cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adjustment and discussion of cancer: A comparison of breast and prostate cancer survivors

Supportive conversations may facilitate adjustment among cancer patients early in treatment. However, little is known about how cancer discussion is related to adjustment among long-term survivors of cancer or how gender differences may influence associations between cancer discussion and adjustment. The purpose of this study was to examine possible moderator effects of gender on associations between cancer discussions and adjustment among survivors of breast or prostate cancer. Eighty-eight breast and 88 prostate cancer patients were matched by years post-surgery and stage of cancer and completed measures of cancer discussion frequency, quality of life, and depression. Breast and prostate cancer patients differed on what cancer-related threats were discussed most frequently. In addition, among breast, but not prostate cancer patients, frequent cancer discussion was associated with higher depression and lower quality of life. Frequent discussion of cancer may be an indication of poorer adjustment among breast cancer patients at nearly four years post-surgery. The nature and context of cancer discussions may be important determinants of whether cancer discussions relate to adaptive versus maladaptive outcomes.
Oligonucleotide Conjugates as Potential Antisense Drugs with Improved Uptake, Biodistribution, Targeted Delivery, and Mechanism of Action

This review summarizes the effect of conjugating small molecules and large biomacromolecules to antisense oligonucleotides to improve their therapeutic potential. In many cases, favorable changes in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties were observed. Opportunities exist to change the terminating mechanism of antisense action or to enhance the RNase H mode of action via conjugate formation.
Light absorption and scattering by aggregates: Application to black carbon and snow grains

Abstract A geometric-optics surface-wave approach has been developed for the computation of light absorption and scattering by nonspherical particles for application to aggregates and snow grains with external and internal mixing structures. Aggregates with closed- (internal mixing) and open-cell configurations are constructed by means of stochastic procedures using homogeneous and core-shell spheres with smooth or rough surfaces as building blocks. The complex aggregate shape and composition can be accounted for by using the hit-and-miss Monte Carlo geometric photon tracing method. We develop an integral expression for diffraction by randomly oriented aggregates based on Babinet's principle and a photon-number weighted geometric cross section. With reference to surface-wave contributions originally developed for spheres, we introduce a nonspherical correction factor using a non-dimensional volume parameter such that it is 1 for spheres and 0 for elongated particles. The extinction efficiency, single-scattering albedo, and asymmetry factor results for randomly oriented columns and plates compare reasonably well with those determined from the finite-difference time domain (FDTD) and the discrete dipole approximation (DDA) computer codes for size parameters up to about 20. The present theoretical approach covers all size ranges and is particularly attractive from the perspective of efficient light absorption and scattering calculations for complex particle shape and inhomogeneous composition. We show that under the condition of equal volume and mass, the closed-cell configuration has larger absorption than its open-cell counterpart for both ballistic and diffusion-limited aggregates. Because of stronger absorption in the closed-cell case, most of the scattered energy is confined to forward directions, leading to a larger asymmetry factor than the open-cell case. Additionally, light absorption for randomly oriented snowflakes is similar to that of their spherical counterparts under the condition of equal geometrical cross section area for both external and internal mixing states; however, nonspherical snowflakes scatter less light in forward directions than spheres, resulting in a substantial reduction of the asymmetry factor. We further demonstrate that small soot particles on the order of 1 μm internally mixed with snow grains could effectively reduce snow albedo by as much as 5–10%. Indeed, the depositions of black carbon would substantially reduce mountain-snow albedo, which would lead to surface warming and snowmelt, critical to regional climatic surface temperature amplification and feedback.
The immunoglobulins derived from a VH-CH recombinant rabbit and its normal relatives. I. Measurements of heavy chain molecular weights and allotypes of colostral IgA.

Abstract In addition to the a group of heavy chain allotypes, the IgG class of rabbit immunoglobulins has unique allelic allotypes (group d and group e) which correlate with single amino acid interchanges within the constant region of the γ chain. Family studies in several laboratories have demonstrated genetic linkage between the group a, d and e allotypes. In the cour]e of breeding studies, we obtained one rabbit which appeared to reflect a recombination event between group a and group e markers in the sire. We developed homozygous rabbits from the original sire (al, A14) and from the recombinant rabbit (a2,A14). In this report we compared the mol. wt of the heavy chains from the IgG produced by the two groups of homozygotes and found them to be indistinguishable by a method which could have detected a difference of 2500 daltons. We isolated colostral IgA from the recombinant rabbit and showed that it also had the a2 allotype present on the recombinant form of IgG.
ERP evidence for telicity effects on syntactic processing in garden-path sentences

Verbs contain multifaceted information about both the semantics of an action, and potential argument structures. Linguistic theory classifies verbs according to whether the denoted action has an inherent (telic) end-point (fall, awaken), or whether it is considered homogenous, or atelic (read, worship). The aim of our study was to examine how this distinction influences on-line sentence processing, investigating the effects of verbal telicity on the ease of syntactic re-analysis of Object reduced relative clauses. Event-related brain potentials (ERPs) were recorded from 22 English speakers as they read sentences in which the main verb was either telic or atelic, e.g., "The actress awakened/worshipped by the writer left in a hurry". ERPs elicited by telic and atelic verbs, the preposition "by" introducing the second argument (Agent), and the second argument itself, e.g., "writer", were compared. Additionally, participants were grouped according to receptive syntactic proficiency: normal (NP) or high (HP). ERPs from the NP group first diverged at the second argument, with the atelic condition eliciting larger amplitude negativity at the N100, and continuing to the P200 interval. In contrast, ERPs from the HP group first diverged earlier in the sentence, on the word "by". ERPs elicited by "by" in the atelic condition were also characterized by increased negativity, in this case significant at P200 and Anterior Negativity between 320 and 500ms post stimulus onset. Our results support the postulated conceptual/semantic distinction underlying the two verb categories, and demonstrate that world-knowledge about actions designated by verbs and syntactic proficiency are reflected in on-line processing of sentence structure.
Potentiator ivacaftor abrogates pharmacological correction of ΔF508 CFTR in cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Newly developed "correctors" such as lumacaftor (VX-809) that improve CFTR maturation and trafficking and "potentiators" such as ivacaftor (VX-770) that enhance channel activity may provide important advances in CF therapy. Although VX-770 has demonstrated substantial clinical efficacy in the small subset of patients with a mutation (G551D) that affects only channel activity, a single compound is not sufficient to treat patients with the more common CFTR mutation, ΔF508. Thus, patients with ΔF508 will likely require treatment with both correctors and potentiators to achieve clinical benefit. However, whereas the effectiveness of acute treatment with this drug combination has been demonstrated in vitro, the impact of chronic therapy has not been established. In studies of human primary airway epithelial cells, we found that both acute and chronic treatment with VX-770 improved CFTR function in cells with the G551D mutation, consistent with clinical studies. In contrast, chronic VX-770 administration caused a dose-dependent reversal of VX-809-mediated CFTR correction in ΔF508 homozygous cultures. This result reflected the destabilization of corrected ΔF508 CFTR by VX-770, markedly increasing its turnover rate. Chronic VX-770 treatment also reduced mature wild-type CFTR levels and function. These findings demonstrate that chronic treatment with CFTR potentiators and correctors may have unexpected effects that cannot be predicted from short-term studies. Combining these drugs to maximize rescue of ΔF508 CFTR may require changes in dosing and/or development of new potentiator compounds that do not interfere with CFTR stability.
Single dose amoxicillin treatment of acute otitis media

A double blind study comparing a single dose of amoxicillin versus a 10-day course of amoxicillin in the treatment of acute otitis media (AOM) was undertaken. All children diagnosed with AOM in a pediatric clinic were requested to participate. After tympanocentesis was performed, patients were randomly assigned to receive either amoxicillin (100 mg/kg) followed by placebo every 8 hours for 10 days or placebo followed by amoxicillin (40 mg/kg/D) for 10 days. Patients returned to clinic on days 3 and 10 post-treatment. Seventeen patients were enrolled: 7 received single dose therapy and 10 received 10 days of therapy. There were no failures in the control group and 3 failures in the single dose group (day 5, day 6, and 11) (p=0.05). Middle ear isolates included: S. pneumoniae 7, H. influenzaa 4, B. catarrhalis 1, and no pathogen in 5. Due to the significant number of failures in the treatment group, the study was prematurely terminated. Our study shows that single-dose amoxicillin is not adequate treatment for AOM.
High permittivity ferroelectric actuators for radar applications

We report a new method of fabricating thermal bimorph actuators utilizing high permittivity ferroelectric thin films. This device is the first known thermal cantilever actuator employing barium titanate (BaTiO 3 ) for RF applications. Compared to electrostatic actuators, this MEMS structure is designed to handle high RF transmitted power while maintaining a high capacitance ratio due to the high permittivity of the ferroelectric thin film employed and without the stiction problems normally associated with other MEMS actuators.
Vibration Control of Flexible Structures with PZT Sensors and Actuators

In this paper, a two-degree-of-freedom model has been constructed for a structural dynamic system consisting of a linear elastic plate bonded with piezoelectric sensors and actuators. A multivariable feedback controller is designed. Four control procedures based on the minimization of performance output error and the quadratic performance index have been developed that use rate-feedback control, hybrid fuzzy-PID con trol, genetic algorithms-designed PID control, and linear quadratic Gaussian/loop transfer recovery control methods. Here, the genetic algorithm fitness function is approximately proportional to the inverse of the out put error. To test these control techniques in an efficient and systematic way, we built a digital control system that consists of MATLAB/SIMULINK modeling software and a dSPACE DS 2100 controller in a personal computer. The real-time experiment and off-line simulation results confirm that these four kinds of control methods are reliable and efficient in suppression of the steady...
Networked parking spaces: architecture and applications

Finding a parking space is a common challenge faced by millions of city-dwellers every day. As common is the revenue generation by fee and fine collection in these municipalities. Wireless ad hoc networking technologies offer a new and efficient means to both simplify the process of parking and find collection as well as extending the convenience for drivers. In this paper we describe a multi-hop wireless parking meter network (PMNET) that, when coupled with a GPS receiver, allows a user (driver) to quickly locate and navigate to an available parking space. Our solution is achieved by equipping existing parking meters with wireless radio frequency (RF) transceivers and auxiliary hardware and software. We believe that this is a compelling application that applies wireless ad hoc networking and low-power, short range RF technologies. The attractiveness of the proposal stems from the fact that such a network of nodes can function without any fixed wired or wireless infrastructure such as cellular or satellite networks. In this work, we model a PMNET as a special class of ad hoc networks characterized by a combination of static, immobile nodes (parking meters) and mobile nodes (vehicles). We propose scalable techniques for satisfying a mobile user's query in a distributed fashion. In particular, we make use of the static nature of the parking meters for efficient discovery and location based routing of information between them and users.
Local Nonprofit Organizations in a Post-Katrina Landscape: Help in a Context of Recovery

In this study, we examine the role of local New Orleans nonprofit agencies in disaster and how these local nonprofits become a part of the disaster management process. The dominant disaster managem...
Feline Thyroid Storm

Thyroid storm is a syndrome described in human medicine to define a multisystemic disorder resulting from organ exposure to excessive levels of thyroid hormone. This form of acute thyrotoxicosis, although uncommon, can be life threatening and is a significant cause of mortality in human emergency rooms. Although thyroid storm is a well-recognized clinical entity in human medicine, it has not been described in veterinary medicine. This article discusses the human syndrome and defines a similar syndrome in hyperthyroid veterinary patients. The clinical signs of and treatment modalities for feline thyroid storm are also presented.
Visual Art in Primary Grades: A Portrait and Analysis

Abstract This article examines visual art as it is conceived of, and practiced by, classroom teachers. Based on a 3-year study (conducted under the auspices of the National Arts Education Research Center), data sources included intensive observations of art teaching in Grades K-3 in three elementary schools, semistructured interviews with teachers and principals, and analysis of materials. The study of art programs in the schools unravels a chasm between teachers' advocacies on the one hand, and their classroom practice on the other. This chasm can be understood within the contexts in which art programs operate, in particular, the incompatibility of teachers' views of art with the broader values and goals of the schools.
Phylogenetic Analysis of the Spirochetes Borrelia parkeri and Borrelia turicatae and the Potential for Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever in Florida

Isolates of Borrelia turicatae, Borrelia parkeri, and the Florida canine borrelia (FCB) were examined to further phylogenetically characterize the identities of these spirochetes in the United States. DNA sequences of four chromosomal loci (the 16S rRNA gene, flaB, gyrB, and glpQ) were determined for eight isolates of B. turicatae and six isolates of B. parkeri, which grouped the spirochetes into two distinct but closely related taxa (>98% sequence identity) separate from Borrelia hermsii. The FCB was clearly separated with the group identified as B. turicatae, confirming this bacterium as a relapsing fever spirochete. Therefore, the potential for tick-borne relapsing fever in humans and other animals exists in Florida and future efforts are needed to determine the enzootic hosts and distribution of this spirochete in the southeastern United States. Analysis of plasmids demonstrated both linear and circular forms in B. turicatae but only linear plasmids in B. parkeri, which should be of interest to investigators concerned with plasmid diversity and evolution within this group of spirochetes.
Tuberculosis in pregnancy and the puerperium

3 The cases of tuberculo- sis in all these ethnic minority groups have a very diVerent age distribution from those of UK origin, with a median age usually under 30 years compared with over 50 years in the white population. The increase in the number of patients with tuberculosis who become preg- nant is therefore due to the increasing pro- portion of women of child bearing age. Similar trends have been reported in the USA 45 and in most developed countries in Europe. In devel- oping countries the rise in tuberculosis is also predominantly aVecting the young, mainly the 15-44 age group, fuelled in sub-Saharan Africa by HIV co-infection. 6 This review considers aspects of tuberculosis in pregnancy and does not cover reduced fertility from genital tuber- culosis, although this is an important cause of infertility, especially in developing countries. 7
A New Nonstationarity Detector

A new test to determine the stationarity length of a locally wide sense stationary Gaussian random process is proposed. Based on the modeling of the process as a time-varying autoregressive process, the time-varying model parameters are tested using a Rao test. The use of a Rao test avoids the necessity of obtaining the maximum likelihood estimator of the model parameters under the alternative hypothesis, which is intractable. Computer simulation results are given to demonstrate its effectiveness and to verify the asymptotic theoretical performance of the test. Applications are to spectral analysis, noise estimation, and time series modeling.
Molecular Weight Dependence of Polymer Chain Mobility within Multilayer Films

Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching has been applied to determine, to our knowledge for the first time, the molecular weight (Mw) dependence of lateral diffusion of polymer chains within layer-by-layer (LbL) films. As shown by neutron reflectometry, polyelectrolyte multilayers containing polymethacrylic acid (PMAA, Mw/Mn < 1.05) of various molecular weights assembled from solutions of low ionic strengths at pH 4.5, where film growth was linear, showed similar diffusion of PMAA in the direction perpendicular to the film surface. At a salt concentration sufficient for unfreezing electrostatically bonded chains, layer intermixing remained almost unaffected (changes <1.0 nm), while the lateral diffusion coefficient (D) scaled with the PMAA molecular weight as D ∼ Mw–1±0.05.
Full Waveform Inversion via Matched Source Extension

Matched Source Waveform Inversion introduces additional degrees of freedom into waveform modeling in the form of trace-dependent source modification, allowing close data fit at all stages of the inversion process. Penalizing source modification leads to an optimization problem with the same global minimum as Full Waveform Inversion, but with less tendency to develop local minima caused by cycle-skipping. We implement and analyze a simple variant of this technique, using constant density acoustics and a transmission configuration, and explain the very close relation of this method to traveltime tomography for mildly heterogeneous velocity models. In common with other data domain waveform tomography methods, the Matched Source objective function may develop multiple local minima, despite avoiding cycle-skip in data residual, if multiple ray paths connect sources and receivers.
University Vocal Training and Vocal Health of Music Educators and Music Therapists

The purpose of this study was to describe the university vocal training and vocal health of music educators and music therapists. The participants (N = 426), music educators (n = 351) and music therapists (n = 75), completed a survey addressing demographics, vocal training, voice usage, and vocal health. Both groups reported singing at least 50% of the work day; moreover, music educators complained of vocal fatigue and hoarseness at the end of the week. Music educators expressed concern about their vocal health, due to the unique demands of music instruction and large classes. A majority of participants, particularly instrumental concentration majors, expressed a desire for more career-focused vocal training. Results suggest that additional university training in vocal health could help prevent vocal abuse and misuse among music educators and therapists; furthermore, music educators may be better qualified to promote healthy singing among developing voices.
Research of Sneak Circuit Searching Algorithm Based on Adjacency List Storage Structure

According to the property of the adjacency list of graphs,the algorithm of Sneak Circuit Search based on adjacency list storage structure is presented.This algorithm is an effective algorithm by a specific instance validated.
Useful Tips, Widely Used Techniques, and Quantifying Cell Metabolic Behavior

The insect cell culture/baculovirus system has three primary applications: (1) recombinant protein synthesis, (2) biopesticide synthesis, and (3) as a model system (e.g., for studying apoptosis). The fundamental techniques involved in these applications are described throughout this book. In this chapter the most widely used techniques are summarized and the reader is directed to detailed information found elsewhere in this book. Furthermore, many useful tips and my personal preferences that are rarely published are discussed in this chapter along with quantitative methods to characterize cell growth, baculovirus infection, and metabolism.
Fractures and mortality in relation to different osteoporosis treatments.

Objectives Few studies have assessed the effectiveness of different drugs for osteoporosis (OP). We aimed to determine if fracture and mortality rates vary among patients initiating different OP medications. Methods We used the Medicare 5% sample to identify new users of intravenous (IV) zoledronic acid (n=1.674), oral bisphosphonates (n=32.626), IV ibandronate (n=492), calcitonin (n=2.606), raloxifene (n=1.950), or parathyroid hormone (n=549). We included beneficiaries who were ≥65 years of age, were continuously enrolled in fee-for-service Medicare and initiated therapy during 2007-2009. Outcomes were hip fracture, clinical vertebral fracture, and all-cause mortality, identified using inpatient and physician diagnosis codes for fracture, procedure codes for fracture repair, and vital status information. Cox regression models compared users of each medication to users of IV zoledronic acid, adjusting for multiple confounders. Results During follow-up (median, 0.8-1.5 years depending on the drug), 787 subjects had hip fractures, 986 had clinical vertebral fractures, and 2.999 died. Positive associations included IV ibandronate with hip fracture (adjusted hazard ratio (HR), 2.37; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25-4.51), calcitonin with vertebral fracture (HR=1.59, 95%CI 1.04-2.43), and calcitonin with mortality (HR=1.31; 95%CI 1.02-1.68). Adjusted HRs for other drug-outcome comparisons were not statistically significant. Conclusions IV ibandronate and calcitonin were associated with higher rates of some types of fracture when compared to IV zolendronic acid. The relatively high mortality associated with use of calcitonin may reflect the poorer health of users of this agent.
Chapter 15 – Deployment of the predaceous ants and their conservation in agroecosystems

Publisher Summary The chapter examines some examples of the use and conservation of ants as biological control agents and draws generalizations that help guide future biological control programs with ants. The examples from the milpa systems in Mexico and Central America as well as sweet potato in Cuba clearly demonstrate that ants can play an important role as biological control agents in annual cropping systems. The problem of destruction of nests can be overcome in three main ways. First, as in the case of cotton and maize, the ant community that gets established in these systems is adapted to high levels of disturbance. The second way to overcome the impact of habitat disruption is by reintroducing colonies into the fields. Finally, the best way to avoid the negative impacts of tillage lies with not plowing the land. With the possible exception of leafcutter ants, which defoliate plants to feed their mutualist fungi, there is not an ant species that can be considered intrinsically harmful for agriculture. Frequently, species that are considered pests in a particular agroecosystem or under certain circumstances can be effective biological control agents under others.
Enhanced proliferation, apoptosis, and matrix accumulation by mesangial cells derived from HIV-1 transgenic mice

BACKGROUND Mice, transgenic for HIV-1 genes, have been demonstrated to develop renal lesions mimicking HIV-associated nephropathy. Focal glomerulosclerosis (FGS) has been reported to be the predominant glomerular lesion in these animals. In the other models of FGS, the accumulation of mesangial matrix and mesangial cell proliferation have been shown to be the preceding abnormalities. We evaluated the proliferation, apoptosis, and matrix accumulation by mesangial cells derived from mice transgenic for HIV-1 genes as well as from nontransgenic mice. METHODS Mesangial cells were cultured from mice transgenic for HIV-1 genes (HTrMC) and nontransgenic mice (NTrMC) of the same age and sex. The growth rate of HTrMC and NTrMC was determined under identical conditions. Morphologic evaluation of apoptosis was performed by staining cells with Hoechst (H)-33342 and propidium iodide. Accumulation of mesangial cell collagen type IV, laminin, and fibronectin was measured by the dot blot assay. Total RNA was extracted from HTrMC and NTrMC and Northern blots were generated. These blots were probed with specific probes for TGF-beta, proteoglycan (P16), and GAPDH. RESULTS Mesangial cells (HTrMC) derived from transgenic mice had greater (P < 0.004) proliferation when compared to mesangial cells (NTrMCs) from nontransgenic mice (HTrMCs, 4.2 +/- 0.3 vs NTrMCs, 3.0 +/- 0.2 x 10(4) cells/well). HTrMCs also showed enhanced (P < 0.0001) apoptosis compared to NTrMCs (HTrMCs, 13.2 +/- 1.5% vs NTrMCs, 3.1 +/- 0.5% apoptotic cells/field). HTrMCs accumulated an increased (P < 0.02) amount of collagen type IV (HTrMCs, 5659.7 +/- 472.8 vs NTrMCs, 3882.2 +/- 339.7 ng/well); whereas NTrMCs accumulated a greater amount of laminin when compared to HTrMCs (HTrMCs, 12.8 vs NTrMCs, 29.6 +/- 2.9 ng/well). HTrMCs also showed an enhanced mRNA expression of TGF-beta and an attenuated expression of proteoglycan (P16). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that mesangial cells derived from mice transgenic for HIV-1 genes have enhanced proliferation and collagen accumulation. The enhanced expression of TGF-beta may have contributed to enhanced HTrMC proliferation and the accumulation of collagen. The present study provides the basis for a hypothesis that mesangial cells may be contributing to the development of focal glomerulosclerosis in mice transgenic for HIV-1 genes.
HMB-45 reactivity in renal leiomyomas and leiomyosarcomas

Ten renal smooth muscle tumors (seven leiomyomas, three leiomyosarcomas) and an unusual smooth muscle-invested renal cell carcinoma were studied for HMB-45 reactivity. All leiomyomas strongly expressed at least one, and most expressed three, smooth muscle markers (desmin, MSA, SMSA) and were negative for two cytokeratin markers (BDK, AE1). Six of seven leiomyomas and the smooth muscle investment of a renal carcinoma contained a population of cells strongly positive for HMB-45. A total of 15 blocks from the 6 HMB-45-positive leiomyomas were studied, and no adipocytes or abnormal vessels suggestive of angiomyolipoma were identified. The six HMB-45-positive leiomyomas seemed to arise from the renal capsule, whereas a seventh leiomyoma, which was negative for HMB-45, seemed to arise from the renal pelvis. Three leiomyosarcomas were also studied, which strongly expressed at least one smooth muscle marker and contained myofilaments at electron microscopic examination. No cytokeratin reactivity and no HMB-45-positive cells were detected in these leiomyosarcomas nor in the normal renal capsule adjacent to leiomyomas. This study showed that HMB-45-positive cells are detectable in a population of cells in some smooth muscle tumors, particularly in those that appear to arise from the renal capsule.
Rural Income Distribution

The international lending agencies judged as poor the performance of the agricultural sector of Sierra Leone during the 1980s. Prior to assessing this judgement, one must consider the social and economic characteristics of the sector. By all accounts, agricultural production in Sierra Leone remained overwhelmingly for subsistence, with a low degree of monetization. The 1970/71 farm survey estimated that only for cocoa and coffee did a majority of the growers of a crop sell a surplus on the market. For the most common crop, rice (46 per cent of total area planted in the country in the early 1970s), only 31 per cent of farms produced a marketed surplus. For the agricultural year 1970–71 crop value added was Le 72 million (including imputed value of subsistence, but excluding tree crops). The survey estimated that marketed output of non-export crops was slightly less than 8 million (Central Statistics Office, 1972, p. 73). Coffee, cocoa, and palm kernels were about 10 million, yielding a figure for cash agriculture of 18 million. If one subtracts out the intermediate component of sales to keep to the value added concept, the degree of monetization of crop agriculture could have been no more than 20 per cent. In 1984 the World Bank guessed that ‘less than 40% of total production [entered] the monetized economy’ (World Bank, 1984, p. iv). Thus, it was generally agreed that the vast majority of farm families had little dealing with the money economy; i.e., their decisions were not to any great extent directly determined by market prices.
An Empirical Analysis of the Association Between Cigarette Smoking and Participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

Purpose:To examine the association between smoking and participation in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) among low-income families.Design:A quasi-experimental design using pooled cr...
A Scalable Weight-Free Learning Algorithm for Regulatory Control of Cell Activity in Spiking Neuronal Networks

Recent developments in neural stimulation and recording technologies are providing scientists with the ability of recording and controlling the activity of individual neurons in vitro or in vivo, with very high spatial and temporal resolution. Tools such as optogenetics, for example, are having a significant impact in the neuroscience field by delivering optical firing control with the precision and spatiotemporal resolution required for investigating information processing and plasticity in biological brains. While a number of training algorithms have been developed to date for spiking neural network (SNN) models of biological neuronal circuits, exiting methods rely on learning rules that adjust the synaptic strengths (or weights) directly, in order to obtain the desired network-level (or functional-level) performance. As such, they are not applicable to modifying plasticity in biological neuronal circuits, in which synaptic strengths only change as a result of pre- and post-synaptic neuron firings or biological mechanisms beyond our control. This paper presents a weight-free training algorithm that relies solely on adjusting the spatiotemporal delivery of neuron firings in order to optimize the network performance. The proposed weight-free algorithm does not require any knowledge of the SNN model or its plasticity mechanisms. As a result, this training approach is potentially realizable in vitro or in vivo via neural stimulation and recording technologies, such as optogenetics and multielectrode arrays, and could be utilized to control plasticity at multiple scales of biological neuronal circuits. The approach is demonstrated by training SNNs with hundreds of units to control a virtual insect navigating in an unknown environment.
The effects of gender composition on women's experience in math work groups.

The present studies tested a model outlining the effects of group gender composition on self- and others' perceptions of women's math ability in a truly interactive setting with groups composed entirely of naive participants (N = 158 4-person groups across 3 studies). One woman in each group was designated to be the "expert" by having her complete a tutorial that gave her task-relevant knowledge for a subsequent group task. Group gender composition was hypothesized to influence perceptions of women's math ability through intrapersonal processes (stereotype threat effects on performance) and interpersonal processes (social cohesion between the expert and other group members). Group composition affected the experts' performance in the group math task, but importantly, it also affected their social cohesion with group members. Moreover, both of these effects-lowered performance and poorer social cohesion in male-dominated groups-made independent contributions in accounting for group gender composition effects on perceptions of women's math ability (Studies 1 and 2). Boundary conditions were examined in a 3rd study. Women who had a history of excelling in math and had chosen a math-intensive STEM major were selected to be the designated experts. We predicted and found this would be sufficient to eliminate the effect of group gender composition on interpersonal processes, and correspondingly the effect on women's perceived math ability. Interestingly (and consistent with past work on stereotype threat effects among highly domain-identified individuals), there were continued performance differences indicative of effects on intrapersonal processes. (PsycINFO Database Record
The “Morning/Mourning” After: When Becoming President Trumps Being a Sexual Predator

The morning after the 2016 U.S. presidential election, I woke up mourning with one word on my mind: No! That morning, I understood exactly why those opposed to Obama’s presidency wore “Fuck Obama” ...
Kinematic and dynamic simulation of human lower extremity on sagittal plane

Rehabilitation program is one of the most effective way to promote functional recovery of disabled individuals. Most often conventional therapeutic approach relies on clinician's competence. Often treatment duration is very long. Unfortunately, there is a continual shortage of qualified physiotherapists/clinicians both in developing and developed countries. Majority of the patients with impaired lower extremity suffer problems on the joints located on sagittal plane (hip, knee and ankle). Robot based physical therapy can be a very good alternative solution of qualified therapist shortfall. Exoskeleton robot for human lower extremity rehabilitation should have a similar kinematics and dynamics of human lower extremity. In this paper human lower extremity kinematic and dynamic model (joints located on sagittal plane) are presented. A nonlinear computed torque control technique has been used for dynamic simulation of the robot. The simulation results show the torque requirements for a specific trajectory to provide passive therapy on the sagittal plane.
Pyramidal Targets as an Advanced Radiation Source in Laser-Solid Interactions

A novel target with hollow pyramidal shape is studied as a radiation source of electrons, protons, and Kα x-rays. Experiments compare this source to flat foil and cone targets under similar laser conditions.
Finding No Evidence for Learning Styles

An extensive literature exists that describes how to categorize students by a plethora of learning styles, including recommendations for teachers on how to match curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment to optimize student learning. Two recent review articles are discussed, both of which conclude that no experimental evidence exists to support the hypothesis that instruction designed in response to student learning styles can actually improve achievement.
Epidemiologic characteristics of brucellosis outbreaks from 2005 to 2010 in Gansu province

Objects To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of outbreaks of brucellosis in recent years in Gansu province,in order to provide a scientific basis for prevention and control of this disease.Methods Data of brucellosis cases from 2005 to 2010 in Gansu province were reviewed and retrospectively analyzed; the data included the outbreaks in different times,locations,groups,source of infection,and clinical manifestations.Results There were 8 brucellosis outbreaks among humans and animals in the nine administrative villages,seven townships (towns),six counties (districts) of the whole province in 5 years,a total of 66 of confirmed new cases.The source of infection was mainly the sheep (Small Tailed Han sheep and Cashmere goat),followed by dairy cow.The outbreak time was mainly in the May to August.Occupation distribution:of all the patients found in the past 6 years,farmers were 59 cases,accounting for 89.39％ (59/66); students 4 cases,accounting for 6.06％ (4/66);and herdsman 3 cases,accounting for 4.54％(3/66).Conclusions Brucellosis outbreaks increase significantly in recent years,and the epidemic situation is not optimistic. Key words: Brucellosis; Epidemiologic study characteristics; Data collection
Self-Regulation and the Executive Functions: Electrophysiological Clues

Publisher Summary Cognitive models describe executive functions as higher level processes that exert control over elementary mental operations. As recognized in the cognitive analysis of attention, concepts of executive functions run the risk of invoking a homunculus executive function in the ability to integrate negative feedback. By considering current electrophysiological findings in humans in relation to neurophysiological findings in animal research, this chapter proposes that there are important new perspectives to be gained on the intrinsic mechanisms of human self-regulation. Modern cognitive neuroimaging methods have allowed researchers to study the relation between executive functions and the anterior cingulate cortex. An influential model has followed from the remarkable specificity of responses in the dopamine pathway to violations of expectancy for reward cues. By clarifying the elementary mechanisms of self-regulation in limbic, thalamic, and striatal circuits, it may be possible to build a more accurate model of the functions of the cortex. Research on the error-related negativity component has provided one of the closest links between data obtained from animal experiments and electrophysiological and hemodynamic data obtained from human studies.
Decentralized blockchain-based electronic marketplaces

In a decentralized marketplace, buyers and sellers transact directly, without manipulation by intermediary platforms.
First-Year Student Motivations for Service-Learning: An Exploratory Investigation of Minority Student Perceptions.

As a high-impact educational practice (Kuh, 2008), service-learning can have a transformational effect on students, communities, instructors, and higher education institutions. However, despite cautions (Butin, 2006, p. 481), student enrollment in service-learning remains overwhelmingly White and female (Jacoby, 2015), creating a potential enrollment gap in a pedagogy intended to be inclusive. In this article the authors explore what might cause minority students to pursue service-learning, building on research that suggests that student traits and values impact the awareness of and disposition to enroll in service-learning (Christensen, Stritch, Kellough, & Brewer, 2015; Pearl & Christensen, 2017). Through qualitative methodology, the authors work to better understand students’ traits in relation to their interest and enrollment in service-learning. The findings, relevant to both service-learning theory and practice, suggest the importance of purposeful consideration of how service-learning can truly promote social justice, democratic values, and equality.
Cross-national validity of the Beck Hopelessness Scale for children and adolescents: findings from the YouthSave-Impact Study Kenya

A sense of hopelessness is common but under-identified among poor children in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Given the concomitant inadequate screening, assessment, and a lack of culturally and developm...
Über die Anwendung von ACTH und Cortison in der Dermatologie

Wenn ich mich berechtigt fuhle, in diesem Rahmen etwas uber unsere Erfahrungen mit ACTH und Cortison in der Anwendung bei Dermatosen auszusagen, so nur deshalb, weil wir in den Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika eher und in groseren Mengen mit diesen nutzlichen und wertvollen Hormonen arbeiten konnten. Je langer wir uns mit diesen Hormonen des Hypophysenvorderlappens und der Nebennieren-rinde beschaftigt haben, um so interessanter und vielseitiger sind sie uns geworden und um so grosere therapeutische Anwendungsmoglichkeiten haben sich ergeben.
Homeostasis, discrepancy, dissonance

The argument is presented that motivation is equated to energy mobilization, and that the mechanism involved in all such instances of arousal is a discrepancy-detecting and -reducing mechanism. Motives are specific categories of discrepancy but they operate through a common arousal system. This system, further, may be coopted into (integrated into) processes involving social comparison, relative deprivation, discrepancies with respect to ego-involved persons and objects, and industrial, social, and political motives. While biological homeostasis provides the basic CNS system, other forms of discrepancy-triggered energy arousal must be recognized as important. Hedonism and theories of curiosity, as well as other similar factors, can be subsumed under discrepancy theory.
Level IV: Materials

We come now to the ultimate product, be it fiber, plastic, rubber, paint, or whatever, and we wish to consider the product on the level of the whole material, no matter how many phases or how many kinds of molecules it may contain. This is the level of industrial design, of materials engineering, and of practical testing. It is of interest to engineers, technologists, industrial and commercial people, and of course the consumer.
Head-trunk movement coordination in the standing posture.

The coordination of head and trunk movement during postural sway in the anterior/posterior plane was examined in three normal adults. Postural sway about the ankles or hips was elicited in two ways: (1) In free-fall sway trials, the subject passively fell forward while the feet remained in place on the support surface (ankle sway). (2) In perturbed sway trials, subjects stood on either a flat surface (ankle sway) or a narrow beam (hip sway) which was displaced backwards at the onset of each trial. In all cases, postural responses were initiated before significant horizontal head motion was recorded. For subjects swaying about the ankles, changes in neck angle followed changes in ankle angle as the effect of the postural movement was propagated up the body. Neck muscle activation for ankle sway thus appeared to be elicited by neck stretch resulting from the postural correction. These results suggest that head and body motions may be controlled independently during active postural movements for ankle sway. For subjects swaying about the hip, however, changes in neck and hip angles were coordinated to approximately stabilize the rotational position of the head, and neck and hip muscles were activated simultaneously. These results, in contrast to those for ankle sway, suggest that control of head and body motion is coordinated on a feedforward basis during hip sway.
Chapter 61 – Overview

Publisher Summary Psychogenic seizures have been defined as a sudden episode of change in behavior or psychic state that is not associated with any identifiable physiological etiology. It has been estimated that approximately 20% of outpatients presenting to comprehensive epilepsy centers for evaluation have psychogenic seizures. The use of long-term EEG recording and video monitoring has been a significant advancement in the assessment of patients with both epileptic and nonepileptic seizures. Patients with psychogenic seizures represent a very heterogeneous group, and many factors may lead to the development of the symptom. It is found that when there is a high index of suspicion that the events being evaluated are likely to be psychogenic, it is critical to involve a mental health professional early in the evaluation. However, the major risk to a patient with psychogenic seizures is that of a psychological harm. A wide range of medical, neurologic, and psychiatric disorders can cause paroxysmal events that may resemble epilepsy. Patients with panic disorder experience the sudden and unexpected onset of numerous physical and emotional symptoms that may resemble a seizure. The discussion of the diagnosis with the patient and making recommendations for treatment are also emphasized.
Anyone, anywhere access to community-oriented services.

This position paper describes and discusses PALIO, a new project recently funded by the European Commission’s Information Society Technologies (IST) Programme. PALIO builds on previous European research and technological development efforts to provide a novel understanding of anyone, anywhere access to communityoriented services.
Accountable privacy

As the Internet has gained widespread use, and advanced technologies such as high-speed multi-media technologies and automated digital monitoring have become a reality, privacy is at the greatest risk of all time. At the same time, sophisticated threats from hackers, terrorists, thieves, and others that would abuse privacy highlight the need to find technologies that provide some accountability. However, the goals of accountability and of privacy appear to be in contradiction: accountability tends to be about determining which entities committed which actions, while privacy seeks to hide this information. In this paper, we discuss the apparent conflict that exists between privacy and accountability. We survey some of the issues in privacy and in accountability and highlight research directions for balancing the needs of both.
Nurturing Is Not Enough: A Case Study on Social Justice, Caring, and Discipline.

We explore the dynamics of nurturing, caring, and enabling in a social justice school and how a problematic context of educational enabling can develop when notions of nurturing are not balanced wi...
Severe presentation of antibody-negative, postinfectious steroid-responsive encephalitis and atonic bladder after herpes simplex encephalitis.

A 75-year-old woman presented with new onset of confusion, intense episodic dizziness and formed visual hallucinations. Herpes simplex encephalitis and non-convulsive temporal lobe seizures were confirmed with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and electroencephalography testing. In addition, her hospital course was complicated by syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion and atonic bladder contributing to an episode of urinary tract infection. After completing 3 weeks of acyclovir treatment, the patient became obtunded with right arm choreiform movements and persistent inflammatory CSF findings not attributable to persistent herpes simplex virus infection or other confounding factors. The patient responded to steroid treatment. Repeated autoimmune and paraneoplastic evaluations were negative. Both clinical (cognitive testing and atonic bladder) and CSF inflammatory finding improved in the follow-up period.