cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of feedback in control of heart rate variability.

The effects of contingent feedback (CF), non-contingent feedback (NCF). and no feedback (NF) on heart rate (HR) variability control were studied. Nine matched trios of subjects were given (ruining in HR variability control on 3 consecutive days. CF and NCF subjects attempted HR, variability control while HR feedback was continuously presented, and NF subjects attempted HR variability control without feedback. During the training periods the CF group produced reliably-lower mean HR variance than the NF group, but the NCF group was not reliably different from either of those groups. There was no significant difference among groups in negative linear trend across training periods, and the CF group did not continue to produce decreasing HR variances over sessions. However, the CF and NCF groups showed reliable quadratic trends, indicating an initial drop in HR variance followed by a return to pretraining levels. Both CF and NCF groups showed rapid, reliable increases in respiration rate during training periods. The results pose serious problems for studies which have reported feedback-related control of HR variability.
Teaching Students With ASD Using Evidence-Based Practices Why Is Training Critical Now?

Given the growing numbers of students identified with autism, educators need an understanding of evidence-based practices (EBPs) to meet these student’s individual educational goals. EBPs are defined often as instructional strategies, interventions, or teaching programs that result in consistent positive student outcomes. Educator’s use of EBPs has been shown to improve the learning outcomes of students with disabilities. It is imperative that educators understand how to select and implement such practices with students in their classrooms and continuously monitor the progress of their students. Recently, two major resources that classify EBPs for students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are available for review. This introduction to the special issue provides a review of EBPs specific to the education of students identified with autism as well as discusses the current resources available to educators who are in classrooms supporting students with autism. Recommendations for how best to prepare educators to use EBPs are provided.
Patterns of acetaminophen use in alcoholic patients.

Alcoholics may be predisposed to the hepatotoxicity of acetaminophen due to increased activity of the cytochrome P-450 system and decreased hepatic glutathione. To date, scattered case reports provide only a brief sketch of the frequency and pattern of acetaminophen use by alcoholics. To determine these variables, we obtained a detailed ethanol and drug history from patients answering yes to at least one of four questions on the CAGE questionnaire. Patients were classified in terms of their acetaminophen use as nonusers, users as necessary, or regular users. Regular users were further classified as nondaily or daily users, or abusers (> 4 g/day). A total of 64 patients were enrolled in the study. The average number of positive responses to the CAGE questionnaire was 3.27 +/- 0.91. Of the 64 patients, 34 (53.1%) were continuous daily drinkers, 28 (43.8%) binge drinkers, and 2 (3.1%) had completely discontinued using alcohol. By history, 32 (50)% were nonusers of acetaminophen. Of the 32 users, 12 (37.5%) stated they took it as needed and 20 (62.5%) took it regularly. Of the 20 regular users, 7 (35%) were nondaily users, 11 (55%) were daily users, and 2 (10%) were abusers. Approximately 31% of alcoholics used acetaminophen regularly, most on a daily basis, with 1 of every 10 abusing the drug. Of the 64 alcoholics interviewed, 3 (4.7%) fit the drinking and acetaminophen use patterns theoretically associated with hepatotoxicity. Language: en
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Glenoid Labrum in Anterior Shoulder Instability

Detachment of the anterior inferior labrum and inferior glenohumeral ligament complex from the glenoid is a common lesion encountered in anterior shoulder insta bility while other types of labral lesions are associated with symptoms that mimic instability. Accurate delinea tion of labral lesion is, therefore, key in managing shoul der problems. In a prospective double-blinded fashion, we compared the magnetic resonance imaging findings with those noted at surgery in 33 patients with possible anterior shoulder instability. Of 28 surgically confirmed labral lesions, 21 were detected by imaging. Sensitivity was 75%, specificity 100%, while positive and negative predictive values were 100% and 41%, respectively. Overall accuracy was 79%. Based on a literature review and our clinical experience, we developed a classifica tion of glenoid labra according to the type and severity of the lesions. Method of treatment correlated with clini cal outcome, using this system, to a statistically signifi cant level. Unfort...
Injections of baclofen into the ventral medial prefrontal cortex block the initiation, but not the expression, of cocaine sensitization in rats

Increased excitatory output from the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is thought to play a key role in the development of sensitization to cocaine. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) inhibits this excitatory output. The present studies were designed to determine the effects of intra-mPFC injections of the GABAB agonist baclofen on cocaine-induced motor activity and on the development of sensitization to cocaine. Rats received bilateral cannula implants above the ventral mPFC. Initial studies examined the dose–response effects of injection of baclofen (0.05–0.5 nmol/side) into the mPFC on the acute motor-stimulant response to cocaine (15 mg/kg, i.p.). Additional studies determined whether coadministration of intra-mPFC baclofen (0.5 nmol/side) and systemic cocaine (15 mg/kg, i.p.) could alter the initiation and/or expression of cocaine-induced behavioral sensitization. Intra-mPFC baclofen dose-dependently blocked cocaine-induced motor activity. In sensitization studies, intra-mPFC baclofen was able to prevent the initiation, but not the expression of cocaine-induced sensitization. The data suggest that the ability of GABA to modulate excitatory output from the mPFC may be attenuated in animals sensitized to cocaine.
THE COMPARATIVE POLITICS OF AGENDA SETTING: THE EMERGENCE OF CONSUMER PROTECTION AS A PUBLIC POLICY ISSUE IN BRITAIN AND THE UNITED STATES

This article compares the emergence of consumer protection as an issue on the public policy agendas of Britain and the United States in the 1960s. Similar forces caused the emergence of consumer protection in both cases. Governmental responses to consumer protection issues also have been similar, but distinctive features of each country's political system are evident as well. The analysis draws upon existing consumer protection literature for each country as well as the author's interviews with a number of Britons involved in this policy area. The principal conclusion is that consumer protection gained each country's policy agenda as a discretionary item. Events of the past few years demonstrate that it is not yet a durable agenda item in either case.
Firefighters’ Psychological and Physical Outcomes After Exposure to Traumatic Stress: The Moderating Roles of Hope and Personality

Impacts of traumatic stress on psychological and physical outcomes were investigated in a moderated mediation model. Two groups of firefighters participated. The trauma group participated in the Wo...
An Approach to Studying Circadian Rhythms of Adolescent Humans

The "long nights" protocol was designed to evaluate sleep processes and circadian rhythm parameters in young humans. A total of 19 children (10 boys, ages 11.2 to 14.1 years [mean = 12.7 +/- 1.0], and 9 girls, ages 12.2 to 14.4 years [mean = 13.1 +/- 0.7]) took part in the study. Sleep/wake initially was assessed at home using actigraphy and diary for 1 week on each child's self-selected schedule followed by an 8-night fixed light-dark (LD) condition, while sleeping from 22:00 to 08:00 h and wearing an eye mask to exclude as much light as possible. Phase measurements included 4-night mean actigraphically estimated sleep onset and offset as well as 1-night dim light salivary melatonin onset (DLSMO) phase at the end of each condition. Subjects then lived in the laboratory for 6 consecutive cycles: Day 1 LD = 14:10 h, lights out 22:00 to 08:00 h; Days 2-4 LD = 6:18 h, lights out 18:00 to 12:00 h; Days 5-6 = constant routine in continuous dim light (about 20 lux); Night 6 = 14 h recovery sleep. Phase markers (sleep onset, sleep offset, DLSMO) were significantly less dispersed after the fixed LD as compared to the self-selected condition, indicating efficacy of the LD protocol. Phase markers were correlated at the self-selected assessment (sleep onset vs. sleep offset r = .72; DLSMO vs. sleep onset r = .82; DLSMO vs. sleep offset r = .76) but not on the fixed schedule, probably due to restricted range. The constant routine provided additional phase markers, melatonin offset and midphase. Offset phase of melatonin secretion was significantly correlated with age (r = .62) and Tanner stage (r = .62). In conclusion, these preliminary data indicate a relationship between adolescent development and circadian phase. Thus, the long nights protocol is a feasible way in which to assess circadian parameters in young humans as well as to examine intrinsic sleep processes.
A conundrum in the analysis of change.

*Of note, regression analysis of the change score d, with initial weight Y1 and gender as covariates would yield identical regression coefficients for the gender effects. That is, an analysis of the covariance of d (or an analysis of adjusted change) yields estimated intercepts for males and females that are identical to those from an analysis of covariance of Y2. Thus, the difference in intercepts represents not only gender differences
On-line monitoring of rotor shorted turns

Large generators for use with steam and gas turbines are subject to high mechanical and electrical stress which may lead to deterioration of the insulation. The rotors, in particular, may develop short circuits and there is a need for the operators to be aware of this situation. The manner in which shorted turns can occur in the rotors of generators and the difficulties associated with monitoring for such shorted turns are indicated. An online monitor which has been developed to solve this problem is described together with some operating experiences which have been learnt from the use of it.
TurKit: human computation algorithms on mechanical turk

Mechanical Turk (MTurk) provides an on-demand source of human computation. This provides a tremendous opportunity to explore algorithms which incorporate human computation as a function call. However, various systems challenges make this difficult in practice, and most uses of MTurk post large numbers of independent tasks. TurKit is a toolkit for prototyping and exploring algorithmic human computation, while maintaining a straight-forward imperative programming style. We present the crash-and-rerun programming model that makes TurKit possible, along with a variety of applications for human computation algorithms. We also present case studies of TurKit used for real experiments across different fields.
Scan? Cure? Sure!

PRESENTATION OF THE CASE: A 61-year-old man undergoes a sigmoid colectomy for a T3N1 (two of 18 nodes) adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon. He recovers well and receives 6 months of adjuvant FOLFOX (5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin) uneventfully. At his first follow-up visit, the oncologist recommended every 3 month visits for a physical, liver function tests, and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) measurement; every 6 month chest, abdomen, and pelvic computed tomography (CT) scans for 3 years; and aspirin, vitamin D supplementation, and exercise. Is CT scanning appropriate in the follow-up of colon cancer patients? (This case was presented at Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center.).
A Task Abstraction and Mapping Approach to the Shimming Problem in Scientific Workflows

Recently, there has been an increasing need in scientific workflows to solve the shimming problem, the use of a special kind of adaptors, called shims, to link related but incompatible workflow tasks. However, existing techniques produce scientific workflows that are cluttered with many visible shims, which distract a scientist’s focus on functional components. Moreover, these techniques do not address a new type of shimming problem that occurs due to the incompatibility between the ports of a task and the inputs/outputs of its internal task component. To address these issues, 1) we propose a task template model which encapsulates the composition and mapping of shims and functional task component within a task interface; 2) we design an XML based task specification language, called TSL, to realize the proposed task template model; 3) we propose a service oriented architecture for task management to enable the distributed execution of shims and functional components; and 4) we implement the proposed model, language and architecture and present a case study to validate them. Our technique uniquely addresses both types of shimming problems. To our best knowledge, this is the first shimming technique that makes shims invisible at the workflow level, resulting in scientific workflows that are more elegant and readable.
Advertising Intimacy: Relationship Marketing and the Services Consumer

Abstract The article proposes intimacy theory as the basis of services relationships communicated by advertising. It advocates intimacy theory as more generalizable across services marketing situat...
Three Generations of Business Enterprise in a Midwestern City: The McGees of Kansas City *

Some historians of Kansas City claim, with an arresting simplicity, that the principal reason for that city's growth and prosperity is to be found in the enterprise of its citizens. And, although enterprise is by no means a self-explanatory notion, it seems a compellingly obvious way to account for the circumstances of the city's formative years. Much of that history can be written around a series of crises of decision, urgent moments when poor judgment, or the faulty execution of policy, might have plunged the city into obscurity or downright decadence. Yet such was the city's good fortune, we are told, that at precisely these times brilliant leadership seems always to have been forthcoming, and enterprising men—usually businessmen—can be discerned standing in the storm center pointing the way to safety and success.
Strategies for Examining the Consequences of Assessment and Accountability Programs

This article addresses issues in evaluating the consequences of assessment programs that are developed for the purpose of holding schools accountable to state standards. After providing a brief review of research examining consequential evidence, a validation study to obtain consequential evidence for state assessment and accountability programs is proposed. The proposal includes a validity argument, a set of propositions that follow from the validity argument, a delineation of the consequential evidence needed, and a way to model the relationship between performance gains and school, principal, teacher, and student variables.
Physical Principles of Solid Solution Strengthening in Alloys

An electronic component to solid-solution strengthening can be discussed in terms of a series expansion for the free energy, F = ∑Fr. We postulate that the resistance to deformation of a metal can be gauged by the extent to which F is structure-dependent; i. e, by the rapidity with which the above series converges. This convergence is controlled by a parameter E1,2, a measure of the solventsolute atomic potential difference. Recognizing that E1,2 also a measure of the electron-scattering potential of the dissolved impurity ion, it is possible to construct a relative scale of atomic potential differences, and consequently solid-solution-strengthening capacities for various solutes in Ti, by simply measuring specific resistivities; i. e., resistivities per atomic percent solute. In so doing we find that for rapid solid-solution strengthening in Ti alloys we should look to nontransition elements (B-metals) rather than transition elements. Indeed the latter are useful principally as stabilizers of the bcc structure at ordinary temperatures rather than as strengthening agents. Secondly, we note that the principles governing the solid-solution strengthening of Ti by B-metals apply equally well to the strengthening of other related host transition elements and even transition-metal binary alloy hosts. Finally, we discuss a new measure of atomic potential difference—a “reduced interaction strength parameter”, I, which for a given solute-solvent pair yields the metallic alloy equivalent of the Pauling electronegativity difference. A scale of equivalent metallic electronegativity values has been constructed from the results of relative vapor-pressure studies of numerous appropriate binary alloy systems and the validity of I as a solid-solution strengthening parameter is demonstrated.
Absorption of Digoxin from Tablets and Capsules in Subjects with Malabsorption Syndromes

The relative steady-state bioavailability of two oral digoxin dosage forms was studied in 17 subjects with malabsorption syndromes. Male subjects received the following treatments in randomized crossover fashion for 14 days: Three 0.125-mg digoxin tablets or three 0.1-mg digoxin capsules once daily. Female subjects received digoxin on the same schedule but at two-thirds the dose. Serum and urine samples were collected and analyzed for digoxin by radioimmunoassay, and treatments were compared by evaluating pharmacokinetic parameters. The mean area under the serum concentration versus time curve for tablets (28.1 h•nmol/L [21.9 h•ng/mL]) was smaller (p < 0.03) than that for capsules (31.1 h•nmol/L [24.3 h•ng/mL]), and the mean maximum serum digoxin concentration for tablets (2.9 nmol/L [2.3 ng/mL]) was lower (p < 0.02) than that for capsules (4.0 nmol/L [3.1 ng/mL]). There was no difference in cumulative urinary excretion of digoxin between the two treatments. In contrast to previous reports, we observed th...
Institutional Investors in Corporate Loans

I examine the corporate financing implications of nonbank institutional investors entering the market for corporate loans. Institutional loans have served primarily as a substitute for bank debt and corporate bonds rather than increasing leverage. When the supply of institutional loans increased in the years before 2008, firms decreased their use of other debt, a pattern that was reversed in the years immediately after 2008. The results have implications for understanding how shocks to the supply of credit affect corporate balance sheets and how to view the emergence of institutional investors into the market for corporate loans.
In Vivo vs In Vitro Effects of Endotoxin on Glycogenolysis, Gluconeogenesis, and Glucose Utilization

SummarySalmonella enteritidis lipopoly-saccharide administered iv to male rats of the Holtzman strain resulted in increased glycogenolysis and decreased gluconeogene-sis in isolated hepatocytes, increased glucose uptake in isolated hemidiaphragms, and enhanced glucose oxidation in epididy-mal fat pads. Endotoxin added in vitro to the identical test systems failed to affect the rates of glycogenolysis, gluconeogenesis, glucose uptake, and glucose oxidation. A mediated as opposed to a direct mechanism of endotoxin action is supported.
A NOVEL TESTIS-STIMULATING FACTOR IN FAMILIAL MALE PRECOCIOUS PUBERTY

Abstract Background. Familial male precocious puberty is a gonadotropin-independent form of precocious puberty that occurs only in males. The cause of the disorder is unknown. To examine the hypothesis that the plasma of boys with familial male precocious puberty contains a novel stimulator of testicular testosterone production, we developed a bioassay using adult male cynomolgus monkeys. Methods. We collected plasma from 12 boys with familial male precocious puberty, 7 normal prepubertal boys of similar ages and with similar plasma gonadotropin levels, and 1 boy with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and infused it into the testicular artery of adult male cynomolgus monkeys that had been pretreated with gonadotropin-releasing—hormone antagonist to inhibit the endogenous secretion of gonadotropins. Testicular venous effluent was collected at 15-minute intervals for 3 or 5 hours for the measurement of testosterone. Results. The mean (±SE) peak testosterone response, as compared with base line, was significantl...
A Research on the Connotation of the Dress of the Miao People

The dress of the Miao people is not only to show the artistic form unique to a certain nationality.Its process of artistic innovation has experienced contiguity,intermixture,division,and fusion of many scattered nationalities and has gradually formed its own features according to its needs by a group aesthetic concept.As a carrier of national culture,it reflects a strong sense of national identity and national spirit and thus contains a deep connotation of national culture.
The Inevitability about“Help Others”from the Perspective of“Responsibility Ethics”

Providing does everything in one's power to help is a responsibility we have for others.This paper starts from Kant's categorical imperative,"help others"argument is not based on sensible principle in interest for in the accident,but as it shared necessity condition dependent on rational behavior.This kind of certainty that we have a rational ability to provide help,also make us get the community membership.
Stress Management Intervention for First Year Medical Students

Numerous studies have demonstrated the deleterious psychological and physical effects medical school has on students. There are, however, only a few intervention studies that have focused on improving medical students’ ability to cope with this intense stress. This article describes an eight-session stress management program that can be implemented with first-year medical students. The program was designed based on a review of the literature regarding typical sources of stress during the first year of medical school. Each session was interactive and focused on improving skills to manage stress. Medical students who agreed to participate filled out a program evaluation upon completion of the program. Overall, 80% of students were satisfied with the program, and 76% percent would recommend it to other students. Our findings show that it is both beneficial and feasible to offer a stress management intervention to first-year medical students.
Lower Bounds on Expected Redundancy for Classes of Continuous Markov Sources

A nonasymptotic lower bound is derived for the per symbol expected redundancy based on n observations from a continuous dth order Markov source. The bound is minimax over a Lipschitz class of such sources. The constant in the lower bound is explicitly described in terms of d. By making d go to infinity with n at an appropriate rate, it is shown that no universal rate of expected redundancy exists for the class of Markov sources of all orders, and this provides an alternative and simpler derivation of a similar result by Shields. Similar results are obtained for the Kullback Leibler estimation error for the joint density of d-tuples based on n observations from a continuous (d — 1)st order Markov source.
Modeling in situ Phytoplankton Absorption Spectra from Spectral Reflectance: Effects of Spectral Backscatter

Mechanistic models of marine primary production require a spectrum of phyto-plankton absorption coefficients as a primary forcing function, but direct in situ measurement of these coefficients is difficult. A two-component model was developed to determine spectral phytoplankton absorption coefficients from in situ measurements of spectral irradiance.
Bipolar Versus Monopolar Electrode Configuration in Thalamic DBS for Essential Tremor (P05.033)

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and side effect profile of bipolar and monopolar electrode configuration in patients treated with thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS). BACKGROUND: DBS of the thalamic ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) is an effective therapy for severe essential tremor (ET) poorly responsive to medications. While DBS efficacy is well documented, optimal stimulation parameters are not well established. DESIGN/METHODS: Case series from chart review in an academic movement disorders program. RESULTS: 10 ET patients received unilateral or bilateral VIM DBS. All were initially programmed using monopolar stimulation, with active DBS contact(s) configured as cathode and IPG as anode, but were eventually switched to bipolar configuration with anode referred to an adjacent contact on the electrode. Bipolar settings demonstrated equivalent or better tremor control than monopolar, as determined by physical exam, handwriting samples and spiral drawing. Paresthesias, particularly on morning device activation, improved in 6 patients, dysarthria in 3 patients, balance difficulties in 3 patients and contralateral tetany in 2 patients. One patient reported dysgeusia, which has not resolved despite configuration changes. Mean voltage and impedance values for bipolar settings were higher (monopolar: 2.5 volts (SD 0.7), 1308 Ω (SD 231) vs bipolar: 3.4 volts (1.8), 2037 Ω (565)). However, current was comparable (2.2 mA (1.5) bipolar vs. 2.1 mA (0.85) monopolar). CONCLUSIONS: Thalamic DBS is effective in controlling medically intractable ET, but adverse effects may complicate therapeutic stimulation. Bipolar stimulation appears to improve or resolve many of the symptoms associated with monopolar configuration(s), while achieving equal or better tremor control. We propose to adopt bipolar configurations during initial device programming in ET patients treated with VIM DBS and not just as a rescue technique. Further analysis is needed to compare the clinical and physiological effects of monopolar and bipolar stimulation. Disclosure: Dr. Cheung has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mamelak has nothing to disclose. Dr. Tagliati received personal compensation from Medtronic, Abbott Laboratories and St. Jude Medical Center as a speaker and/or consultant.
Soy isoflavone consumption and age at pubarche in adolescent males.

Isoflavones have estrogenic properties that may adversely affect pubertal development of boys. We examined if soy isoflavone consumption is associated with age at pubarche (first onset of pubic hair) in a male population with a wide range of soy intake. Boys aged 12–18 years (n = 248) who attended schools around Adventist universities in Southern California and Michigan self-reported their age at pubarche. Intake of soy isoflavones was assessed using a validated Web-based food frequency questionnaire; consumption levels were designated as low, moderate, and high. Descriptives, time-to-event analysis, and Cox proportional hazards regression that controlled for confounders were performed. Energy-adjusted mean intakes were 0.8–54.9 mg/d for total isoflavones, 0.4–22.1 mg/d for daidzein, and 0.4–28.0 mg/d for genistein. Moderate and high total soy isoflavone intake were significantly associated with earlier adjusted median age at pubarche: 12.58 years [RR (95% CI): 1.58 (1.06, 2.36)] for moderate and 12.50 years [RR (95% CI): 1.63 (1.03, 2.60)] for high vs. 13.00 years for low consumers. Similarly, daidzein and genistein consumption was also significantly associated with age at pubarche. No significant associations were found for facial hair for any of the isoflavones. Age at pubarche in this male population widely exposed to soy is within the reported range for boys’ pubarcheal age; moderate/high consumers tend to have it earlier compared to low consumers. Further studies are needed to ascertain that substantial exposure to soy isoflavones does not adversely affect pubertal development of boys.
Thoracoscopic Versus Open Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair: Single Tertiary Center Review.

Abstract Background: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) can be repaired open or through thoracoscopy. Thoracoscopic CDH repair could improve cosmesis and avoid the complications of laparotomy, but may have higher recurrence rates. The purpose of this study was to examine the outcomes of thoracoscopic versus open CDH repair, with regard to recurrence, perioperative parameters, and postoperative complications. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of open versus thoracoscopic CDH repairs over an 8.5-year period. The primary outcome was hernia recurrence. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) levels, length of stay, and postoperative complications. All statistical analyses were performed using standard statistical methods. Results: A total of 54 infants underwent CDH repair during the study period, of whom 25 underwent successful thoracoscopic repair. Two patients who had undergone open repair developed recurrent diaphragmatic hernias (recurrence rate ...
PSD microscopy: a new technique for adaptive local scanning of microscale objects

A position-sensitive detector/device (PSD) is a sensor that is capable of tracking the location of a laser beam on its surface. PSDs are used in many scientific instruments and technical applications including but not limited to atomic force microscopy, human eye movement monitoring, mirrors or machine tool alignment, vibration analysis, beam position control and so on. This work intends to propose a new application using the PSD. That is a new microscopy system called scanning PSD microscopy. The working mechanism is about putting an object on the surface of the PSD and fast scanning its area with a laser beam. To achieve a high degree of accuracy and precision, a reliable framework was designed using the PSD. In this work, we first tried to improve the PSD reading and its measurement performance. This was done by minimizing the effects of noise, distortion and other disturbing parameters. After achieving a high degree of confidence, the microscopy system can be implemented based on the improved PSD measurement performance. Later to improve the scanning efficiency, we developed an adaptive local scanning system to scan the whole area of the PSD in a short matter of time. It was validated that our comprehensive and adaptive local scanning method can shorten the scanning time in order of hundreds of times in comparison with the traditional raster scanning without losing any important information about the scanned 2D objects. Methods are also introduced to scan very complicated objects with bifurcations and crossings. By incorporating all these methods, the new microscopy system is capable of scanning very complicated objects in the matter of a few seconds with a resolution that is in order of a few micrometers.
On using interval response data in experimental economics

Abstract Many empirical applications in the experimental economics literature involve interval response data. Various methods have been considered to treat this type of data. One approach assumes that the data correspond to the interval midpoint and then utilizes ordinary least squares to estimate the model. Another approach is to use maximum likelihood estimation, assuming that the underlying variable of interest is normally distributed. In the case of distributional misspecification, these estimation approaches can yield inconsistent estimators. In this paper, we explore a method that can help reduce the misspecification problem by assuming a distribution that can model a wide variety of distributional characteristics, including possible heteroskedasticity. The method is applied to the problem of estimating the impact of various explanatory factors associated with individual discount rates in a field experiment. Our analysis suggests that the underlying distribution of discount rates exhibits skewness, but not heteroskedasticity, In this example, the findings based on a normal distribution are generally robust across distributions.
The Use of Hormone Antagonists to Inhibit Reproduction in the Lizard, Eublepharus macularius

ABSTRACT With the increase in popularity of reptiles as personal pets, there is an increasing desire to inhibit reproduction and the associated, and often times undesirable, effects. In an attempt to develop a therapeutic treatment to induce a temporary inhibition of reproduction, we implanted time-released pellets of tamoxifen, an estrogen binding inhibitor, or indomethacin, a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor, intracoelomically into leopard geckos, Eublepharis macularius. All females treated with either tamoxifen or indomethacin (n = 6 for each group) at the onset of the reproductive season failed to show any follicular yolk deposition for the duration of the 60-day life span of the pellets, whereas 15 of 18 control females showed reproductive activity. Indomethacin treated females were completely inhibited for the entire reproductive season, but 50% of the females developed a generalized edema. Fifty percent of tamoxifen treated females showed some follicular vitellogenesis after the expiration of the ...
Timing of complications following posterior cervical fusion.

Abstract Study design Retrospective cohort study. Objective To characterize the timing of complications after posterior cervical fusion. Summary of background data Understanding the expected timing of postoperative complications facilitates early diagnosis of potential adverse events and is important for optimizing postoperative care. Though studies have examined the incidence of complications after posterior cervical fusion, no study has characterized the timing of these complications. Methods Patient data in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) dataset with a primary CPT code 22600, corresponding to posterior cervical fusion, was analyzed for demographics, comorbidities, and ten specific complications. Complication timing was assessed, and univariate analysis was performed to investigate the relationship of patient demographic and clinical variables on the development of postoperative complications. Results A total of 2517 patients with a mean age of 59.3 ± 12.5 met inclusion criteria. The overall complication rate was 12.4%. The median day of diagnosis and interquartile range for each complication was: blood transfusion (0.0, 0-0), myocardial infarction (3, 2–7), reintubation (3, 1–9), pneumonia (4, 3–10), deep venous thrombosis (7, 5–16), urinary tract infection (11.5, 5–17.5), sepsis (14, 7–20), pulmonary embolism (14, 8–21), surgical site infection (15, 9–21), and wound dehiscence (15.5, 9–25). Less than 50% deep venous thromboses were diagnosed before discharge, and less than 30% of pulmonary emboli were diagnosed before discharge. On univariate analysis, increased age, decreased functional status, fusing more than one level, current smoker status, diabetes, and CHF were associated with increased complications. Conclusions This timing data is useful to the practicing spine surgeon as it provides a guide for when to expect and investigate for specific complications after posterior cervical procedures. It may aid in the early diagnosis of complications and may also assist in healthcare reimbursement negotiations.
Critical Race Theory and Caring as Channels for Transcending Borders between an African American Professor and Her Latina/o Students

This reflective essay uncovers ways in which critical race theory and caring are key to crossing racial, cultural, and linguistic borders between professors and their students. Many scholars have noted how critical reflection relates to effective teaching, especially when taking into account student learning. Reflecting upon archival data and participant observation, the author describes, through various stories, how she uses critical race theory and caring to connect with her students in spite of their differences. The author also provides examples of how her students reciprocate her care in extravagant ways.
Metastases and Mimics of Colorectal Carcinoma

Secondary involvement of the colon by other malignant neoplasms may mimic primary colorectal carcinoma and results from direct extension, peritoneal seeding, or hematogenous spread. Careful gross examination and key histologic features may suggest the presence of a metastasis. Most primary tumors are solitary mucosa-based lesions, whereas secondary neoplasms may be multiple and often substantially affect the outer colonic wall. Primary colorectal cancers are comprised of malignant cribriform glands with necrosis and show dysplasia in the overlying mucosa, whereas secondary tumors show variable growth patterns and readily detectable lymphovascular invasion. Several benign processes, namely diverticulitis and intestinal endometriosis, may also mimic colon cancers and their nature may not be apparent prior to surgical intervention.
trans-K3[TcO2(CN)4]

The structure of the title compound, tripotassium trans-tetra­cyanidodioxidotechnetate(V), is isotypic with its Re analogue. The [TcO2(CN)4]3− trans-tetra­cyanido­dioxido­technetate anion has a slightly distorted octa­hedral configuration. The Tc atom is located on a center of inversion and is bound to two O atoms in axial and to four cyanide ligands in equatorial positions. The Tc—O distance is consistent with a double-bond character. The two potassium cations, one located on a center of inversion and one in a general position, reside in octa­hedral or tetra­hedral environments, respectively. K⋯O and K⋯N inter­actions occur in the 2.7877 (19)–2.8598 (15) A range.
Chapter 9 – Photochemistry and the Cycling of Carbon, Sulfur, Nitrogen and Phosphorus

This chapter presents a discussion on photochemistry and the cycling of carbon, sulfur, nitrogen, and Phosphorus. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) plays a dominant role in the absorption of ultraviolet (UV) and visible light in the open ocean. As DOM absorbance is regulated in part by photobleaching processes, light availability for photosynthesis and the penetration of UV radiation within the marine environment are influenced by photochemical transformations. In addition to its control on UV light fields, DOM photochemistry strongly impacts the biogeochemical cycling of biologically important elements in surface seawater. By the conversion of DOM into volatile species such as carbonyl sulfide, DOM photochemistry influences atmospheric chemistry and climate. The chapter illustrates an important light-driven chemical reaction in the photic zone—that is, the reduction of trace metals such as iron, manganese, and copper. The chemistry of these reduced species is quite different from their oxidized counterparts. Photochemical oxidation of DOM also produces a suite of free radicals and other short-lived species including the superoxide anion, carbonate radical, singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radical, di-bromide radical anion, and a number of poorly described organic radicals and excited state triplets. These species are much more reactive than their corresponding diamagnetic and ground state species and are expected to influence biological and chemical processes in sunlit surface waters. Furthermore, DOM photolysis is an important source or sink of a variety of atmospherically important gases that are emitted from the ocean, some of which affect the Earth's radioactive balance. Concentrations—and hence emissions—of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), carbonyl sulfide (OCS), and di-methyl sulfide (DMS) are all partly regulated through photochemical processes involving DOM.
INDUSTRIAL ELECTRIFICATION AND NEW TECHNOLOGY

ABSTRACT Today, I'd like to discuss the subjects of industrial electrification and new technology. I hope, that by the end of my presentation, you will have answers to the following questions of: What is Industrial Electrification? Why is it of significance or value? Where and how is it being utilized? What are its economic implications?, and What is the status of US/EPRI activities? Finally, I'll end by making a few comments on why industrial electrification might be of particular significance to the Middle Eastern Countries.
Decentralized Extremum-Seeking Control of Nonholonomic Vehicles to Form a Communication Chain

Electronic chaining is the formation of a linked communication chain that maximizes the end-to-end throughput using a cooperative team of mobile vehicles in an unknown, dynamic environment. A decentralized extremum seeking (ES) controller, which is an adaptive model free controller, is presented to control the locations of the mobile communication relays based on received signal strength, as opposed to relative position. A communication chain that seeks to maximize a link performance metric such as bandwidth or end-to-end delay does not necessarily form a linear, evenly spaced formation of the nodes when jamming and environmental terrain factors are considered. This chapter presents an ES controller that has been specifically designed for use with teams of unmanned aircraft using a Lyapunov guidance vector field controller and in particular focuses on the performance and stability of the ES algorithm due to the operational limits and constraints of an unmanned aircraft.
Cordelia, Foreign Queenship, and the Commonweal

This chapter considers how Cordelia, an absent presence for most of King Lear, remains connected to the English commonweal and supportive of Lear’s monarchy, despite the failures of his sovereign decisions and the deleterious effect of his body natural on the body politic. Validated by early modern political theories that supported intervention from outside the state when tyranny oppressed the people, Cordelia returns to England authorized through her foreign queenship to oppose the fractured English political order, and committed to rectifying the damage to the body politic caused by the moral transgressions of England’s rulers. She seeks to restore Lear as sovereign despite his failings and mental instability, an effort that ultimately fails, but which reifies embodied kingship and its uncontrollable, destabilizing idiosyncrasies.
Solvent-Dependent Intercalation and Molecular Configurations in Metallocene-Layered Crystal Superlattices

Organic–inorganic superlattices are a class of artificial structures of significant scientific and technological importance. Forming these hybrid materials can be achieved via controlled intercalation of organic molecules into inorganic layered hosts, which is a complex course involving multiple physicochemical processes. In solution phase, it is further complicated by interaction of solvent molecules with the intercalant and/or host. Here we describe an intercalation system exhibiting strong solvent-dependent kinetics and phase evolution. In revisiting intercalation of ferrocene into layered VOPO4·2H2O material by taking into account the influence of solvent, we are able to unravel molecular configurations of ferrocene molecules. An exclusive orientation of ferrocene but different arrangements among the layers are concluded in two model solvents. Resolving this complicated structure is possible thanks to a combined experimental and theoretical approach. Our study provides new insights into understanding ...
Fukasaku Kinji and Kojima Hideo Replay Hiroshima: Atomic Imagery and Cross-Media Memory

ABSTRACTThis essay examines how photography and news footage of the Hiroshima bomb have been used as a backdrop for the action genre in Japanese film and videogames. The case studies are Fukasaku K...
A new direction to better understand post-adoption behavior: The theory of need for information systems

A comprehensive review of the information systems literature suggests that the traditional perception–intention–usage framework may be deficient in explaining post-adoption behaviors. As an effort ...
I’ll be watching you: a non-linear reading of Roland Gräf’s Die Flucht

ABSTRACTAs surveillance (its role in policing and regulating behaviours in societies understood to be â€œfreeâ€? and its relationship to privacy and intimacy) becomes an increasingly pressing and r...
A Retrospective Study Comparing a Patient-specific Design Total Knee Arthroplasty With an Off-the-Shelf Design: Unexpected Catastrophic Failure Seen in the Early Patient-specific Design.

Patient-specific design (PSD) total knee arthroplasty implants are marketed to restore neutral mechanical-axis alignment (MAA) and provide better anatomic fit compared with standard off-the-shelf (OTS) total knee arthroplasty designs. The purpose was to compare the Knee Society scores, radiographic outcomes, and complications of PSD and OTS implants. Methods Retrospective study analyzing PSD and OTS by a single surgeon. Implant design change in PSD occurred during the period of data collection leading to PSD-1 and PSD-2 subgroups. Radiographic data including MAA, femorotibial angle, coronal-tibial angle, tibial slope and patella-sulcus angle, and complications were analyzed. Minimum follow-up was 2 years or until revision, and patients completed Knee Society scores preoperatively and postoperatively at 3, 6, 12, 24 weeks, and final follow-up. Results There were 136 patients (154 knees), average age (62.76 +/- 8.4 years), and follow-up (3.1 +/- 1.5 years). The groups included PSD-1 (77 knees), PSD-2 (36 knees), and OTS (41 knees). The PSD-2 group had better Knee Society function scores compared with PSD-1 and OTS at all timepoints except final follow-up. PSD-2 had significantly shorter hospital stay (P = 0.000012) and less hemoglobin drop (P = 0.032) compared with PSD-1 and OTS. No differences were observed in MAA (P = 0.349) or final range of motion (P = 0.629) between the 3 groups. PSD-2 had more normal femorotibial angle, coronal-tibial angle, and tibial slope compared with PSD-1 and OTS. Failures requiring revision were 23% (18/77) PSD-1, 0% PSD-2, and 3% (1/35) OTS. Most common modes of failure were tibial subsidence (56%) and polyethylene locking mechanism failure (22%) in PSD-1. Conclusion Catastrophic failure was seen in the PSD-1 group with tibial subsidence and polyethylene locking mechanism failure. PSD-2 had better early Knee Society function scores, shorter hospital stay, lower hemoglobin drop, radiographic alignment, and no failures compared with PSD-1 and OTS.
hp-VPINNs: Variational physics-informed neural networks with domain decomposition

Abstract We formulate a general framework for hp-variational physics-informed neural networks (hp-VPINNs) based on the nonlinear approximation of shallow and deep neural networks and hp-refinement via domain decomposition and projection onto the space of high-order polynomials. The trial space is the space of neural network, which is defined globally over the entire computational domain, while the test space contains piecewise polynomials. Specifically in this study, the hp-refinement corresponds to a global approximation with a local learning algorithm that can efficiently localize the network parameter optimization. We demonstrate the advantages of hp-VPINNs in both accuracy and training cost for several numerical examples of function approximation and in solving differential equations.
Third Known Locality for the Booklouse Speleketor flocki Gurney1 Found in Big Gypsum Valley, Colorado

Speleketorinae booklice are rarely collected, but their disjunct populations are especially useful for studying ancient geographical patterns. We report the third known locality for a rare booklouse, Speleketor flockiGurney 1943, not collected in more than 35 years. We collected a single female from a pitfall trap in Big Gypsum Valley, Colorado, in July 2012. Previously, the species was known only from two caves in hot, low-elevation deserts of Arizona and Nevada. This new record expands the range of the entire genus significantly north and into colder environments at higher elevation. While some Speleketorinae might be restricted to caves, our finding of a specimen with wings outside a cave suggests a life stage that disperses.