cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Attachment status in children prenatally exposed to cocaine and other substances.

Attachment status of children exposed in utero to cocaine, opiates, and other substances was examined at 18 months (n = 860) and 36 months (n = 732) corrected age. Children exposed to cocaine and opiates had slightly lower rates of attachment security (but not disorganization), and their insecurity was skewed toward ambivalent, rather than avoidant, strategies. Continued postnatal alcohol use was associated with higher rates of insecurity and disorganization at 18, but not 36, months of age. Stability of attachment across the 18-month period was barely above chance expectation. Attachment status at 18 months was associated with child temperament and caregiver-child interaction; at 36 months, attachment was associated with child temperament, child behavior problems, and caregivers' parenting self-esteem. Attachment to caregivers develops from the interplay of child characteristics and family influences. Beyond this truism, we have imprecise understanding of the factors that influence individual differences in attachment status in the first years of life. One model for examining precursors of attachment has been to examine serious disruptions in the parent-child relationship, one example being maltreatment (Cicchetti & Barnett, 1991). In this vein, we examine another potentially serious disruptionexposure to cocaine and other substances during the prenatal period. Two chief concerns have motivated work examining effects of prenatal cocaine exposure: (a) constitutional effects on the children owing to the substance exposure and (b) environmental effects associated with development in the context of a culture of substance use (e.g., low socioeconomic status [SES], caregiver disruptions, continued substance use). Thus, the disruption of prenatal cocaine exposure may represent both a constitutional insult to the child and a potential continuing disturbance of the caregiving context.
Current perspectives on repeat hepatic resection for colorectal carcinoma: A review

Background. Recurrence occurs in 65% to 85% of patients after initial hepatectomy for metastases from colorectal cancer. Approximately one half of these have liver metastases, and in 20% to 30% only the liver is involved. Opportunity for resection is frequently limited because of diffuse liver disease or extrahepatic extension, and only about 10% to 25% of these patients have conditions amenable to resection. This current review is focused on the rationale, indications, and results of reresection of hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer. Methods. The major series of liver resection were reviewed, and the cases of repeat resections were culled out. In addition to standard clinical parameters, the indications and timing after initial resection and the survival and subsequent recurrence after repeat resection were recorded Results. A comprehensive review of the 28 series showed that the mean interval between the first and second liver resections varied from 9 to 33 months and was about 17.5 months in the two largest series. The median survival in series reporting 10 or more patients was 19 months (mean, 24 months), which is comparable to data in single resection series. In the large French Association series containing 1626 patients with single resections and 144 patients with two resections, the 5-year survival was 25% and 16%, respectively. The recurrence rate after repeat resection is high (greater than 60%), and one half are in the liver. The prognostic factors favoring repeat resection are variable, but they include absence of extrahepatic extension of tumor and a complete resection of the liver metastases. Conclusions. Repeat hepatic liver resection for metastatic colorectal cancer in carefully selected patients appears warranted in view of reasonable survival expectations, which approach that of single liver resection. Risk of recurrence is high, however, suggesting the need for rigorous preoperative and intraoperative assessment and postoperative adjuvant therapy.
The Development of Affect Specificity in Infants' Use of Emotion Cues

This study examined the emergence of affect specificity in infancy. In this study, infants received verbal and facial signals of 2 different, negatively valenced emotions (fear and sadness) as well as neutral affect via a television monitor to determine if they could make qualitative distinctions among emotions of the same valence. Twenty 12- to 14-month-olds and 20 16- to 18-month-olds were examined. Results suggested that younger infants showed no evidence of referential specificity, as they responded similarly to both the target and distracter toys, and showed no evidence of affect specificity, showing no difference in play between affect conditions. Older infants, in contrast, showed evidence both of referential and affect specificity. With respect to affect specificity, 16- to 18-month-olds touched the target toy less in the fear condition than in the sad condition and showed a larger proportion of negative facial expressions in the sad condition versus the fear condition. These findings suggest a de...
Combining Kolb Learning Styles and Writing to Learn in Engineering Classes

This article combines Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) assignments and the learning styles theory of David Kolb to enhance learning through writing in engineering education. Writing assignments are categorized by their appeal to each of four types of learners: divergers (Type 1), assimilators (Type 2), convergers (Type 3), and assimilators (Type 4). Specific WAC assignments are related to educational objectives in each of the four basic quadrants of the Kolb Learning Cycle, and examples are provided. Our purpose is to describe the Kolb Learning Cycle as a guide to using specific WAC writing assignments in engineering classes and to encourage a diversity of teaching styles.
Effect of Film-Hole Shape on Turbine-Blade Heat-Transfer Coefficient Distribution

Detailed heat-transfer coefe cient distributions on the suction side of a gas turbine blade were measured using a transient liquid crystal image method. The blade has only one row of e lm holes near the gill-hole portion on the suction side of the blade. Studies on three different kinds of e lm-cooling hole shapes were presented. The hole geometriesstudied includestandard cylindricalholesand holeswith adiffuser-shaped exitportion (i.e., fan-shaped holes and laidback fan-shaped holes ). Tests were performed on a e ve-blade linear cascade in a low-speed wind tunnel. The mainstream Reynolds number based on the cascade exit velocity was 5 :3 ££ 10 5 . Upstream unsteady wakes were simulated using a spoke-wheel-type wake generator. The wake Strouhal number was kept at 0 and 0.1. The coolant-to-mainstream blowing ratio was varied from 0.4 to 1.2. The results show that unsteady wake generally tends to induce earlier boundary-layer transition and enhance the surface heat-transfer coefe cients. When compared to the cylindrical hole case, both the expanded hole injections have much lower heat-transfer coefe cients over the surface downstream of the injection location, particularly at high blowing ratios. However, the expanded hole injections induce earlier boundary-layer transition to turbulence and enhance heat-transfer coefe cients at the latter part of the blade suction surface.
Searching for Excellence in Marketing Education: The Relationship between Service Quality and Three Outcome Variables

This study examines the influence of perceived service quality of the M.B.A. programs of two institutions on the recommendation, donation, and identification behaviors of graduate students and current alumni. Research and educational implications for the development of more effective marketing graduate business programs are explored.
The 38Ar(p, d)37Ar reaction

Abstract The 38 Ar(p, d) 37 Ar reaction has been used to study the properties of the high-lying positive parity states in 37 Ar. Angular distributions in the region θ c.m. = 16°–132° have been analyzed using the DWBA code DWUCK to determine the spectroscopic properties of these states. The two lowest T = 3 2 states have been identified at 4.98 MeV ( 3 2 + ) and 6.65 MeV ( 1 2 + ) . The results are compared to recent shell-model calculations; their significance for the solar neutrino experiment is also discussed.
Development of Molecular Assays for Detection of Stenocarpella maydis and Stenocarpella macrospora in Corn

The causal agents of Diplodia ear rot are two species of the Stenocarpella genus, S. macrospora and S. maydis. In addition to ears, both pathogens can infect leaves and stalks, and both are present in most corn-production regions around the world. It is difficult to visually distinguish between the two pathogens based on plant symptoms and fungal signs. To facilitate accurate and rapid pathogen identification, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were developed for identification of each species. Species-specific primers of 18 to 20 nucleotides in length were designed, targeting a portion of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the fungal genome for conventional and real-time PCR assays. The conventional PCR method successfully amplified a single 1.7-kb and 800-bp fragment for each S. maydis and S. macrospora isolate, respectively. The real-time method was performed using SYBR green dye, and detection of each specific target pathogen was successfully obtained. In total, 82 S. maydis and 15 S. macrospora isolates were tested to evaluate the reproducibility of these primers. Both methods provide a rapid and specific tool for the detection of Stenocarpella spp.
Mesh‐based geometry

A systematic approach to building a complete geometric and topologic representation of a model given only the finite element (FE) description is proposed. The objective of the proposed system is to provide a geometry foundation for existing finite element based models so that standard mesh generation tools can be used without requiring CAD-based modelling systems such as ACIS or other proprietary commercial tools. To accomplish this, a method for extracting topology from the FE model is proposed. Topology entities including volumes, surfaces, curves and vertices are built based on user-defined boundary conditions and surface features. Curve and surface geometry is described by either linear triangular facets or G1 continuous 4th-order Bezier patches. Integration of the proposed mesh-based geometry (MBG) system into an existing mesh generation toolkit is described. Sample applications and examples of MBG are presented. Published in 2003 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid synthesis and catalytic application of biocompatible HA-Au nanoparticles

Typically, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are prepared by chemical reductants that utilize excess toxic reactants, which need to be removed for biological purposes. We utilized a green method involving a simple and convenient seed-mediated growth method to prepare polymer-stabilized colloidal gold by means of an ultra-violet (UV) irradiation technique for evaluating potential effects on conjugation, catalytic performance, free radical scavenging activity and cell viability. The polymer, hyaluronic acid (HA), can act as a reductant as well as particle stabilizer for AuNPs. These HA-AuNPs were introduced and investigated as a function of gold seeds volume and HAuCl4 concentration with HA. The results obtained in the present study indicate that the HA-AuNPs have good biomedical applications in biotechnology.
The Military Career Is a Family Affair

The military response to its families has been based on a career structure developed when service members were single males. The effect of military policy and services has been to adapt the family to this career structure, rather than develop an explicit family policy based on family dynamics. Analysis of social science and military literature indicates that recent social changes have made adaptation to the expectations of military family life increasingly difficult and stressful. Until the military investigates the intersection of the military career demands with family needs, recent attempts to help the military family may not be totally effective in winning their allegiance.
Cyclic AMP-mediated pleiotropic effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor activation. Focus on "Exendin-4 attenuates high glucose-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis via inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress and activation of SERCA2a".

glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP1) receptor agonists have gained popularity as a second-line treatment (after diet and metformin) for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) ([9][1]). With therapy, a 1–2% reduction in HbA1c levels is reported, which is compatible with the magnitude of effect of
Utilizing temperature-sensitive association of Pluronic F-127 with lipid bilayers to control liposome-cell adhesion

The temperature sensitive properties of Pluronic F-127 (MW V12 600, PEO98-PPO67-PEO98), a block co-polymer or poloxamer, was used to control liposome^cell adhesion. When associated with liposomes, the PEO moiety of the block copolymer is expected to inhibit liposome^cell adhesion. Liposomes were made using egg phosphatidylcholine and different mole% of Pluronic F-127. Size measurement of the liposomes at different temperatures, in the presence and absence of Pluronic F-127, shows significant reduction in the size of multilamellar vesicles, at higher temperatures, by the Pluronic molecules. Negative stain electron microscopy study showed the presence of individual molecules and micelles of Pluronic, respectively at temperatures below and above the critical micellar temperature (CMT). Measurement of the surface associated Pluronics indicated that they associated with liposomes when the sample was heated above the Pluronic CMT, and dissociated from liposomes when cooled below the CMT. Attachment of the Pluronic containing liposomes to CHO cells was inhibited at temperatures above the CMT, but not at temperatures below CMT, indicating that temperature-sensitive control of liposome^cell adhesion is achieved. fl 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
The University of Chicago Cosmic Ray Electrons and Nuclei Experiment on the H Spacecraft

The University of Chicago instrument on the Heliocentric spacecraft (MEH experiment) will measure the energy spectrum of cosmic electrons in the range 5-400 MeV. In addition, the energy spectra and relative abundances of nuclei from protons to the iron group, with energies ranging from 30 MeV/n to 15 GeV/n, will be determined. Primary scientific objectives involve the study of the long and short term variability of these components as a probe of the structure of the heliosphere. Particles are identified by multiparameter analysis using the pulse height analized signals from eight active detectors-silicon solid state, plastic and crystal scintillators are solid and gas Cerenkov counters. Data return is optimized by a three level priority logic scheme.
Congenital basis of posterior fossa anomalies

The classification of posterior fossa congenital anomalies has been a controversial topic. Advances in genetics and imaging have allowed a better understanding of the embryologic development of these abnormalities. A new classification schema correlates the embryologic, morphologic, and genetic bases of these anomalies in order to better distinguish and describe them. Although they provide a better understanding of the clinical aspects and genetics of these disorders, it is crucial for the radiologist to be able to diagnose the congenital posterior fossa anomalies based on their morphology, since neuroimaging is usually the initial step when these disorders are suspected. We divide the most common posterior fossa congenital anomalies into two groups: 1) hindbrain malformations, including diseases with cerebellar or vermian agenesis, aplasia or hypoplasia and cystic posterior fossa anomalies; and 2) cranial vault malformations. In addition, we will review the embryologic development of the posterior fossa and, from the perspective of embryonic development, will describe the imaging appearance of congenital posterior fossa anomalies. Knowledge of the developmental bases of these malformations facilitates detection of the morphological changes identified on imaging, allowing accurate differentiation and diagnosis of congenital posterior fossa anomalies.
Adaptive Filtering: An Empirical Evaluation

This paper compares the Makridakis and Wheelwright adaptive filtering forecast technique with the recursive least squares procedure, which assumes constant coefficients. A simulation study is performed to examine its relative forecast accuracy under several models of time-varying coefficients. It is shown that the choice of the learning constant in adaptive filtering is quite critical, and that only in cases with substantial coefficient variability will adaptive filtering lead to forecast improvements.
Numerical analysis of spreaders with an enhancing nucleate boiling surface for immersion cooling of chips with central hot spots

Presented are the results of numerical thermal analysis of composite and plane cu spreaders for immersion cooling of an underlying 10 × 10 mm chip with a 1 × 1 mm or 2 × 2 mm CHS. The composite spreaders are comprised of a 1.6 – 3.2 mm thick cu substrate and an 80-µm thick MPC surface. The analysis varied the heat flux at CHS from 2 – 6 times the chip's surface average outside the hot spot. Saturation nucleate boiling of PF-5060 dielectric liquid cools the surface of the spreader. Results demonstrated the effectiveness of the composite spreaders for mitigating the effect of the CHS by decreasing the chip maximum surface temperature and increasing the thermal power removed. Increasing the area and heat flux of CHS and decreasing the thickness of the cu substrate decrease the thermal power removed and the spreader footprint area. However, they increase the total thermal resistance of the spreader and the chip maximum surface temperature.
Tactile-Vibration-Activated Foci in Insular and Parietal-Opercular Cortex Studied with Positron Emission Tomography: Mapping the Second Somatosensory Area in Humans

Positron emission tomographic measurements were used to study the distribution of focal changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF) induced by vibrotactile stimulation of the hands and feet in 22 normal humans. Subjects received bolus intravenous saline injections containing - 60 mCi I5O-labeled water. Active re- gions during stimulation were defined relative to resting, nonstimulated states. Scan data from different subjects were averaged after stereotactic standardization. The results identified previously described foci of increased CBF in postrolandic sensory cortex (primary somatosensory cortex) and supplementary motor cortex. New statistical testing procedures provided independent demonstrations of two additional increases in regional CBF, bilaterally, within the sylvian fissure. One site along the parietal operculum corresponded to previous conjectures about a second somatosensory cortical area (SII) in humans. Another site also was found on the insula. No topographic organization was found in either location. The discussion considers these responsive areas to innocuous tactile stimuli in refer- ence to suggestions about a role for SII in the perception of pain.
Parameter-free, predictive modeling of single event upsets due to protons, neutrons, and pions in terrestrial cosmic rays

In this paper we present a new approach and a computer software for modeling single event upsets. This model, named Soft Error Monte Carlo Model (SEMM), does not need any experimental inputs or any parameter fitting. It is intended to be a design tool for chip designers when they want to optimize their designs for soft error hardness and performance. The paper focuses on terrestrial cosmic rays that cause single event upsets. Details of the nuclear modeling and of the coupled device-circuit modeling are presented. Also presented are the comparison of SEMM predictions against measurements of single event upset rate in proton beam experiments and in computer main frame field tests performed at high ground elevations. We also present some proton-pion comparisons that are relevant to single event upsets. >
A FPGA/DSP design for real-time fracture detection using Low Transient Pulse

This work presents the hardware and software architecture for the detection of fractures and edges in materials. While the detection method is based on the novel concept of Low Transient Pulse (LTP), the overall system implementation utilizes two microelectronics technologies: Digital Signal Processor (DSP) and Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). The DSP carries out the analysis of the received signal at a much lower rate hence can accommodate a large number of signal channels. The FPGA runs at a higher frequency (62.5MHz) to generate the LTP signal and to calculate the envelope of the received signal (sampled at 1MHz). This research elaborates on designing a Quadrature AM (QAM) demodulator on the FPGA for the received signal from the ultrasound and for the detection of the presence of edges/fracture on the test materials. The complete system is designed and optimized in a high level Matlab\Simulink fixed point simulation. Different sub-blocks are then implemented and optimized on the FPGA where efforts are taken to maintain its accuracy with the simulated model. In this work, the technology is applied to determine the location of the Sawbone plate edges based on the received signals which are then passed through a QAM demodulator in the FPGA and a peak detector in the DSP to calculate the echo peak times.
Use of propofol-xylazine and the Anderson Sling Suspension System for recovery of horses from desflurane anesthesia.

Objective— To characterize the behavior of horses recovering in the Anderson Sling Suspension System after 4 hours of desflurane anesthesia and postdesflurane intravenous (IV) administration of propofol and xylazine. Study Design— Experimental study. Animals— Healthy horses (n=6), mean±SEM age 12.3±1.8 years; mean weight 556±27 kg. Methods— Each horse was anesthetized with xylazine, diazepam, and ketamine IV and anesthesia was maintained with desflurane in O2. At the end of 4 hours of desflurane, each horse was positioned in the sling suspension system and administered propofol–xylazine IV. Recovery events were quantitatively and qualitatively assessed. Venous blood was obtained before and after anesthesia for biochemical and propofol analyses. Results— Anesthetic induction and maintenance were without incident. Apnea commonly accompanied propofol administration. All horses had consistent recovery behavior characterized by a smooth, careful, atraumatic return to a standing posture. Conclusions— Results of this study support careful, selective clinical use of desflurane, propofol–xylazine, and the Anderson Sling Suspension System to atraumatically transition horses with high anesthetic recovery risk to a wakeful standing posture. Clinical Relevance— Technique choices to facilitate individualized, atraumatic recovery of horses from general anesthesia are desirable. Use of IV propofol and xylazine to transition horses from desflurane anesthesia during sling recovery to standing posture may facilitate improved recovery management of high-injury risk equine patients requiring general anesthesia.
Enhanced/Synthetic Vision Systems: Human Factors Research and Implications for Future Systems

This paper reviews recent human factors research studies conducted in the Aerospace Human Factors Research Division at NASA Ames Research Center related to the development and usage of Enhanced or Synthetic Vision Systems. Research discussed includes studies of field of view (FOV), representational differences of infrared (IR) imagery, head-up display (HUD) symbology, HUD advanced concept designs, sensor fusion, and sensor/database fusion and evaluation. Implications for the design and usage of Enhanced or Synthetic Vision Systems are discussed.
Role of Viral Persistence in Retaining CD8+ T Cells within the Central Nervous System

The continued presence of virus-specific CD8(+) T cells within the central nervous system (CNS) following resolution of acute viral encephalomyelitis implicates organ-specific retention. The role of viral persistence in locally maintaining T cells was investigated by infecting mice with either a demyelinating, paralytic (V-1) or nonpathogenic (V-2) variant of a neurotropic mouse hepatitis virus, which differ in the ability to persist within the CNS. Class I tetramer technology revealed more infiltrating virus-specific CD8(+) T cells during acute V-1 compared to V-2 infection. However, both total and virus-specific CD8(+) T cells accumulated at similar peak levels in spinal cords by day 10 postinfection (p.i.). Decreasing viral RNA levels in both brains and spinal cords following initial virus clearance coincided with an overall progressive loss of both total and virus-specific CD8(+) T cells. By 9 weeks p.i., T cells had largely disappeared from brains of both infected groups, consistent with the decline of viral RNA. T cells also completely disappeared from V-2-infected spinal cords coincident with the absence of viral RNA. By contrast, a significant number of CD8(+) T cells which contained detectable viral RNA were recovered from spinal cords of V-1-infected mice. The data indicate that residual virus from a primary CNS infection is a vital component in mediating local retention of both CD8(+) and CD4(+) T cells and that once minimal thresholds of stimuli are lost, T cells within the CNS cannot survive in an autonomous fashion.
Improved Visual Results after Surgical Repair of Cytomegalovirus-related Retinal Detachments

Purpose: This study was conducted to determine whether visual outcomes have improved after repair of retinal detachments (RDs) associated with cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, and, if so, whether factors such as earlier intervention and changes in surgical technique have led to these results. Methods: The authors performed a retrospective review of 35 eyes in 30 immunocompromised patients with CMV retinitis and RD who underwent pars plana vitrectomy with the use of silicone oil injection. Visual and anatomic results in eyes treated between January 1991 and April 1992 (group 1) were compared with eyes treated before January 1991 (group 2). Follow-up was limited due to patient mortality; median follow-up was 4.1 months in group 1 and 2.5 months in group 2. Results: Best-attained postoperative visual acuities were better for group 1 than group 2 eyes, with 71% of group 1 eyes attaining visual acuity of 20/200 or better compared with 17% of group 2 eyes (chi-square, trend=12.3; P Conclusion: Earlier intervention, absence of preoperative optic atrophy, and macular CMV correlate with better postoperative visual acuity results. Pars plana vitrectomy combined with silicone oil for eyes with macula-off RDs can result in improved visual acuity.
Solving equality constrained least squares problems

Constrained least squares problems occur often in practice, mostly as sub-problems in many optimization contexts. For solving large and sparse instances of these problems on parallel architectures with distributed memory, the use of static data structures to represent the sparse matrix is preferred during the factorization. But the accurate detection of the rank of the constraint matrix is also very critical to the accuracy of the computed solution. The author examines the solution of the constrained problem using weighting approach. All computations can be carried out using a static data structure that is generated using the symbolic structure of the input matrices, making use of a recently proposed rank detection procedure. The author shows good speed-ups in solving large and sparse equality conditioned least squares problems on hypercubes of up to 128 processors. >
A Comparison of Staging Methods for Hodgkin's Disease in Children

• Potential long-term complications of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in the pediatric patient with Hodgkin's disease necessitate accurate staging. To determine the accuracy of abdominal computed tomography (CT) and gallium citrate Ga 67 scans in staging Hodgkin's disease, we reviewed the charts of all children with Hodgkin's disease seen at Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles from 1975 to 1985. Patients with pathologically proved stage IV disease (ie, bone marrow involvement) and those who only underwent staging laparotomy were excluded. A total of 40 children underwent staging by laparotomy and staging by abdominal CT and/or67Ga scan. The CT and67Ga scans were reviewed by radiologists in a blinded manner and compared with the results of a formal staging laparotomy. Of the 38 patients whose disease was staged with67Ga scan, disease in ten was understaged and in four overstaged, for a 37% incorrect staging rate. Of the 14 patients whose disease was staged by CT scan, disease in three was understaged and in one overstaged, for a 29% incorrect staging rate. In view of the inaccuracy of noninvasive studies and the impact of incorrect staging on treatment, we recommend that a staging laparotomy be performed in all children with Hodgkin's disease who are not proved to have stage IV disease. (Arch Surg1986;121:1125-1127)
Immunopathologic Disease of the Central Nervous System

Several of the chapters in this book are concerned with the definition of antigens specific to the nervous system. Such antigens promise to be of great importance for future investigations in a variety of contexts in cellular neurobiology. An important aspect of neuroimmunology that such studies do not consider is that of the immunopathologic mechanisms operating when these and other antigens in the nervous system provoke an immune response. In the peripheral nervous system, one of the most important examples is that of the response to the acetylcholine receptor underlying experimental and human myasthenic syndromes (see Chapter 1).
SELF-EFFICACY FOR READING AND WRITING: INFLUENCE OF MODELING, GOAL SETTING, AND SELF-EVALUATION

Perceived self-efficacy, or students' personal beliefs about their capabilities to learn or perform behaviors at designated levels, plays an important role in their motivation and learning. Self-efficacy is a key mechanism in social cognitive theory, which postulates that achievement depends on interactions between behaviors, personal factors, and environmental conditions. Self-efficacy affects choice of tasks, effort, persistence, and achievement. Sources of self-efficacy information include personal accomplishments, vicarious experiences, social persuasion, and physiological indicators. At the outset of learning activities, students have goals and a sense of self-efficacy for attaining them. Self-evaluations of learning progress sustain self-efficacy and motivation. Research on academic learning is summarized, showing how modeling, goal setting, and self-evaluation affect self-efficacy, motivation, and learning. Suggestions for applying these ideas to teaching are provided.
Concurrent 3D acquisition of diffusion tensor imaging and magnetic resonance elastography displacement data (DTI-MRE): Theory and in vivo application.

Purpose To introduce a newly developed technique (DTI-MRE) for the simultaneous acquisition of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and 3D-vector field magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) data, and to demonstrate its feasibility when applied in vivo to the mouse brain. Methods In DTI-MRE, simultaneous encoding is achieved by using a series of diffusion/motion-sensitizing gradients (dMSGs) with specific timing and directions. By adjusting the duration of the dMSGs with the diffusion time and with the mechanical vibration frequency, the shear wave motion and diffusion are encoded into the MR phase and MR magnitude signals, respectively. The dMSGs are applied in a noncollinear and noncoplanar manner that optimizes the capture of both the DTI signal attenuation and the three-dimensional MRE displacements. In this work, the feasibility of the DTI-MRE technique was demonstrated on in vivo mouse brains (n=3) using a 9.4T animal MRI scanner. The DTI-MRE derived parameters (MD, mean diffusivity; FA, fractional anisotropy; MRE displacement fields; and shear modulus |G|) were compared with those acquired using conventional, separate MRE and diffusion methods. Results The averaged (MD, FA, and |G|) values for three mice are (0.580 ± 0.050 µm2 /ms, 0.43 ± 0.02, and 4.80 ± 0.06 kPa) and (0.583 ± 0.035 µm2 /ms, 0.46 ± 0.02, and 4.91 ± 0.19 kPa) for DTI-MRE, and conventional DTI and 3D-vector field MRE measurements, respectively. All derived parameters (MD, FA, |G|, and displacement) obtained using the combined DTI-MRE method and conventional methods were significantly correlated with P Conclusion Simultaneous acquisition of DTI and 3D-vector field MRE is feasible in vivo and reduces the scan time by up to 50% compared with conventional, separate acquisitions, while providing an immediate co-registration of maps of diffusion properties and stiffness. Magn Reson Med 77:273-284, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Bayesian Assignment Method for Ambiguous Bisulfite Short Reads

DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification critical for normal development and diseases. The determination of genome-wide DNA methylation at single-nucleotide resolution is made possible by sequencing bisulfite treated DNA with next generation high-throughput sequencing. However, aligning bisulfite short reads to a reference genome remains challenging as only a limited proportion of them (around 50–70%) can be aligned uniquely; a significant proportion, known as multireads, are mapped to multiple locations and thus discarded from downstream analyses, causing financial waste and biased methylation inference. To address this issue, we develop a Bayesian model that assigns multireads to their most likely locations based on the posterior probability derived from information hidden in uniquely aligned reads. Analyses of both simulated data and real hairpin bisulfite sequencing data show that our method can effectively assign approximately 70% of the multireads to their best locations with up to 90% accuracy, leading to a significant increase in the overall mapping efficiency. Moreover, the assignment model shows robust performance with low coverage depth, making it particularly attractive considering the prohibitive cost of bisulfite sequencing. Additionally, results show that longer reads help improve the performance of the assignment model. The assignment model is also robust to varying degrees of methylation and varying sequencing error rates. Finally, incorporating prior knowledge on mutation rate and context specific methylation level into the assignment model increases inference accuracy. The assignment model is implemented in the BAM-ABS package and freely available at https://github.com/zhanglabvt/BAM_ABS.
Sediment Nitrous Oxide Fluxes Are Dominated by Uptake in a Temperate Estuary

Coastal marine ecosystems are generally considered important sources of nitrous oxide (N2O), a powerful greenhouse gas and ozone depleting substance. To date most studies have focused on the environmental factors controlling N2O production although N2O uptake has been observed in a variety of coastal ecosystems. In this study, we examined sediment fluxes of N2O during two years (2012-2013) in a shallow temperate estuary (Waquoit Bay, MA, USA). Overall sediments were a net N2O sink (-23 ±5.2 nmol m-2 h-1, mean ±SE, significantly less than zero p<0.0001). N2O fluxes were significantly correlated to water column dissolved N2O (% saturation) (p<0.0001), inorganic phosphorus (DIP) (p=0.0017) and nitrogen (DIN) (p=0.0019), as well as to temperature (p=0.0192). Additionally, there was a positive correlation between sediment N2O uptake and both oxygen (O2) and DIP uptake (p=0.0002 and p<0.0001, O2 and DIP sediment uptake, respectively). Results from this study indicate that sediments in shallow coastal ecosystems can be a strong sink of dissolved N2O, and therefore may mitigate N2O efflux to the atmosphere and export to the coastal ocean. Establishing the nature and strength of relationships between environmental conditions and sediment N2O fluxes moves us towards better-constrained models that will improve ecosystem management strategies, N2O budgets, and our ability to predict the response of coastal ecosystems to local and global change. Establishing the nature and strength of relationships between environmental conditions and sediment N2O fluxes moves us towards better-constrained models that will improve ecosystem management strategies, N2O budgets, and our ability to predict the response of coastal ecosystems to local and global change.
The determination of diborane (B2H6) in gas mixtures

A fast and sensitive method is described for the determination of diborane in diborane-gas mixtures. The precision of the method in the 100-ppm range is ±2%. The analysis takes about 70 min to perform. No such retention problems occur as can do in the mass spectroscopy and infrared analysis methods. It is shown that diborane stored in a pressure gas-container slowly decomposes.
Dental Care for Survivors of Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer: Special Considerations.

Purpose: Oral health is important for quality of life, but may be undermanaged for survivors of cancer. We examine dental care use and barriers among long-term survivors of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer in comparison to individuals without a history of cancer. Methods: The 2008–2012 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) identified 1216 individuals diagnosed with cancer at AYA ages (15–39 years), who were at least 5 years from diagnosis. A comparison group was matched using age, sex, and other factors. We evaluated self-reported dental visits in the previous 12 months, and inability and delay in receiving necessary dental care among survivors and the comparison group. Furthermore, individual factors associated with dental care use were identified using multivariable logistic regressions. Results: Of survivors, 60.86% reported no dental visits in the previous year compared to 51.96% of the comparison individuals (p < 0.001). Survivors were more likely to report inability (10.71% vs. 6.29%, p = 0...
Oscillometric finger blood pressure versus brachial auscultative blood pressure recording.

In this study, a recently marketed proprietary finger blood pressure monitor, the Marshall, Astro F-88, was compared with the standard auscultative brachial mercury sphygmomanometer on 125 subjects. Measurements were undertaken according to the standards set by the American Heart Association. Sensitivity of the finger blood pressure measurement was 76% for systolic and 75% for diastolic blood pressure in diagnosis of high blood pressure (systolic greater than 140 mm Hg and diastolic greater than 90 mm Hg). Specificity was 86% for systolic and 82% for diastolic blood pressure. Positive predictive values were 58% for systolic and 38% for diastolic blood pressure in the study population in which prevalence of hypertension was 12%. The correlation coefficient (Pearson) for systolic values between devices was 0.76 (P less than .0001) and 0.57 (P less than .0001) for diastolic pressure. Values obtained by the finger monitor were found to be higher than those obtained by the mercury sphygmomanometer. Mean differences and standard deviations (paired t test) for systolic and diastolic pressures between the two devices were 2.3 +/- 14.9 mm Hg (P less than .08) and 2.9 +/- 14.5 mm Hg (P less than .02), respectively. These values are not in accordance with the proposed national standards because only 48% of the systolic and 37% of the diastolic blood pressure measurements were within 5 mm Hg of the mercury sphygmomanometer measurements. Therefore, although these differences may well be due to different techniques of monitoring employed by the devices, this device is not recommended for evaluation of blood pressure.
The Bloody Renal Cyst Aspirate: A Diagnostic Dilemma

AbstractRecently, we saw 3 cases of cystic renal malignancy, which point to the pitfalls of relying solely on the results of nephrotomography, arteriography, ultrasound and cyst puncture in distinguishing benign from neoplastic hemorrhagic renal cysts. The risk of failure of accurate diagnosis by these modalities requires that surgical exploration be performed to conclusively determine the nature of these lesions.
Biochemical Relationships of the Renin / Angiotensin System

In the attempt to work out the steps and identify the participants in the renin/angiotensin system, investigators have been confronted with an amazingly complex biochemical jigsaw puzzle in which the need has been to fit together various hormones, enzymes, enzyme substrates, and “converting factors.” While some pieces remain to be found and many to be fitted, the overall design of the picture is becoming clearer.
Disagreement in Economic Forecasts and Equity Returns: Risk or Mispricing?

We estimate individual stock exposure to an economic disagreement index and show that stocks in the lowest disagreement beta decile generate 6% more annual returns compared to stocks in the highest disagreement beta decile. We find that the disagreement premium is driven by the outperformance (underperformance) by stocks with negative (positive) disagreement beta. After controlling for a large set of stock characteristics and risk factors, the negative relation between disagreement beta and future stock returns remains economically and statistically significant. Our results indicate that ambiguity-averse investors demand extra compensation to hold stocks with negative disagreement beta and they are willing to pay high prices for stocks with positive disagreement beta.
Direct-Recycle Networks: A Graphical Approach

This chapter focuses on direct recycle, in which streams are rerouted without the addition of new pieces of equipment. A holistic approach is presented for the synthesis of direct-recycle networks with the objective of determining rigorous targets for minimum usage of fresh materials, maximum recycle of process streams, and minimum discharge of waste materials.
Safe and Environment-Friendly Forward Collision Warning Messages in the Advance Warning Area of a Construction Zone

Collisions in construction zones have always been a contributing factor in compromising safety on urban roadways. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and state transportation authorities have implemented many safety countermeasures to reduce forward collision in construction zones. However, due to the complexity of traffic in construction zones (or called work zones), traditional countermeasures often fail to prevent crashes. As such, smart warning systems could be very helpful in notifying drivers about upcoming conditions within a construction zone. In this study, a smartphone-based environment-friendly warning system was designed and its effectiveness on safety and emissions were investigated in the advance warning area of a construction zone. Four different warning messages were prepared (visual, sound, male voice and female voice) to alert drivers. Driving simulator tests with eighteen participants, driving through a construction zone for ninety rounds, were conducted to investigate the impact of smart-phone based warnings on performance measures, including headway distance, headway time, speed, deceleration, and emissions. Statistical results show that, with the help of voice (either female or male) warnings on forward collisions, acceleration rate and speed were significantly lower; and headway time and distance were significantly longer. The sound and voice warnings are beneficial to the reduction in total vehicle emissions. Moreover, participants found the notification system being user friendly and helped to avoid rear-end crashes in construction zones.
Modifiable Lifestyle Factors and Cognition Through Midlife

Research on lifestyle factors and human cognition has largely focused on identifying determinants of cognitive decline or possible cognitive enhancement in older adults. Much less attention has been devoted to the more immediate effects of various lifestyle factors on cognition from childhood through middle age and whether these factors can be exploited to optimize cognitive functioning. This present chapter serves to review the literature related to various lifestyle factors in this age range, including sleep, exercise, tobacco use, and iron intake. We discuss the relevance of examining the impact of these lifestyle factors on cognition, review potential mechanisms through which they influence cognitive functioning, and consider related findings from laboratory and epidemiological studies. Applications of lifestyle factor research to neuropsychological practice are then considered, as are challenges and future directions for lifestyle factor research in children and adults.
Confirmatory factor analysis.

Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis reflect respectively two different approaches to the philosophy of science. To understand the differences between these two approaches, we must first consider their philosophical background.
Soft Ionic Electroactive Polymer Actuators with Tunable Non-Linear Angular Deformation

The most rational approach to fabricate soft robotics is the implementation of soft actuators. Conventional soft electromechanical actuators exhibit linear or circular deformation, based on their design. This study presents the use of conjugated polymers, Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) to locally vary ion permeability of the ionic electroactive polymer actuators and manipulate ion motion through means of structural design to realize intrinsic angular deformation. Such angular deformations are closer to biomimetic systems and have potential applications in bio-robotics. Electrochemical studies reveal that the mechanism of actuation is mainly associated with the charging of electric double layer (EDL) capacitors by ion accumulation and the PEDOT:PSS layer's expansion by ion interchange and penetration. Dependence of actuator deformation on structural design is studied experimentally and conclusions are verified by analytical and finite element method modeling. The results suggest that the ion-material interactions are considerably dominated by the design of the drop-cast PEDOT:PSS on Nafion.
Saint-Simon and Comte: The Religion of Progress

In the Saint-Simon we encounter the beginning of another phase in the development of modern European civil religion, a phase in which many of the problems and contradictions in Hobbes and Rousseau are translated into new terms. Saint-Simon does not approach the problem of civil religion so directly and specifically as do Hobbes and Rousseau. Nowhere does he use term such as “civil religion” or “civil theology” or “Christian Commonwealth”, nor does he speak of assuaging such difficulty as conflict between the Christian and a man, or between wishes and duties. He was interested not in the inner conflicts of the soul but with the external disorder of the society, which he thought where historically conditioned and could be historically corrected. Between Rousseau and Saint-Simon lies the great abbys of the French Revolution which abolished so many institutions and had a momentous impact on the development of European thought. For Saint-Simon the Revolution left in its wake an almost continent-wide disorder which he sought to remedy by a reinterpretation of Christianity.