cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PHONETICS OF THE MICRONESIAN LANGUAGE OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS

A PHONETIC survey of a number of American Indian languages recently carried on at the University of California revealed certain features common to a number of these tongues that in other respects are distinct. Particularly the stopped consonants are in many cases characterized by being organically only one at each point of articulation, and differentiated according to position in the word. Those that precede vowels are in many languages neither wholly surd nor wholly sonant but "intermediate." The author's record some years ago of a number of words from the dialects of Mortlock and Ponape in the Caroline Islands showed so great an inconsistency in the writing of surd and sonant stops as to force the suspicion that an analogous situation existed in these languages, in that there might be only one series of intermediate stops. The Polynesian languages possess only one class of stops, indicating the possibility of a further case of the occurrence of intermediates; and this is rendered more probable on account of the occasional employment of sonant stops in the early writing of these tongues, whereas the modern standardized orthography recognizes only surds. Compare taboo and tapu. The arrival at San Francisco in April 1911 of the German trading schooner Triton, with a crew of Marshall Islanders, furnished an opportunity to ascertain whether this phenomenon of intermediates, or any others of a similar nature, extended to other regions than the western part of North America. Through the courtesy of Captain Othmer, the desired work was made possible. The Triton remained in the harbor only a short time, and the crew was generally needed for work about the vessel. The opportunities for study were therefore limited; but the willingness of several of the natives, especially of Hans Taramij, made it possible to obtain information as to some of the principal phonetic features of the language.'
An improved multi-component sex attractant for trapping male western yellowstriped armyworm, Spodoptera praefica (Grote) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

1 Chemical analyses of solvent extracts of pheromone glands of female western yellowstriped armyworm moths Spodoptera praefica (Grote) indicated the presence of (Z)-7-dodecenol (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate (Z)-9-dodecenyl acetate (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate and (Z)-11-hexadecenyl acetate. 2 In field tests of combinations of these chemicals, small numbers of male S. praefica were captured in traps baited with (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate. Numbers of males captured in traps were greatly increased in response to blends that included both (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate with either (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate (Z)-9-dodecenyl acetate. The combination of (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate and (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate provided the strongest sex attractant for use in trapping male S. praefica. 3 Males of the cabbage looper Trichoplusia ni (Hubner) were captured in traps baited with blends possessing (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate, and were greatly reduced in traps baited with blends that included (Z)-7-dodecenol. 4 Multi-component blends that included (Z)-7-dodecenol attracted males of the alfalfa looper Autographa californica (Speyer). 5 Males of Peridroma saucia (Hubner) and Mamestra configurata Walker were captured in traps that included (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate with (Z)-11-hexadecenyl acetate. 6 These responses by other species of moths to S. praefica pheromone components and blends may still complicate the use of any lure for S. praefica.
Relation between brain architecture and mathematical ability in children: A DBM study

Population-based studies indicate that between 5 and 9 percent of US children exhibit significant deficits in mathematical reasoning, yet little is understood about the brain morphological features related to mathematical performances. In this work, deformation-based morphometry (DBM) analyses have been performed on magnetic resonance images of the brains of 79 third graders to investigate whether there is a correlation between brain morphological features and mathematical proficiency. Group comparison was also performed between Math Difficulties (MD-worst math performers) and Normal Controls (NC), where each subgroup consists of 20 age and gender matched subjects. DBM analysis is based on the analysis of the deformation fields generated by non-rigid registration algorithms, which warp the individual volumes to a common space. To evaluate the effect of registration algorithms on DBM results, five nonrigid registration algorithms have been used: (1) the Adaptive Bases Algorithm (ABA); (2) the Image Registration Toolkit (IRTK); (3) the FSL Nonlinear Image Registration Tool; (4) the Automatic Registration Tool (ART); and (5) the normalization algorithm available in SPM8. The deformation field magnitude (DFM) was used to measure the displacement at each voxel, and the Jacobian determinant (JAC) was used to quantify local volumetric changes. Results show there are no statistically significant volumetric differences between the NC and the MD groups using JAC. However, DBM analysis using DFM found statistically significant anatomical variations between the two groups around the left occipital-temporal cortex, left orbital-frontal cortex, and right insular cortex. Regions of agreement between at least two algorithms based on voxel-wise analysis were used to define Regions of Interest (ROIs) to perform an ROI-based correlation analysis on all 79 volumes. Correlations between average DFM values and standard mathematical scores over these regions were found to be significant. We also found that the choice of registration algorithm has an impact on DBM-based results, so we recommend using more than one algorithm when conducting DBM studies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that uses DBM to investigate brain anatomical features related to mathematical performance in a relatively large population of children.
Histogenesis of sensory epithelium in reaggregates of dissociated embryonic chick otocysts.

Abstract Embryonic chick otocysts with the associated mesenchyme and acoustic ganglion, cultivated in organ culture, developed completely differentiated sensory epithelial membranes of the inner ear such as the organ of Corti and cristae. Otocysts with the associated mesenchyme and acoustic ganglion (and occasionally brain wall), enzymatically dissociated into cellular suspensions, reaggregated into clumps of cells that developed into a histological product of epithelium-lined structures, cartilage, connective tissue, differentiated ganglion cells and central nerve tissue. Areas of reconstituted epithelium, supported by mesenchyme, differentiated into sensory epithelial membranes composed of hair cells and supporting cells. Morphologically these membranes could not be classified as membranes of the organ of Corti and cristae. Certain observations described in this paper indicated that proximity of mesenchymal and epithelial tissue were essential for the histo-differentiation of the epithelium of the otocyst into sensory areas; however, complete cytodifferentiation of hair cells was indicated as being dependent on innervation. These factors are discussed.
l-Glutamine ameliorates acetaldehyde-induced increase in paracellular permeability in Caco-2 cell monolayer

Role of l-glutamine in the protection of intestinal epithelium from acetaldehyde-induced disruption of barrier function was evaluated in Caco-2 cell monolayer. l-Glutamine reduced the acetaldehyde-...
Summation Theory and the Predictive Power of Subjects' Own Salient Beliefs

Summary It is argued that the low correlations of summation predictions with semantic differential attitude scores have been due to two problems: (a) the cueing effects of the semantic differential scales themselves; and (b) the elicitation of nonsalient, as well as salient, subject beliefs. An experiment was conducted that eliminated these limiting methodological characteristics. Summation theory predictions were found to correlate with attitude .77 (p < .001), a significantly higher correlation than those usually obtained. In addition, a formula for the proportion of positive to negative salient beliefs was presented and was found to correlate with attitude .60 (p < .01). Implications for attitude measuurement are discussed.
Molecular diagnostic techniques for use in response to bioterrorism

The use of micro-organisms as agents of biological warfare is considered inevitable for several reasons, including ease of production and dispersion, delayed onset of symptoms, ability to cause high rates of morbidity and mortality and difficulty in diagnosis. Therefore, the clinical presentation and pathogenesis of the organisms posing the highest threat (variola major, Bacillus anthracis, Yersinia pestis, Clostridium botulinum toxin, Francisella tularensis, filoviruses, arenaviruses and Brucella species), as well as the available diagnostic techniques and treatments for such infections, will be reviewed in this article. Due to the necessity of rapid identification and diagnosis, molecular techniques have been the ongoing focus of current research. Consequently, the molecular diagnostic techniques that have recently been developed for the diseases associated with these agents will be emphasized.
The Social Outcomes of Education and Feedbacks on Growth in Africa

This paper estimates the net education effects on economic growth as well as non-market delayed effects on health, poverty, political stability, and other key measures of economic development in Africa. It seeks to do this more comprehensively than this has been done before, as well as to estimate the delayed feedback effects from the non-market outcomes on economic growth and the externalities. It does this by means of a simulation model based on panel and cross country data. However, the effects of education considered here are shown to be consistent with those found in the mainstream of the research on each outcome based on microeconomic data. After developing the micro analytic conceptual framework, the regression estimates are presented in full together with a discussion of the net direct and indirect effects of education on each outcome. These are shown on average to improve nationwide infant mortality, increase longevity, strengthen civic institutions and democratization, increase political stability, and increase investment in physical capital. The later have positive delayed feedback effects on the economic growth process. The effects also lower fertility rates and population growth rates but the latter occurs only after long delays because of the short term positive effects of education on health. There are significant net education effects (after controlling for other things) that reduce poverty, inequality, and crime, the latter after netting out negative externalities from growth and white collar crime. Net education effects reducing poverty and substituting skills for extractive exports also contribute to environmental sustainability. Simulations solve the complete model endogenously and iteratively over time for all of the direct and indirect (largely externality) effects in a process referred to here as endogenous development. They reveal that indirect feedback effects on growth and also on non-market outcomes are larger than the direct effects! Some effects are immediate, but many of the lags are 25 years +. So policy options for a continent in crisis that consider these long lags are considered. A full explanation of the basis for the estimates and of the undirect effects and feedbacks is available in W. McMahon, Education and Development: Measuring the Social Benefits, Oxford University Press, paperback out in Jan. 2002.
Maximizing the Usable Bandwidth of MTI Signal Processors

A technique is presented for maximizing the percentage of usable Doppler bandwidth throughout which a radar return can be detected while maintaining an acceptable clutter suppression. The technique employs the weighted Chebyshev approximation to the design of a transversal high-pass digital filter which has an optimal passband ripple for a given number of filter weights and associated integration gain consistent with the required increase in signal-to-noise ratio needed for acceptable probabilities of detection and false alarm. Conventional approaches to the design of a movingtarget arget indictor (MTI) filter which maximizes the improvement factor by clutter suppression typically improve the signal-to-background noise ratio over less than 50 percent of the range between dc and the pulse-repetition frequency fT. This technique can increase the usable bandwidth to 80 percent or more of fT. Two examples are included which utilize parameter values from the Army Missile Command's experimental radar and demonstrate the interactive influence of such filter parameters as the number of weights, passband ripple and bandedge, and stopband attenuation and cutoff.
Eliminating Gibb's Effect from Separation of Variables Solutions

To solve the Laplace equation on a rectangular domain with given nonhomogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions, separation of variables is frequently used. However the convergence of the resulting series solution will often be slow, due to the presence of Gibb's effects. A simple trick can avoid this and greatly increase the speed of convergence. This can illustrate to students how use of mathematical insight can give a practical benefit.
Determinants of GH-releasing hormone and GH-releasing peptide synergy in men.

Age, sex steroids, and abdominal-visceral fat (AVF) jointly affect pulsatile growth hormone (GH) secretion. Pulsatile GH secretion in turn is controlled by GH-releasing hormone (GHRH), GH-releasing...
Growth of Se Nanoparticles on Kinetin Assemblies and their Biocompatibility Studies

In this work we examined the growth and self-assembly of kinetin nano and microstructures under varying conditions followed by the utilization of the formed structures as templates for the growth of selenium nanoparticles. It was found that the self-assembly of kinetin nanostructures is pH and concentration dependant. The optimal pH for self-assembly was found to be between pH 5–7. The self-assembly of the nanostructures was aided by aromatic π–π stacking, solvophobic interactions, as well as hydrogen bonding interactions. The sizes of the nanostructures ranged from 200 nm–500 nm in diameter, which grew into microstructures over a longer period of time. The assemblies were then used as templates for the growth of selenium nanoparticles. The formation of the nanoconjugates was confirmed by spectroscopic and electron microscopic analysis. The utility of the nanoconjugates as anti-oxidants was examined by conducting the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH·) assay, where in selenium nanoparticles bound kineti...
Transaction costs and international portfolio diversification

Abstract This paper employs an intertemporal portfolio-choice model that incorporates proportional transaction costs to examine two features of portfolio allocation: the domestic bias of equity holdings and the relationship between domestic and international turnover rates. The model implies that the rate of portfolio diversification decreases as the magnitude of the transaction costs increases. As costs increase, active portfolio reallocation decreases and is replaced by passive portfolio reallocation, which is costless and is accomplished through the realization of capital gains. The international turnover rate is greater than the domestic turnover rate because the average holdings of the international asset are small, not because the volume of trading is large.
THE MAGNIFICATION FACTOR IN SPINNING DROP INTERFACIAL TENSIOMETRY

The accuracy with which the interfacial tension between two immiscible fluid phases can be determined by the spinning drop method is limited by the accuracy with which the spinning drop diameter can be found. Thus, it is important to know the factor by which the cylindrical sample tube and its content magnifies the on-axis drop or bubble. Here, we analyze the image formation and magnification factor of the spinning drop by a non-paraxial ray tracing method of geometric optics. Our analysis shows that when the drop and the walls of the lube are concentric, the magnification factor is exactly the refractive index of the denser fluid surrounding the drop and is independent of the refractive index and wall thickness of the sample tube. Our analysis also reveals that the image, a virtual one, is formed concentric with the drop.
Radiofrequency ablation versus surgical resection for single nodule hepatocellular carcinoma: Long‐term outcomes

Background. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been increasingly utilized for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Long-term results of RFA, especially in comparison to surgical resection, have not been well described. Methods. Eighty-seven patients with single nodule HCC underwent surgical resection (N=47) or RFA (N=40) during a 9-year period. RFA was performed for 36 unresectable disease and 4 surgical refusals. Each group was further divided based on tumor size for analysis; Group 1: resection, ≤5 cm (N=18), Group 2: RFA, ≤5 cm (N=26), Group 3: resection, >5 cm (N=29) and Group 4: RFA, >5 cm (N=14). Follow-up ranged from 2 to 72 months (median 16 months). Patients' characteristics, local recurrences and overall and disease-free survivals were compared. Results. Patients who underwent RFA were older (69 versus 60, p=0.0006), had more advanced Child-Pugh class and TNM stage (p=0.0002 and p=0.016, respectively), and had smaller tumors (4.6 versus 7.4 cm, p=0.0032). Local recurrence rates were 2% for resection and 10% for RFA (p=0.12). These local and other recurrences were subsequently treated with multimodal therapies as indicated. The median overall and disease-free survivals were equivalent both between Groups 1 and 2 (49 versus 51 months, p=0.44, 36 versus 22 months, p=0.84), and Groups 3 and 4 (47 versus 463 months, p=0.94, 28 versus 20 months, p=0.67). Discussion. Although the groups were not truly comparable, this retrospective study suggests that RFA may offer similar long-term results to surgical resection for single nodule HCC when combined with multimodal treatments.
Orientation, conditioning, and learning.

Difficulties arising from failure to separate the concepts of orienting behavior, conditioning, and learning are discussed. The major reasons for ambiguity are lack of explicit definitions of terms and a tendency to overgeneralize from limited empirical demonstrations. Criteria are needed for differentiating learning, viewed generically, from conditioning, where learning is inferred from a specific stimulational arrangement. Because unlearned orienting behavior due to stimulus chaise may contribute to responses also involving learned behavior, the contribution of each needs to be assessed. At the same time, orienting behavior, as a class of behavior related to attention, may have learned as well as unlearned components. Confusion results from failure to specify assumed connotations in specific situations, as well as the experimental presuppositions involved in empirical definitions. The two basic experimental paradigms for defining learning are discussed, the control groups arrangement and the control stimuli arrangement. Data are presented to reemphasize that different paradigms may lead to quite different laws. The research task is seen as the careful utilization of variations on the paradigms with special extensions and control considerations for increasing the explanatory power of tests of learning and orientation.
Harmony: Integrated Resource and Reputation Management for Large-Scale Distributed Systems

Advancements in technology over the past decade are leading to a promising future for large-scale distributed systems, where globally-scattered distributed resources are collectively pooled and used in a cooperative manner to achieve unprecedented petascale supercomputing capabilities. The issues of resource management (resMgt) and reputation management (repMgt) need to be addressed in order to ensure the successful deployment of large-scale distributed systems. However, these two issues have typically been addressed separately, despite the significant interdependencies between them: resMgt needs repMgt to provide a cooperative environment for resource sharing, and in turn facilitates repMgt to evaluate multi-faceted node reputations for providing different resources. Current repMgt methods provide a single reputation value for each node in providing all types of resources. However, a node willing to provide one resource may not be willing to provide another resource. In addition, current repMgt methods often guide node selection policy to select the highest-reputed nodes, which may overload these nodes. Also, few works exploited node reputation in resource selection in order to fully and fairly utilize resources in the system and to meet users' diverse QoS demands. We propose a system called Harmony that integrates resMgt and repMgt in a harmonious manner. Harmony incorporates two key innovations: integrated multi-faceted resource/reputation management and multi-QoS-oriented resource selection. The trace data we collected from an online trading platform confirms the importance of multi-faceted reputation and potential problems with highest-reputed node selection. Trace-driven experiments performed on PlanetLab show that Harmony outperforms existing resMgt and repMgt in terms of the success rate, service delay, and efficiency.
Experiences of stigma in older adults living with HIV/AIDS: a mixed-methods analysis.

Older adults are increasingly becoming impacted by HIV disease, both as newly infected individuals and as long-term survivors of HIV/AIDS living into older age. HIV-related stigma impacts the quality of life of all persons with HIV/AIDS. However, little is know about HIV-related stigma in older adults because many studies do not include older subjects or ignore age as a variable. This mixed methods study examined the experiences of HIV-related stigma in a sample of 25 older adults with HIV/AIDS from the Pacific Northwest. Quantitative methods measured HIV-stigma and depression, while in-depth qualitative interviews captured the lived experiences of these individuals. Stigma was positively and significantly correlated with depression (r = 0.627, p = 0.001) and stigma was found to be significantly higher in African American, as compared to white informants (χ 2 = 4.16, p = 0.041). Qualitative interviews yielded 11 themes that correspond to the four categories constructed in the stigma instrument. Rejection,...
Long-term estrogen plus progestin increased venous thromboembolism and biliary tract surgery in postmenopausal women.

Source Citation Hulley S, Furberg C, Barrett-Connor E, et al., for the HERS Research Group. Noncardiovascular disease outcomes during 6.8 years of hormone therapy: Heart and Estrogen/progestin Repl...
Solubility of Phenanthrene in Binary Mixtures of C1-C4 Alcohols + 2-Propanol and Ethanol + Methanol at 298.2 K

Article discussing the solubility of phenanthrene in binary mixtures of C1 - C4 alcohols + 2-propanol and ethanol + methanol at 298.2 K.
Besieged: School Boards and the Future of Education Politics

Besieged: School Boards and the Future of Education Politics. Edited by William G. Howell. Washington, DC: Brookings Institution Press, 2005. 356p. $19.77. In college and university towns across the United States, academics are regular fixtures on local public school boards. In search of a way to meet our civic duty, we seem to be drawn naturally to school boards more than other local public institutions. This is a guess, of course, and it is one of the few things one cannot find data on in this collection of essays on the work that has been done by and to school boards in the last decade. If the intuition that academics tend to romanticize local school boards is only half right, these rigorous, fine-grained essays on one area of education politics will intrigue more than just political scientists.
Utilization of Vehicle Dynamic Simulations as Predictors of Highway Safety

Safety is a crucial consideration in the design of roadways, yet formal tools to study roadway safety prior to construction are often quite limited. As a possible new tool, this work investigates the iterative use of vehicle dynamic simulations to study vehicle-roadway interaction in order to optimize highway design for safety. Following a discussion of the history and accuracy of vehicle dynamic simulations, a methodology of roadway geometry analysis is presented. This methodology is demonstrated by an example scenario studying the safety of a depressed median of a rural highway when there is an in-median incursion. The vehicle type, vehicle speed, vehicle trajectory, and the driver’s corrective maneuvers are all varied in a simulation-based analysis to evaluate their respective effects on vehicle behavior including vehicle orientation, trajectory, and instabilities.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Conditional Poisson Distributions

Compared to the known univariate distributions for continuous data, there are relatively few available for discrete data. In this article, we derive a collection of 16 flexible discrete distributions by means of conditional Poisson processes. The calculations involve the use of several special functions and their properties.
The Devil’s in the Details: Evaluating the One Person, One Vote Principle in American Politics

Ever since the Supreme Court instituted the one person, one vote principle in congressional election s based on its decision in Wesberry v. Sanders (1964), intrastate deviations from equal district populations have become smaller and smaller after each decennial reapportionment. Relying on equal total population as the standard to meet the Court’s principle, though, has raised some constitutional and practical questions stemming from, most basically, not every person has the right to vote. Specifically, there is considerable deviation between the current redistricting practices and a literal interpretation of this constitutional principle. This study systematically analyzes the differences between districts’ total populations and their voting age populations (VAPs). Further, we consider how congressional reapportionments since 1972 would change if, instead of states’ total populations, the standard for reapportioning seats were based on the VAP or the voting eligible population (VEP). Overall, the results indicate that the debate surrounding the appropriate apportionment and redistricting standard is not jus t normative, it also has notable practical consequences.
Lack of Huntingtin-Associated Protein-1 Causes Neuronal Death Resembling Hypothalamic Degeneration in Huntington's Disease

Huntington's disease (HD) is caused by a polyglutamine expansion in the disease protein huntingtin. The polyglutamine expansion causes huntingtin to interact abnormally with a number of proteins. However, it is unclear whether, and how, huntingtin-associated proteins are involved in the neurodegeneration in HD. Here, we show that huntingtin-associated protein-1 (HAP1), which is involved in intracellular trafficking of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), is highly expressed in the hypothalamus. Mice lacking HAP1 die after birth because of depressed feeding activity. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated biotinylated UTP nick end labeling staining and electron microscopic examination revealed the degeneration in hypothalamic regions that control feeding behavior. Hypothalamic degeneration was also observed in HD transgenic mice that have a significant loss of body weight. Inhibition of HAP1 expression decreases EGFR signaling and cell viability, whereas overexpression of HAP1 enhances this signaling activity and inhibits mutant huntingtin-mediated cytotoxicity. These results suggest that the effect of mutant huntingtin on HAP1 and EGFR signaling may contribute to the hypothalamic neurodegeneration and loss of body weight in HD.
A Model for Quadratic Outliers in Linear Regression

Abstract A model to describe a linear regression where outliers follow a quadratic regression is introduced and the asymptotic and small sample properties of the maximum likelihood estimators studied. The investigation demonstrates that parameter estimation in models which describe outlier patterns can provide a useful analytic procedure.
Effects of school choice on the margin: The cream is already skimmed

Abstract Critics of school choice argue that cream-skimming will worsen outcomes for those left behind in public schools. Since “high ability” families may have already sorted themselves out of the schools in question, this paper will examine whether existing within-school heterogeneity leaves any scope for cream-skimming to operate. It asks, “given the current level of within-school heterogeneity, how strong would peer effects have to be to significantly worsen outcomes for those left behind?” In order for cream-skimming to lower math test scores by one half-year's progress, the peer effect would have to be as strong as increasing class sizes by 8–20 students, or cutting per-student funding by $400–2000. These results indicate that current levels of within-school heterogeneity are so low that peer effects would have to be unrealistically strong to give cream-skimming any bite.
New algorithms from reconstruction of a 3-D depth map from one or more images

Algorithms are developed to recover the depth and orientation maps of a surface from its image intensities. They combine the advantages of stereo vision and shape-from-shading (SFS) methods. These algorithms generate dense surface depth and orientation maps accurately and unambiguously. Previous SFS algorithms can not be directly extended to combine stereo images because the recovery of surface depth and that of orientation are separated in these formulations. A novel SFS algorithm is proposed to couple the generation of the depth and orientation maps. The formulation also ensures that the reconstructed surface depth and its orientation are consistent. The SFS algorithm for a single image is next extended to utilize stereo images. The correspondence over stereo images is established simultaneously with the generation of surface depth and orientation. An alternative approach is also suggested from combining stereo and SFS techniques. The use of embedding techniques to combine sparse depth measurements is discussed. >
Utilizing knowledge from prior plans in the evaluation of quality assurance

Increased interest regarding sensitivity of pre-treatment intensity modulated radiotherapy and volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy (VMAT) quality assurance (QA) to delivery errors has led to the development of dose-volume histogram (DVH) based analysis. This paradigm shift necessitates a change in the acceptance criteria and action tolerance for QA. Here we present a knowledge based technique to objectively quantify degradations in DVH for prostate radiotherapy. Using machine learning, organ-at-risk (OAR) DVHs from a population of 198 prior patients' plans were adapted to a test patient's anatomy to establish patient-specific DVH ranges. This technique was applied to single arc prostate VMAT plans to evaluate various simulated delivery errors: systematic single leaf offsets, systematic leaf bank offsets, random normally distributed leaf fluctuations, systematic lag in gantry angle of the mutli-leaf collimators (MLCs), fluctuations in dose rate, and delivery of each VMAT arc with a constant rather than variable dose rate.Quantitative Analyses of Normal Tissue Effects in the Clinic suggests V75Gy dose limits of 15% for the rectum and 25% for the bladder, however the knowledge based constraints were more stringent: 8.48 ± 2.65% for the rectum and 4.90 ± 1.98% for the bladder. 19 ± 10 mm single leaf and 1.9 ± 0.7 mm single bank offsets resulted in rectum DVHs worse than 97.7% (2σ) of clinically accepted plans. PTV degradations fell outside of the acceptable range for 0.6 ± 0.3 mm leaf offsets, 0.11 ± 0.06 mm bank offsets, 0.6 ± 1.3 mm of random noise, and 1.0 ± 0.7° of gantry-MLC lag.Utilizing a training set comprised of prior treatment plans, machine learning is used to predict a range of achievable DVHs for the test patient's anatomy. Consequently, degradations leading to statistical outliers may be identified. A knowledge based QA evaluation enables customized QA criteria per treatment site, institution and/or physician and can often be more sensitive to errors than criteria based on organ complication rates.
Lower body function as a predictor of mortality over 13 years of follow up: Findings from Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiological Study of the Elderly

Aim The objective of this research was to investigate the effect of lower body function on mortality over 13 years of follow-up study. Methods Data from the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiological Study of the Elderly were used, and the Cox proportional hazard model of mortality on age sex, education, body mass index, Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, Mini-Mental State Examination, any activities of daily living, walk score and short physical performance battery was applied. Results Results showed lower body function to be a strong predictor of mortality over 13 years, as indicated by walk and short physical performance battery scores, as well as any activities of daily living, depression and cognitive function. Furthermore, overweight or obese participants tended to live significantly longer over the long term. Conclusions Lower body function significantly impacts mortality at 2, 7 and 13 years of follow-up study, but this association decreases in magnitude over time. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; ●●: ●●–●●.
The EXPERF Scale: A Cross-National Generalized Export Performance Measure

A large number of studies have attempted to identify factors that are correlated with exporting success. However, much controversy exists about the key determinants of export performance and their ...
Bioassays of a Beta-exotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis Against Geocoris punctipes (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae)

Response of fourth-instar Geocoris punctipes (Say) was related to concentrations of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner beta-exotoxin applied topically, but beta-exotoxin was not toxic to adults. The LC50, for the nymphs was 0.250 μg per insect. Adults and nymphs treated by tarsal contact lived as long as untreated controls, indicating no tactile toxicity. Feeding on Heliothis zea (Boddie) larvae intoxicated with beta-exotoxin caused 0, 20, 30, and 50% mortality to G. punctipes nymphs exposed to treatments for 0, 24, 48 h, and continuously, respectively. Mean longevity of adults exposed as nymphs to the four prey treatments was (x ± SE) 26.2 ± 0.6, 13.0 ± 3.6, 8.6 ± 1.0, and 4.1 ± 1.1 days, respectively. Adult mean longevity decreased exponentially with increase in exposure time and was significantly reduced in all treatments.
Studies in Tropical Ascomycetes—VI. Phyllachora Simabae Cedronis

(1929). Studies in Tropical Ascomycetes—VI. Phyllachora Simabae Cedronis. Mycologia: Vol. 21, No. 4, pp. 178-179.
General Requirements of a Hybrid-Modeling Framework for Cyber Security

Understanding human dynamics of cyber security is a critical step for enhancing situation awareness of analysts. To this end, in this paper we focus on the requirements for building a comprehensive model of cyber analyst's decision making processes: we embrace an approach that leverages on cognitive aspects and knowledge representation to define the core elements of such model. In particular, we make the case for investigating the interplay between ontological underpinnings of cyber security and cognitive mechanisms of decision making in cyber operations. We claim that, by integrating ontologies and cognitive architectures in a hybrid-modeling framework, it's possible to rigorously characterize and simulate the core structures that govern the decisions of defenders and attackers and mediate interactions among them in the cyberspace.
Cross-Cultural Issues for Foreign Students

Foreign students studying in the United States, who now number 330,000, confront several critical issues and a host of specific problems. The differences in food, dress, interaction patterns and language may contribute to an attack of culture shock soon after arrival. But even after the initial adjustment to the environment has been accomplished with reasonable success, various issues may continue to be bothersome throughout the student's sojourn.
Chronic hypoxia induces LLC-PK1 cell proliferation and dedifferentiation by the activation of protein kinase C

The effect of chronic hypoxia on the proliferation and dedifferentiation of LLC-PK1 cells was examined. Cultures were exposed either to hypoxia (3% O2) or normoxia (18% O2), and [3H]thymidine incorporation, cell number, and sodium-dependent glucose (Na/Glc) uptakes were assessed. Cultures exposed to hypoxia for 16 h significantly increased [3H]thymidine incorporation followed by a significant increase in cell number both at 24 and 48 h in comparison with respective normoxic controls. Cultures exposed to 24 and 72 h of hypoxia exhibited significant inhibition of Na/Glc uptake when compared with their respective normoxic counterparts. Significant inhibition of cell ATP levels were observed under hypoxic conditions. Acute reoxygenation of hypoxic cells normalized cell ATP levels without any effect on the Na/Glc uptake. Hypoxia also activated protein kinase C (PKC) at 1 and 4 h followed by a subsequent return to baseline with reactivation at 24 h, which remained sustained up to 72 h, suggesting both acute and sustained activation of PKC. Furthermore, the hypoxia-induced alterations in [3H]thymidine incorporation as well as Na/Glc uptake were mitigated by inhibitors of PKC. These results indicate that chronic hypoxia induces both proliferation and dedifferentiation of LLC-PK1 cells mediated, in part, by the activation of PKC.
Priorities for CHIA; Benefits of CHIA

The CHIA project, still in its early stages, already includes some 25 activities in infrastructure building and data collection. The task of coordinating these collaborative projects becomes more complex with time, but success in collection of data, development of applications to assist in data collection, and even the early interpretive results of this work are already providing encouragement to stay at work. We will learn, for instance, whether long-term cycles of social inequality have long prevailed or whether they are a development of our own age. CHIA’S top priorities, at present, are to focus on the global framework, expand the crowdsourcing application, collect historical data worldwide, expand peer reviewing of datasets, and explore cross-disciplinary theory. Additional priorities are proposed for subsequent work.
Crystal structures of 2,3-bis­(4-chloro­phen­yl)-1,3-thia­zolidin-4-one and trans-2,3-bis­(4-chloro­phen­yl)-1,3-thia­zolidin-4-one 1-oxide

In the crystal structures of the title compounds, C15H11Cl2NOS, (1), and C15H11Cl2NO2S, (2), wherein (2) is the oxidized form of (1), the thia­zolidine ring is attached to two chloro­phenyl rings. The chloro­phenyl ring on the 2-carbon atom position points in the same direction as that of the S atom in (1), while in (2), the S atom points in the opposite direction. The O atom on the chiral S atom in (2) is trans to the chloro­phenyl ring on the 2-carbon. The chloro­phenyl ring planes in each structure are close to orthogonal, making dihedral angles of 78.61 (6) and 87.46 (8)° in (1) and (2), respectively. The thia­zolidine ring has a twisted conformation on the S—Cmethine bond in (1), and an envelope conformation with the S atom 0.715 (3) A out of the plane of other four atoms in (2). In the crystal of (1), mol­ecules are linked by C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, as well as by slipped parallel π–π inter­actions [inter-centroid distance = 3.840 (3) A] between inversion-related phenyl rings, forming sheets parallel to (001). In the crystal of (2), mol­ecules are linked via C—H⋯O and C—H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds, forming slabs parallel to (001).
The Status of Advertising by Attorneys: An International Perspective Provided by the Legal Literature

Advertising by attorneys in the United States has increased significantly since its legal status was clarified by major court decisions as recent as 1988. Meanwhile, professional codes and local laws which address attorney advertising have been changing in other nations. The literature of business academicians in the U.S. has addressed the American situation in some detail. However, less has been published in this literature concerning advertising by attorneys in other nations. This paper brings together relevant research findings globally as reported in die legal literature.
Cobalt-Catalyzed C(sp2)–H Borylation with an Air-Stable, Readily Prepared Terpyridine Cobalt(II) Bis(acetate) Precatalyst

A bench-stable, 4-aryl-substituted terpyridine supported, high-spin cobalt(II) bis(acetate) complex, (ArTpy)Co(OAc)2 (ArTpy = 4′-(4-N,N′-dimethylaminophenyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine), is active for the C(sp2)–H borylation of arenes and heteroarenes with B2Pin2 (Pin = pinacolato). Optimization of the catalytic borylation reaction revealed improved performance in the presence of LiOMe and turnover numbers of up to 100 have been observed using all air-stable components. EPR specstroscopy identified formation of inactive cobalt species, promoted by excess HBPin. A high-spin cobalt(II) bis[(diacetoxy)pinacolatoborate−κ3O,O,O] compound has been isolated and characterized by X-ray diffraction and is the result of catalyst deactivation.
A single-item assessment for remaining mental resources: development and validation of the Gas Tank Questionnaire (GTQ)

ABSTRACTMeasuring workload accurately is critical for human factors research and applications. However, if the instruments we use to measure workload are burdensome for participants to complete, we may find ourselves in the ironic position of increasing workload simply by measuring it. We present a pair of studies that suggest the NASA-TLX, a widely-used workload metric, increases workload for participants who complete it, and consequently may hurt performance and upwardly bias the estimates it produces. We found that repeated administration of the NASA-TLX increased workload by 18%, and more than doubled the performance decrement on a simple vigilance task. Single-item measures may be a simple way to avoid burdening participants unnecessarily while still obtaining valuable insight into participant cognitive state. In line with the attentional resource theory, we validate a measure that asks participants to ‘think about [their] brain as an engine,’ and to indicate inside a rectangle ‘how much gas [they] h...
Childhood Obesity in the Modern Age: Global Trends, Determinants, Complications, and Costs

This chapter highlights major global trends in the prevalence of childhood obesity and reviews the biological, social, economic, and cultural determinants of excess weight gain. It then summarizes the pathogenesis of acute and long-term complications of pediatric obesity, underscoring their human and social costs.
On the potential for iatrogenic effects of psychiatric crisis services: The example of dialectical behavior therapy for adult women with borderline personality disorder.

Objective Although previous research has suggested that people with a history of using psychiatric crisis services are at higher risk for suicide, it is unclear whether this link is attributable to individual risk factors or iatrogenic effects of service utilization. We examined this question by analyzing data from a randomized controlled trial of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), a treatment for highly suicidal individuals in which patients took advantage of crisis services less than those in the comparison condition. We hypothesized that crisis-service utilization during a treatment year, rather than pretreatment indicators of suicide risk, would be associated with higher suicide risk after treatment, and that DBT's treatment effects would be partially attributable to this association. Method Participants were 101 women (Mage = 29.3, 87% Caucasian) with recent suicidal and self-injurious behaviors meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association [APA], 1994) criteria for borderline personality disorder. We examined relationships between suicidal ideation (using the Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire; Linehan, 1981), number of suicide attempts (using the Suicide Attempt Self-Injury Interview; Linehan, Comtois, Brown, Heard, & Wagner, 2006), and number of psychiatric inpatient admissions and psychiatric emergency-room (ER) visits (using the Treatment History Interview; Linehan & Heard, 1987) from the years prior to, during, and following treatment. Results Treatment-year psychiatric ER visits were the sole predictor of the number of follow-up year suicide attempts. Treatment condition and pretreatment inpatient admissions predicted treatment-year psychiatric ER visits. Finally, there was evidence that DBT resulted in fewer suicide attempts at follow-up, in part because getting DBT led to fewer psychiatric ER visits. Conclusion In this population and context, data suggest that crisis-service utilization conveys risk for suicide. DBT may reduce suicide risk in part by reducing use of these services. (PsycINFO Database Record
Relationships between self‐reported sleep quality components and cognitive functioning in breast cancer survivors up to 10 years following chemotherapy

OBJECTIVE Links have been made between aspects of sleep quality and cognitive function in breast cancer survivors (BCS), but findings are heterogeneous. The objective of this study is to examine relationships between specific sleep quality components (latency, duration, efficiency, daytime sleepiness, sleep disturbance, use of sleep aids) and cognitive impairment (performance and perceived), and determine which sleep quality components are the most significant contributors to cognitive impairments in BCS 6 months to 10 years post chemotherapy. METHODS Women 21 to 65 years old with a history of non-metastatic breast cancer following chemotherapy completion were recruited. Data collection included surveys to evaluate sleep quality and perceived cognitive impairments, and neuropsychological testing to evaluate verbal fluency and memory. Descriptive statistics, bivariate correlations, and hierarchical multiple regression were calculated. RESULTS Ninety women (mean age 49) completed data collection. Moderate significant correlations were found between daytime dysfunction, sleep efficiency, sleep latency, and sleep disturbance and perceived cognitive impairment (Rs = -0.37 to -0.49, Ps < .00049), but not objective cognitive performance of verbal fluency, memory, or attention. After accounting for individual and clinical characteristics, the strongest predictors of perceived cognitive impairments were daytime dysfunction, sleep efficiency, and sleep disturbance. CONCLUSIONS Findings support links between sleep quality and perceived cognitive impairments in BCS and suggest specific components of sleep quality (daytime dysfunction, sleep efficiency, and sleep disturbance) are associated with perceived cognitive functioning in this population. Findings can assist clinicians in guiding survivors to manage sleep and cognitive problems and aid in the design of interventional research.