cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Communication-Based Social Judgments and Relationship-Based Self Schemas

This chapter is about social and self-cognition in an interpersonal context. It begins with research on the effect of communication on social judgments such as attitudes, impressions, and attributions. It then turns to representations that are not of the self or others but of the self with others and considers their impact on self-evaluation and subsequent relationships. As advocated in Chapter 1, a truly social cognitive psychology not only studies others and the self as objects of knowing but also puts the process of knowing into a communicative and relational context (H. H. Clark, 1985; Kraut & Higgins, 1984). Rather than treating knowing as the act of an isolated individual, we reconstruct it as a social act, relying on information provided by others and influenced by internalized past relationships with others. The social construction of judgments in symbolic interactions and about relationships is a return to the interests of Mead and Vygotsky (Chapters 1 and 3). We now bring to this discussion the multiple-knowing-processes model, which explains how interpersonal context and interaction influence not only through explicit verbal exchanges, but also through the activation of implicit cognitive, affective, and perceptual knowing.
An Ethnobotanical survey of the uses forCitrus aurantium (Rutaceae) in Haiti

A preliminary study on Haitian plant use revealed that Citrus aurantium (Rutaceae), common name “zorange si” was utilized in a wide variety of ways. Citrus aurantium was found to be used medicinally to treat colds, fevers, hepatic disorders, gall bladder problems, rheumatism, epilepsy, emotional shock, bruising internally and externally, skin blemishes and digestive problems. The sour orange was also found to be considered valuable in food preparation, agriculture, construction and voodoo. Our study ofCitrus aurantium provides evidence for continued traditional use of plants in Haiti.
When God is your only friend: Religious beliefs compensate for purpose in life in the socially disconnected.

Objective Social relationships supply purpose to life. How can socially disconnected people, who show lower levels of purpose, compensate for purpose in life? We propose that religious beliefs can compensate for the purpose in life that social relationships would otherwise provide, through providing (a) greater purpose to turn to and (b) divine figures that can substitute for social relationships. Method In three studies, we analyze three nationally representative and longitudinal data sets (N = 19,775) using moderated regression and cross-lagged panel analyses. Results Consistent with our hypotheses, religious beliefs were of minimal influence on purpose in life for socially connected individuals, who already held higher levels of purpose than socially disconnected individuals. However, for socially disconnected individuals, being highly religious predicted higher levels of purpose in life. Conclusions Results suggest that although people primarily derive purpose from social relationships, socially disconnected individuals may leverage their religious beliefs for purpose and social comfort until they can reconnect.
Developing the Moral Self: College Students' Understandings of Living a Moral or Ethical Life.

AbstractCollege is a significant time for moral development. This research examines how undergraduate students at two U.S. universities, one faith-based and one independent, understand the meaning of living an ethical or moral life. Findings reveal that moral and ethical questions are relevant to students’ lives and suggest that many have a fairly well-developed sense of moral identity. Because of the relationship between moral identity and moral action, understanding the meaning college students make of living a moral or ethical life illuminates the grounding of their participation as citizens of our democratic and pluralistic society.
Imitation, Fear, and Conviviality: Overlooked Histories of Immersive Arts and Technologies

This essay discusses alternative models to mimesis as the norm in mainstream immersive technologies. Projects by two Latin American designers, the Uruguayan videogame designer Gonzalo Frasca, and the Cuban interaction designer, Ivan Abreu Ochoa, exemplify such alternatives. I examine how both designers eschew idealized realism in favor of repositioning immersive spaces as a forum of debate about issues relevant to contemporary civic life, respectively, war and immigration. Conceived thusly, these works constitute uses of immersive technologies, gaming and the internet, for purposes of cultural critique and catalyzing emancipatory social energies. In this light, I argue that these projects work to both undermine normative conceptions of mimesis, as mimetic simulations are revealed to be partial, not neutral; and as well, demonstrate belief in the role of immersive technologies as support of convivial culture. As such, these projects are not unique, but can be understood as being part of transnational networks of alternative media, and extensions of the significant historical and contemporary contributions of Latin American artists and designers to this project.
Top Management Team Characteristics and Social Value Creation

This article explores the implications of top management team (TMT) diversity and identity in fostering an organizational environment that promotes social value creation. Upper echelon theory is in...
Black hole–neutron star mergers from triples – II. The role of metallicity and spin–orbit misalignment

Observations of black hole-neutron star (BH-NS) mergers via gravitational waves (GWs) are of great interest for their electromagnetic counterparts, such as short gamma-ray bursts, and could provide crucial information on the nature of BHs and the NS crust and magnetosphere. While no event has been confirmed, a recent possible detection of a BH-NS merger event by the LIGO-Virgo collaboration has attracted a lot of attention to these sources. In this second paper of the series, we follow-up our study of the dynamical evolution of triples comprised of an inner BH-NS binary. In particular, we examine how the progenitor metallicity affects the characteristics of the BH-NS mergers in triples. We determine the distributions of masses, orbital parameters and merger times, as a function of the progenitor metallicity and initial triple orbital distributions, and show that the typical eccentricity in the LIGO band is $\sim 10^{-2}-10^{-1}$. We derive a merger rate range of $\Gamma_\mathrm{BH-NS}=1.9\times 10^{-4}-22 \ \mathrm{Gpc}^{-3}\ \mathrm{yr}^{-1}$, consistent the LIGO-Virgo upper limit. Finally, we study the expected spin-orbit misalignments of merging BH-NS binaries from this channel, and find that typically the effective spin distribution is peaked at $\chi_{\rm eff}\sim 0$ with significant tails.
Predict and Intervene: Addressing the Dropout Problem in a MOOC-based Program

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are an efficient way of delivering knowledge to thousands of learners. However, even among learners who show a clear intention to complete a MOOC, the dropout rate is substantial. This is particularly relevant in the context of MOOC-based educational programs where a funnel of participation can be observed and high dropout rates at early stages of the program significantly reduce the number of learners successfully completing it. In this paper, we propose an approach to identify learners at risk of dropping out from a course, and we design and test an intervention intended to mitigate that risk. We collect course clickstream data from MOOCs of the MITx MicroMasters® in Supply Chain Management program and apply machine learning algorithms to predict potential dropouts. Our final model is able to predict 80% of actual dropouts. Based on these results, we design an intervention aimed to increase learners' motivation and engagement with a MOOC. The intervention consists on sending tailored encouragement emails to at-risk learners, but despite the high email opening rate, it shows no effect in dropout reduction.
A Common Target: Anti-Jewish Hate Crime in New York City Communities, 1995-2010:

Objectives:There is a growing body of macro-level studies examining hate crime. These studies however largely focus on ethnoracial hate crime, leading to a relative dearth of research investigating...
Neurostimulation and reach-to-grasp function recovery following acquired brain injury: insight from pre-clinical rodent models and human applications

Reach-to-grasp is an evolutionarily conserved motor function that is adversely impacted following stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) methods, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation, are promising tools that could enhance functional recovery of reach-to-grasp post-brain injury. Though the rodent literature provides a causal understanding of post-injury recovery mechanisms, it has had a limited impact on NIBS protocols in human research. The high degree of homology in reach-to-grasp circuitry between humans and rodents further implies that the application of NIBS to brain injury could be better informed by findings from pre-clinical rodent models and neurorehabilitation research. Here, we provide an overview of the advantages and limitations of using rodent models to advance our current understanding of human reach-to-grasp function, cortical circuitry, and reorganization. We propose that a cross-species comparison of reach-to-grasp recovery could provide a mechanistic framework for clinically efficacious NIBS treatments that could elicit better functional outcomes for patients.
Correlation of coagulation parameters with clinical outcomes in Coronavirus-19 affected minorities in United States: Observational cohort

ABSTRACT Importance COVID-19 has caused a worldwide illness and New York has become the epicenter of COVID-19 in the United States. Currently Bronx has the highest prevalence per capita in New York. Objective To investigate the coagulopathic presentation of COVID and its natural course and to investigate whether hematologic and coagulation parameters can be used to assess illness severity and death. Design Retrospective case study of positive COVID inpatients between 3/20/2020-3/31/2020. Setting Montefiore Health System main hospital, Moses, a large tertiary care center in the Bronx. Participants Adult inpatients with positive COVID tests hospitalized at MHS. Exposure (for observational studies) Datasets of participants were queried for physiological, demographic (age, sex, socioeconomic status and self-reported race and/or ethnicity) and laboratory data. Main Outcome and Measures Relationship and predictive value of measured parameters to mortality and illness severity. Results Of the 217 in this case review, 70 died during hospitalization while 147 were discharged home. Only the admission PT and first D-Dimer could very significantly differentiate those who were discharged alive and those who died. Logistic regression analysis shows increased odds ratio for mortality by first D-Dimer within 48 hrs. of admission. The optimal cut-point for the initial D-Dimer to predict mortality was found to be 1.65 μg/mL Conclusions We describe here a comprehensive assessment of hematologic and coagulation parameters in COVID and examine the relationship of these to mortality. We demonstrate that both initial and maximum D-Dimer values are biomarkers that can be used for survival assessments.
Impact of a Multidisciplinary Craniofacial Clinic for Patients With Craniofacial Syndromes on Patient Satisfaction and Outcome

Objective:Multidisciplinary clinics are becoming widely utilized. Given the number of patients with craniofacial syndromes evaluated at our institution, and the burden of assessment by multiple sub...
Cobalt−Porphyrin Catalyzed Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide in Water. 2. Mechanism from First Principles

We apply first principles computational techniques to analyze the two-electron, multistep, electrochemical reduction of CO(2) to CO in water using cobalt porphyrin as a catalyst. Density functional theory calculations with hybrid functionals and dielectric continuum solvation are used to determine the steps at which electrons are added. This information is corroborated with ab initio molecular dynamics simulations in an explicit aqueous environment which reveal the critical role of water in stabilizing a key intermediate formed by CO(2) bound to cobalt. By use of potential of mean force calculations, the intermediate is found to spontaneously accept a proton to form a carboxylate acid group at pH < 9.0, and the subsequent cleavage of a C-OH bond to form CO is exothermic and associated with a small free energy barrier. These predictions suggest that the proposed reaction mechanism is viable if electron transfer to the catalyst is sufficiently fast. The variation in cobalt ion charge and spin states during bond breaking, DFT+U treatment of cobalt 3d orbitals, and the need for computing electrochemical potentials are emphasized.
Simple Camera-to-2D-LiDAR Calibration Method for General Use

As systems that utilize computer vision move into the public domain, methods of calibration need to become easier to use. Though multi-plane LiDAR systems have proven to be useful for vehicles and large robotic platforms, many smaller platforms and low-cost solutions still require 2D LiDAR combined with RGB cameras. Current methods of calibrating these sensors make assumptions about camera and laser placement and/or require complex calibration routines. In this paper we propose a new method of feature correspondence in the two sensors and an optimization method capable of using a calibration target with unknown lengths in its geometry. Our system is designed with an inexperienced layperson as the intended user, which has led us to remove as many assumptions about both the target and laser as possible. We show that our system is capable of calibrating the 2-sensor system from a single sample in configurations other methods are unable to handle.
Use of Simple Geometry to Predict Changes in Coronal and Sagittal Alignments Using an Extramedullary Tibial Cutting Guide During Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Abstract During total knee arthroplasty, balancing is necessary for long-term stability and longevity of implants as improper balancing leads to abnormal surface strain. A routine practice among surgeons is to add more posterior slope to the proximal tibia to provide an increase in the flexion gap to balance the knee throughout the entire range of motion, particularly when doing cruciate-retaining knees. The aim of this technique guide is to provide a simple estimate of the posterior slope added or subtracted when cutting the proximal tibia using a standard extramedullary guide. It can also be applied to predict the amount of coronal change instituted using a standard extramedullary drop guide. Using a few basic calculations with a sine equation, a surgeon can accurately predict the amount of change in the slope applied when cutting the proximal tibia. This can be done to control the degree of slope added to the anterior-posterior direction and can be used to predict coronal alignment changes as well. This technique can be applied to any length extramedullary guide and applied across all companies to provide surgeons with an exact degree change in the tibial slope and coronal alignment with simple calculations.
Aldosterone and Mineralocorticoid Receptor Signaling as Determinants of Cardiovascular and Renal Injury: From Hans Selye to the Present.

Background: A full understanding of the mechanisms of action of aldosterone and its interaction with the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) allows a theoretical framework to predict the therapeutic potential of MR antagonists (MRAs) in CKD, and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Summary: The initial focus on the mechanisms of action of aldosterone was directed primarily on its role in modulating renal excretory function. In contrast, many recent studies have demonstrated a wider and expanded role for aldosterone in modulating inflammation, collagen formation, fibrosis, and necrosis. Increasing evidence has accrued that implicates the pathophysiological overactivation of the MR as a major determinant of progression of CKD. By promoting inflammation and fibrosis, MR overactivation constitutes a pivotal determinant of CKD progression and its associated morbidity and mortality. In accord with this mechanism of action, blockade of the MR is currently being investigated as a novel treatment regimen to slow the progression of CKD. The recently reported FIDELIO-DKD (FInerenone in reducing kiDnEy faiLure and dIsease prOgression in Diabetic Kidney Disease) study demonstrated that patients with CKD and type 2 diabetes who were treated with finerenone (a novel nonsteroidal MRA) manifested a lower risk of a composite primary outcome event compared with patients in the placebo arm (defined as kidney failure, or a sustained decrease of ≥40% in the estimated glomerular filtration rate from baseline, or death from renal causes). In addition, patients in the finerenone group also manifested a lower risk of a key secondary outcome event (defined as death from cardiovascular causes, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or hospitalization for heart failure). Key Messages: Based on the success of the FIDELIO-DKD study, future studies should be implemented testing the hypothesis that a wide array of nondiabetic CKD is modulated by overactivation of the MR, and consequently may be amenable to treatment with novel nonsteroidal MRAs. Future studies are encouraged to elucidate the clinical implications of the interplay of nonsteroidal MRAs and the components of the renin-angiotensin cascade. The unique and recently reported interrelationship of fibroblast growth factor (FGF23) and aldosterone may also constitute a propitious subject for future investigation.
Genetically determined elevated C-reactive protein associated with primary colorectal cancer risk: Mendelian randomization with lifestyle interactions.

Systemic inflammation-related etiologic pathways via inflammatory cytokines in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) have not been convincingly determined and may be confounded by lifestyle factors or reverse causality. We investigated the genetically predicted C-reactive protein (CRP) phenotype in the potential causal pathway of primary CRC risk in postmenopausal women in a Mendelian randomization (MR) framework. We employed individual-level data of the Women's Health Initiative Database for Genotypes and Phenotypes Study, which consists of 5 genome-wide association (GWA) studies, including 10,142 women, 737 of whom developed primary CRC. We examined 61 GWA single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with CRP by using weighted/penalized MR weighted-medians and MR gene-environment interactions that allow some relaxation of the strict variable requirements and attenuate the heterogeneous estimates of outlying SNPs. In lifestyle-stratification analyses, genetically determined CRP exhibited its effects on the decreased CRC risk in non-viscerally obese and high-fat diet subgroups. In contrast, genetically driven CRP was associated with an increased risk for CRC in women who smoked ≥ 15 cigarettes/day, with significant interaction of the gene-smoking relationship. Further, a substantially increased risk of CRC induced by CRP was observed in relatively short-term users ( 10 years) of E plus progestin. Our findings may provide novel evidence on immune-related etiologic pathways connected to CRC risk and suggest the possible use of CRP as a CRC-predictive biomarker in women with particular behaviors and CRP marker-informed interventions to reduce CRC risk.
Ferroelectricity in boron-substituted aluminum nitride thin films

This manuscript demonstrates ferroelectricity in B-substituted AlN thin films and a complementary set of first-principles calculations to understand their structure-property relationships. ${\mathrm{Al}}_{1--x}{\mathrm{B}}_{x}\mathrm{N}$ films are grown by dual-cathode reactive magnetron sputtering on $(110)\mathrm{W}/(001){\mathrm{Al}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ substrates at 300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C at compositions spanning $x=0$ to $x=0.20$. X-ray diffraction studies indicate a decrease in both the $c$ and $a$ lattice parameters with increasing B concentration, resulting in a decrease in unit cell volume and a constant $c$/$a$ axial ratio of 1.60 over this composition range. Films with $0.02\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}0.15$ display ferroelectric switching with remanent polarizations exceeding $125\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{C}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{c}{\mathrm{m}}^{--2}$ while maintaining band gap energies of $g5.2\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$. The large band gap allows low frequency hysteresis measurement (200 Hz) with modest leakage contributions. At B concentrations of $xg0.15$, $c$-axis orientation deteriorates and ferroelectric behavior is degraded. Density-functional theory calculations corroborate the structural observations and provide predictions for the wurtzite $u$ parameter, polarization reversal magnitudes, and composition-dependent coercive fields.
Automated Identification of Referable Retinal Pathology in Teleophthalmology Setting.

Purpose This study aims to meet a growing need for a fully automated, learning-based interpretation tool for retinal images obtained remotely (e.g. teleophthalmology) through different imaging modalities that may include imperfect (uninterpretable) images. Methods A retrospective study of 1148 optical coherence tomography (OCT) and color fundus photography (CFP) retinal images obtained using Topcon's Maestro care unit on 647 patients with diabetes. To identify retinal pathology, a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) with dual-modal inputs (i.e. CFP and OCT images) was developed. We developed a novel alternate gradient descent algorithm to train the CNN, which allows for the use of uninterpretable CFP/OCT images (i.e. ungradable images that do not contain sufficient image biomarkers for the reviewer to conclude absence or presence of retinal pathology). Specifically, a 9:1 ratio to split the training and testing dataset was used for training and validating the CNN. Paired CFP/OCT inputs (obtained from a single eye of a patient) were grouped as retinal pathology negative (RPN; 924 images) in the absence of retinal pathology in both imaging modalities, or if one of the imaging modalities was uninterpretable and the other without retinal pathology. If any imaging modality exhibited referable retinal pathology, the corresponding CFP/OCT inputs were deemed retinal pathology positive (RPP; 224 images) if any imaging modality exhibited referable retinal pathology. Results Our approach achieved 88.60% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 82.76% to 94.43%) accuracy in identifying pathology, along with the false negative rate (FNR) of 12.28% (95% CI = 6.26% to 18.31%), recall (sensitivity) of 87.72% (95% CI = 81.69% to 93.74%), specificity of 89.47% (95% CI = 83.84% to 95.11%), and area under the curve of receiver operating characteristic (AUC-ROC) was 92.74% (95% CI = 87.71% to 97.76%). Conclusions Our model can be successfully deployed in clinical practice to facilitate automated remote retinal pathology identification. Translational Relevance A fully automated tool for early diagnosis of retinal pathology might allow for earlier treatment and improved visual outcomes.
Emergence of non-susceptibility during persistent Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteraemia in haematopoietic cell transplant recipients and haematological malignancy patients.

Background Systematic studies pertaining to the emergence of resistance during therapy of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infections (BSIs) in haematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients and haematological malignancy (HM) patients are lacking. Objectives To determine how frequently non-susceptibility emerges during therapy of P. aeruginosa BSIs and to compare these findings with non-HCT/HM patients. Patients and methods P. aeruginosa BSIs that occurred at our institution between 1 July 2012 and 31 October 2019 in HCT/HM patients and non-HCT/HM patients were identified. Episodes in which bacteraemia persisted while on appropriate therapy ('persistent BSI') were evaluated for emergence of non-susceptibility during therapy. Results In total, 96 BSI episodes among 86 HCT/HM patients were analysed. Eight persistent BSI episodes (8.3%) occurred in eight patients (9.3%). Repeat susceptibility testing was performed in seven (87.5%) of these episodes. Non-susceptibility to the treatment agent emerged in five (71.4%) episodes and to any antipseudomonal agent in seven (100%) episodes. The 21 day mortality rate associated with persistent BSI was 87.5% (seven of eight), and it was 80% (four of five) among persistent BSI episodes in which non-susceptibility to the treatment agent emerged on therapy. Non-susceptibility to any antipseudomonal agent during persistent BSI emerged significantly more frequently in HCT/HM patients compared with non-HCT/HM patients. Conclusions Non-susceptibility emerges frequently during persistent P. aeruginosa BSIs in HCT/HM patients, and this is associated with a high mortality rate. Our findings have implications for the management of persistent P. aeruginosa BSIs in these patients. Larger studies are needed to confirm and expand on our findings.
Characterization of DEA ranking models

Other than measuring relative efficiency, DEA (Data Envelopment Analysis) has been used in a number of other ways to elaborate further on the performance of individual units or to ascertain how the units could become more efficient. Also researchers have developed methods for using DEA as a ranking model. We classified DEA ranking models into two categories based on whether preferences (weights) are given or not. When the decision maker's preferences (weights) are not given, the ranking criteria and corresponding ranking results of each model vary depending on the methods each model uses. When the decision maker's preferences (weights) are given, the accuracy and acceptability of the results depend on how well these given preferences are reflected to each weight restriction method. Since the ranking result from each model is determined by the characteristics each model has, it is important to understand these characteristics. This hopefully can help decision makers to make a better decision. In this dissertation, we analyze the characteristics of A-P (Andersen-Peterson) model and cross-efficiency evaluation in category 1, and coneratio and Wong and Beasley weight restrictions in category 2. Alternative models for measuring overall efficiency are proposed. To better characterize ranking models, we define a new metric, the specialization index (SI), and propose using the Ak score in cross-efficiency evaluation to identify specialized DMUs. Also we examine the popular characterization on the 1st ranker of cross-efficiency evaluation and show that it is not always true. The fixed weighting nature of cross-efficiency evaluation is analyzed in the multiple-input, multiple-output situation analytically and
Multi-layer Background Change Detection Based on Spatiotemporal Texture Projections

In this paper we explore a multi-layer background change detection method based on projections of spatiotemporal 3D texture maps. The aim of this method is to provide a background change detection of a region viewed by multiple cameras. Camera views are projected onto a common ground plane, thus creating a spatially aligned multi-layer background. The aligned multi-layer background is subdivided into non-overlapping texture blocks, and block data is dimensionally reduced by principal component analysis. Motion detection is performed on each block, and non-moving sections of the block are clustered into multiple hyperspheres. An analysis of the clusters from spatially aligned multi-layer blocks reveal regions of changed background. This method is evaluated on surveillance videos available from PETS2006 and PETS2007 datasets.
Quality Up in Polynomial Homotopy Continuation by Multithreaded Path Tracking

Speedup measures how much faster we can solve the same problem using many cores. If we can afford to keep the execution time fixed, then quality up measures how much better the solution will be computed using many cores. In this paper we describe our multithreaded implementation to track one solution path defined by a polynomial homotopy. Limiting quality to accuracy and confusing accuracy with precision, we strive to offset the cost of multiprecision arithmetic running multithreaded code on many cores.
Overtreatment of neonates.

To the Editor.— Dr William Silverman9s insightful commentary "Overtreatment of Neonates? A Personal Retrospective"1 correctly reminds us of how easily we slip into dangerous waters and find ourselves drowning either alone or with our colleagues, often without even realizing it. Dr Silverman raises many valid and extremely important questions about the "life at any cost" policy which has dominated neonatal intensive care for many years. He challenges us to "determine the extent to which an arbitrary, as opposed to a discretionary rescue policy is sensitive to a complex balance of interests" represented by the neonate, the family, and the community.
A class of strategy-correlated equilibria in sender–receiver games

This paper shows that the efficiency bound for communication equilibria identified by Goltsman et al. (2009) in the leading example of the Crawford–Sobel model can be obtained with strategy-correlated equilibria, thus preserving privacy vis-a-vis the mediator. More generally, all equilibrium outcomes of the ϵ-noise model of Blume et al. (2007), including outcomes with an uncountable infinity of equilibrium actions, can be obtained via strategy-correlated equilibria of the noise-free game. The occasional mismatch between the encoding and decoding rules used by sender and receiver in a strategy-correlated equilibrium can be interpreted as uncertainty about language use.
The economics of sustainable energy for rural development: A study of renewable energy in rural China

Abstract This paper examines recent modeling efforts and case studies to evaluate the economic viability of off-grid renewable energy technologies for rural application in developing countries. Case studies have been conducted for a representative sample of 41 households from the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China, who have operating experience of at least one year with small, off-grid wind (less than 400 W) and photovoltaic (less than 150 Wp) systems. Our analyses indicate that levelized costs of off-grid, household-scale renewable energy systems are cost-competitive with conventional gasoline gen-sets and PV/wind hybrid systems appear to be an economic means of providing year-round electricity service and meeting the rising energy demands of remote households in Inner Mongolia. Policy recommendations for spurring the market development of renewable energy technologies in developing countries are provided in the final section of the paper.
Smad2, Smad3 and Smad4 cooperate with Sp1 to induce p15Ink4B transcription in response to TGF‐β

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) arrests growth of epithelial cells by inducing the transcription of p15Ink4B, a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor. In this study, we demonstrate that p15Ink4B induction was mediated by a TGF-β-induced complex of Smad2, Smad3, Smad4 and Sp1. Mutations in the Sp1- or Smad-binding sequences decreased or abolished the TGF-β responsiveness of the p15Ink4B promoter. Interference with, or deficiency in, Smad2, Smad3 or Smad4 functions also reduced or abolished the TGF-β-dependent p15Ink4B induction, whereas the absence of Sp1 reduced the basal and TGF-β-induced p15Ink4B transcription. In the nucleoprotein complex, Smad2 interacted through its C-domain with Sp1 and enhanced the DNA binding and transcriptional activity of Sp1. Smad3 interacted indirectly with Sp1 through its association with Smad2 and/or Smad4, and bound directly to the p15Ink4B promoter. Finally, Smad4 interacted through its N-domain with Sp1. Our data demonstrate the physical interactions and functional cooperativity of Sp1 with a complex of Smad2, Smad3 and Smad4 in the induction of the p15Ink4B gene. These findings explain the tumor suppressor roles of Smad2 and Smad4 in growth arrest signaling by TGF-β.
A probable defect in the β-oxidation of lipids in rats fed alcohol for 6 months

Studies on fatty acid oxidation were made in rats fed for 6 months on a liquid diet containing 15% total calories as ethanol. After 6 months, a marked diminution was observed in the in vivo production of 14 CO 2 from labeled palmitate and octanoate in the ethanol-fed animals compared to their pair-fed isocaloric controls not receiving alcohol. Similar results were obtained in 14 CO 2 formation from 14 C-fatty acids using liver mitochondria from these ethanol-fed rats after 6 months. The effect on octanoate beta-oxidation was larger than that for palmitate. Addition of purified acyl CoA dehydrogenase complexes and additional electron transfer flavoprotein complex to the mitochondria suggested that the ethanol-fed animals could have been deficient in the medium-chain acyl CoA-dehydrogenase complex.
Experimental perturbations to Saffman-Taylor flow

Abstract Patterns found at driven interfaces add richness and beauty to the visual world, but they build processing-history-dependent inhomogeneities into samples of materials whose usefulness is affected by these inhomogeneities. The Saffman-Taylor (S-T) problem provides a particularly simple case of nonlinear interfacial pattern formation. A wide variety of experiments have added perturbations to the S-T problem in order to learn more about the dynamics of driven interfaces and about the relation of material properties to dynamical pattern evolution.
Genetic counselors’ implicit racial attitudes and their relationship to communication

Objective: Implicit racial attitudes are thought to shape interpersonal interactions and may contribute to health-care disparities. This study explored the relationship between genetic counselors’ implicit racial attitudes and their communication during simulated genetic counseling sessions. Method: A nationally representative sample of genetic counselors completed a web-based survey that included the Race Implicit Association Test (IAT; Greenwald, McGhee, & Schwartz, 1998; Cooper et al., 2012). A subset of these counselors (n 67) had participated in an earlier study in which they were video recorded counseling Black, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic White SCs about their prenatal or cancer risks. The counselors’ IAT scores were related to their session communications through robust regression modeling. Results: Genetic counselors showed a moderate to strong pro-White bias on the Race IAT (M 0.41, SD 0.35). Counselors with stronger pro-White bias were rated as displaying lower levels of positive affect (p .05) and tended to use less emotionally responsive communication (p .10) when counseling minority SCs. When counseling White SCs, pro-White bias was associated with lower levels of verbal dominance during sessions (p .10). Stronger pro-White bias was also associated with more positive ratings of counselors’ nonverbal effectiveness by White SCs. Conclusion: Implicit racial bias is associated with negative markers of communication in minority client sessions and may contribute to racial disparities in processes of care related to genetic services.
The relation of apparent brightness to contrast threshold on a photopic background :Dependence on retinal position and target size

Abstract The luminance necessary for constant apparent brightness was measured as a function of retinal eccentricity at several photopic brightness levels and compared with the corresponding increment threshold functions. Thresholds rose substantially from the fovea to the periphery, but the contrast required for constant brightness showed little change as a function of eccentricity. A change of target size had relatively little effect on the shapes of the equal brightness curves. Two contributing factors to the difference between the threshold and equal brightness curves are systematic changes in (1) the apparent brightness at threshold (2) the exponent of the brightness power function. A neural mechanism is proposed which accounts for the results. A comparison with known retinal ganglion cell properties leads to the conclusion that this mechanism must be located proximally to the retina.
A model for the accurate prediction of the current voltage behavior of ion-implanted MOS transistors at low drain voltages

The increased use in production LSI circuits of ion implantation, in particular, the use of the depletion load transistor, has prompted re-examination of conventional MOS theory. For enhancement/depletion mode circuits, discrepancies between measured and predicted characteristics appear due to the inadequacy of the conventional depletion load device model. Calculations are described for p-channel depletion load transistors. Comparison of I D -V G characteristics to experiment are given for several energies and doses. A voltage dependent shift in the I D -V G curves is shown to be a direct consequence of hole degeneracy.
Comedy's Intention

I subject a brief scene from the first act of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest to seven classical theories of the comic, testing it against each one—for example, (1) the theory of resemblance (we see ourselves in fictional caricatures); (2) the theory of dissociation (no, we laugh dismissively at any resemblance to ourselves); (3) Ben Jonson’s theory of four humors; (4) William Hazlitt’s theory of “Wit and Humor”; (5) Freud’s theory of “the comic of situation”; (6) Henri Bergson’s theory of laughter; (7) Northrop Frye’s identification of the principal comedic characters (the Eiron versus the Alazon, the Buffoon and the Churl). In this way, I arrive at a theory of my own, which makes use of Aristotle’s theory of catharsis but is otherwise original. My theory sees comedy as a structure governed by “illogical logic” which generates a catharsis of wish and fear.
Ammonia Decomposition on Tungsten-Based Catalysts in the Absence and Presence of Syngas

Synthesis gas produced from biomass gasification can serve as a starting point for producing electricity, low-to-medium energy fuels, and even hydrogen for fuel cells. The major barrier in commercialization of biomass gasification is the presence of impurities such as NH3, tars, and H2S in the gas products that are detrimental to downstream processes. This paper reports the results of a study of NH3 decomposition to N2 and H2 on tungsten-based catalysts, tungsten carbide (WC) and tungstated zirconia (WZ), for a gasification gas cleanup strategy that involves removal of tars first followed by NH3 decomposition. The effects of the presence of H2 and CO on the behavior of these catalysts are also reported. At the NH3 decomposition reaction conditions used in the present study (1 atm, 465−650 °C, 4000 ppm), both WC and WZ showed an induction period. The main reason for this induction period is hypothesized to be a restructuring of the catalyst surface by NH3 so that the surface is more favorable for reaction....
Novel Piston Motion Opto-Mechanical Sensor for Nanoscale Motion Detection

To increase the sensitivity of a micromechanical structure to temperature (in thermal sensing) and surface stress (in biochemical sensing) change, a novel Flip-Over-Bimorph (FOB) structure has been proposed. For detecting physically induced nanoscale motion, the operation of a piston motion optomechanical sensor using the FOB design has been demonstrated. The piston motion opto-mechanical sensor has a symmetric structure such that the structural deflection is converted into a linear displacement of a reflecting surface, which is used for optical interferometry. Through the optical measurement setup using the He-Ne laser and CCD, light intensity changes for chip temperature changes are measured, and the thermo-mechanical sensitivity of the designed sensor is 180 nm/K.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Exercise rehabilitation in peripheral artery disease: functional impact and mechanisms of benefits.

In the United States, 8 million adults have peripheral artery disease (PAD), a number that is likely to escalate as the population ages.1,–,3 Lower-extremity PAD is a component of systemic atherosclerosis and confers a markedly heightened risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.4,–,7 It is now established that PAD accelerates functional decline leading to physical disability.8,9 Exercise therapy combined with comprehensive secondary prevention has the potential to benefit patients with PAD by preserving or improving functional capacity and reducing cardiovascular events. Accordingly, this review will address the relation between exercise intolerance and outcomes in patients with PAD; the effects of exercise training in PAD and the many possible mechanisms of benefit; and the potential role of comprehensive secondary prevention programs in these patients. Traditionally, PAD has been viewed as a disease of the lower extremities typified by intermittent claudication. Studies now have demonstrated the malignant cardiovascular course of PAD even in the absence of claudication. The presence of PAD can be readily identified by the ankle-brachial index (ABI), a simple test comparing systolic blood pressure measured in the arm and in the ankle by Doppler.10,–,12 Among patients with a low ABI (defined as ≤0.90) detected in both population-based and high-risk primary care cohorts, only 10% to 15% have intermittent claudication.13,–,15 The international ABI Collaboration patient-level meta-analysis of >48 000 individuals found that a low ABI predicted a doubling of 10-year risk of mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and major coronary events at all levels of Framingham Risk Score.4 Importantly, the German Epidemiological Study on Ankle Brachial Index recently reported that asymptomatic individuals with PAD identified in a primary care screening program had similarly elevated 5-year risk of morbidity and …
Nesiritide for Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

Objective:To evaluate nesiritide for the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure (HF) with respect to its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, adverse effect profile, and outcomes.Data Source:Primary and review articles were identified by MEDLINE search (1966–March 2001). Data from the PRECEDENT trial and additional dosing/administration and safety information were obtained from Scios, Inc.Study Selection:All of the articles identified from the data sources were evaluated and all information deemed relevant was included in this review.Data Synthesis:Research into the cardiac natriuretic peptides has revealed that brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is elevated in patients with HF and may counterregulate the pathophysiologic mechanisms involved in progression of the disease. Nesiritide (Natrecor), recombinant human BNP, is the first natriuretic peptide to be approved by the FDA for treatment of acute decompensated HF. Nesiritide is a potent venous and arterial vasodilator that reduces pulm...
Simulation of medical decisions: applications of SLN

Simulation has been applied to several important medical deci sion problems using the SLN language. The applications to end- stage renal disease, chronic stable angina, renal artery stenosis, and treatment of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia are reviewed emphasizing the modeling considerations and results. These investigations support the utility of simulation in medical decisions and the applicability of SLN to these problems. The general applicability of simulation to medical decision problems must be evaluated in the context of available knowledge and data. The simulation of medical decisions does not produce dependence among observations so prevalent in discrete-event simulations, but to the extent that arbitrary criteria such as cost- effectiveness are estimated, statistical concerns remain. Simula tion, particularly with SLN, can play an important role in medical protocol design.
Monte Carlo spreadsheet modeling of stable isotope biosynthesis

Metabolic physiologists often introduce stable isotopes, atoms containing additional neutrons, into molecules during biosynthesis. This tags the newly synthesized material by altering its mass. Monte Carlo analysis is implemented on a popular spreadsheet to analyze this process. An example is provided where acetoacetate is synthesized by condensation of two acetate moieties. The precursor acetate is present as a mixture of natural, and 13C enriched, acetate. Monte Carlo spreadsheet modeling captures the complexity of the multi-species isotope biosynthesis by repetitively performing multiple simultaneous Boolean calculations. The effects of increasing the number of molecules synthesized on the goodness of fit of between model and an exact analytical solution is illustrated.
Possible occurrence of character displacement in the sympatric skates Raja erinacea and R. ocellata (Pisces: Rajidae)

Raja erinacea and R. ocellata are sibling species which are positively correlated with each other by occurrence and numerical abundance. In sympatry the species undergo interactive segregation; R. erinacea feeds on a higher percentage of epifauna and R. ocellata feeds on a higher percentage of infauna.
Right atrial ultrastructure in congenital heart disease. I. Comparison of ventricular septal defect and endocardial cushion defect

Ultrastructural studies were performed on portions of the operatively resected right atrium from six patients with a ventricular septal defect and six patients with an endocardial cushion defect. The six patients with a ventricular septal defect had normal right atrial mean pressure and no evidence of right atrial volume overload. Ultrastructurally, the atrial muscle cells in these patients appeared normal and measured 6 to 12 mu in diameter. The six patients with an endocardial cushion defect had elevated right atrial mean pressure and evidence of right atrial volume overload. Ultrastructurally, the atrial muscle cells in these patients were generally larger than 12 mu in diameter. The cells were irregular and had multiple and occasionally widened intercalated discs. In addition, there were degenerative changes in two patients with markedly increased atrial pressure. These changes included extensive loss of contractile elements, aggregation of small irregular mitochondria and proliferation of tubules of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The structural changes suggest that hypertrophy of the right atrium may be secondary to volume overload of the atrium, whereas degenerative changes may be secondary to increased right atrial pressure.
Skeletal strain and the functional significance of bone architecture.

Regulation of the magnitude and distribution of skeletal strain is achieved in limb bones both “internally” by alterations to bone morphology, and “externally” by coordination of muscle activity and modifications in the animal's behavior. Though not actually minimizing functional strain, these mechanisms conspire to produce a restricted strain environment, which allows an economical and optimized structure, and, in a variety of species over a wide range of activities, the architectural and behavioral modifications have resulted in remarkably similar peak functional strain magnitudes. This confined range of functional strains reflects a universal mechanism and objective of structural adaptation in bone.