cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Are personal innovativeness and social influence critical to continue with mobile commerce

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report a study investigating the impact of personal innovativeness in information technology (PIIT) and social influence on user continuance intention toward mobile commerce (m-commerce) in the USA. Design/methodology/approach – A survey was conducted among undergraduate and graduate mobile users in a regional university. Structural equation modeling procedures were deployed to analyse 323 valid data points. Findings – The study found that among well-educated m-commerce users, user personal innovativeness as measured by PIIT and perceived usefulness, the determinants of initial adoption, remain as strong determinants of user continuance intention. PIIT also remains as the antecedent of perceived ease of use. Social influence has changed the pattern of influence on continuance intention. Research limitations/implications – This study is unable to investigate m-commerce user expectations and satisfaction levels. The small and convenient sample does not offer guarant...
Design, simulation, and fabrication of a novel reconfigurable graphene terahertz filter (presentation video)

We propose and discuss a novel micro-machined reconfigurable terahertz (THz) filter based on graphene. The key components are the periodic metal ring with several gaps where active graphene strips are placed. We can easily adjust the resonance frequency of the terahertz filter by varying a couple of parameters such as the inner and outer radius of the metal ring, the gap, the number of graphene layers, and by dynamically varying the conductivity of each graphene layer. This work explains the principle of operation of the device, its design based on numerical simulations, its fabrication process, and also presents experimental results.
Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Outcomes in Patients With Bladder Cancer and Asymptomatic Bacteriuria

Purpose: The outcome of intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin therapy was studied in patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria.Materials and Methods: A total of 243 patients with high risk, nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer received induction intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin therapy. Before starting bacillus Calmette-Guerin they submitted voided urine samples for culture and were treated with bacillus Calmette-Guerin regardless of culture results without antibiotics. Patients were followed every 3 months for tumor recurrence or progression up to 2 years.Results: Of the 243 patients 61 (25%) had significant bacteriuria (greater than 104 or greater than 105 cfu/ml single organism). Febrile urinary tract infection developed in 1 patient (1.6%) and 2 overall (0.8%) after completing induction bacillus Calmette-Guerin therapy. No patients were admitted to the hospital for bacillus Calmette-Guerin or bacterial sepsis. The 2-year recurrence-free survival rate was 71% vs 73% in uninfected patients (p = 0.73).Con...
Reply to Timothy Chappell

We shall find that the metaphysical views offered on behalf of moral conclusions about abortion do nothing in defense of those conclusions ... No metaphysical view cited on behalf of a moral conclusion substantially advances the argument in favour of the conclusion. (Conee 1999, p. 619) "Do nothing" and "no substantial advance" are vague. They express an absence of epistemic support. None of the interpretations by Chappell (2000) is on the right track. The contrast between two clear examples should be helpful.
Chemisorption of organofunctional silanes on silicon nitride for improved aqueous processing

Different chem-adsorbed silane molecules have been used to produce weakly attractive silicon nitride particle networks for aqueous colloidal processing. Silanes with diamino and poly(ethylene glycol) hydrophilic heads yielded slurries with the lowest viscosity, longest sedimentation stability, and highest packing density. Chem-adsorbed silane molecules protected silicon nitride and yttrium oxide, a common processing aid, from hydrolysis at pHs between 5.5 and 11. A novel approach was used to produce short-range repulsive potentials necessary to yield the weakly attractive networks. Addition of salt to dispersed silicon nitride slurries with particles coated with poly(ethylene glycol)-silane caused the collapse of the 22-atom-long chains and residual electrical double layer. This produced a weakly attractive network which persisted during consolidation to yield a plastic body with a flow stress that was dependent on the counterion size. When 0.5M tetramethylammonium chloride was used at pH 10, plastic bodies had a flow stress similar to clay, whereas lithium counterions produced bodies with a much higher flow stress.
FACTORS AFFECTING TREATMENT DECISIONS FOR A LIFE-THREATENING ILLNESS THE CASE OF MEDICAL TREATMENT OF BREAST CANCER

Despite notions that patients are now playing a more proactive role in directing their own health care, our study of breast cancer patients considering adjuvant therapy indicates that, at least for a life-threatening illness, patients still rely heavily on their physicians to make treatment decisions. Out of 100 patients, 80.0% accepted their physician's primary treatment recommendation. Using behavioral decision-making theory we examined why some patients chose to disregard the physician's treatment recommendation despite its importance within the decision-making process. The discriminant function analysis performed to examine the factors influencing acceptance or rejection of a physician's treatment recommendation identified two sets of factors. Factors related to the amount and specificity of information about treatments conveyed to the patients, and the strength of the treatment recommendation itself. Patients who did not accept their physician's treatment recommendation were told in more specific terms what the benefits of treatment would be; they also rated side effects of treatment to be more probable and more severe than patients who did concur with the physician's treatment recommendation. These patients also rated their physicians' treatment recommendations as less strong than other physicians'. Nonacceptor patients were also better educated and were more likely to be risk takers. This study supports the findings of other studies that patients want more specific disease and treatment information, but suggests that the provision of this information might lead to therapy decisions which diverge from physicians' recommendations.
Lasers In The 200-400 nm Region: Characteristics And Applications

Development of laser sources in the 200-400 nm region made little progress before 1975. This spectral region claimed only low power, low efficiency ion lasers, a few metal vapor cw lasers such as Cd, and the pulsed N2 laser at 337.1 nm. This latter laser had been the workhorse for dye laser pumping and other uv applications. It has been supplanted now by the rapid and remarkable development of rare-gas halide excimer lasers. These excimer lasers, using several rare gas-halogen mixtures, span the 200-400 nm spectrum with at least six major, lines. The gas mixtures have lent themselves well to electron beam, discharge sustained, and pure discharge pumping techniques. They can be made to emit up to 500 MW of peak power in pulses from < 100 ns to nearly 1 μsec and with 5-10% efficiency. These lasers appear to be scalable to become large energy devices. Concurrent with such a scale-up, however, must come more knowledge about such problems as the formation pathways, excited state and ground state kinetics, halogen donor replenishment, and damage problems with mirrors and other optical components at these short wavelengths. These new lasers have made a great impact in the 200-400 nm region. They are the lasers of choice for: up-conversion to shorter wavelengths to access the VUV; down-conversion to generate blue-green wavelengths; for pumping of dye lasers; and for photochemistry where good sources of photons have been in great demand.
Leukotriene B4 Is a Physiologically Relevant Endogenous Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor-α Agonist

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear transcription factors that play central roles in metabolism and inflammation. Although a variety of compounds have been shown to activate PPARs, identification of physiologically relevant ligands has proven difficult. In silico studies of lipid derivatives reported here identify specific 5-lipoxygenase products as candidate physiologically relevant PPAR-α activators. Subsequent studies show both in vitro and in a murine model of inflammation that 5-lipoxygenase stimulation induces PPAR-α signaling and that this results specifically from production of the inflammatory mediator and chemoattractant leukotriene B4 (LTB4). Activation of PPAR-α is a direct effect of intracellularly generated LTB4 binding to the nuclear receptor and not of secreted LTB4 acting via its cell-surface receptors. Activation of PPAR-α reduces secretion of LTB4 by stimulating degradation of this fatty acid derivative. We also show that the LTB4 precursors leukotriene A4 (LTA4) and 5-hydroperoxyeicosatetrenoic acid (5-HPETE) activate PPAR-α but have no significant endogenous effect independent of conversion to LTB4. We conclude that LTB4 is a physiologically relevant PPAR-α activator in cells of the immune system. This, together with previous findings, demonstrates that different types of lipids serve as endogenous PPAR-α ligands, with the relevant ligand varying between functionally different cell types. Our results also support the suggestion that regulation of inflammation may involve balancing proinflammatory effects of LTB4, exerted through cell-surface receptors, and anti-inflammatory effects exerted through PPAR-α activation.
Weighted trigonometric sums over a half-period

We derive formulas for evaluating weighted sums of trigonometric functions over evenly-spaced angles in the first quadrant. These results generalize those of a previous paper, where we considered trigonometric sums weighted by real, primitive, non-principal Dirichlet characters.
Identification of a Fish Serum Protein with Antibody Activity

The golden shiner, Notemigonus crysoleueas, developed antibody titer of 1,280 in 59 days from multiple, intraperitoneal injections of a formalin-killed bacterin of Acromonas liquefaciens. After four immunizing injections there was a significant increase in the time of survival of vaccinated fish over nonvaccinated fish challenged with viable A. liquefaciens. Analysis of golden shiner sera by paper electrophoresis produced a pattern of six protein components. Antibody activity was associated with a component which had a slow anodic electrophoretic mobility and solubility of gamma globulin. During the course of vaccination, increments in the serum protein component and in antibody titer coincided. Also, the amount of the protein component of vaccinated fish was decreased by specific adsorption of antibody by homologous antigen. Thus, a fish immunoglobulin was identified which had certain physical and chemical properties correspondng to classical definitions of gamma globulin.
Using a mathematical model to test the null hypothesis of optimal shell construction by four marine gastropods

A previous analysis (Heath 1985; Biol J Linn Soc 24: 165–174) tested and rejected the null hypothesis that gastropods construct their shells with optimal efficiency. The ratio volume of material used to volume of space enclosed (V shell:V space) was used as a measure of inefficiency of construction and shown to exhibit smooth parabolic curves if plotted as a function of whorl overlap. In the present analysis, in contrast, it is demonstrated that inefficiency of a particular combination of mode and rate of shell construction, consisting of variable interapertural areas and rapidly expanding whorl cross sections, is described by polynomial curves with inflection points. As an empirical test of this theoretically derived observation, V shell:V space of shells of four species of marine gastropods [Architectonica perspectiva (L., 1758), Cittarium pica (L., 1758), Euspira heros (Say, 1822), and Telescopium telescopium (L., 1758)] was calculated, using a mathematical model. By varying the vertical component of aperture trajectories [i.e. translation (T )] in the mathematical model, hypothetical forms representing a range of possible whorl overlap were simulated graphically and, for each form, V shell:V space was calculated. Plots of V shell:V space as a function of whorl overlap were described accurately by polynomial curves with inflection points, and each real shell yielded a nonoptimal V shell:V space, exhibiting approximately 75% less whorl overlap than its most efficiently constructed, hypothetical form. Inflection points of inefficiency curves represent critical points at which the reduction of space provided begins to exceed significantly the amount of material saved with increasing whorl overlap, and nonoptimal shell forms might represent compromises between efficient construction and function.
A parallel, multiscale approach to reservoir modeling

With the advance of CPU power, numerical reservoir models have become an essential part of most reservoir engineering applications. These models are used for predicting future performances or determining optimal locations of infill wells. Hence in order to accurately predict, these reservoir models must be conditioned to all available data. The challenge in data integration for numerical reservoir models lies in the fact that each data has its own resolution and area of coverage. The most common data for reservoir characterization are; well-log/core data, seismic data and production data. Most current approaches to data integration are hierarchical. Fine scale models are used for integrating well-log/core and seismic data while coarse models are used to integrate mostly production data. The drawback of such a hierarchical approach is such that once the scale is changed, data conditioning, maintained in the previous scale, is lost. In this paper, we review a general algorithm as a solution to the multi-scale data integration. Instead of proceeding in a hierarchical fashion, a fine model and a coarse model is kept in parallel throughout the entire characterization process. The link between the fine scale and the coarse scale is provided by non-uniform upscaling. An optimization procedure determines the optimal gridding parameters that provide the smallest possible mismatch between fine and coarse scale reservoir models. A synthetic example application is given and demonstration of the methodology. The upgridding is accomplish by a static gridding algorithm, 3DDEGA. This algorithm aims at preserving geology by minimizing heterogeneity within a coarse grid block. The coarse grids are provided in a corner-point geometry fashion, hence this allows for accurate description of the reservoir with fewer number of grid blocks.
Investigation of High-Frequency Squeal in a Disc Brake System Using a Friction Layer-Based Coupling Stiffness:

AbstractThis paper presents a two degree of freedom model for disk brake systems that makes use of the concept of a friction layer-based coupling stiffness. This model is then used to investigate noise and vibration, especially high-frequency squeal. It is shown that for automotive brake systems, the friction layer plays a significant role in the performance characteristics. Hence, the coupling stiffness between the brake pad and the rotor is modelled as a combination of the elastic stiffness of the friction layer superimposed on the coupling modal stiffness of the brake-pad combination. The elastic properties of the friction layer are obtained from nano-indentor tests and the contact area is approximated using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy analysis. The coupling modal stiffnesses are obtained from impact tests and finite element studies. Preliminary results from the model are consistent with the actual high squeal data collected from the field. The main objective of this work is to in...
Study of brain plasticity ramps up in the 1970s: new phenomena and new explanations.

ranged with Nauta to join his lab for postdoctoral work after receiving my graduate degree. He was interested in the plan to undertake neuroanatomical studies of animals with early brain damage. We discussed using paradigms that had not long before been used to find evidence of collateral sprouting in the spinal cord and brain of adult cats and rats after selective damage to axonal pathways. Nauta and I began the project by making lesions of visual cortex in neonatal cats. However, we found it difficult to keep the kittens alive, and I suggested that we try using hamsters for the project. I was already very familiar with Syrian hamsters from my thesis studies of behavioral effects of lesions of the visual system, and hamsters have a special advantage for studies of early brain damage – they are born in a very immature state, on the sixteenth day of gestation. Soon we were making visual cortex lesions in hamster nestlings. Walle Nauta was a very experienced and skillful surgeon, whereas I was still acquiring surgical skills. Nauta operated on the first hamsters in the experiments, removing the visual cortex. When I attempted the same surgery on my own, in some cases the lesion was too deep and there was damage to the underlying superior colliculus. When I traced the retinal projections in the first case in which the In the autumn of 1966, shortly after completion of PhD thesis work, I began experiments on brain damage inflicted early in life. In the thesis work I had done experimental studies of behavioral effects of brain damage – published in two papers [Schneider, 1967, 1969]. This work led to my experimental quest to find underlying mechanisms that could explain why behavioral effects of early lesions were so different from effects of adult lesions. I knew that there may be neuroanatomical changes after damage when the brain was still developing – changes that did not occur after damage suffered later in life. I felt that if no alterations in pathways occurred, then some basic assumptions we were making about brain-behavior relationships might have to be called into question. My hope was to do postdoctoral work with the well-known neuroanatomist Walle J.H. Nauta, the inventor of silver-staining methods for tracing axonal pathways (at that time, the most sensitive methods for tract tracing). When I discussed this plan with my department head at MIT, HansLucas Teuber, he told me that Nauta would soon be coming to MIT as the first neuroanatomist to join a psychology department faculty. After Professor Nauta had arrived and set up his laboratory, I made his acquaintance and began interacting with people working in his lab. Soon I had arPublished online: August 26, 2011
Dental characteristics associated with acrosclerosis and diffuse scleroderma

The dental roentgenogram of some patients suffering from acrosclerosis and diffuse scleroderma is characterized by widening of the periodontal membrane space at the expense of alveolar bone. This was observed by Stafne, and, in 1944, Stafne and Austin,1 in a review of records of 127 patients suffering from the diseases named, found the character­ istic roentgenographic evidence in nine, or 7.08 per cent, of the cases studied. In four instances, a tentative diagnosis of scleroderma had been made in the course of routine dental examination, and the diagnosis was confirmed later by general physical examination. Dental features of the disease empha­ sized by Stafne and Austin1 are as fol­ lows: 1. Widening of the periodontal mem­ brane space occurs at the expense of alveolar bone, and the lamina dura is obliterated. 2. The periodontal space of a pos­ terior tooth is more likely to be involved than the corresponding space of an an­ terior tooth. 3. Of an involved tooth, the increase in width of the periodontal membrane is fairly uniform around the entire root. 4. The affected teeth are not in supraclusion. 5. Affected teeth are surprisingly firm in their sockets considering the increase in width of the periodontal membrane space. 6. Almost without exception, the gin­ gival attachment of the affected teeth is unbroken and the gingival crevice is of normal depth. On microscopic examination of the tissues contained in the thickened perio­ dontal membrane space, evidence nei­ ther of gingivitis nor of periodontitis is found, but the arrangement of the col­ lagenous fibers of these tissues is not normal. The walls of the contained blood vessels are thickened and the lumina narrowed, a feature characteristic of the vessels of skin involved by scleroderma and acrosclerosis. Since 1944, few cases of acrosclerosis and diffuse scleroderma with these char­ acteristic dental features have been re­ ported. In several reported cases, how­ ever, the oral mucosa was involved, particularly that part of it which overlay the alveolar process.2,3 Krogh/4 in 1950, reported the case of a woman nurse, 50 years of age, who received the diagnosis of scleroderma
Phosphorylation and Cell Cycle-dependent Regulation of Na+/H+ Exchanger Regulatory Factor-1 by Cdc2 Kinase

Na+/H+exchanger regulatory factor (NHERF)-1 is a PDZ domain-containing adaptor protein known to bind to various receptors, channels, cytoskeletal elements, and cytoplasmic signaling proteins. We report here that the phosphorylation state of NHERF-1 is profoundly regulated by the cell cycle: NHERF-1 in HeLa cells is hyperphosphorylated in mitosis phase and much less phosphorylated at other points of the cell cycle. This mitosis phase-dependent phosphorylation of NHERF-1 could be blocked by roscovitine, consistent with phosphorylation by cyclin-dependent kinases. In vitro studies with purified NHERF-1 fusion proteins and purified kinases revealed that NHERF-1 was robustly phosphorylated by the cyclin-dependent kinase Cdc2. In contrast, the NHERF-1 relative NHERF-2 was not phosphorylated at all by Cdc2. NHERF-1 possesses two serines (Ser279 and Ser301) that conform to the SP X(K/R) motif preferred for phosphorylation by Cdc2. Mutation of either of these serines reduced Cdc2-mediated phosphorylation of NHERF-1 in vitro, and mutation of both residues together completely abolished Cdc2-mediated phosphorylation. When the S279A/S301A NHERF-1 mutant was expressed in cells, it failed to exhibit the mitosis phase-dependent phosphorylation observed with wild-type NHERF-1. Mutation of both Ser279and Ser301 to aspartate, to mimic Cdc2 phosphorylation of NHERF-1, resulted in a NHERF-1 mutant with a markedly impaired ability to oligomerize in vitro. Similarly, endogenous NHERF-1 from lysates of mitosis phase HeLa cells exhibited a markedly reduced ability to oligomerize relative to endogenous NHERF-1 from lysates of interphase HeLa cells. Mitosis phase NHERF-1 furthermore exhibited the ability to associate with Pin1, a WW domain-containing peptidylprolyl isomerase that does not detectably bind to NHERF-1 in interphase lysates. The association of NHERF-1 with Pin1 facilitated dephosphorylation of NHERF-1, as shown in experiments in which cellular Pin1 activity was blocked by the selective inhibitor juglone. These data reveal that cellular NHERF-1 is phosphorylated during mitosis phase by Cdc2 at Ser279 and Ser301 and that this phosphorylation regulates NHERF-1 oligomerization and association with Pin1.
Challenges in the Diagnosis of the Right Patient for Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Abstract Diagnosis of testosterone deficiency is important to identify patients who might benefit from testosterone replacement therapy. Unfortunately, the diagnosis of hypogonadism may be a challenge for many practicing physicians, including endocrinologists and urologists. Signs and symptoms, such as sexual dysfunction, change in body composition, lethargy, and mood changes, are nonspecific and the available questionnaires are generally not useful in clinical practice. The diagnosis of testosterone deficiency is ultimately based on measurement of serum testosterone levels. However, marked variations in the reference ranges of serum testosterone levels among laboratories pose a challenge for physicians when interpreting the results. In addition, initial laboratory assessments usually determine total testosterone levels. About 1–2% of total testosterone is free and a further 30–50% is bound with low affinity to albumin; only these two components are bioavailable to the target tissues. In general, assuming the normal reference range for serum total testosterone in adult men is 300–1000ng/dl (10–35nmol/l), levels of 350ng/dl (12.7nmol/l) suggest the symptoms may not be due to androgen deficiency. Values between 250 to 350ng/dl warrant a repeat morning serum testosterone determination with assessment of free or bioavailable testosterone. In men with symptoms suggestive of androgen deficiency and borderline serum testosterone levels, where there are no contraindications to androgen therapy, a short therapeutic trial of testosterone may be justified.
Synthesis of apoptosis-inducing iminophosphorane organogold(III) complexes and study of their interactions with biomolecular targets.

New stable cationic organogold(III) complexes containing the “pincer” iminophosphorane ligand (2-C6H4−PPh2═NPh) have been prepared by reaction of the previously described [Au{κ2-C,N−C6H4(PPh2═N(C6H5)-2}Cl2] 1 and a combination of sodium or silver salts and appropriate ligands. The presence of the P atom in the PR3 fragment has been used as a “spectroscopic marker” to study the in vitro stability (and oxidation state) of the new organogold complexes in solvents like dimethyl sulfoxide and water. Compounds with dithiocarbamato ligands and water-soluble phosphines of the general type [Au{κ2-C,N−C6H4(PPh2═N(C6H5)-2}(S2CN-R2)]PF6 (R = Me 2; Bz 3) and [Au{κ2-C,N−C6H4(PPh2═N(C6H5)-2}(PR3)nCl]PF6 (PR3 = P{Cp(m-C6H4−SO3Na)2} n = 1 4, n = 2 TPA {1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane} 5) have been synthesized and characterized in solution and in the solid state (the crystal structure of 2 has been determined by X-ray diffraction studies). Complexes 1−5 have been tested as potential anticancer agents, and their cytotoxici...
Nephrotoxicity of Antiretroviral Agents: Is the List Getting Longer?

of ART-exposed individuals with normal baselinekidneyfunction(estimatedglomerular filtration rate [eGFR],>90 mL/min). The decline in eGFR by >20 mL/min, to <70 mL/min (an arbitrary cutoff that the authors deemed to be one at which interventions would begin to occur), was associated with the use of tenofovir (TDF), ritonavir-boosted atazanavir (ATV/r), and ritonavir-boosted lopinavir (LPV/r). Moderately severe chronic kidney disease (CKD), defined as an eGFR of ≤60 mL/min, was associated with only LPV/r use. Not surprisingly, TDF was more likely to be discontinued in patients with an eGFR of 60–70 mL/min. An earlier study by the EuroSIDA cohort (a subset of the D:A:D: cohort) by Mocroft and several of the authors of the current study [2] demonstrated similar results in a smaller population (n=6843). The EuroSIDA study, despite several limitations discussed by the authors, was the first large study to demonstrate high rates of CKD (1.05 cases per 100 person-years), with a strong association between CKD and TDF and, unexpectedly, between CKD and ATV/r. There was also an association of marginal statistical significance between CKD and LPV/r. Of note, this earlier study included patients with abnormal baseline kidney function and defined
Comparative study of the ketogenic activity of certain niacin compounds.

SummaryExcessive amounts of niacinamide, niacin or the alcohol of niacin were given to 21 diabetic rats. The latter two compounds caused a marked increase in the excretion of ketone bodies in 10 of these animals. The 11 remaining rats were fed a diet containing 20 to 30% fat in order to make them mildly ketonuric or bring them to the borderline of ketosis. When excessive amounts of the niacin compounds were then added to the high fat diets, 7 of the rats showed an increase in acetone body excretion, niacin next and niacinamide the least ketogenic
Weaving CS into CS1: a doubly depth-first approach

We describe a new introductory course based on an unusual approach to the development of a breadth-first curriculum. The course focuses on exploring examples that illustrate a broad collection of the facets of computer science, but it draws all of these examples from a single subfield, computer networks. We demonstrate how this approach provides a more coherent educational experience for students while emphasizing the essentials that tie all of the fields of our discipline together.
On the use of backpropagation in associative reinforcement learning

A description is given of several ways that backpropagation can be useful in training networks to perform associative reinforcement learning tasks. One way is to train a second network to model the environmental reinforcement signal and to backpropagate through this network into the first network. This technique has been proposed and explored previously in various forms. Another way is based on the use of the reinforce algorithm and amounts to backpropagating through deterministic parts of the network while performing a correlation-style computation where the behavior is stochastic. A third way, which is an extension of the second, allows backpropagation through the stochastic parts of the network as well. The mathematical validity of this third technique rests on the use of continuous-valued stochastic units. Some implications of this result for using supervised learning to train networks of stochastic units are noted, and it is also observed that such an approach even permits a seamless blend of associative reinforcement learning and supervised learning within the same network. >
An information processing model and approach to the study of motivation

Abstract An information processing model and approach for the study of motivational questions is presented. Essentially, the proposed model utilizes correlational and regression paradigms to provide a within-subjects analysis of motivation. Data from two studies illustrate the procedure, analyses, and potential advantages as a motivational paradigm. The procedure of the information processing model and its implications are compared to those of the expectancy theory procedure.
Does neoadjuvant chemoradiation downstage locally advanced pancreatic cancer

Recent studies suggest that neoadjuvant chemoradiation can downstage locally advanced pancreatic tumors. There is limited evaluable data to support this approach. We review our experience with preoperative chemoradiation for surgically staged, locally advanced pancreatic cancer to determine whether patients are downstaged with multimodal therapy allowing for curative resection. A prospectively collected database from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center was reviewed. Patients admitted between January 1993 and March 1999 with locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma were identified (N = 163). Chemoradiation was administered to 87 (53.3%) of 163, and regimens varied from standard 5-fluorouracil/gemcitabine-based therapies to experimental protocols. Only three patients (3/87; 3.4%) had a sufficient clinical response on restaging to warrant reexploration. Of these, two thirds were unresectable on subsequent laparoscopy because of extensive vascular involvement or metastatic disease. Only one patient underwent a potentially curative resection, with a survival of 18 months despite negative margins and no nodal involvement. The overall median survival for all patients with locally advanced disease treated with chemoradiation was 11 months (6.5 months without multimodal therapy; P = 0.004). Although chemoradiation is associated with improved overall survival in locally advanced disease, it rarely leads to surgical "downstaging" allowing for potentially curative pancreatic resections. Novel multimodality approaches are required.
The Repeal Of The Glass- Steagall Act And The Current Financial Crisis

The Glass-Steagall Act was passed in 1933 in response to the failure of the banks following the Great Depression. One out of every five banks failed in the aftermath of the stock market crash. Legislators and regulators questioned the role the underwriting of securities played in the financial collapse. Many believed these investment banking activities caused a conflict of interest in that banks often suggested that their customers purchase securities the banks had underwritten. They believed that this conflict of interest contributed significantly to the stock market crash and the bank failures. The Glass-Steagall Act forced banks to choose between being a commercial bank or an investment bank, in effect constructing a wall between commercial banking and investing banking activities. The Glass- Steagall Act was the first law signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt upon taking the oath of office. Almost immediately upon enactment, the financial community lobbied to have the Act repealed. Over the years, this persistent lobbying led to a continual reinterpretation and liberalization of the Glass-Steagall Act, until the Act was repealed in 1999. On the dawn of repeal, the late Senator Paul Wellstone made an impassioned plea on the Senate floor. He said the repeal of Glass-Steagall would enable the creation of financial conglomerates which would be too big to fail. Furthermore, he believed that the regulatory structure would not be able to monitor the activities of these financial conglomerates and they would eventually fail due to engaging in excessively risky financial transactions. Ultimately, he said, prophetically, that the taxpayers would be forced to bail out these too-big-to-fail financial institutions. Clearly, Senator Wellstone was in the minority as the legislation repealing the Glass-Steagall Act was passed in both the House and the Senate with large majorities. President Bill Clinton signed the legislation into law in late November, 1999. It has now been over ten years since the repeal of Glass-Steagall and the United States is in the grip of the largest financial crisis since the Great Depression. Legislators and regulators are again questioning the role that the investment banking activities of commercial banks have played in a financial crisis. Some believe the repeal of Glass-Steagall contributed significantly to the current financial crisis. Others believe that if Glass-Steagall had still been in place, the financial crisis would be much worse. This paper examines the role that the repeal of Glass-Steagall played in the current financial crisis.
Roadblocks to responsible innovation: Exploring technology assessment and adoption in U.S. public highway construction ☆

Abstract U.S. public highway construction industry professionals are responsible for assessing and adopting new technology that can improve the cost and quality of roadways. This paper investigates features of the technology assessment and adoption process in the U.S. public highway construction industry that both facilitate and hinder responsible innovation. Often technological innovations are incongruent with current specifications, i.e., regulatory construction standards, whereby specification reform serves as a precursor to implementation. We examine this aspect of technology assessment and adoption through a novel application of Kingdon's theory of policy agenda setting to a highly technical state bureaucratic institution using a case study on Intelligent Compaction. Specification reform relating to Intelligent Compaction is occurring in nearly a quarter of U.S. states. Analysis of interviews with industry professionals revealed that institutional incentives for supporting innovations were not the main drivers for adoption, and there exists a conservative culture that inhibits change. Individuals that go against this grain by championing change do so based on their personal character, ideological affiliations and a perceived sense of social obligation, which coincides with the principles set forth in the responsible research and innovation literature. These individuals, whom we identify as Kingdon's policy entrepreneurs, appear to present themselves in four roles in this industry: explorer, pioneer, gatekeeper, and leader. Our findings indicate that alignment of these roles creates an environment conducive to responsible technology assessment and adoption, and therefore greater societal benefit. Ultimately, we hope this study will benefit U.S. Highway Construction Industry regulatory environments by enhancing identification of specification processes, key roles, and personal/ethical ideologies that may be conducive to fostering a culture of responsible innovation.
A thin and flexible ultra wideband antenna for wireless body area networks with reduced ground plane effect

In this paper, the design, simulation and optimization study of a rectangular microstrip patch antenna (MPA) for ultra wideband (UWB) wireless body area network is presented. The UWB technology provides wideband wireless communication using very narrow pulses and at very low spectral densities. The Federal Commission of Communication allocates the bandwidth of ultra wideband from 3.1GHz to 10.6GHz for the unlicensed radio applications. The proposed antenna is designed and simulated in Agilent advance design system - momentum, an electromagnetic simulator that works on method of moment technique. The antenna is designed using RT/duroid 5880 (er = 2.2 and h = 0.381mm), a thin and flexible substrate suitable for wearable antennas in body area networks and FR4 substrate (er = 4.6 and h = 1.6mm). The dimensions of the proposed design for both the substrates is calculated using the well known transmission-line model. An offset feeding technique is used to feed the antenna. The maximum achieved antenna gain and bandwidth using RT/duroid 5880 substrate is 2.96dBi and 8.3GHz, whereas using FR4 substrate is 2.52dBi and 7.7GHz, respectively. The proposed design uses a reduced ground plane technique to achieve the wide bandwidth characteristic.
Diagnosing the completion of a sound change: Phonetic and phonological evidence for /ʃ/ in Buenos Aires Spanish

This paper presents a sociolinguistic analysis of the variable devoicing of /ʒ/ in Buenos Aires Spanish, a phenomenon previously characterized as a change in progress. A novel method is implemented to determine the completion of the devoicing change by comparing the voicing levels of /ʒ/ to the inherent voicing variability of /s/, as well as by comparing the allophonic patterns of /ʒ/ to those of /s/. If the voicing levels of /ʒ/ are not significantly different from those of /s/ and the /ʒ/ no longer exhibits positional affrication, then the speaker's underlying postalveolar fricative is /ʃ/: they are a “devoicer.” The results suggest that, although older speakers, of both middle and upper classes, exhibit variation in the distribution of “voicers,” most younger speakers are devoicers, indicating that the /ʒ/ devoicing change is nearing conclusion. As a result, the underlying fricative for the majority of Buenos Aires Spanish speakers may very well be /ʃ/.
An implantable strain measurement system designed to detect spine fusion: preliminary results from a biomechanical in vivo study.

Study Design. The strain distribution on the thoracic vertebrae during anteroposterior bending and torsion was examined for use with an implantable strain gauge system and miniature radio transmitter, which also were evaluated. Objectives. To identify strain gauge placement sites by testing cadaver spines in vivo, and to evaluate an implantable gauge bonding technique and subminiature radio transmitter for accurate strain monitoring. Summary of Background Data. Fusion is determined currently through the use of radiographic techniques. Discrepancies exist between radiographic evidence and more direct measurements of fusion such as operative exploration 4,5,12 and biomechanical or histologic measurements. 12,15 To facilitate the return of patients to full unrestricted activity, it would be useful to develop a technique for accurate in vivo determination of fusion. Methods. Three cadaver spines were tested during anteroposterior bending and torsional loading in the control, instrumented, and instrumented plus polymethylmethacrylate states. The spines were instrumented with an ISOLA® (Acromed Corporation, Cleveland, Ohio) construct, and a simulated fusion was achieved through the application of polymethylmethacrylate. Strain gauges were attached in uniaxial, biaxial, and rosette configurations. The principal strains were calculated. Calcium phosphate ceramic-coated gauges were implanted in patients and recovered after up to 15 months in vivo. A radio transmitter was developed and tested for use in patients. Results. The largest and most consistent strain changes after simulated fusion were recorded during torsional loading on the laminae of a vertebra directly underneath a hook. Calcium phosphate ceramic-coated strain gauges showed excellent bone bonding to the lamina when fusion occurred. Radio telemetry accurately tracked strain magnitudes and strain rates expected in patients. Conclusions. The consistency obtained in torsional loading indicates that this type of loading will provide the most useful data from patients in vivo. Excellent bonebonding and accurate strain transmission using a long-term strain measurement system and miniature radio transmitter indicate that strains collected from patients with this system will be accurate.
Blood pressure in atherosclerosis-susceptible and -resistant pigeons.

SummaryStudies were designed to determine the influence of season, age, sex, and atherosclerosis on blood pressure in the White Carneau (WC) pigeon, a breed that develops naturally occurring atherosclerosis. Comparisons were made with the Show Racer (SR) pigeon, a breed that is resistant to aortic atherosclerosis. In WC pigeons of 3-5 months, 1, 3, 4, 5, or 8 years of age, no influence of age or sex of the pigeon on blood pressure was measured. At no age did we see significantly higher blood pressure levels in WC compared with SR pigeons. WC pigeons, of an age prior to the development of naturally occurring atherosclerosis, were fed an atherogenic diet for 6 months. Only pigeons with extensive atherosclerosis had significantly greater systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressures. The study provides evidence that blood pressure increases do not account for the atherosclerosis susceptibility of WC pigeons and that extensive and severe atherosclerosis result in elevated blood pressure levels in WC pigeons.T...
Body composition analysis of pigs by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.

We evaluated the use of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for measuring the gross body composition of small subjects in 97 pigs that ranged from 5 to 27 kg live body weight. Scans were performed using a Lunar DPXL densitometer in the pediatric mode (Version 3.8e). The DXA scans of the live pigs provided measurements of total fat, lean, and bone mineral content. After scanning, the pigs were killed, the entire body was ground, and samples were analyzed chemically (CHEM) for fat, protein, ash, and water content. We found that DXA significantly underestimated the percentage of fat in the body (DXA, 6.9+/-.33% vs CHEM, 10.9+/-.31%, P < .001). The correlation (r) between DXA and chemical measures of percentage fat was .86 and for grams of fat it was .96. Lean tissue mass measured by DXA was highly correlated with CHEM measurements of total grams of body water (r = .99), total grams of body protein (r = .94), and lean body mass (r = .99). The average DXA bone mineral content was within 2% of the amount estimated from total body ash and the correlation between the two values was .94. The relationships between DXA and CHEM measurements for percentages of body composition of pigs that weighed between 5 and 27 kg are described by the following regression equations: %fatCHEM = 5.22 + [.817.fatDXA], (r = .86, standard error of the estimate, SEE = 1.56); %proteinCHEM = -7.8 + [.256%leanDXA], (r = .35, SEE = 2.3); %waterCHEM = -5.2 + [.808-%leanDXA], (r = .59, SEE = 3.67). These results are consistent with previously reported results and suggest that even though direct use of DXA readings may not be sufficiently accurate, the high degree of correlation indicates that with proper calibration the DXA values can be used to predict body composition.
The Short Form Vaping Consequences Questionnaire: Psychometric Properties of a Measure of Vaping Expectancies for Use With Adult E-cigarette Users.

Introduction E-cigarettes are popular in the United States, but psychometrically sound measures of vaping beliefs and behaviors are lacking. Methods We evaluated the psychometrics of the Short Form Vaping Consequences Questionnaire (S-VCQ), a modified version of the Short Form Smoking Consequences Questionnaire that assesses expectancies for negative consequences, positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, and appetite/weight control associated with vaping. Adult, past-month e-cigarette users completed an anonymous survey in Fall 2015 (N = 522, 50.4% female; 71.5% white; 34.10 [SD = 9.66] years). Psychometric analyses included confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency, measurement invariance, t tests, correlations, and test-criterion relationships with vaping outcomes. Results The S-VCQ evidenced a four-factor latent structure (Bentler's Comparative Fit Index = .95, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = .05, Standardized Root Mean Square Residual = .06), and subscales evidenced internal consistency (mean α = 0.89). S-VCQ scores were scalar invariant for sex and smoking status; women reported stronger appetite/weight control than men and dual cigarette/e-cigarette users (n = 309) reported stronger negative vaping consequences and negative reinforcement than nonsmokers. Among dual users, vaping and smoking expectancies also were scalar invariant; dual users reported stronger positive reinforcement associated with vaping than smoking but stronger negative consequences, negative reinforcement, and appetite/weight control associated with smoking than vaping. Correlations indicated that vaping and smoking expectancies were related, yet distinct constructs. Univariate general linear models indicated that vaping frequency and dependence were associated with positive reinforcement (ηp2 = .02/.02), negative reinforcement (ηp2 = .02/.08), and appetite/weight control (ηp2 = .02/.02) from vaping. Conclusions The S-VCQ evidences solid psychometrics as a measure of adult e-cigarette users' vaping expectancies. Implications The current study provides evidence for the reliability and validity of the S-VCQ, the first measure of vaping expectancies that has been validated for use with adult e-cigarette users. Results indicated that the S-VCQ comprises four subscales that evidence internal consistency, scalar measurement invariance for important groups of interest, and test-criterion relationships with vaping outcomes. Researchers are encouraged to consider using this measure for assessing vaping expectancies in adult e-cigarette users.
Frida Kahlo: Portrait of chronic pain

The Mexican artist Frida Kahlo (1907-1954) is one of the most celebrated artists of the 20th century. Although famous for her colorful self-portraits and associations with celebrities Diego Rivera and Leon Trotsky, less known is the fact that she had lifelong chronic pain. Frida Kahlo developed poliomyelitis at age 6 years, was in a horrific trolley car accident in her teens, and would eventually endure numerous failed spinal surgeries and, ultimately, limb amputation. She endured several physical, emotional, and psychological traumas in her lifetime, yet through her art, she was able to transcend a life of pain and disability. Of her work, her self-portraits are conspicuous in their capacity to convey her life experience, much of which was imbued with chronic pain. Signs and symptoms of chronic neuropathic pain and central sensitization of nociceptive pathways are evident when analyzing her paintings and medical history. This article uses a narrative approach to describe how events in the life of this artist contributed to her chronic pain. The purpose of this article is to discuss Frida Kahlo's medical history and her art from a modern pain sciences perspective, and perhaps to increase our understanding of the pain experience from the patient's perspective.