cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Routine Support to Parents and Stressors in Everyday Domains: Associations With Negative Affect and Cortisol

Objectives Adult children are involved a myriad of roles including providing routine (non-caregiving) support to a parent. Yet we know little about whether providing routine support to a parent is stressful and whether it has any associations with stressors in other life domains. Methods We use daily diary data (N = 127; Study Days = 424) from the National Study of Daily Experiences to determine whether providing routine support to an older parent is associated with higher negative affect and salivary cortisol. Results Results confirm that providing routine support and experiencing stressors at work were independently associated with negative affect and greater cortisol output. Stress reactions were not amplified, however, on days when adult children concurrently provided support to a parent and reported work stressors. Cutting back usual activities at work or home elevated negative affect but were not associated with an upsurge of cortisol production. Discussion Findings lend support to the caregiving career framework for understanding even casual routine assistance provided to a parent.
Measuring Complexity in Terms of Mutual Information

An alternative definition of the KS entropy h μ based on mutual information is proposed. The new definition is designed to handle experimental noise more gracefully than the standard definition. An example is used to illustrate the difference.
Reining in Intellectual Property Tax Avoidance

Although many politicians suggest that the primary purpose of any tax reform should be cutting taxes and achieving simplicity, the main problems of our tax system do not stem from either lack of simplicity or over-taxation. They have to do with provisions that have outlived their purpose, such as the various permanent subsidies in the tax code for fossil fuels, in an era of extraordinary climate change, and the privileged rate for capital gains, in an era of increasing inequality from tax loopholes and subsidies available to the wealthy. Much of the treatment of intellectual property (IP) requires updating, and this article evaluates the suggestions of a number of key academic and practitioner commentators that appeared in law review articles over the last year, looking at proposals for a new capitalization scheme, taxation of virtual economies, rethinking corporate restructurings, and ways to achieve innovation without permitting the kind of IP profit shifting that has driven offshoring of profits. One of the primary areas in which the tax code needs updating is transfer pricing — a system that harks back to a world before intangibles, in the form of easily relocatable IP, became the bones of the knowledge economy. Scholars clearly recognize that the substantial presence of IP in globalized commercial enterprises requires better rationales for tax expenditures and improved understanding of the areas in which current provisions fail to accomplish their objectives.
Examining a Reader's Meaning-Making Process of Picture Books Using Eye Movement Miscue Analysis.

The goal of this case study was to examine a second grader’s reading of picture books using eye movement miscue analysis as a method to further understand reading as a meaning-making process. Two p...
Abstract 16241: Fat Infiltration Within Myocardial Infarction is Initiated by Macrophage Foam Cell Formation in the Scar Regions Containing Persistent Iron Deposits

Introduction: Fat deposition in old myocardial infarct scar is a common finding. The mechanism of this fatty infiltration has conventionally been attributed to the process of “lipomatous metaplasia...
Abstract 19: Establishment of an upstream head and neck precision oncology tumor board

Background: Precision medicine is rapidly becoming incorporated into the management of head and neck cancers. Institutional precision tumor boards are emerging, mostly in frameworks that are not specific to head and neck cancers, and are focused on recurrent and metastatic (R/M) disease. There are significant benefits to a subspecialized focus on head and neck cancers without restricting enrollment to R/M cases. Herein, we discuss the establishment of a unique, upstream head and neck precision oncology program. Methods: We have established a head and neck precision oncology model that is run by head and neck surgeons and translational scientists, in combination with colleagues from radiation oncology, medical oncology, genetics, and ethics. Inclusion criteria stipulate adult patients with biopsy-proven malignancy of the head and neck (newly diagnosed or previously treated, including all sites, stages and histologies) who have pathologic samples available for analysis (fresh frozen or paraffin embedded). Results: We have begun enrolling patients prospectively (n=47 to date; 39 primary tumors and 8 R/M tumors). A custom Illumina 250 gene sequencing panel is utilized for targeted sequencing compared to matched blood. At the time of subject enrollment, we have incorporated a novel informed consent process involving ethicists and genetics counselors, with prospective collection to validate our informed consent process, discussion of disclosure of incidental findings, and clarifying patient expectations. Sequencing data are then presented formally at our head and neck precision oncology tumor board. Discussion: A primary benefit of a head and neck precision oncology tumor board is the integration of multidisciplinary expertise both from a clinical and cancer biology perspective. Our model of counseling, in which we employ a flexible default model of information disclosure, provides unique and valuable prospective information on patient expectations and understanding in disclosure of genetic results, clinical translation, and enrollment in targeted therapy trials. Unique to this model is a focus on enrolling patients up-front, at their initial presentation to our institution. This platform allows for early identification of potential targetable genetic aberrations (in adjuvant and neoadjuvant settings), and allows for evaluation of tumor genomic evolution/mutational selection if the patient develops R/M disease (which may allow for more specific targeted therapy to the mutation that appears to be driving the aggressive tumor biology). Citation Format: Andrew Birkeland, Aditi Kulkarni, Collin Brummel, Susan Foltin, Mark Prince, Carol Bradford, Andrew Shuman, J. Chad Brenner. Establishment of an upstream head and neck precision oncology tumor board [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-AHNS Head and Neck Cancer Conference: Optimizing Survival and Quality of Life through Basic, Clinical, and Translational Research; April 23-25, 2017; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2017;23(23_Suppl):Abstract nr 19.
Selective Etching of Silicon from Ti3SiC2 (MAX) To Obtain 2D Titanium Carbide (MXene)

Until now, MXenes could only be produced from MAX phases containing aluminum, such as Ti3 AlC2 . Here, we report on the synthesis of Ti3 C2 (MXene) through selective etching of silicon from titanium silicon carbide-the most common MAX phase. Liters of colloidal solutions of delaminated Ti3 SiC2 -derived MXene (0.5-1.3 mg mL-1 ) were produced and processed into flexible and electrically conductive films, which show higher oxidation resistance than MXene synthesized from Ti3 AlC2 . This new synthesis method greatly widens the range of precursors for MXene synthesis.
Perceptions of L2 Spanish learners in the mixed classroom

The current study is focused on the perceptions of university second language (L2) learners on having heritage speakers (HS) in the same Spanish language courses. Although some students confessed feelings of intimidation or fear, overall there was a positive attitude towards the benefits of mixed classrooms for L2 learners such as the improvement of their listening and cultural skills and the real immersion scenario. Considering students’ comments, there are some recommendations for implementation in mixed classrooms.
Elected MPs, Traditional Chiefs, and Local Public Goods: Evidence on the Role of Leaders in Co-Production From Rural Zambia:

What types of leaders are effective in organizing public goods that require community contributions? In many settings, both citizens and state agencies provide financing, labor, and oversight of lo...
Preliminary design and neutronic analysis of a laser fusion driven actinide waste burning hybrid reactor

The laser fusion driven actinide waste burner (LDAB) system investigated uses partitioned fission power reactor generated actinide wastes dissolved in a molten tin alloy as feed material (or fuel). A novel fuel processing concept based on the high-temperature precipitation of ''actinide--nitrides'' from a liquid tin solution is proposed. This concept will allow for fission product removal to be performed entirely within the device at high burnup. No attempt has been made to optimize this system, but potential performance is impressive. The equilibrium LDAB design consumes 7.6 MT/y of actinide waste. This corresponds to the waste output from 136 light water reactors (1000 MW (electric)). The mean life of an actinide atom in the LDAB is only 4.5 y; and actinides, once charged to the LDAB, might be reprocessed fewer times during irradiation than in previously proposed systems.
Experimental demonstration of silicon-based topological photonic crystal slab at near infrared frequencies and its dynamic tunability (Conference Presentation)

Topological insulators are materials that behave as insulators in their interior but support boundary conducting states due the non-trivial topological order. These edge states are robust to defects and imperfections, allowing lossless energy transport along the surface. Topological insulators were first discovered in field of electronics, but recently photonic analogues of these systems were realized. Most of experimentally demonstrated photonic topological insulators to date are bulky, incompatible with current semiconductor fabrication process or operate in microwave frequency range. In this work, we show silicon photonic-crystal-based Valley-Hall topological insulator operating at telecommunication wavelengths. Light propagation along the trapezoidally-shaped path with four 120 degrees turns is demonstrated and compared with propagation along the straight line. Nearly the same transmittance values for both cases confirm robust light transport in such Valley-Hall topological photonic crystal. In the second part of this talk, we discuss the possibility of dynamic tuning of the proposed topological insulator by modulation of the refractive index of silicon. The modulation is facilitated by shining focused ultraviolet pulsed light onto silicon photonic crystal slab. Ultraviolet light illumination causes formation of electron-hole pairs, excitation of free-carriers and results into decrease of refractive index with estimated modulation on the order of 0.1. Due to the index change, spectral position of the bandgap and the edge states shift allowing their dynamic control. Proposed concept can find applications in communication field for fast all-optical switching and control over light propagation.
How the West Lost Russia: Explaining the Conservative Turn in Russian Foreign Policy

A decade ago many Russian analysts concluded that the West’s efforts to preserve its global superiority would be futile and the emergence of a polycentric world was inevitable. To benefit from this transition Russia should adopt a strategy that combined great power realism and “traditional” Russian values. This strategy, first elaborated in Vladimir Putin’s Valdai Speech of 2013, is known as ‘Civilizational Realism’. This article describes the emergence of Russia’s new sense of self-worth, how and why Russia gradually lost faith in the West as a potential partner, and how, through the internal adoption and external projection of conservative multicultural values, Russia hopes to forge a new, and more pluralistic, world order.
Use of an online reading intervention to enhance the basic reading skills of community college students

Approximately two-thirds of community college students nationwide are considered to not be ready for the demands of college and are therefore required to enroll in at least one developmental education course. Unfortunately, researchers have found that enrollment in developmental classes often has adverse effects on community college students and that developmental courses are time-consuming and often result in delay or prevent the completion of a degree. With a significant number of underprepared community college students, it is important to develop effective methodologies to help students acquire the skills that they will need to succeed in college and future employment. It is also important to determine how a student's experience impacts academic progress, as well as motivation to continue in college credit courses. Unfortunately, a limited amount of research exists on the use of Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI) in developmental reading courses at the community college level.
Abstract TP417: Advanced Cardiac Imaging in Patients With Ischemic Stroke: When to Scan?

Background: Advanced cardiac imaging(ACI) with cardiac CT (CCT) and cardiac MR (CMR) are valuable noninvasive investigative tools to assess cardiac structure in cryptogenic stroke assessment. In th...
Multilevel Generalized Mantel-Haenszel for Differential Item Functioning Detection

Research has demonstrated that when data are collected in a multilevel framework, standard single level differential item functioning (DIF) analyses can yield incorrect results, particularly inflated Type I error rates. Prior research in this area has focused almost exclusively on dichotomous items. Thus, the purpose of this simulation study was to examine the performance of the Generalized Mantel-Haenszel (GMH) procedure and a Multilevel GMH (MGMH) procedure for the detection of uniform differential item functioning (DIF) in the presence of multilevel data with polytomous items. Multilevel data were generated with manipulated factors (e.g., intraclass correction, subjects per cluster) to examine Type I error rates and statistical power to detect DIF. Results highlight the differences in DIF detection when the analytic strategy matches the data structure. Specifically, the GMH had an inflated Type I error rate across conditions, and thus an artificially high power rate. Alternatively, the MGMH had good power rates while maintaining control of the Type I error rate. Directions for future research are provided.
Concluding Agenda Discussion: Critical Issues

Historically, a colloquium of this nature documents a turning point in the science of polymeric solids. This was illustrated in the introductory lectures of H. F. Mark and T. Alfrey by delineating the traditional interests of the material scientists in achieving an understanding of the concept of a micromolecule (and the conditions of its formation) so as to enable our society to produce new and unique synthetic materials. This goal was projected and achieved within the past 60 years. Achievement in this area has been truly breathtaking in both its scope and rapidity. In fact, as Dr. Hansen has pointed out in the banquet address, the polymer chemist has probably explored all the major domains of chemical bonding systems (organic and inorganic) suitable for polymer forming processes. While it may be correctly argued that the chemist continues to possess the capacity to produce new compounds, the realized or anticipated properties of these compounds do not show high promise of social or commercial utility solely on the basis of their general availability. In this regard, a substance (be it polymeric, ceramic, or metallic) becomes a useful material only when it is employed to make useful things.
Specialty Based Tips: Pediatric Surgery

Pediatric surgery is a relatively new specialty and has evolved significantly since its inception. William Ladd is considered the father of Pediatric Surgery. He became the Surgeon In-Chief at Boston Children’s Hospital in 1927 and established the first pediatric surgery training program in 1941. Today, there are 58 training programs in the United States and Canada. Pediatric surgeons were initially trained to address all surgical problems in children. With the establishment of other pediatric surgical subspecialties including Otolaryngology, Neurosurgery, Urology, and Orthopedics, the clinical scope of practice of a pediatric surgeon has narrowed [1]. However pediatric surgery remains one of the most broad and diverse surgical specialties by treating conditions at the fetal stage into adulthood; and includes aspects of surgical oncology, vascular surgery, GI surgery, trauma surgery, and thoracic surgery.
Automatically repairing binary programs using adapter synthesis

Bugs in commercial software and third-party components are an undesirable and expensive phenomenon. Such software is usually released to users only in binary form. The lack of source code renders users of such software dependent on their software vendors for repairs of bugs. Such dependence is even more harmful if the bugs introduce new vulnerabilities in the software. Automatically repairing security and functionality bugs in binary code increases software robustness without any developer effort. In this research, we propose development of a binary program repair tool that uses existing bug-free fragments of code to repair buggy code.
The influence of Au substitution and hydrostatic pressure on the phase transitions and magnetocaloric properties of MnCoGe alloys

In this work, the phase transitions and magnetocaloric properties of Mn 1 − xAu xCoGe ( 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.025) alloys were studied as a function of concentration x and applied hydrostatic pressure. The increasing substitution of Au for Mn results in the decrease of the first-order martensitic transition temperature, and this first-order martensitic transition was ultimately converted to a second-order magnetic transition when the Au substitution ( x) reached 0.025. The magnitudes of the maximum magnetic entropy changes increased when the magnetic and structural transitions were coupled, which occurred for 0.005 ≤ x ≤ 0.020. The largest maximum magnetic entropy change for a field change of μ 0 Δ H = 7 T was 33.1 J/kg K for the sample with x = 0.020. Similar to the effect of Au substitution, the first-order martensitic transition temperature initially decreased, and then converted to second order, when the applied hydrostatic pressure reached a large enough value. Interestingly, both Au substitution and pressure application cause a volume reduction and, in both cases, the first-order martensitic transition temperature initially reduced and then converted to second-order. These results suggest two different methods of tuning the transition temperatures in these magnetocaloric materials. One can either apply hydrostatic pressure and temporarily adjust the transition temperatures or modify the composition chemically and permanently change the transition temperatures.
Intersectional complexities of South Asian Muslim Americans: Implications for identity and mental health

Abstract While interest in the mental health of South Asian Muslims has observably increased over the last couple of decades, South Asian Muslims are often grouped together with either other South Asians or other Muslims, depending on the identity of interest in the literature. This chapter aims to explore the gap within research literature in which the intersectional complexities of South Asian Muslims lie by examining the historical and geopolitical contexts of South Asian Muslim experiences in the United States. The aftermaths following the attacks on September 11, 2001 have had an enormous impact on the psychological well-being of South Asian Muslim Americans. We have discussed the ways in which contemporary South Asian Muslim American experiences are further complicated when navigating additional marginalized identities such as gender and sexual orientation, age and generational influences, disability status, class, and national origin.
Application of Nonlinear Finite Element Method in Transient E-field Calculation of Composite Insulation Structure

Polarity reversal is the special state of composite insulation in the converter transformer barrier system which can lead to electric field distortion within insulating dielectric due to the space charge effect. On the other hand, electrical properties of insulating material are function of temperature, thus, the changes of electrical parameters due to temperature gradient will affect transient E-field distribution of insulation structure in the process of polarity reversal. Based on this, to accurately simulate the polarity reversal transient E-field of the composite insulation structure with temperature gradient, this paper applied nonlinear finite element method to the coupled analysis of these two affecting factors. Firstly, the relationship between the electrical parameters of the insulation materials and the temperature was investigated. Then, transient E-field calculation method with nonlinear finite element was proposed and verified by double coaxial composite insulation structure model. Finally, the 2D simulation model of barrier system was established to simulate and analyze the transient E-field during the polarity reversal considering the nonlinear characteristics of materials. The results show that results of traditional simulation are quite different from these when considering material non-linearity and local high E-field strength area will occur during polarity reversal process.
Modified charge carrier density for organic semiconductors modeled by an exponential density of states

Charge-transport models are usually developed by first finding an appropriate density of states (DOS) which is extracted from experimental data. For organic materials, two of the more common ones include the Gaussian density of states and the exponential density of states (EDOS). This article will focus on the latter. Charge-transport models which employ an EDOS have been extensively researched, and many articles are still being published. However, from an analytical point of view, only approximate mathematical expressions for the charge carrier density are ever used. This, in general, forces a charge-transport model to be valid only within a limited temperature range. This article illustrates a more mathematically exact way to handle an organic semiconductor whose DOS can be represented by an exponential function.
Systematic Review of Research on Driver Distraction in the Context of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) promise improved driving performance and safety. With ADAS taking on more vehicle control tasks, the driver’s role may be reduced to that of passive superv...
Predicting Hearing Aid Satisfaction in Adults: A Systematic Review of Speech-in-noise Tests and Other Behavioral Measures.

Objectives Adults with hearing loss report a wide range of hearing aid satisfaction that does not significantly correlate to degree of hearing loss. It is not clear which auditory behavioral factors do contribute to hearing aid satisfaction. While poor speech understanding in noise is known to contribute to dissatisfaction, there are many categories of this type of assessment. The purpose of this systematic review is to answer the question, "Are behavioral pre-fitting measures using speech and nonspeech materials related to hearing aid satisfaction among adults?" Design Six electronic databases were searched to find peer-reviewed studies published before June 2020. The included studies reported on the relationship between auditory behavioral measures and hearing aid satisfaction alone or globally with other outcome domains among adults with hearing loss. Six types of behavioral prefitting measures were evaluated: speech recognition in quiet (% correct), speech recognition in noise (% correct), reception thresholds for speech-in-noise, speech-based subjective ratings, dichotic speech tests, and tests using nonspeech material. Each relevant study was independently reviewed by two reviewers. Methodological quality was evaluated in each included study using the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's level of evidence ratings. Results There were 1342 articles identified in the systematic review process. After duplicates were removed and specific inclusion criteria were applied, 21 studies were included. All studies included had a 0 to 4 methodological quality rating indicating weak to moderate internal validity. The tests that showed potential for clinical application due to significant correlations with satisfaction were the QuickSIN, the synthetic sentence identification, the hearing in noise test, and the acceptable noise level test. Audibility, as measured by degree of hearing loss, was not significantly correlated to hearing aid satisfaction in the 13 studies that reported on this measure. Conclusions Based on this review, results indicated that speech-in-noise tests had the highest associations to hearing aid satisfaction, suggesting a greater role for assessment of speech-in-noise perception in auditory rehabilitation. This is an important finding for clinical practice, given that audibility was not a significant factor in predicting satisfaction. Overall, the results from this review show a need for well-designed, high-quality, prospective studies assessing the predictive value of prefitting measures on hearing aid satisfaction with current hearing aid models.
Reconstruction and Salvage of Failed Male Urethral Slings

Male urethral slings are becoming an accepted treatment for men with persistent post-prostatectomy incontinence (PPI) who do not desire, or are not candidates for artificial urinary sphincters (AUS). Initial and midterm results following AdVance sling placement have been encouraging, with success rates approaching 70–80 %. Patients with persistent or recurrent PPI following sling placement may be candidates for salvage treatments, depending on patient preference. After removal of the original mesh, repeat AdVance slings are placed in a similar manner to the primary procedure, other than being placed more distal on the corpus spongiosum. Patients competent and willing to operate an AUS may undergo AUS placement following failed AdVance. This is easily accomplished without removing the sling mesh, by placing the cuff around the spongiosum distal to the urethral sling. Early success rates following repeat AdVance placement has approached 70 %, and success following salvage AUS is expected to be similar to a primary AUS placement.
A direct method in discrete decentralized time-varying control of robot manipulators

A simple decentralized time-varying digital trajectory controller for robot manipulators, based on manipulator dynamics and a parameter identification scheme, is developed and tested using multiprocessor architecture and a PUMA 560 robot arm. A discretized equivalent model of the continuous manipulator system is used to design the necessary model-based digital feedback and compensation filters for this purpose. Time schedules of parameters of these filters are generated offline when the desired trajectory is planned. An identification scheme based on output measurements is developed and used to compute the actual values of the model parameters. The nominal parameter values computed offline are used to compensate for timing delays. The performance of the controller is very encouraging and compares very favorably with experimental performance of other controllers, considering that the manipulator was driven very close to its maximum speed. >
Optimal Efficiency Guarantees for Network Design Mechanisms

A cost-sharing problem is defined by a set of players vying to receive some good or service, and a cost function describing the cost incurred by the auctioneer as a function of the set of winners. A cost-sharing mechanism is a protocol that decides which players win the auction and at what prices. Three desirable but provably mutually incompatible properties of a cost-sharing mechanism are: incentive-compatibility, meaning that players are motivated to bid their true private value for receiving the good; budget-balance, meaning that the mechanism recovers its incurred cost with the prices charged; and efficiency, meaning that the cost incurred and the value to the players served are traded off in an optimal way. Our work is motivated by the following fundamental question: for which cost-sharing problems are incentive-compatible mechanisms with good approximate budget-balance and efficiency possible? We focus on cost functions defined implicitly by NP-hard combinatorial optimization problems, including the metric uncapacitated facility location problem, the Steiner tree problem, and rent-or-buy network design problems. For facility location and rent-or-buy network design, we establish for the first time that approximate budget-balance and efficiency are simultaneously possible. For the Steiner tree problem, where such a guarantee was previously known, we prove a new, optimal lower bound on the approximate efficiency achievable by the wide and natural class of "Moulin mechanisms". This lower bound exposes a latent approximation hierarchy among different cost-sharing problems.
Imperfect decisions in organizations: Toward a theory of internal structure

Abstract I argue that an organization's internal structure systematically depends on how its members use information imperfectly, as distinct from their information also being imperfect. Certain reliability principles are developed to analyze the effects of decision errors: involving the probability of failing to select actions when they are superior to others based on observed information, and the probability of still selecting actions when they are inferior to others based on observed information. A two-stage reliability model is also developed in order to explicitly distinguish between imperfect information and imperfect decisions. The above results imply the need to use rules and procedures to constrain individual decision and information spaces within an organization, and the dynamic flow of information between them, thereby explaining why organizations evolve an internal decision structure in the first place. The analysis is also briefly compared with organization models that incorporate only imperfect information; such as ‘architecture’ theory by Sah and Stiglitz and ‘team’ theory models by Marschak, Radner and Arrow.
A Performance Evaluation of Automatic Survey Classifiers

A novel NLP task, automatic survey coding, is described, and two methods for performing this task are presented. The first method uses a Boolean pattern-matching strategy to code survey responses, while the second uses a vector-based (probabilistic) method. The performance of the two methods is tested and compared on three representative survey datasets. The Boolean method is shown to perform slightly better on average than the vector-based method. Linguistic factors affecting the difficulty of the coding task for each survey are discussed.
An examination of distributed denial of service attacks

Denial of service (DoS) attacks have been around for a significant period of time and is exponentially growing in popularity. This paper discusses various DoS attacks and the evolution towards distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. An analysis of high profile attacks will be conducted to evaluate the methods used by the attackers. We will also describe the roles of enterprise, consumers, and ISPs in reducing the damage and frequency of the attacks.
Making distributed shared memory simple, yet efficient

Recent research on distributed shared memory (DSM) has focussed on improving performance by reducing the communication overhead of DSM. Features added include lazy release consistency based coherence protocols and new interfaces that give programmers the ability to hand tune communication. These features have increased DSM performance at the expense of requiring increasingly complex DSM systems or increasingly cumbersome programming. They have also increased the computation overhead of DSM, which has partially offset the communication related performance gains. We chose to implement a simple DSM system, Quarks, with an eye towards hiding most computation overhead while using a very low latency transport layer to reduce the effect of communication overhead. The resulting performance is comparable to that of far more complex DSM systems, such as Treadmarks and Cashmere.
The Neuronal Influence on Retinal Vascular Pathology

Much of the effort to understand diabetic retinopathy has focused on vascular pathology. Due to the influence of diabetes on systemic physiology, it is thought that many changes in retinal vascular cells likely stem from direct biochemical disruptions such as hyperglycemia. Other contributing factors may include circulating cytokines, advanced glycation end products, cholesterol, albumin, and electrolytes, and more complex functional changes such as reduced elasticity in erythrocytes and other blood cells. These and other changes could be responsible for generating the vascular pathologies that have been well established in diabetic retinopathy. There is increasing evidence, however, for involvement of the neural elements of the retina, the neurons and glial cells, and it is no longer clear if the pathological changes in these cells result from vascular dysfunction, such as the reduction in effectiveness of the blood-retinal barrier, or if diabetic physiology induces neural pathology, which in turn gives rise to vascular changes. A third possibility is that early vascular and neural responses to diabetes are independent phenomena that are triggered by different factors.
Native American Oral Traditions: Collaboration and Interpretation

Reviewed Medium: book Year: 2001 Pages: xvi + 242 Publisher: Utah State University Press Prices: $19.95 US
Microbiota and host immune responses: a love–hate relationship

A complex relationship between the microbiota and the host emerges early at birth and continues throughout life. The microbiota includes the prokaryotes, viruses and eukaryotes living among us, all of which interact to different extents with various organs and tissues in the body, including the immune system. Although the microbiota is most dense in the lower intestine, its influence on host immunity extends beyond the gastrointestinal tract. These interactions with the immune system operate through the actions of various microbial structures and metabolites, with outcomes ranging from beneficial to deleterious for the host. These differential outcomes are dictated by host factors, environment, and the type of microbes or products present in a specific ecosystem. It is also becoming clear that the microbes are in turn affected and respond to the host immune system. Disruption of this complex dialogue between host and microbiota can lead to immune pathologies such as inflammatory bowel diseases, diabetes and obesity. This review will discuss recent advances regarding the ways in which the host immune system and microbiota interact and communicate with one another.
The Role of Prices in Conserving Critical Natural Capital

Until recent decades, economic decision makers have largely ignored the nonmarket benefits provided by nature, resulting in unprecedented threats to ecological life-support functions. The economic challenge today is to decide how much ecosystem structure can be converted to economic production and how much must be conserved to provide essential ecosystem services. Many economists and a growing number of life scientists hope to address this challenge by estimating the marginal value of environmental benefits and then using this information to make economic decisions. I assessed this approach first by examining the role and effectiveness of the price mechanism in a well-functioning market economy, second by identifying the issues that prevent markets from pricing many ecological benefits, and third by focusing on problems inherent to valuing services generated by complex and poorly understood ecosystems subject to irreversible change. I then focus on critical natural capital (CNC), which generates benefits that are essential to human welfare and have few if any substitutes. When imminent ecological thresholds threaten CNC, conservation is essential and marginal valuation becomes inappropriate. Once conservation needs have been met, remaining ecosystem structure is potentially available for economic production. Demand for this available supply will determine prices. In other words, conservation needs should be price determining, not price determined. Conservation science must help identify CNC and the quantity and quality of ecosystem structure required to ensure its sustained provision.
Simple but efficient collaboration in a complex competitive situation

In this paper, we analyze a simple adaptive model of competition called the Minority Game, which is used in analyzing competitive phenomena in markets, and suggest that the core elements required for the formation of self-organization are: (i) rules that place a good constraint on each agent's behavior, and (ii) rules that lead to indirect coordination, which is called "stigmergy." Finally, we tested the points suggested by this research in solving the El Farol's bar problem, which is an extended version of the Minority Game.
The Greenland Seal Fishery

ANOTHER year has passed and no steps have been taken to put some restriction upon the cruel and wasteful manner in which the seal fishery is prosecuted. Warning after warning has been given, and still nothing has been done. In 1868 Dr. Brown wrote (Proc. Zool. Soc., p. 440): “Supposing the sealing prosecuted with the same vigour as at present, I have little hesitation in stating my opinion that, before thirty years shall have passed away the seal-fishery, as a source of commercial revenue, will have come to a close.” This season the Dundee vessels have been turning their attention to the Newfoundland seals, for, says a paragraph in the Daily News, “Capt. Adams has for some years been of opinion that that ground [the Greenland seal-fishery] is practically used up, and hence his visit to Newfoundland.” The small success of the Greenland sealers this season fully corroborates Capt. Adams's opinion, and forms a practical comment upon Dr. Brown's prediction!
Noninvasive thermometry using hyperfine-shifted MR signals from paramagnetic lanthanide complexes.

MR thermometry techniques based on the strong water 1H signal provide high spatial and temporal resolution and have shown promise for applications such as laser surgery and RF ablation. However, these techniques have low temperature sensitivity for hyperthermia applications and are greatly influenced by local motion and susceptibility variations. 1H NMR signals from paramagnetic lanthanide complexes of Pr3+, Yb3+ and Tm3+ show up to 300-fold stronger temperature dependence compared to the water 1H signal. In addition, 1H chemical shifts of many of these complexes are insensitive to other factors such as the concentration of the paramagnetic complex, pH, [Ca2+], and the presence of plasma macro-molecules and ions. Applications of lanthanide complexes for temperature measurement in intact animals and the feasibility of mapping temperatures in phantoms have been demonstrated. Among all the lanthanide complexes examined so far, thulium 1, 4, 7, 10-tetramethyl-1, 4, 7, 10-tetraazacyclododecane-1, 4, 7, 10-tetr...
EFFECTS OF POSTMORTEM TIME AND ELECTRICAL STIMULATION ON HISTOCHEMICAL MUSCLE FIBER STAINING AND pH IN THE MIDDLE GLUTEAL MUSCLE FROM BEEF CATTLE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the histochemical staining properties of the myosin ATPase (pH 9.4) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) stains as functions of muscle for electrical stimulation and postmortem time. Muscle blocks, 2 cubic centimeters in volume, were removed from the gluteus medius of five electrically stimulated (ES) and five nonstimulated (NS) contralateral beef carcass sides at 0, 2 and 24 h after stimulation. The pH of the gluteus medius decreased significantly in both the ES (5.86) and NS (6.14) sides within two hours postmortem and the 24 h pH values were 5.76 and 5.72, respectively. Muscle histochemical staining characteristics for myosin ATPase (pH 9.4) did not change (P > .05) within 24 h postmortem for either ES or NS muscle. A change in the staining characteristics for SDH was found for both ES and NS at 24 h postmortem. No difference in histochemical staining characteristics was found as a result of ES.
Bilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis for 26 Years with Respiratory Failure: Timing of Restoration of Tidal Volume and Serum Electrolytes after Tracheostomy

A 31-year-old man had respiratory failure caused by bilateral vocal cord paralysis. He had had limited exercise tolerance since the age of five years, when he had had poliomyelitis. Respiratory failure was present for at least three months. Following relief of the upper airway obstruction by tracheostomy, the patient's tidal volume increased from 200 ml to 500 ml in two days, his carbon dioxide tension fell from 75 to 38 mm Hg, and his arterial bicarbonate level decreased from 39.8 to 25.6 mEq/L in five days. The patient is currently doing well with a permanent tracheostomy.
Etch front roughening in wrinkly metal

Abstract Scaling behavior of wrinkle evolution due to chemical etching of Au on stretchable substrate is studied by atomic force microscopy. The surfaces were etched with a small drop of KI solution. Scaling exponent α decreased with the etch time, from 0.93 to 0.62. For dynamic exponent β up to 30 min we find it to be 0.16 ± 0.05. Within the same time frame, the wavelength increases as ∼t0.23+−0.05 but drops at 45 min as ∼t−1.22+−0.42 and saturates. At this stage, we observe percolation island type features along with some wrinkles. The measured value of α at this stage is 0.62 ± 0.02; consistent with the percolation model. The wavelength coarsening at this stage suggests the existence of chemically driven spinodal decomposition. Our obtained value of α and β is consistent with the value of z obtained from correlation length which is given by ξ = t1/z. We find z = 4.87 ± 0.50. Our experiment suggests wrinkle formation in thin films on viscoelastic surface occurs in three stages.
"Seeing" teacher learning

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A note on facilitation and threshold phenomena

A neuron subjected to a Poisson shower of stimuli responds only ifh stimuli impinge upon it within the time interval ρ. It is shown that the derivative of the input-output curve cannot exceed unity.
The effects of cells on oxygen transfer in bioreactors: physical presence of cells as solid particles

Abstract Oxygen transfer into broths of non-respiring live baker's yeast was studied at different cell concentrations, agitation speeds and aeration rates. Under all the studied conditions, the physical presence of cells as solid particles was found to reduce the oxygen transfer rate. The effect of physical blockage by the less permeable cells accumulated near the bubble surface was dominant in the studied systems, while the hydrodynamic enhancement by the “snowball” effect (G.F. Andrews, J.P. Fonta, E. Marrotta and P. Stroeve, Chem. Eng. J., 29 (1980) B39–B46, B47–B55) was insignificant. The reduction in volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient k L a increased with cell concentration, but with decreasing marginal effect. Higher agitation speeds and the lower aeration rate used in the study (1 vs. 2 vvm), which produced smaller bubbles with higher cell capture efficiencies, were also found to promote the blocking effect of non-respiring cells.
Eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder: A dimensional approach to purported relations.

Abstract The purpose of this research was to investigate the specificity of purported relations between symptoms of eating disorders (ED) and obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). Whereas most research has focused on diagnostic comorbidity or between-groups analyses, this study took a dimensional approach to investigate specific relations among symptoms of anorexia, bulimia, and OCD, as well as panic, depression, and general distress in a student sample ( N = 465). Results were that all symptoms showed significant zero-order correlations, including all ED–OCD pairings. After removing general distress variance, however, none of three OCD scales significantly predicted anorexia; only compulsive washing among OCD scales significantly predicted bulimia. Hierarchical multiple regression demonstrated that panic and depression out-performed OCD in predicting bulimia symptoms. Overall, symptoms of ED and OCD did not show unique relations at the level of core dimensions of each construct. A possible link between bulimia and compulsive washing is worth further study.
Roles for Multimedia in the Response-Based Literature Classroom

As numerous multimedia products for literature become commercially available, questions pertaining to their quality, approach, and role in teaching and learning need to be posed. This study set out to develop criteria with which to examine products, and in turn have teachers apply these to a representative sample of software currently on the market. Findings indicate that while products are attractive on a technical level, their underlying pedagogical approach is not necessarily aligned with response-based practice in literature teaching and learning. In spite of this lack of supportive features, our teacher/reviewers make suggestions for ways in which the applications might be adapted to meet the needs of the response-based classroom.