cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What Works Clearinghouse Standards and Generalization of Single-Case Design Evidence

A recent review of existing rubrics designed to help researchers evaluate the internal and external validity of single-case design (SCD) studies found that the various options yield consistent results when examining causal arguments. The authors of the review, however, noted considerable differences across the rubrics when addressing the generalization of findings. One critical finding is that the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) review process does not capture details needed for report readers to evaluate generalization. This conclusion is reasonable if considering only the WWC’s SCD design standards. It is important to note that these standards are not used in isolation, and thus generalization details cannot be fully understood without also considering the review protocols and a tool called the WWC SCD review guide. Our purpose in this commentary is to clarify how the WWC review procedures gather information on generalization criteria and to describe a threshold for judging how much evidence is available. It is important to clarify how the system works so that the SCD research community understands the standards, which in turn might facilitate use of future WWC reports and possibly influence both the conduct and the reporting of SCD studies.
Leveraging Outcomes Research to Optimize Prostate Cancer Care

Abstract Introduction Treatment of localized prostate cancer is subject to patient preference as there are multiple acceptable options with variable side effects. Patient reported outcome measures and decision aids have the potential to improve the decision process by helping patients make high quality decisions. We discuss the importance of and barriers to incorporating these tools into clinical practice. Methods We reviewed the literature and summarized key articles and studies of patient reported outcomes and decision aids related to the management of localized prostate cancer. Results Multiple high quality patient reported outcome measures that are commonly used in research are beginning to make inroads into clinical practice. We recommend using EPIC (Expanded Prostate Index Composite)-Short Form to measure and track outcomes in patients with localized prostate cancer. Decision aids improve patient knowledge and satisfaction, and decrease patient uncertainty and indecisiveness. Barriers to implementing these tools in clinical practice can be overcome by engaging providers and staff, and establishing office protocols. Conclusions Incorporating patient reported outcome measures and decision aids into clinical practice is likely to improve the quality of decision making in patients with prostate cancer but this requires thoughtful implementation.
Motherhood, Mobility and Marriage in Uganda: Continuities and Ruptures Since the 8th Century

Focusing on the life stage of motherhood, this paper explores some of different forms of mobility women experienced in Uganda. Drawing primarily on historical linguistic, comparative ethnographic and oral traditional evidence, we can see important continuities from the 8th century through the 19th century in women’s experiences in societies that remained primarily agricultural and that traced descent through the paternal line. As mothers, some women could draw on their kinship and political networks to secure a future for their sons as heirs and thus for themselves as widows. But these possibilities changed markedly over time. Other practices, notably exogamous, virilocal marriage meant that mothers experienced physical and at times linguistic mobility, raising their children in households away from the their natal kin. In some cases mothers in such situations served as important nodes in networks of alliances between lineages and language communities. In others, particular from the 18th century onwards, mothers might have experienced forced mobility as a result of enslavement during warfare or raids. The mobility women experienced as they moved towards the life stage of motherhood could thus be of very different kinds and with very different consequences for the ways in which they could negotiate mobility within their marital households.
Married and Previously Married Men and Women Perceptions of Communication on Facebook with the Opposite Sex: How Communicating Through Facebook Can Be Damaging to Marriages

ABSTRACTFindings indicate a large variety of emotional and sexual content is exchanged by married men and married women with the opposite sex on Facebook, constituted as extramarital. Instigating spouses of these extramarital affairs are not cognizant of the total negative marital implications of their actions. Additionally, negative emotional, relational, mental, and spiritual implications are incurred to marriages, generally leading to separation, divorce, or both. These negative implications occur due to a lack of marital guidelines present for communicating with the opposite sex on Facebook. Finally, instigating spouses spiritually detached from their religious faith, whereas many victims became more devoted to their faith, and extended forgiveness to their unfaithful spouses due to the devotion to their faith.
Agency and Access: How Gay Fathers Secure Health Insurance for Their Families

ABSTRACTExisting research on gay fatherhood has emphasized relationship dynamics within their families but there are gaps in the literature regarding the practicalities and intricacies of providing health insurance for their families. Using symbolic interactionism, life course theory, and grounded theory methodology, this qualitative study investigated gay fathers' health insurance experiences. Ten White, gay fathers across the United States responded to questions about their access to and process of providing insurance for their families. This study extends the literature on gay father families by (a) examining decisions around health insurance, (b) identifying obstacles and solutions to health insurance problems, and (c) examining the role of privilege and disadvantage in access to health care. Implications include theoretical contributions to intersectionality and agency and insights into health, marriage, and financial inequalities that continue in the United States.
Phenylthiolate-diironhexacarbonyl complexes: a comparative conceptual DFT and electrochemical study

The electrocatalytic reduction of acetic acid by the previously studied [(μ-biphenyl-2,2′-dithiolato)2Fe2(CO)6] (1), has been explored. Complex 1 generates hydrogen at −2.53 V versus Fc/Fc+. Comparatively, the overpotential for the reduction of protons to hydrogen by 1 (1.07 V vs Fc/Fc+) is higher by 270 mV than that of the non-bridging analog [(μ-SPh)2Fe2(CO)6] (2). Global reactivity descriptors, chemical hardness and electrophilicity index for 1 and 2 have been computed from frontier molecular orbital energies determined using HF and DFT/B3LYP methods. The results indicate that complex 1 is softer with a higher electrophilicity index than 2, in agreement with the minimum electrophilicity principle.
Modification in activity of medullary respiratory-related neurons for vocalization and swallowing

1. The medullary ventral respiratory group (VRG) in and near the nucleus ambiguus contains neurons related to respiration. Also found here are neurons related to vocalization and swallowing as well as motoneurons of laryngeal, pharyngeal, palatal, and esophageal muscles. Previous reports in anesthetized animals have characterized discharge properties of neurons as they relate to a single behavior, e.g., respiration. Relatively few studies have documented discharge properties during more than one behavior, e.g., respiration and swallowing. Neurons were recorded extracellularly from awake Macaca nemestrina monkeys engaged in a vocalization task. The present paper describes how respiratory-related neurons (RRNs) modify their discharge during vocalization and swallowing. 2. The temporal relation between vocalization, subglottal pressure (SP), and diaphragm electromyogram (EMG) was established from recordings in anesthetized monkeys. Vocalization was elicited by electrical stimulation of the midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG). Vocalization is preceded by deep inspiration and a brief pause in diaphragm EMG and begins with a rapid increase in positive SP. 3. Extracellularly recorded neural potential from the VRG in three awake monkeys were related to respiration by correlating their discharge with EMGs from the posterior cricoarytenoid or intercostal muscles during quiet respiration. Neurons were classified as inspiratory (INSP; N = 27), phase spanning (PS; N = 20), or expiratory (N = 6) on this basis. 4. A fourth category of cells was defined as a subgroup of INSP cells on the basis of their discharge during vocalization. This group, inspiratory-pause (INSP-PS; N = 10), paused for approximately 100 ms just before vocalization and resumed their activity during vocalization. 5. Of 63 fully analyzed RRNs, 40 (63%) also modulated their activity with vocalization and 3 (5%) with swallowing. Thirteen (21%) RRNs modulated with vocalization, respiration, and swallowing. Seven (11%) cells were modulated only with respiration. 6. Most cells demonstrated a shorter period of activity and a higher discharge rate associated with vocalization in comparison with quiet respiration. Six (30%) of the PS cells demonstrated an augmenting discharge pattern before vocalization, which was different from the other PS cells and different from their pattern during quiet respiration. Thirteen RRNs showed a pause in activity during vocal fold closure associated with swallowing, whereas three cells gave a burst at this time. 7. The higher discharge rate and shorter burst duration preceding vocalization, compared with quiet respiration, may be related to the greater positive SP necessary to support vocalization.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
ASEAN: From Neutrality to Centrality

The Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) was brought into being by the Bangkok Declaration, signed in August 1967. ASEAN originally consisted of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and Thailand, and expanded its membership to include Brunei in 1984 and Vietnam in 1995. One of the most successful regional organizations among industrializing countries, ASEAN rose to the challenges of the Cold War and the Cambodian crisis, and has been adapting itself to the recent developments in the Asia-Pacific political economy. How, then, has ASEAN fitted into the regime dynamics of the Asia-Pacific region? What role have the ASEAN states played in the process of regime formation?
Insights into newly discovered marks and readers of epigenetic information

The field of chromatin biology has been advancing at an accelerated pace. Recent discoveries of previously uncharacterized sites and types of post-translational modifications (PTMs) and the identification of new sets of proteins responsible for the deposition, removal, and reading of these marks continue raising the complexity of an already exceedingly complicated biological phenomenon. In this Perspective article we examine the biological importance of new types and sites of histone PTMs and summarize the molecular mechanisms of chromatin engagement by newly discovered epigenetic readers. We also highlight the imperative role of structural insights in understanding PTM-reader interactions and discuss future directions to enhance the knowledge of PTM readout.
THE NEW YORK SCHOOL ACCOUNTING — A BEGINNING

Current developments in accounting education are the result of the vision and efforts of the early-pioneers in public accounting practice. Clearly these accountants wanted to elevate public accounting to a professional level. Their belief that collegiate accounting training was the foundation on which to build the profession of public accountancy led to the establishment of the New York School of Accounts. The New York School of Accounts was a success though it operated for only one year. It illustrated a commitment to education and undoubtedly influenced the later development of university and college accounting programs.
High dimensional decomposition of coherent/structured matrices via sequential column/row sampling

This paper focuses on the low rank plus sparse matrix decomposition problem in big data settings. Conventional algorithms solve high-dimensional optimization problems that scale with the data dimension, which limits their scalability. In addition, existing randomized approaches mostly rely on blind random sampling. In this paper, the drawbacks of random sampling from coherent/structured data matrices are analyzed showing that random sampling cannot provide efficient descriptive sketches of coherent data. In addition, a column/row subspace pursuit algorithm which recovers the low rank component via a small set of informative columns/rows of the data is proposed. The obtained column and row spaces are updated in each iteration to converge to the column and row spaces of the low rank matrix. The informative columns are located using the information embedded in the row space while the informative rows are identified using the information embedded in the column space.
Anonymity and the Law in the United States

This book chapter for "Lessons from the Identity Trail: Anonymity, Privacy and Identity in a Networked Society" (New York: Oxford University Press, 2009) - a forthcoming comparative examination of approaches to the regulation of anonymity edited by Ian Kerr - surveys the patchwork of U.S. laws regulating anonymity and concludes the overall U.S. policy towards anonymity remains primarily situational, largely reactive, and slowly evolving. Anonymous speech, particularly on political or religious matters, enjoys a privileged position under the U.S. Constitution. Regulation of anonymous speech requires a particularly strong justification to survive judicial review but no form of speech is completely immune from regulation. Anonymity is presumptively disfavored for witnesses, defendants, and jurors during criminal trials; the regulation of anonymity in civil cases is more complex. Plaintiffs demonstrating sufficiently good cause may proceed anonymously; conversely, defendants with legitimate reasons may be able to shield their identities from discovery. Despite growing public concern about privacy issues, the United States federal government has developed a number of post 9/11 initiatives designed to limit the scope of anonymous behavior and communication. Even so, the background norm that the government should not be able to compel individuals to reveal their identity without real cause retains force. On the other hand, legislatures and regulators seem reluctant to intervene to protect privacy, much less anonymity, from what are seen as market forces. Although the law imposes few if any legal obstacles to the domestic use of privacy-enhancing technology such as encryption it also requires little more than truth in advertising for most privacy destroying technologies.
The Geopolitical Discourse of Barack Obama’s State of the Union Addresses: Pursuing a Geopolitical Reorientation from the Middle East

President Barack Obama came to office with the expressed intention of breaking with the geopolitical orientation of his predecessor. Obama argued that George W. Bush overemphasized the Middle East ...
Comparison of Human-Robot Interaction Torque Estimation Methods in a Wrist Rehabilitation Exoskeleton

In this paper, experimental implementation and comparative accuracy evaluation of five methods for estimation of human-robot interaction torques are presented. These methods vary from the simplest case of using solely commanded motor torques, to partial consideration of the robot dynamics, to advanced methods considering full robot dynamics such as inverse dynamics (ID) and nonlinear disturbance observer (NDO) based algorithms. Dynamic and friction models of the exoskeleton were developed and their parameters were identified using an evolutionary optimization algorithm to ensure high parameter accuracy. When used with accurate model parameters, ID method led to 20 to 22% average error, while NDO method generated 12 to 18% average error, as evaluated in experiments with a force sensor. These values compare to average error values of up to 132% for using motor torques only, and between 25 to 69% when partial dynamics were used. A sensitivity analysis of the ID and NDO methods to inaccuracies in model parameter estimations revealed considerable sensitivity of these advanced methods to model parameter variations. A summary is provided for the typical estimation accuracy levels that can be expected of these methods and discuss the limitations and considerations that should be taken into account for their use.
A snapshot of health information exchange across five nations: an investigation of frontline clinician experiences in emergency care

Objective Ensuring the ability to exchange patient information among disparate electronic health records systems is a top priority and a domain of substantial public investment across countries. However, we know little about the extent to which current capabilities meet the needs of frontline clinicians. Materials and methods We conducted in-person, semistructured interviews with emergency care physicians and nurses in select hospitals in Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, and the USA. We characterized the state of health information exchange (HIE) by country and used thematic analysis to identify the perceived benefits of access to complete past medical history (PMH), the conditions under which PMH is sought, and the challenges to accessing and using HIE capabilities. Results HIE approaches, and the information electronically accessible to clinicians, differed by country. Benefits of access to PMH included safer care, reduced patient length of stay, and fewer lab and imaging orders. Conditions under which PMH was sought included moderate-acuity patients, patients with chronic conditions, and instances where accessing PMH was convenient. Challenges to HIE access and use included difficulty knowing where information is located, delay in receiving information, and difficulty finding information within documents. Discussion Even with different HIE approaches across countries, all clinicians reported shortcomings in their country's approach. Notably, challenges were similar and shaped the conditions under which PMH was sought. Conclusion As countries continue to pursue broad-based HIE, they appear to be facing similar challenges in realizing HIE value and therefore have an opportunity to learn from one another.
CRT-700.29 Indexed Left Atrial Volume and 1-Year Mortality in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Left atrial volume (LAV) has been shown to be a powerful predictor of outcome in various cardiac disease states. There has been no evaluation of the value of LAV for predicting mortality in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This was a single-center study retrospective review evaluating
Continent-Scale Landscape Conservation Design for Temperate Grasslands of the Great Plains and Chihuahuan Desert

In support of natural resource agencies in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, we report on a series of component analyses and an updated Landscape Conservation Design for temperate grassland conservation. We targeted 12 major grassland ecosystem types that occur across the Great Plains and Chihuahuan Desert regions. Component analyses included (1) documenting long-term trends in extent by grassland type, (2) identifying species of concern associated with the major grassland types, (3) documenting current protected areas including each grassland type, (4) assessing landscape intactness and connectivity among grassland areas, and (5) identifying Grassland Potential Conservation Areas (GPCAs) to advance grassland conservation. Most severe declines in grassland extent have occurred in tallgrass prairie types, followed by mixed-grass, shortgrass, and semi-desert grasslands. Similar trends by type were documented for landscape intactness and connectivity. Some 174 species of vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants considered by NatureServe as critically imperiled, imperiled, or vulnerable are strongly associated with these grassland types, and 103 are listed under protective legislation in one or more countries. Just 1.2% of historic extent for all types combined is currently found within designated protected areas. A total of 177 GPCAs were identified to represent grassland type diversity in areas least likely to conflict with other land uses. Within identified GPCAs, type-specific representation varied from a low of just 1% of historic extent for Texas Blackland Tallgrass Prairie to a high of 27% for Western Great Plains Sand Prairie. Combined across all 12 grassland types, 15% of historic extent is represented.
Isoprene Acts as a Signaling Molecule in Gene Networks Important for Stress Responses and Plant Growth

Isoprene synthase converts dimethylallyl diphosphate to isoprene and appears to be necessary and sufficient to allow plants to emit isoprene at significant rates. Isoprene can protect plants from abiotic stress but is not produced naturally by all plants; for example, Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) do not produce isoprene. It is typically present at very low concentrations, suggesting a role as a signaling molecule; however, its exact physiological role and mechanism of action are not fully understood. We transformed Arabidopsis with a Eucalyptus globulus isoprene synthase. The regulatory mechanisms of photosynthesis and isoprene emission were similar to those of native emitters, indicating that regulation of isoprene emission is not specific to isoprene-emitting species. Leaf chlorophyll and carotenoid contents were enhanced by isoprene, which also had a marked positive effect on hypocotyl, cotyledon, leaf, and inflorescence growth in Arabidopsis. By contrast, leaf and stem growth was reduced in tobacco engineered to emit isoprene. Expression of genes belonging to signaling networks or associated with specific growth regulators (e.g. gibberellic acid that promotes growth and jasmonic acid that promotes defense) and genes that lead to stress tolerance was altered by isoprene emission. Isoprene likely executes its effects on growth and stress tolerance through direct regulation of gene expression. Enhancement of jasmonic acid-mediated defense signaling by isoprene may trigger a growth-defense tradeoff leading to variations in the growth response. Our data support a role for isoprene as a signaling molecule.
Downregulation of calponin 2 contributes to the quiescence of lung macrophages.

Calponin 2 is an actin cytoskeleton-associated regulatory protein that inhibits the activity of myosin-ATPase and cytoskeleton dynamics. Recent studies have demonstrated that deletion of calponin 2...
A novel environmental enrichment device increased physical activity and walking distance in broilers.

ABSTRACT Modern broilers are selected for fast growth and a large proportion of breast tissue, contributing to a top-heavy phenotype, leg disorders, and inactivity as birds reach market weight. Therefore, the objective was to motivate broilers to move through environmental enrichment. A total of 1,200 Ross 308 broilers were housed in pens of 30 for 6 wk: 600 birds were exposed to a novel laser enrichment device (LASER) and 600 were control. Each device projected 2 randomly moving red laser dots onto the floor 4 times/day for 4-min “laser periods.” Seven LASER and 7 control pens, with 5 focal birds/pen (n = 70), were randomly selected to be video-recorded day 0 to 8 and once weekly for the remainder of the trial. Videos were analyzed to measure broiler time-budget and behaviors such as latency to feed and distance walked during laser periods. Focal birds were gait scored weekly on-farm. A test of the human-approach paradigm was carried out on weeks 1 and 6 on all pens. LASER birds were more active on days 0, 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8, moving 254% more on day 7 (P ≤ 0.05). Time spent active was increased in LASER treatment by 114% on week 2; 157% on week 3; 90% on week 4; and 82% on week 5. LASER birds spent more time at the feeder on days 0, 1, 2, 5, 8, and on weeks 1 and 5, with 84% more time at feeder than control on day 5 (P ≤ 0.05). LASER birds walked further during laser periods on day 0 to 8, reaching 646.5 cm greater (day 1), and on weeks 2, 3, 4, and 5, with an increase of 367.5 cm on week 2 (P ≤ 0.05). Over week 1 to 6, 60.54 ± 7.4% of focal birds in the laser treatment were at the feeder during or within 5 min following laser periods. The laser enrichment device was successful in stimulating broiler physical activity and feeding, and did not negatively impact walking ability.
Dominant formation of unregulated disinfection by-products during electrocoagulation treatment of landfill leachate

Abstract During the electrocoagulation (EC) treatment of landfill leachate, the production of chlorine species may result in the formation of harmful disinfection by-products (DBPs). This formation was investigated in the present study by monitoring five classes of DBPs (haloacetic acids-HAA, trihalomethanes-THM, haloacetonitriles-HAN, haloketones-HK, and halonitromethanes-HNM) in two leachate samples treated by EC. It was shown that the applied current has stimulated the formation of DBPs, which were dominated by unregulated DBPs. With a current density of 100 mA cm−2, the unregulated HK dominated the weight-based DBP concentration (96% in Leachate A and 44.3% in Leachate B), while the unregulated HAN contributed to >80% of the DBP additive toxicity in both leachates. The concentrations of regulated THM and HAA species were below US EPA regulations. The in situ generation of active chlorine has resulted in the DBP formation, as demonstrated in the scavenging test. Applying granular activated carbon as a post-treatment step could successfully reduce the total DBP concentration from 295.33 μg L−1 to 82.04 μg L−1 in Leachate A, leading to a total DBP removal of 72.2% and a toxicity removal of 50%. Given the dominant concentration and lack of toxicity information, the unregulated DBPs should receive more attention.
Litigating Lives and Gender Inequality: Public Defenders, Policy Implementation, and Domestic Violence Sentencing

In this article, we show that domestic violence public policies are implemented inconsistently across states under federalism. Using original survey data of public defenders across 16 states, with ...
Perspectivas da atividade de pesqueiros no Alto Tietê: Contribuição à gestão de usos múltiplos da água

The rural space around the Metropolitan Region of Sao Paulo is changing due to the processes of urbanization, prevailing the activities with urban characteristics, like industries and fishing farms. The objective of the present study was to undertake a socioeconomic and environmental diagnosis of the fee-fishing activities in the region of the headwaters of the Tiete River basin (Cabeceiras) and in that of Guarapiranga, with emphasis in fee-fishing enterprises with “fish and pay” and “pay and fish” systems. The research was developed at Suzano, Mogi das Cruzes, Biritiba Mirim and Salesopolis (Alto Tiete sub-basin) and at Parelheiros and Jardim Angela (Guarapiranga sub-basin), from September 2003 to July 2004. Twenty-four fee-fishing enterprises were investigated (35% of the total identified) by interviews with owners and sport fishers. Four types of fee-fishing enterprises were identified, taking into account the basic or basic+optional services offered by them, and the technical competence of the owner. The results show that fee-fishing activity arised in the region as an income and a leisure alternative, but that it cannot be considered a profitable enterprise, when compared to the activity in its beginning. A tendency that only the most efficient enterprises will remain in the activity was also observed. Considering technical indicators, the fee-fishing enterprises were equally inefficient and precarious. Relative to the water quality in the enterprises, the high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in the effluents of the ponds indicate a high organic load and environmental degradation, and then the necessity of an adequate management and of the implementation of treatment stations.
Techniques and Complications of Popliteal Nerve Blocks

Abstract Background Use of popliteal nerve blocks (PNBs) as an alternative or adjunctive therapy to traditional methods of pain control (e.g., systemic or spinal anesthesia and opioids) is increasingly popular in foot and ankle surgery. Methods We reviewed online databases for literature on PNBs in foot and ankle surgery to analyze the various techniques and positioning used, the influence of drugs on their efficacy, and possible complications associated with their use. Thirty articles were identified with a predefined search criteria, followed by a review process for relevance. Results Patient demographics, procedure specifics, and block techniques, such as anesthetic used, can impact the duration and success of a PNB. Administration with ultrasound guidance proved superior to nerve stimulation, and preoperative administration was superior to postoperative administration. Conclusions PNBs are an effective method to control postoperative pain with minimal complications, leading to decreased analgesic use, earlier discharge, and higher patient satisfaction. Level of evidence Level III, retrospective comparative study
Approaches towards Inequality and Inequity: Concepts, Measures and Policies

The paper discusses what a fair, or equitable, distribution is, drawing on some contributions of Western philosophers and economists. After reviewing different approaches, it argues that inequality among groups is particularly unjust. The paper argues for a plural perspective on the space in which inequality is assessed, following Sen’s capability approach. It is argued that the assessment should relate to functionings (or outcomes) rather than capabilities (or possibilities), especially for children whose choices are severely constrained.
Flow of Pollutants through a Lock

In order to help predict the extent of the flow of pollutants through a lock, an extensive field investigation was undertaken by the New Orleans District of the U. S. Corps of Engineers. The test was performed at the Inner Harbor navigation Canal Lock, which is located on the east bank levee of the Mississippi River at New Orleans. The lock chamber has a usable length of 207 m and is 23 m wide. The average volume of water passes per lockage during the test was 19,000 m³. During the test program, the water depth ranged from approx 13 m (i.e., canal elevation) when the lock was empty.
After Marabar: Reading Forster, Robbe-Grillet, Spark

Fifty years ago E. M. Forster set forth the basis for interesting and valuable dis tinctions when, in A Passage to India, he attached importance to the terms "muddle" and "mystery." Both within and well beyond the context of that novel, as I hope to indicate, these terms can be seen to stress what the receiver and potential "connector" makes experience to mean, rather than what an object, per son, occurrence may mean in some absolute sense. Forster's distinction is also, then, relativistic: one man's muddle is another man's mystery. Moreover, the dis tinction emphasizes, relativistically, at least two ways of regarding the unknown or the rationally unexplainable: those of one kind of rationalist and of the super naturalist, or perhaps those of realist and romantic. Forster's book and its distinguishing terms are attractive because, albeit nega tively, they remind me again of what seems a non-problem or at any rate a not very pressing or interesting problem, and also because, positively, they intimate how to take the initial premises of two kinds of author and therefore how to read two kinds of book. My intention, accordingly, is briefly to put aside (without disposing of) the non-problem, and then to look at two contemporary writers in Forster's terms if not with his eyes, in order to establish the two writers' dif ferences. To perform this dual task should remind us again of Forster's vision as well as clarify our reading of two authors whose books seem well suited to dis cussion stemming from Forster's terminology. The two writers of prose fiction are Alain Robbe-Grillet and Muriel Spark, and the not very interesting problem is the generic one.
Arabs' Stereotypes Revisited: The Need for A Literary Solution

In the past few decades, there has been a steady growth of interest in studying the representations of Arabs in media as shown by the increasing number of journal articles. Scholars have talked abundantly about he ugly images of Arabs that have been shown in American media for over a century. However, research lacks explanation and sufficing solutions to ameliorate such images. Therefore, this paper is an attempt to facilitate the understanding of Arabs’ stereotypes drawing on the bulk of the theorizing and empirical data in cognitive science, and explain how literature can help undo the mischiefs of stereotypes. Moreover, this paper explores the ways in which the teaching and the promotion of Arabic literature can help dismantle the stereotyping of Arabs in the American media. Particularly, it demonstrates how Ghassan Kanafani’s Men in the Sun can be used to correct faulty representations of Arabs that appeared in media for a long time. Keywords: Arabs-Stereotypes-Literature-Empathy-Media-Representaion-Attitude-Emotion
Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Male Premutation Carriers of the Fragile X Mental Retardation Gene

Older male premutation carriers of the FMR1 gene are associated with the risk of developing a late-onset neurodegenerative disorder, fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome. Although previous postmortem and in vivo magnetic resonance imaging studies have indicated white matter pathology, the regional selectivity of abnormalities, as well as their relationship with molecular variables of the FMR1 gene, has not been investigated. In this study, we used diffusion tensor imaging to study male premutation carriers with and without fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome and healthy sex-matched controls. We performed a tract of interest analysis for fractional anisotropy and axial and radial diffusivities of major white matter tracts in the cerebellar-brain stem and limbic systems. Compared with healthy controls, patients with fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome showed significant reductions of fractional anisotropy in multiple white matter tracts, including the middle cerebellar peduncle, superior cerebellar peduncle, cerebral peduncle, and the fornix and stria terminalis. Significant reduction of fractional anisotropy in these tracts was confirmed by voxel-wise analysis using tract-based spatial statistics. Analysis of axial and radial diffusivities showed significant elevation of these measures in middle cerebellar peduncle, even among premutation carriers without fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome. Furthermore, regression analyses demonstrated a clear inverted U-shaped relationship between CGG-repeat size and axial and radial diffusivities in middle cerebellar peduncle. These results provide new evidence from diffusion tensor imaging for white matter abnormalities in the cerebellar-brain stem and limbic systems among individuals with the fragile X premutation and suggest the involvement of molecular mechanisms related to the FMR1 gene in their white matter pathology.
A comparison of SAW and optical dew point measurement techniques

A comparison of SAW and optical dew point measurement techniques in the areas of condensation sensitivity, surface contamination effects, frost point transition behavior, and dew point measurement resolution was made using a novel hybrid SAW/optical sensor. In addition SAW frequency was used to compare SAW dew point measurements to a commercial optical sensor. The SAW dew point sensor was found to be much less susceptible than the optical technique to surface contamination. The frost point transition was found to cause significant instability to the dew point measurements when controlling condensation density with SAW velocity, or optical reflection voltage. SAW amplitude provided continuous dew point measurements. A SAW oscillator dew point system had a measurement resolution of 0.03/spl deg/C as compared to a resolution of 0.2/spl deg/C for a commercial optical dew point hygrometer.
Variability in symptoms complicates utility of case definitions

Background: Ambiguities in case definitions have created difficulties in replicating findings and estimating the prevalence rates for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). Purpose: The current study examined differences in occurrence rates for CFS and ME cardinal symptoms (i.e. post-exertional malaise, unrefreshing sleep, and neurocognitive deficits). Results: Findings indicated that there is a wide range of occurrence rates on critical symptoms of the case definition, suggesting that either the types of patients recruited differ in various settings or the questions assessing core symptoms vary in their wording or criteria among different researchers. Conclusions: The polythetic nature of the case definition may contribute to the wide ranges of symptom occurrence that was found. In order to increase assessed reliability of the symptoms and case definitions, there is a need to better standardize data collection methods and operationalization of symptoms. This solution would red...
The Citric Acid Conspiracy

In January 1991, Terrance Wilson and Barrie Cox, two top-level officers of the large U.S. agribusiness firm Archer Daniels Midland Company, flew to Europe to meet with representatives of the three largest European manufacturers of citric acid. The two men were unlikely companions. Wilson was a Corporate Vice President and the President of ADM’s big corn products division. He had joined ADM decades before, straight from the U.S. Marine Corps, and had worked his way up from near the bottom of the corporate ladder to be only one step removed from the giant company’s powerful chairman, Dwayne O. Andreas. Although Wilson lacked a college education, his fierce loyalty to the Chairman and dogged pursuit of ADM’s interests had yielded him a position of power and responsibility in ADM unmatched by all but three other officers.
Geography and Gender: Variation in the Gender Earnings Ratio Across U.S. States*

Objectives The gender earnings ratio for year-round full-time (YRFT) workers varies substantially across U.S. states, with a range of 24 percentage points. I examine the sources of this variation to assess to what extent it reflects compositional differences by gender that vary across state and/or nonneutral effects of state of residence on gender earnings. Methods Using CPS data, I estimate earnings models for men and women that incorporate state fixed effects in addition to standard human capital and demographic variables. I use those estimates to compute unadjusted and regression-adjusted estimates of the impact of state residence on the gender earnings ratio. Results I find that nonneutral gender-specific state effects on earnings exist even after controlling for other determinants of earnings and that state of residence appears, therefore, to have a genuine effect on the gender earnings ratio. I also find that states with particularly low overall gender earnings ratios have consistently low ratios even within quite detailed education and occupation categories. Conclusions Variation in the gender earnings ratio for YRFT workers across states is not simply a result of compositional differences. It is unclear, however, what policy instruments or other factors account for these differences.
Identity and distinction in Spinoza's ethics

Abstract: In Ethics 1p5, Spinoza asserts that “In Nature there cannot be two or more substances of the same nature or attribute”. This claim serves as a crucial premise in Spinoza's argument for substance monism, yet Spinoza's demonstration of the 1p5 claim is surprisingly brief and appears to have obvious difficulties. This paper answers the principle difficulties that have been raised in response to Spinoza's argument for 1p5. The key to understanding the 1p5 argument lies in a proper understanding of the substance-attribute relationship and the principles of metaphysical individuation that Spinoza accepts.
In Vivo Evidence Of Neurophysiological Maturation of the Human Adolescent Striatum

Maturation of the striatum has been posited to play a primary role in observed increases in adolescent sensation-seeking. However, evidence of neurophysiological maturation in the human adolescent striatum is limited. We applied T2*-weighted imaging, reflecting indices of tissue-iron concentration, to provide direct in vivo evidence of neurophysiological development of the human adolescent striatum. Multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) of striatal T2*-weighted signal generated age predictions that accounted for over 60% of the sample variance in 10-25 year olds, using both task-related and resting state fMRI. Dorsal and ventral striatum showed age related increases and decreases respectively of striatal neurophysiology suggesting qualitative differences in the maturation of limbic and executive striatal systems. In particular, the ventral striatum was found to show the greatest developmental differences and contribute most heavily to the multivariate age predictor. The relationship of the T2*-weighted signal to the striatal dopamine system is discussed. Together, results provide evidence for protracted maturation of the striatum through adolescence.
Organization Change and Social Organizing Strategies: Employee-Initiated Organization Development.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) employees create formal and informal groups within workplaces to provide social support and to seek organizational change at their places of employment. I present a case study of a coalition of these groups working together to attain domestic partner benefits within a large three-campus university system. These groups worked together to conduct employee-initiated organization development (OD). This development occurred through various approaches to organizational change and social organizing strategies. The study illustrates the distinct differences between employee-initiated OD in the corporate sector and in universities. It also demonstrates the utility in organizing through a structured activist group and a looser grassroots coalition at various stages of the effort. Successes were attained at various stages through both the more highly structured groups and through loose-knit coalitions. Additionally, this study illustrates successes in social organizing around both fixed, ethnic-type identities and through more fluid queer approaches. Both approaches were utilized to varying degrees as the activists worked toward goals of concern to (a) diverse groups (not just LGBTQ individuals) and (b) LGBTQ-specific constituents.
Glucose transporters in cancer metabolism.

Purpose of reviewTransformed cells exhibit a high rate of glucose consumption beyond that necessary for ATP synthesis. Glucose aids in the generation of biomass and regulates cellular signaling critical for oncogenic progression. A key rate-limiting step in glucose utilization is the transport of gl
Myocardial Oxygen Tension and Relative Capillary Density in Isolated Perfused Rat Hearts

Oxygen plays an important role in cardiac function. Many methods have been applied to measure tissue oxygen tension (PO2). Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) oximetry appears to have some significant advantages for use in the beating heart. This study presents the serial measurement of myocardial PO2 by EPR oximetry in the isolated crystalloid perfused heart during changes of influent PO2, coronary flow rate, oxygen consumption and end-diastolic pressure. Baseline myocardial PO2 was 198 +/- 12 mmHg (mean +/- S.E.). Myocardial PO2 increased as expected with increased delivery (concentration or flow) or decreased consumption. With increasing flow rate, myocardial PO2 increased in a sigmoid fashion. A critical flow or pressure was reached when myocardial PO2 rapidly increased to a higher level. Increased left ventricular end-diastolic pressure caused local vascular compression and resulted in a decrease of myocardial PO2. Myocardial capillary density in the intact contracting heart was calculated to be 2300 +/- 110/mm2, using local myocardial PO2 and a cylindrical model for oxygen diffusion in tissue. Relative capillary density did not change with mild to moderate hypoxia, increased with increasing flow and increasing oxygen consumption and decreased with elevated diastolic pressure. We conclude that the application of EPR oximetry with LiPc to the isolated heart provides accurate and dynamic evaluation of local myocardial PO2 in the contracting heart. Using various models of oxygen delivery and diffusion in tissue, these data may also be used to serially follow capillary density.
Protection against epinephrine induced myocardial necrosis with clofibrate

Abstract To investigate the possibility that oral clofibrate interferes with catecholamine-induced platelet aggregation and myocardial necrosis, 12 dogs pretreated with oral clofibrate and 10 dogs not pretreated were infused with epinephrine, 4 μg per kilogram of body weight per minute. After killing the dogs 1 week later, the degree of myocardial damage was assessed histologically. All control dogs had myocardial necrosis, 6 with 3+, 2 with 2+, and 2 with 1+ necrosis. Seven of the 12 pretreated dogs had no necrosis, 2 had 1+, and 3 had 2+ necrosis. These differences are statistically significant (p
Assessing supply chain management success factors: a case study

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine important operational issues related to strategic success factors that are necessary when implementing SCM plans in an organization.Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire was distributed to top and middle management within a large manufacturing firm, specializing in producing consumer and building products, to examine the importance and the extent to which the selected manufacturing company practiced the strategies based on these identified operational issues.Findings – Reducing cost of operations, improving inventory, lead times and customer satisfaction, increasing flexibility and cross‐functional communication, and remaining competitive appear to be the most important objectives to implement SCM strategies. The responses by the survey respondents indicate that not enough resources were allocated to implement and support SCM initiatives in their divisions. In addition, they perceived that resource allocation could be improved in the areas of bette...
Anti-gay politics online: A study of sexuality and stigma on national websites

The Internet is transforming politics in the United States and is proving to be a formidable new communication technology and organizing tool for religious conservatives. This study examined how a sample of six national Christian Right organizations used the Internet for anti-gay politics. It examined the utilization on their websites of sexually stigmatizing rhetorical strategies, along with their uses (and sources) of scientific research. This study found that the organizations differed in the degree to which they used their websites for anti-gay purposes, and that there was little overlap or interconnection among the six websites. The websites employed a mix of rhetorical strategies, with most using sexually stigmatizing attacks and religious arguments. One of the most significant functions of these national websites is to bring an allegedly objective, but actually quite biased and sometimes distorted or inaccurate, body of anti-gay news and information to a much broader audience.