missions in such environments. As opposed to the classical partitioning application domains, the robot aggregation requires multiple confticting objectives to be optimized. We propose a novel microeconomic methodology for simultaneous multi-objective partitioning of robots. The method utilizes the strengths of K-Means algorithm, game theoretic modeling, and Nash equilibrium methodology for fast and socially fair partitioning. In this work, partitions are created on the basis of compaction and equipartitioning objectives to identify decentralized robot teams with each robot in a team closest to its communication gateway, as well as each team equally represented in terms of strength. Rigorous simulations were performed to evaluate the performance of the method, and the results indicate that the proposed method performs significantly better than the K-Means methodology, and identifies good solution points.
Transesophageal echocardiography in atrial fibrillation

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) plays an important role in atrial fibrillation (AF), mainly to detect the presence of left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus. It is useful in direct current cardioversion (DCC) guidance and for AF ablation and LAA occlusion. With the increasing number of patients affected by AF, the use of TEE will grow and become an important screening modality for LAA thrombus. Future direction includes broader multi-institutional use; further tools to risk stratify patients; and the use of a new spectrum of oral anticoagulants and their cost-effectiveness in patients with AF undergoing DCC, AF ablation, and LAA occlusion.
Charge-Balanced Optimal Inputs for Phase Models of Spiking Neurons

The optimal input current for a reduced neuron model and a specific target spiking time is obtained. The objective of optimization is to minimize the total input energy to the system subject to a zero net input integral over the time horizon. This “charge-balance constraint” ensures that no net external charge is injected into the neuron. The results are compared to optimal currents for which the charge-balance constraint is not imposed.
PIEFA: Personalized Incremental and Ensemble Face Alignment

Face alignment, especially on real-time or large-scale sequential images, is a challenging task with broad applications. Both generic and joint alignment approaches have been proposed with varying degrees of success. However, many generic methods are heavily sensitive to initializations and usually rely on offline-trained static models, which limit their performance on sequential images with extensive variations. On the other hand, joint methods are restricted to offline applications, since they require all frames to conduct batch alignment. To address these limitations, we propose to exploit incremental learning for personalized ensemble alignment. We sample multiple initial shapes to achieve image congealing within one frame, which enables us to incrementally conduct ensemble alignment by group-sparse regularized rank minimization. At the same time, personalized modeling is obtained by subspace adaptation under the same incremental framework, while correction strategy is used to alleviate model drifting. Experimental results on multiple controlled and in-the-wild databases demonstrate the superior performance of our approach compared with state-of-the-arts in terms of fitting accuracy and efficiency.
EAP critical incident response: A multi-systemic resiliency approach, by R. D. Intveld

While employee assistance programs (EAPs) have been providing critical incident response (CIR) to work organizations for many years, a CIR model designed specifically for the workplace has been slo...
Alpha-tocopherylquinone, the major oxidation product of vitamin E, selectively decreases androgenic activity, growth, and viability of prostate cancer cells.

A83 Results from epidemiological studies indicate that smoking and supplemental vitamin E (VE) may prevent prostate cancer. The mechanism for the combined action of smoking and supplemental VE on prostate cancer prevention is unknown. Chronic smoking produces a physiologic state of oxidative stress. The major oxidation product of VE is alpha-tocopherylquinone (ATQ), which is chemically distinct from VE. ATQ and VE were compared for their effects on prostate cancer cell growth, cell death, and on measures of androgenic activity in the LNCaP and PC3 human prostate carcinoma cell lines. ATQ produced a dose-dependent decrease in LNCaP growth, with a 26%, 36%, and 47% decrease in cell growth observed with physiologically relevant levels of 10, 20, and 30 μM, respectively, over 4 days. In contrast, treatment with VE up to 50 μM did not affect LNCaP growth over 4 days. Interestingly, neither ATQ nor VE significantly affected the growth of the androgen-independent PC3 cell line; whereas ATQ, but not VE, treatment resulted in 100% cell death in PC3 cells after reaching confluence for 48 hours. ATQ selectively inhibited androgen responsiveness in LNCaP cells compared to VE. For example, 25 μM ATQ inhibited androgen-induced expression from androgen-driven reporter vectors, whereas 25 μM VE had no effect. Similarly, ATQ significantly inhibited the androgen-induced expression of prostate specific antigen. In contrast, levels of VE up to 50 μM did not affect androgenic responses. LNCaP cells treated with 25 μM ATQ produced a 4-fold decrease in androgen receptor protein levels that was not observed following treatment with VE. A 2-fold decrease in androgen receptor mRNA was observed after ATQ treatment. In summary, ATQ, but not VE, was found to decrease growth, viability, and androgenic activity of human prostate cancer cells that may, in part, account for the prostate cancer preventive properties of concurrent smoking and supplemental VE. These observations will assist the development of effective VE-based strategies for prostate cancer prevention that do not necessitate smoking.
Effects of Root-trimming and Cutting-heights on Growth Performance of Potted Native Warm-season Grasses

Mechanized transplanting of native warm-season grass (NWSG) seedlings raised in biodegradable strip-cups may require trimming outgrown and entwined roots to facilitate individual placement and complete root covering. During establishment, mowing is often used to reduce weed competition and promote tillering. In two randomized complete block split-split-plot design experiments, effects of root-trimming and cutting-height on growth and biomass production of potted NWSGs [big bluestem (BB, Andropogon gerardii Vitman), eastern gamagrass (GG, Tripsacum dactyloides L.), indiangrass (IG, Sorghastrum nutans L.), and switchgrass (SG, Panicum virgatum L.)] were assessed. Six-week old seedlings were transplanted, with or without root-trimming, and four of each type and species, assigned to 10-, 15-, or 20-cm cutting-height. All plants were fertilized uniformly and watered sufficiently. After a 7-d adjustment period, plants were clipped to 10 cm which promoted tillering. A three-week regrowth was then allowed before the first of three forage harvests, at assigned cutting-heights. Plant heights were recorded every two weeks after transplanting and on each harvest date. Data were analyzed for effects of root-trimming, cutting-height, and species. Root-trimming had no effect on the parameters. Cutting-height had no effect on plant heights except for second GG and SG regrowths, and/or the third BB and SG. Cutting-height affected only SG forage biomass significantly ( P 100%, but with similar root:total biomass ratios. Overall, species yield increased in the order; IG<BB<GG<SG. With adequate soil moisture and fertility, results indicate that root-trimming may not affect growth or forage biomass of NWSGs during establishment. Mowing NWSGs, during establishment, for up to three 20-cm cuts at ≥ 3-week intervals, may not impact recovery growth or belowground biomass, negatively. Results from field studies are required ahead of practical establishment management recommendations.
Research/Practice Reports: Perspectives on Digoxin Absorption from Small Bowel Resections

Digoxin is a commonly prescribed medication for a variety of cardiovascular abnormalities. The therapeutic index of digoxin is considered narrow and drug is absorbed predominantly from the duodenum and upper jejunum. When the small intestine is intact, the absorption can vary; therefore, in the case of a small bowel resection or bypass, this erratic absorption may be accentuated. There is some controversy concerning the effect of small bowel resection or bypass on the absorption of digoxin. Some investigators have shown that small bowel resection or bypass decreases the absorption of oral digoxin, whereas others report no change in absorption. When the study methodologies were evaluated, certain common factors that support each view were found. In most studies reporting malabsorption, a solid dosage form of digoxin was used. Studies reporting no change in absorption investigated a solution dosage form.
Topiramate in Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood

A 12-year-old girl with a family history of migraine and attacks of hemiplegia was treated successfully with topiramate (TPM), in a report from the University Hospital of Messina, Italy; and Leiden University Medical Centre, The Netherlands.
Synthesis and characterization of M3V2O8 (M = Ca, Sr and Ba) by a solid-state metathesis approach

A solid-state metathesis approach initiated by microwave energy has been successfully applied for the synthesis of orthovanadates, M3V2O8 (M = Ca, Sr, and Ba). The structural, vibrational, thermal, optical and chemical properties of synthesized powders are determined by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, magnetic property measurements and diffused reflectance spectra in the UV-VIS range. The direct bandgap of the synthesized materials was found to be 3·55 ± 0·2 eV, 3·75 ± 0·2 eV and 3·57 ± 0·2 eV for Ca3V2O8, Sr3V2O8 and Ba3V2O8, respectively.
Drought-Induced Leaf Proteome Changes in Switchgrass Seedlings

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a perennial crop producing deep roots and thus highly tolerant to soil water deficit conditions. However, seedling establishment in the field is very susceptible to prolonged and periodic drought stress. In this study, a "sandwich" system simulating a gradual water deletion process was developed. Switchgrass seedlings were subjected to a 20-day gradual drought treatment process when soil water tension was increased to 0.05 MPa (moderate drought stress) and leaf physiological properties had expressed significant alteration. Drought-induced changes in leaf proteomes were identified using the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) labeling method followed by nano-scale liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (nano-LC-MS/MS) analysis. Additionally, total leaf proteins were processed using a combinatorial library of peptide ligands to enrich for lower abundance proteins. Both total proteins and those enriched samples were analyzed to increase the coverage of the quantitative proteomics analysis. A total of 7006 leaf proteins were identified, and 257 (4% of the leaf proteome) expressed a significant difference (p 1.7) from the non-treated control to drought-treated conditions. These proteins are involved in the regulation of transcription and translation, cell division, cell wall modification, phyto-hormone metabolism and signaling transduction pathways, and metabolic pathways of carbohydrates, amino acids, and fatty acids. A scheme of abscisic acid (ABA)-biosynthesis and ABA responsive signal transduction pathway was reconstructed using these drought-induced significant proteins, showing systemic regulation at protein level to deploy the respective mechanism. Results from this study, in addition to revealing molecular responses to drought stress, provide a large number of proteins (candidate genes) that can be employed to improve switchgrass seedling growth and establishment under soil drought conditions (Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD004675).
Abstract 170: Chest Compression Performance Evaluation: Introduction and Utilization of the Quality Compression Index in a Manikin Model

Purpose: Both standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and continuous chest-compression CPR require rescuers to push hard and fast. In practice, both techniques require the optimal delivery of chest compressions. However, the performance of chest compressions and the degree by which fatigue affects performance has not been well-documented in a larger, older, and more diversified sample. It was hypothesized that rescuer fatigue would lead to decreased performance after the first two minutes, which is the current recommended time to switch compressors. Methods: In this observational study, basic life support (BLS)-certified healthcare providers were evaluated based on their ability to provide 10 minutes of continuous chest compressions. Compression depth, rate, chest recoil, and hand position were recorded in 30 second intervals using the Laerdal PC Skillreporting System. Adequate compressions were recorded as having adequate depth (>38 mm), correct hand position, and complete recoil. Investigators deve...
Trends in Corneal Transplantation in Keratoconus.

PURPOSE To determine recent trends in and sociodemographic/comorbid conditions associated with penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and lamellar keratoplasty (LK) for keratoconus (KCN). METHODS Patients with KCN and subsequent PK and LK procedures were identified using International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision (ICD-9) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) billing codes. The change in surgical rates was calculated over a decade, and multivariate analysis demonstrated factors associated with undergoing surgery. RESULTS A total of 21,588 patients with KCN underwent 1306 PK procedures and 109 LK procedures during the study period. Individuals were significantly less likely to undergo PK from 2009 to 2012 compared with 2001 to 2008 [odds ratio (OR) 0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.47-0.68, P < 0.001]. Multivariate analysis revealed the factors that increased the likelihood of PK alone and included age 20 to 40 (OR 1.90, 95% CI, 1.19-3.04, P < 0.001), black race (OR 1.36, 95% CI, 1.06-1.74, P = 0.01), and education less than a bachelor's degree or only a high school diploma (OR 1.94-2.84, P < 0.001 for all comparisons). Female sex (OR 0.74, 95% CI, 0.63-0.88, P < 0.001) and household net worth either between 150 and 249k (OR 0.64, 95% CI, 0.48-0.84, P < 0.001) or more than $500,000 (OR 0.71, 95% CI, 0.51-0.99, P = 0.03) were traits associated with decreased odds of PK. No significant associations for LK were observed. CONCLUSIONS The rate of PK in KCN is decreasing in the United States. The third or fourth decade of life, male sex, black race, lower education, and greater household net worth are associated with increased odds of PK.
Sperm Navigation Mechanisms in the Female Reproductive Tract.

Fertilization, the union of an oocyte and a sperm, is a fundamental process that restores the diploid genome and initiates embryonic development. For the sperm, fertilization is the end of a long journey, one that starts in the male testis before transitioning to the female reproductive tract’s convoluted tubule architecture. Historically, motile sperm were thought to complete this journey using luck and numbers. A different picture of sperm has emerged recently as cells that integrate complex sensory information for navigation. Chemical, physical, and thermal cues have been proposed to help guide sperm to the waiting oocyte. Molecular mechanisms are being delineated in animal models and humans, revealing common features, as well as important differences. Exposure to pheromones and nutritional signals can modulate guidance mechanisms, indirectly impacting sperm motility performance and fertility. These studies highlight the importance of sensory information and signal transduction in fertilization.
The Investigation of E-Learning System Design Quality on Usage Intention

ABSTRACTA well-designed product increases customer value and leads to repeat usage. However, studies on the impact of website quality on customer usage fail to distinguish website competence from website capability, ignoring that website quality performance has impacts on other website quality attributes. We gather data from 314 undergraduate students and apply partial least square method to examine the design quality mechanisms and other factors that influence users’ experience. Our results indicate that offering personalized products or services is an important enabler toward enhancing users’ attitude and usage intention. Particularly, for IS education in the format of e-learning, our results suggest firms developing textbook technology platforms primarily focus on creating superior quality designs leading to capabilities that enhance user customization. The customization experience will lead to better satisfaction via both perceived usefulness and perceived ease-of-use.
The Influence of Tpsr Pedagogy on Student Learning

The purpose of this pilot study was to compare traditional and TPSR-based physical education instruction on sport skill and personal and social responsibility attribute development in elementary students. Two third grade classes were randomly assigned to either intervention (e.g. Responsibility-Based PE) or traditional PE. The same basketball unit was taught to each class by the same physical education teacher. The intervention class was framed through Hellison‟s Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility (TPSR) model. To assess the effects of teaching style (responsibility vs. traditional), average baseline responsibility scores and basketball skill scores were compared between intervention and traditional models using independent t tests. All data analyses were conducted on an intention-to-treat basis. There was a significant difference in post-intervention summary scores for TPSR (F = 42.71, p < 0.001). The sub-components of responsibility (self- control, participation, effort, self-direction, and caring) all demonstrated significant differences at post-intervention (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference in post-intervention basketball skills summary scores (F = 11.85, p = 0.01). The passing (p = 0.016) and safety (p < 0.001) demonstrated significant differences at post-intervention. There was no difference at post-intervention for dribbling (p = 0.46) or shooting (p = 0.19). The TPSR-based instruction model produced significant improvements in motor skill development with the added benefit of developing personal and social responsibility skills
Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Pathways to Gang Violence

Gangs and gang members are responsible for a disproportionate amount of violence, which makes it especially important to understand the prevalence of gangs and risk factors associated with gang joining. This chapter first discusses the prevalence of gang members across various locations in the United States as well as internationally and provides a synopsis of their demographic characteristics. Next, we review risk factors for gang involvement across five domains: community, family, school, peers, and the individual. Research suggests that the accumulation of multiple risk factors in multiple domains increases the probability of gang joining. However, a number of youth who experience these risk factors will not become gang involved, which indicates other factors influence gang joining. This chapter discusses pushes and pulls that have been linked to decisions to both join and leave a gang. Finally, the chapter concludes with a discussion of policy implications associated with this literature. Keywords: gang joining; gang members; gang violence; gangs; risk factors
A carbon nanotube based NTC thermistor using additive print manufacturing processes

Abstract A fully printed carbon nanotube (CNT) based negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor was developed for temperature sensing applications. The multi-layer NTC thermistor was fabricated using additive print manufacturing processes on a flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate. Two silver (Ag) electrodes were printed using screen printing process. CNT based active layer was deposited by means of gravure printing. Organic and silver encapsulation layers were deposited using screen printing. The capability of the fabricated thermistor was investigated by measuring its response towards temperatures varying from −40 °C to 100 °C, in steps of 10 °C. As the temperature was increased from −40 °C to 100 °C, the resistive response of the thermistor decreased exponentially with an overall percentage change of 53% with the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of −0.4%/°C. The stability of the printed thermistor towards relative humidity (RH) varying from 20% RH to 70% RH, in steps of 10% RH at two constant temperatures of 30 °C and 50 °C, was also studied. A maximum change of 0.34% and 0.1% was observed at 30 °C and 50 °C, respectively when compared to its base resistance at 20% RH. In addition, a response time of ≈300 ms and a recovery time of 4 s were measured for the printed thermistor with an accuracy of ± 0.5 °C.
Ankle optimization with a soft exosuit reduces metabolic cost of loaded walking

Soft exosuits for gait assistance have shown great promise for improving human walking economy [1, 2]; however, the best control strategy to maximize individual efficiency is still unclear. For ankle assistance, we previously designed a controller that delivers the majority of assistance during the ankle's positive power phase [3]. Despite promising metabolic results [4], the amount of positive power varied across participants, indicating that the original controller may not have been maximizing individual augmentation power at the ankle. To address this, we developed a controller that optimizes actuation timing parameters to maximize the positive power delivered to the ankle. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the new optimization controller increases the positive augmentation power at the ankle and reduces the metabolic cost of loaded walking compared to the original controller.