cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Designing a hands-on brain computer interface laboratory course

Devices and systems that interact with the brain have become a growing field of research and development in recent years. Engineering students are well positioned to contribute to both hardware development and signal analysis techniques in this field. However, this area has been left out of most engineering curricula. We developed an electroencephalography (EEG) based brain computer interface (BCI) laboratory course to educate students through hands-on experiments. The course is offered jointly by the Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Science Departments of Columbia University in the City of New York and is open to senior undergraduate and graduate students. The course provides an effective introduction to the experimental design, neuroscience concepts, data analysis techniques, and technical skills required in the field of BCI.
Is Estradiol a Biomarker of Type 2 Diabetes Risk in Postmenopausal Women

Cross-sectional studies have suggested an association between the main female hormone, 17β-estradiol (E2), and the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in postmenopausal women (1,2). Even prospective studies have found that among postmenopausal women not using hormone therapy, higher circulating levels of total and free E2 were strongly and prospectively associated with increased long-term risk of T2D, independently of adiposity or insulin resistance (3,4). In this issue of Diabetes , Muka et al. (5) examine the association among sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG)—a protein that binds and carries E2 in the blood and limits its bioavailability—sex hormones, and T2D risk in a large population-based sample of healthy postmenopausal women who were free of T2D at baseline, with a median follow-up of 11 years. They report that lower levels of SHBG (which translate into higher bioavailable E2) and higher concentrations of total E2 are associated with increased risk of T2D, independently of established risk factors, including BMI and insulin resistance. In contrast, they observed no association between testosterone and T2D risk. Their findings are reinforced by a systematic meta-analysis of 13 studies with 14,902 participants who included 1,912 case subjects with T2D, confirming that lower SHBG and increased total E2 are robust risk markers of T2D in postmenopausal women. Of …
Recent Results and Unsolved Problems on Finite Convolution Operators

Finite convolution operators are studied by means of a complex Fourier transform technique. Questions concerning unicellularity and similarity are related to asymptotic properties of bounded analytic functions in a half-plane. The purpose of the paper is to survey recent work, and to call attention to open problems. The theory is illustrated by a list of examples.
Communication Cost in Parallel Query Evaluation: A Tutorial

We consider the following problem: what is the amount of communication required to compute a query in parallel on p servers, over a large input database? To study this problem we define a variant of Valiant's BSP model [10], called the Massively Parallel Communication (MPC) model, where servers are in finitely powerful and where the cost is measured in terms of the maximum communication per server, and the number of rounds. Query evaluation in this model has been studied for full conjunctive queries in [6, 7, 9]. The model is similar to the MapReduce model of computation, where full conjunctive queries were studied in [14].
Ibuprofen versus placebo effect on acute kidney injury in ultramarathons: a randomised controlled trial

Background Despite concerns that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) contribute to acute kidney injury (AKI), up to 75% of ultramarathon runners ingest these during competition. The effect of NSAID on AKI incidence in ultramarathon runners is unclear. Methods Multisite randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial in the Gobi, Atacama, Ecuador and Sri Lankan deserts to determine whether ibuprofen (400 mg every 4 hours) would be non-inferior to placebo during a 50-mile (80 km) foot race. The primary outcome was incidence of AKI defined as severity categories of ‘risk’ of injury of 1.5× baseline creatinine (Cr) or ‘injury’ as 2× Cr, combined to calculate total incidence at the finish line. Non-inferiority margin for difference in AKI rates was defined as 15%. Results Eighty-nine participants (47% ibuprofen and 53% placebo) were enrolled with similar demographics between groups. The overall incidence of AKI was 44%. Intent-to-treat analysis found 22 (52%) ibuprofen versus 16 (34%) placebo users developed AKI (18% difference, 95% CI –4% to 41%; OR 2.1, 95% CI 0.9 to 5.1) with a number needed to harm of 5.5. Greater severity of AKI was seen with ibuprofen compared with placebo (risk=38% vs 26%; 95% CI –9% to 34%; injury=14% vs 9%; 95% CI –10% to 21%). Slower finishers were less likely to encounter AKI (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.98) and greater weight loss (−1.3%) increased AKI (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.63). Conclusion There were increased rates of AKI in those who took ibuprofen, and although not statistically inferior to placebo by a small margin, there was a number needed to harm of 5.5 people to cause 1 case of AKI. Consideration should therefore be taken before ingesting NSAID during endurance running as it could exacerbate renal injury. Trial registration number NCT02272725.
Insight into the Selectivity of Isopropanol Conversion at Strontium Titanate (100) Surfaces: A Combination Kinetic and Spectroscopic Study

This work aims to better understand the role of interfacial molecular structure that governs selectivity and activity in heterogeneous catalytic reactions. To address this, a comprehensive study of isopropyl alcohol conversion over an archetypal perovskite material, strontium titanate (SrTiO3 or STO), was performed with an array of techniques sensitive to orthogonal aspects of the ensuing chemistry. Cubic-shaped STO nanoparticles with only the (100) facet exposed were synthesized and used to study the ensemble kinetic conversion of isopropyl alcohol over the surfaces, which showed selectivity to form acetone, with minor propylene products appearing at elevated temperatures. These results in combination with inelastic neutron scattering measurements provide not only insight into the selectivity and overall activity of the catalysts but also low-frequency vibrational signatures of the adsorbed and reacted species. To complement these measurements, pristine thin films of STO (100) were synthesized and used i...
Lack of a Tricuspid Regurgitation Doppler Signal and Pulmonary Hypertension by Invasive Measurement.

Background Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is used to estimate pulmonary artery systolic pressure, but an adequate tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV) needed to calculate pulmonary artery s...
Optimism, goal conflict, and stressor-related immune change.

Although optimism is usually conceptualized as a buffer against stressor-related changes in the immune system, some contradictory findings have emerged. The present research proposed that when facing conflicting goals, optimists are more likely to remain engaged with both goals and to experience higher short-term stress as a consequence. Optimists were therefore predicted to fare worse than pessimists immunologically when facing academic–social goal conflict but to fare better when not facing goal conflict. In the Study 1 sample (n = 48), optimism was associated with higher numbers of CD4+ cells among first-year law students who were less likely to have academic–social conflict and with lower numbers of CD4+ cells at midsemester among students who were more likely to have conflict. The results replicated in the Study 2 sample of law students (n = 22) using delayed-type hypersensitivity testing. Optimists may be subject to short-term physiological costs in their persistence to gain long-term rewards.
Land use regulation

This chapter examines land use from the standpoint of the community. If there is a bid rent curve in a particular area, rather than a smooth downward sloping shape, or if there is a series of jagged lines not necessarily pointing in any direction, it may be concluded that the market participants are constrained by regulators who decide what is best for land users regardless of economic considerations. Land use often proceeds not on the basis of its most efficient use, but on the basis of the size and level of protest of vocal groups who have the power to elect or re-elect officials who do their bidding. The landscape is littered with spectacular government-inspired land use failures— such as federal housing projects and rent control, but one also observes the occasional successful urban renewal. This chapter provides a way of thinking about land use regulation and a rational model to describe a conflict between property owners and a regulatory agency. The chapter proposes a theoretical model that permits one to optimize the conditions of regulation in a general sense.
Refuting van Inwagen's ‘Refutation’: Evidentialism again

L'A. presente l'argument evident sur le diable en detail ainsi que la refutation de l'argument de Peter van Inwagen. Il montre que l'argument evident sur le diable n'a pas ete refute.
Electrical Tuning and Switching Effect in Graphene-Assisted Polarization-Insensitive Terahertz Metadevices

A tunable polarization-independent metade vice exhibiting a broadband cross-polarized transmission with amplitude as high as 40% is investigated numerically in the terahertz (THz) frequency regime. The finite-difference time domain (FDTD) method is employed to simulate the characteristics of the metal-graphene heterostructure. The spectral features of the device are dynamically modulated by varying the chemical potential of an overlaid monolayer of graphene without changing the geometrical dimensions of the resonators. The results suggest the feasibility of highly efficient, nanomaterials-based THz polarizers with vast tunability.
Integrated microfluidic system for rapid DNA fingerprint analysis: A miniaturized integrated DNA analysis system (MiDAS)—Swab sample-in to DNA profile-out

A fully automated rapid DNA analysis system requires integrating several operational elements performing multiple steps onto one single microfluidic platform. The functions to include on the microfluidic platform consist of substrate lysis, lysate DNA extraction, single or multiplexed PCR amplification, amplicon separation, and product readout. Here we describe a fully automated integrated system for forensic short tandem repeat (STR) analysis of reference samples, achieving buccal swab-in and DNA profile-out.
Getting to know a familiar face: Current and emerging focused ultrasound applications for the perioperative setting

Ultrasound technology is available in many pediatric perioperative settings. There is an increasing number of ultrasound applications for anesthesiologists which may enhance clinical performance, procedural safety, and patient outcomes. This review highlights the literature and experience supporting focused ultrasound applications in the pediatric perioperative setting across varied disciplines including anesthesiology. The review also suggests strategies for building educational and infrastructural systems to translate this technology into clinical practice.
Is There a Link Between Matriline Dominance Rank and Linear Enamel Hypoplasia? An Assessment of Defect Prevalence and Count in Cayo Santiago Rhesus Macaques ( Macaca mulatta )

Linear enamel hypoplasias are developmental defects ranging in appearance from microscopic to macroscopic furrows in enamel that encircle the tooth crown. Environmental stressors, including lack of food and infectious diseases during early periods of development, are known to induce hypoplasias in human and nonhuman primates. Social correlates of hypoplasias have not been extensively studied, however. Here, we examined the relationship between matriline dominance rank and linear enamel hypoplasia prevalence (i.e., absence or presence) and count (the total number of hypoplasias observed) in free-ranging rhesus monkeys (Macacca mulatta) in Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico. We sampled 86 female offspring from low-, mid-, and high-ranking matrilines. Our results show that although hypoplasia prevalence and count were numerically higher in the combined group of low-and mid-ranking matrilines than in high-ranking matrilines, this effect was not statistically significant. There was, however, a significant negative relationship between age and hypoplasia prevalence, as well as between age and mean number of enamel defects, likely due to the attrition and abrasion of enamel that wear away shallow defects as individuals age. Future studies would benefit from using large sample sizes and collecting detailed behavioral data to determine if and when social status mediates enamel defect formation.
Gazing into the anthosphere: considering how microbes influence floral evolution.

The flower is the hallmark of angiosperms and its evolution is key to their diversification. As knowledge of ecological interactions between flowers and their microbial communities (the anthosphere) expands, it becomes increasingly important to consider the evolutionary impacts of these associations and their potential eco-evolutionary dynamics. In this Viewpoint we synthesize current knowledge of the anthosphere within a multilevel selection framework and illustrate the potential for the extended floral phenotype (the phenotype expressed from the genes of the plant and its associated flower microbes) to evolve. We argue that flower microbes are an important, but understudied, axis of variation that shape floral trait evolution and angiosperm reproductive ecology. We highlight knowledge gaps and discuss approaches that are critical for gaining a deeper understanding of the role microbes play in mediating plant reproduction, ecology, and evolution.
Hear It Their Way: Micro-Invalidation and the Burden of “Articulateness”:

Given the unconscious nature of many micro-invalidations, conversations about them easily devolve into cycles of accusation, defensiveness, and recrimination. To better understand the specific effe...
Intact global cognitive and olfactory ability predicts lack of transition to dementia.

Abstract Introduction Odor identification deficits characterize Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. We examined if intact performance on brief cognitive and odor identification tests predicts lack of transition to dementia. Methods In an urban community, 1037 older adults without dementia completed the 40-item University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test, which includes the 12-item Brief Smell Identification Test (B-SIT). Data from 749 participants followed up for 4 years were analyzed. Results In covariate-adjusted survival analyses, impairment on the Blessed Orientation Memory Concentration Test and B-SIT each predicted dementia (n = 109), primarily Alzheimer's disease (n = 101). Among participants with intact olfactory (B-SIT ≥ 11/12 correct) and cognitive (Blessed Orientation Memory Concentration Test ≤ 5/28 incorrect) ability, 3.4% (4/117) transitioned to dementia during follow-up with no transitions in the 70–75 and 81–83 years age group quartiles. Discussion Odor identification testing adds value to global cognitive testing, and together can identify individuals who rarely transition to dementia, thereby avoiding unnecessary diagnostic investigation.
Methylphenidate affects task-switching and neural signaling in non-human primates.

Low doses of psychostimulants such as methylphenidate (MPH), which increase extracellular dopamine and norepinephrine by inhibiting their reuptake, are the most commonly used treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Therapeutic doses of these drugs may improve focused attention at the expense of hindering other cognitive functions, including the ability to adapt behavior in response to changing circumstances—cognitive flexibility. Cognitive flexibility is thought to depend on proper operation of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and is also linked to reward processing, which is dopamine-dependent. Additionally, reward outcome signals have been recorded from the PFC. This study tested the hypothesis that therapeutic doses of MPH impair cognitive flexibility and that this impairment in performance resulted from interference in reward signals within the PFC. Four rhesus monkeys were given therapeutically relevant doses of oral MPH (0, 3, and 6 mg/kg) while performing an oculomotor switching task to evaluate its effect on task performance. Single-unit recordings in the PFC of two monkeys were taken before and after MPH administration during task performance. The results show that MPH does hinder switching task performance, an effect that was correlated with a reduction in the amplitude of outcome signals found in the discharges of some neurons in the PFC. Methylphenidate impaired task-switching performance, which can be used as a measure of cognitive flexibility. This detriment may result from degraded outcome signaling within the PFC. This study has implications for the use of MPH in the treatment of ADHD.
Laser Remote Sensors for NASA’s Future Earth and Space Science Missions

Active optical (Laser/Lidar) measurement techniques are critical for the future National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Earth, Planetary Science, Exploration, and Aeronautics measurements. The latest science decadal surveys recommend a number of missions requiring active optical systems to meet the science measurement objectives and the aeronautics community continues to use Laser/Lidar technologies to meet the aeronautics measurement objectives. This presentation will provide an overview of NASA efforts in developing and maturing state-of-the-art advanced solid-state flight laser/lidar systems for airborne and space-borne remote sensing measurements. The presentation will also provide details of a strategic approach for active optical technologies and techniques to meet the NASA’s future Earth and Space Science measurements/missions needs and requirements for space-based applications.
Differences in Trochlear Morphology from Native Using a Femoral Component Interfaced with an Anatomical Patellar Prosthesis in Kinematic Alignment and Mechanical Alignment.

Patellofemoral complications following total knee arthroplasty can be traced in part to alignment of the femoral component. Kinematic alignment (KA) and mechanical alignment (MA) use the same femoral component but align the component differently. Our objective was to determine differences in trochlear morphology from native for a femoral component interfaced with an anatomical patellar prosthesis in KA and MA. Ten three-dimensional femur-cartilage models were created by combining computed tomography and laser scans of native human cadaveric femurs free of skeletal abnormalities. The femoral component was positioned using KA and MA. Measurements of the prosthetic and native trochlea were made along the arc length of the native trochlear groove and differences from native were computed for the medial-lateral and radial locations of the groove and sulcus angle. Mean medial-lateral locations of the prosthetic groove were within 1.5 and 3.5 mm of native for KA and MA, respectively. Mean radial locations of the prosthetic groove were as large as 5 mm less than native for KA and differences were greater for MA. Sulcus angles of the prosthetic trochlea were 10 degrees steeper proximally, and 10 degrees flatter distally than native for both KA and MA. Largest differences from native occurred for radial locations and sulcus angles for both KA and MA. The consistency of these results with those of other fundamentally different designs which use a modified dome (i.e., sombrero hat) patellar prosthesis highlights the need to reassess the design of the prosthetic trochlea on the part of multiple manufacturers worldwide.
Transmastoid Hydroxyapatite Resurfacing for Sigmoid Sinus Wall Anomalies Causing Pulsatile Tinnitus.

Objective:Comprising 4% of tinnitus, pulsatile tinnitus (PT) can be particularly difficult for affected patients as well as surgeons looking to address their symptoms. Often the cause is not identi...
Aflatoxin M1 in milk: A global occurrence, intake, & exposure assessment

Abstract Background Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a naturally occurring mycotoxin (fungal toxin) in maize and nuts, causes liver cancer and has been associated with other adverse health effects. Much less is known about the toxicity of its metabolite AFM1, which is secreted in the milk of mammals. Nonetheless, many nations have set regulatory limits for maximum allowable AFM1 in milk and other dairy products. Scope and approach We collected comprehensive data on the occurrence of AFM1 in samples of milk worldwide, encompassing a wide range of different milk types: raw, pasteurized, ultra-high-temperature treated, fresh, and powdered. For each nation, we found average daily milk intake based on national or global dietary surveys. We then used the AFM1 concentration data and intake rates to calculate AFM1 exposure for adults in multiple nations worldwide. Key findings and conclusions Several nations including Pakistan, India, and several sub-Saharan African nations, had AFM1 levels in milk that substantially exceeded United States and European Union regulatory limits for AFM1, indicating potential risk to individuals in those nations with high milk consumption. Because no regulatory agency has set a tolerable daily intake (TDI) for AFM1, we could not compare our exposure estimates to a TDI to determine at-risk populations. But importantly, high AFM1 levels in milk indicate high levels of AFB1 in animal feed. This may imply that the crops used to make that feed such as maize, may have high AFB1 levels, which upon consumption could harm both animal and human health.
Improving Predictions of Stream CO2 Concentrations and Fluxes using a Stream Network Model: a Case Study in the East River Watershed, CO, USA

Rivers and streams are an important component of the global carbon budget, emitting CO2 to the atmosphere. However, our ability to accurately predict carbon fluxes from stream systems re...
Calcium, fiber, iron, and sodium intake in adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities and overweight and obesity.

Abstract Background Adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and overweight or obesity (OW/OB) are a nutritionally vulnerable group with increased risk of nutritional deficiencies. However, there are limited data examining micronutrient intake in adolescents with IDD and OW/OB. Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the adequacy of calcium, iron, fiber, and sodium intake referenced against the United States Dietary Reference Intakes in adolescents with IDD and OW/OB. Methods Three-day image-assisted food records were used to assess dietary intake of 64 adolescents with IDD and OW/OB. A mean ± standard deviation was calculated for mean intake of calcium (mg), fiber (g/1000 kcals energy), iron (mg), and sodium (mg). Results A total of 157 nutrient intake observations were completed by 64 participants (56% female, 16.3 ± 2.3 years). Calcium intake for participants ages 14–18 years (n = 57) was 1027.4 ± 607.5 mg, which is below the EAR of 1050 mg. Calcium intake for participants ages ≥19 years (n = 7) was 921.1 ± 596.4 mg, which is greater than the EAR of 840 mg. Fiber intake was 8.4 ± 3.6 g/1000 kcals, which is below the AI of 14 g/1000 kcals. Iron intake for all participants exceeded their respective EARs. Sodium intake was 3180.9 ± 975.9 mg, which above the AI of 2300 mg. Conclusion Calcium intake was adequate for participants ≥19 years of age, but inadequate for participants 14–18 years. For all participants, iron and sodium intake exceeded the DRI while fiber intake was below the DRI.
Dysregulated mRNA Translation in the G2019S LRRK2 and LRRK2 Knock-Out Mouse Brains.

The G2019S mutation in leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) causes familial Parkinson’s disease (PD) and is also found in a subset of idiopathic cases. Prior studies in Drosophila and human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived dopamine neurons uncovered a pronounced effect of G2019S LRRK2 on mRNA translation. It was previously reported that G2019S LRRK2 promotes translation of mRNAs with complex 5′ untranslated region (UTR) secondary structure, resulting in increased expression of calcium channels and dysregulated calcium homeostasis in human dopamine neurons. Here, we show that dysregulated translation occurs in the brains of mammalian LRRK2 models in vivo. Through ribosome profiling studies of global translation, we observe that mRNAs with complex 5′UTR structure are also preferentially translated in the G2019S LRRK2-expressing mouse brain. Reporter assays suggest that this 5′UTR preference is independent of translation initiation factors. Conversely, translation of mRNAs with complex 5′UTR secondary structure is downregulated in LRRK2 knock-out (KO) mouse brain, indicating a robust link between LRRK2 kinase activity and translation of mRNA with complex 5′UTR structure. Further, substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) dopamine neurons in the G2019S LRRK2-expressing brain exhibit increased calcium influx, which is consistent with the previous report from human dopamine neurons. These results collectively suggest that LRRK2 plays a mechanistic role in translational regulation, and the G2019S mutation in LRRK2 causes translational defects leading to calcium dysregulation in the mammalian brain. Significance Statement Parkinson’s disease (PD)-linked G2019S mutation of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is known to cause abnormalities in mRNA translation. These translational defects were suggested to cause calcium dysregulation, thereby imposing a long-term cellular stress to dopamine neurons. While these effects of G2019S LRRK2 on mRNA translation have been seen in Drosophila brain tissues and cultured mammalian neurons, translational profiling of the mammalian brain expressing G2019S LRRK2 has not been reported. In this study, we employed ribosome profiling to survey mRNA translation in the brains of LRRK2 mouse models, thereby demonstrating that the G2019S LRRK2 mutation broadly alters mRNA translation in the mouse brain.
Propulsion Test Technology: Collaboration Is Not a New Concept

This viewgraph presentation describes efforts at NASA Stennis Space Center (SSC) to implement technology for propulsion testing in cooperation with military and commercial partners.
A Pedagogical Design and Architecture for Intelligent Tutoring and Aiding in Supervisory Control of Complex Systems

We propose the tutor/aid paradigm which integrates issues in intelligent technical training and real-time aiding of operators in complex dynamic systems. We focus on the pedagogical module of a tutor that not only compensates for a novice operator's deficiencies in knowledge and skills, but also prepares the operator to use the tutor as an assistant after training. As a first step to illustrate the tutor/aid paradigm, we present GT-VITA (Georgia Tech Visual Inspectable Tutor and Assistant), a proof-of concept ITS that has been successfully developed and evaluated, and is being fielded in the domain of satellite ground control.
The Metabolism of 2-Fluorobenzoic Acid: II. Studies with 18O2

Studies with 18O2 indicate that catechol formed from 2-fluorobenzoic acid by a pseudomonad contains 2 oxygen atoms derived from a single molecule of oxygen. This finding supports a defluorination reaction which proceeds through a cyclic peroxide intermediate. The formation of 2-fluorocatechol from 2-fluorobenzoic acid seems also to proceed through a cyclic peroxide intermediate.
Specific protein synthesis in cellular differentiation. VI: Temporal expression of chorion gene families in Bombyx mori strain C108

Abstract Detailed patterns of expression for putative members of 5 major chorion gene families have been obtained by separating labeled proteins using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Proteins fall into 4 temporal cohorts called early, early middle, middle, and late on the basis of when they initiate and terminate synthesis. Proteins synthesized during the early, early middle, and late periods are highly synchronous, exhibiting abrupt onset times and relatively uniform termination times. Middle proteins begin synthesis in small groups at staggered times over a relatively long period, but most cease translation as the late proteins turn on. This data is correlated with a previous follicle staging system based on separation of newly synthesized chorion proteins by isoelectric focusing alone. The absolute timing of choriogenesis was determined in vivo , using trypan blue dye to mark vitellogenic follicles. The relative age difference between chorionating follicles was 2.2–2.6 hr; chorion biosynthesis took 4 days in all. These data are discussed in terms of patterns of activity of chorion gene families, the functions of the temporal cohorts, and regulation of the chorion multigene system.
Employee Resistance to Digital Information and Information Technology Change in a Social Service Agency: A Membership Category Approach

Responding to new government regulations about reporting data, a social service agency decided to require caseworkers to use laptop computers extensively, taking these devices with them on calls to clients. The resistance of caseworkers to this mandate and this change provided an opportunity to examine the phenomena of technology resistance. Initially rooting the study in known models for examining technology resistance, researchers found the need to expand upon these models to acknowledge other social aspects, as well as individual aspects to alterations in work behavior. Perceiving that professional identity was at issue, the study employed concepts from Kling's social aspects of computing and Schein's career anchor theory, and used qualitative methods including an adaptation of Sacks's membership category analysis method from the field of ethnomethodology that led to insights about the underlying causes of IT resistance among social service workers. The originality of this micro-level approach lies in its ability to explore moral aspects of professional and personal identity. The approach revealed, in this situation, that workers' resistance was based particularly on a local history of organizational dysfunction in addition to elements such as performance and effort expectancy, attitudes, and anxiety that is typically discussed in the information technology acceptance literature.
Experimental demonstration of variable-size packet contention resolution and switching in an optical-label switching router

This paper discusses experimental demonstrations of variable-size optical packet switching with optical contention resolution, utilizing a packet length field in the optical label. The experiment achieves error-free operation and negative power penalty.
Density-of-states tails associated with theL-minima of the conduction band of heavily dopedn-GaSb

A study is made of the effects of density-of-states tails associated with the subsidiary minima (L) of the conduction band on the ionized-impurity scattering of electrons in the degenerate principal minimum (Γ). Wo investigate the changes of mobility and lifetime of theΓ-electrons with uniaxial compression along the , and directions. The Thomas-Fermi screening parameter is calculated in aself-consistent manner. When the electron concentration is such that the Fermi level lies below theL-minima in the unperturbed band picture, the tailing of the density of states leads to a monotonic increase in screening and a resulting increase in electron mobility and lifetime with uniaxial compression. This result is consistent with the observed stress-induced changes of the Hall mobility and the Shubnikov-de Haas amplitude in Te-doped GaSb at 4.2 °K as reported by Sherwood and Becker.
Connectionist-Inspired Incremental PCFG Parsing

Probabilistic context-free grammars (PCFGs) are a popular cognitive model of syntax (Jurafsky, 1996). These can be formulated to be sensitive to human working memory constraints by application of a right-corner transform (Schuler, 2009). One side-effect of the transform is that it guarantees at most a single expansion (push) and at most a single reduction (pop) during a syntactic parse. The primary finding of this paper is that this property of right-corner parsing can be exploited to obtain a dramatic reduction in the number of random variables in a probabilistic sequence model parser. This yields a simpler structure that more closely resembles existing simple recurrent network models of sentence comprehension.
Electron−Phonon Coupling in Phenyleneethynylene Oligomers: A Nonlinear One-Dimensional Configuration-Coordinate Model

In many conjugated polymers, coupling of the torsional motions to the electronic excitation plays a major role in the spectroscopy and photophysics. In a recent paper [J. Phys. Chem. B 2006, 110, 18844], we developed a multidimensional exciton model of electron−torsion coupling that accounts for a number of unusual features in the spectroscopy of poly(phenyleneethynylene). This paper reduces that multidimensional exciton model to a one-dimensional configuration-coordinate (CC) model to facilitate interpretation of the spectroscopy and to allow extension to more complex systems. Because the CC model is derived from a more exact multidimensional model, the approximations inherent in the CC model can be examined quantitatively. The CC model accurately accounts for the line shapes in absorption and emission and the evolution of those shapes with oligomer length. Both fully anharmonic torsional potentials and nonlinear coupling are needed to predict these properties. In addition, the entropic contributions in ...
Enterprise agility: a view from the PRISM lab

The agility of enterprises is analyzed in this article from two perspectives: business and organizational agility, and operational and logistics agility. Because of the powerful support of information technologies, mainly AI and networking, companies can seek collaborators to accomplish complex customers’ requirements without investing to expand their own capacity. The emerging alliances of enterprises are virtually formed for various customers’ and markets’ needs. This concept sustains business and organizational agility. In terms of operational and logistics agility, this article suggests that the connection between the autonomy functions and agility requires further study. Our research has proposed that error detection and recovery, and conflict resolution are two significant functions of operational and logistics agility, and determine the expected benefits from the business and organizational agility. The link between a given enterprise flexibility and agility is also analyzed.
Statistical Series: Part 5 FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS OF THE BOOTSTRAP FOR STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF MECHANICAL SYSTEMS

The fundamental ideas upon which the bootstrap is based were developed in this paper. The bootstrap is an experimental statistical technique, capable of performing statistical analyses on data that are non-Gaussian and on measures of the data that are not Gaussian or Gaussian-related. A simple numerical example was used to demonstrate some elementary bootstrap operations, and an example that used experimentally obtained data demonstrated some elementary, yet practical, statistical analyses.
Epitaxy of InAs quantum dots on self-organized two-dimensional InAs islands by atmospheric pressure metalorganic chemical vapor deposition

Fully coherent InAs quantum dots and InAs quantum dots grown on self-organized two-dimensional (2D) islands by atmospheric pressure metalorganic chemical vapor deposition are investigated. The significantly lower critical thickness window of between 1 and 2.0 monolayers for fully coherent dots is attributed to the suppression of a segregated indium floating layer. An InAs quantum dot density of 4.7×1010 cm−2 was achieved on GaAs, and a highly localized InAs quantum dot density of over 5×1012 cm−2 was achieved on 2D InAs islands.
Liver damage does not increase the sensitivity of mice to cyanide given acutely.

Abstract The major detoxification pathway for cyanide (CN) in many species is a biotransformation to the less toxic thiocyanate (SCN). Hepatic thiosulfate: cyanide sulfurtransferase (rhodanese) is the principal enzyme demonstrating in vitro catalytic activity. Despite the assumed importance of the hepatic enzyme for CN detoxification in vivo, the effects of liver damage (surgical or chemical) on cyanide lethality in animals have not been examined previously. Male CD-1 mice were pretreated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 , 1 ml/kg, i.p.) 24 h prior to the administration of sodium cyanide (NaCN). In other experiments CCl 4 was given in the same doses at both 48 h and 24 h prior to NaCN. Hepatotoxicity was documented by elevated serum glutamicpyruvic transaminase (SGPT) activity, by histologic evaluation of the extent of cellular necrosis, by electron microscopy of the mitochondrial fraction, and by the increased duration of zoxazolamine-induced paralysis. Lethality was not changed by CCl 4 pretreatments when NaCN was given alone in doses of 4 or 6 mg/kg or at a dose of 10.7 mg/kg following sodium thiosulfate (Na 2 S 2 O 3 , i.p.). A small but statistically significant protective effect was exhibited by CCl 4 when NaCN was given at a dose of 16 mg/kg following the administration of Na 2 S 2 O 3 . Rhodanese activity as measured in mitochondrial preparations fractionated from the livers of mice pretreated with CCl 4 was not different from that in animals given the corn oil vehicle even though electron micrographs showed extensive mitochondrial damage. No difference in CN lethality was evident between sham-operated mice and partially ( 2 3 ) hepatectomized mice at 24 h post-surgery. An intact healthy liver does not appear to be essential for cyanide detoxification in mice whether or not thiosulfate is also given. Because rhodanese activity was slightly but significantly higher in mitochondria lysed by Triton X-100 than in intact mitochondria, the mitochondrial membrane may constitute a barrier to Na 2 S 2 O 3 .
Women's Awareness of and Attitudes Towards the Flood Action Plan (FAP) of Bangladesh: A Comparative Study

/ Bangladesh has recently tested a program called the Flood Action Plan (FAP) to solve its chronic flood problem. The FAP envisages that all the major rivers of Bangladesh will eventually be embanked on both sides in order to prevent flooding. This paper reports on the responses of rural women to the possible impacts of the proposed embankment projects as outlined in the FAP. A further attempt is also made to compare their responses with the results of an earlier survey conducted among male respondents. Data for this study were collected from two rural areas of Bangladesh. It shows that almost all respondents had heard about the proposed construction and that they overwhelmingly support the embankment project of the FAP. Respondents are also aware of both positive and negative impacts of embankment construction. Similar findings were also reported by a previous study dealing with male responses to the embankment project. KEY WORDS: Flood Action Plan; Bangladesh; Women
Morphological and Phase Controlled Tungsten Based Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Characterization of Scheelite, Wolframite, and Oxide Nanomaterials

For the first time tungsten based nanoparticles (WNPs) of scheelite (MWO4: M = Ca, Sr, Ba, Pb), wolframite (MWO4: M = Mn, Fe, Zn and (Mg0.60Mn0.17Fe0.26)WO4), and the oxide (WO3 and W18O49) were synthesized from solution precipitation (i.e., trioctylamine or oleic acid) and solvothermal (i.e., benzyl alcohol) routes. The resultant WNPs were prepared directly from tungsten(VI) ethoxide (W(OCH2CH3)6, 1) and stoichiometeric mixtures of the following precursors: [Ca(N(SiMe3)2)2]2 (2), Pb(N(SiMe3)2)2 (3), Mn[(μ-Mes)2Mn(Mes)]2 (4), [Fe(μ-Mes)(Mes)]2 (5), Fe(CO)5 (6), [Ba2(μ3-ONep)(μ-ONep)2(ONep)(HONep)3(py)]2 (7), Sr5(μ4-O)(μ3-ONep)4(μ-ONep)4(HONep)(py)4 (8), and [Zn(Et)(ONep)(py)]2 (9) where Mes = C6H2(CH3)3-2,4,6, ONep = OCH2C(CH3)3, Et = CH2CH3, and py = pyridine. Through these routes, the WNP morphologies were found to be manipulated by the processing conditions, while precursor selection influenced the final phase observed. For the solution precipitation route, 1 yielded (5 × 100 nm) W18O49 rods while stoi...
Personality Assessment and Native Americans

Personality assessment services for Native Americans have been culturally inappropriate and historically underutilized as a consequence. A framework for personality assessment is presented including components of relevant cultural knowledge, assessment techniques, assessor characteristics, and relationship style. Emic and etic approaches are described as serving different assessment functions. Acculturation measures and awareness of acculturation effects on different instruments provide temporary palliatives. A biopsychosocial model for service-delivery with linkages to family, tribal, county, state, and federal resources would be desirable and potentially effective. Ameliorations in techniques and service-delivery cannot substitute for genuine professional commitment to recruitment and training of indigenous assessment service-providers.
Demonstration of a mode-conversion cavity add–drop filter

We experimentally demonstrate a new type of add–drop filter incorporating an asymmetric Y-branch waveguide coupler and a shifted-grating mode-conversion cavity. The device relies on mode separation in the asymmetric Y-branch and wavelength-selective mode conversion upon reflection from the shifted-grating cavity. Add–drop functionality is demonstrated in a three-port integrated silicon-on-insulator device.
Quinine-Induced Thrombocytopenia in a Patient With Myocardial Infarction

Quinine-induced thrombocytopenia is a relatively rare phenomenon likely mediated by both quinine-induced production of anti-platelet antibodies as well as the production of antibodies leading to apoptosis of megakaryocytes. We report the case of a gentleman who presented with evidence of acute inferior myocardial infarction in the setting of quinine-induced thrombocytopenia. We discuss the history and pathogenesis of quinine-induced thrombocytopenia as well as the relationship between platelet count and risk and outcome of myocardial infarction. The patient successfully underwent percutaneous coronary intervention and the placement of a bare metal stent, chosen in preference to a drug-eluting stent due to the wish to minimize the duration of dual anti-platelet therapy in the setting of thrombocytopenia. His platelets increased significantly with no intervention other than holding tonic water, and he suffered no bleeding complications related to catheterization. We conclude that cardiac catheterization can be successfully performed in the setting of quinine-induced thrombocytopenia and believe that this is one of the first reported cases of quinine-induced thrombocytopenia in the setting of myocardial infarction. J Hematol. 2015;4(1):137-140 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/jh92w
Hyperstoichiometric regions as potential short-circuit paths for oxygen diffusion in the unrestructured regions of irradiated UO2 and (U, Pu)O2 nuclear fuel elements

Abstract The relative concentrations of oxygen in the unrestructured regions of several irradiated fuel elements of the composition (U, Pu)O2−x have been measured by electron microprobe methods. Fluctuations were found between closely spaced points which indicate that hyperstoichiometric diffusion paths may well be formed and may greatly facilitate oxygen transport from the interior to the edge of the elements. In some cases, average expected radial oxygen gradients were computed for the unrestructured regions, using literature data. The results indicate that a very small excess of oxygen, above the stoichiometric amount, is sufficient to account for the observed transport.
A Measure Representation Theorem for Strong Partition Cardinals

There are two main axiomatic extensions of Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory without the axiom of choice, that associated with the axiom of determinateness, and that associated with infinite exponent partition relations. Initially, the axiom of determinateness, henceforth AD, was the sole tool available. Using it, set theorists in the late 1960s produced many remarkable results in pure set theory (e.g. the measurability of ℵ 1 ) as well as in projective set theory (e.g. reduction principles for ). Infinite exponent partition relations were first studied successfully soon after these early consequences of AD. They too produced measurable cardinals and not only were the constructions here easier than those from AD—the results gave a far clearer picture of the measures involved than had been offered by AD. In general, the techniques offered by infinite exponent partition relations became so attractive that a great deal of the subsequent work from AD involved an initial derivation from AD of the appropriate infinite exponent partition relation and then the derivation from the partition relation of the desired result. Since the early 1970s work on choiceless extensions of ZF + DC has split mainly between AD and its applications to projective set theory, and infinite exponent partition relations and their applications to pure set theory. There has certainly been a fair amount of interplay between the two, but for the most part the theories have been pursued independently. Unlike AD, infinite exponent partition relations have shown themselves amenable to nontrivial forcing arguments. For example, Spector has constructed models for interesting partition relations, consequences of AD, in which AD is false. Thus AD is a strictly stronger assumption than are various infinite exponent partition relations. Furthermore, Woodin has recently proved the consistency of infinite exponent partition relations relative to assumptions consistent with the axiom of choice, in particular, relative to the existence of a supercompact cardinal. The notion of doing this for AD is not even considered.
Lower red blood cell folate enhances the HPV-16–associated risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia

Abstract Objective We previously reported that higher circulating concentrations of folate are independently associated with a lower likelihood of becoming positive for high-risk human papillomaviruses (HR-HPVs) and of having a persistent HR-HPV infection and a greater likelihood of becoming HR-HPV negative (Cancer Res 2004;64:8788–93). In the present study conducted in the same study population, we tested whether circulating folate concentrations modify the risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) ≥2 associated with specific types of HR-HPV. Methods Multiple logistic regression models were used to assess associations (odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals) across HR-HPV, folate, and rigorously reviewed cervical histology of each subject. Results HPV-16–positive women with low red blood cell folate were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with CIN ≥2 than were HPV-16–negative women with higher red blood cell folate (odds ratio 9, 95% confidence interval 3.3–24.8). Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting an independent association of folate with risk of having CIN ≥2 in a population tested extensively for HR-HPV and CIN that also adequately controlled for several other micronutrients and known risk factors for CIN. Our findings suggest that improving the folate status in HR-HPV–infected women may reduce the risk of CIN and thus the risk of cervical cancer. Folate supplementation should be tested as a means of reducing the risk of developing CIN ≥2 in women exposed to HR-HPV, especially HPV-16.