cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Skipping Ahead to the Good Part: The Role of Civic Technology in Achieving the Promise of E-Government

E-government evolution has been described as a government’s internal process of digital development, which eventually transforms its ability to respond to the public. As time goes by and these promised benefits have yet to fully materialize, civic technology—online tools that aim to achieve improved online interaction between governments and the public—is sometimes placed in the gap. This study provides findings from 38 interviews across five US municipal civic technology implementations, answering the question of whether US cities which have adopted civic technology tools enjoy improved two-way interactions between governments and the public, and also whether an “interaction-first” approach to government digitization appears to spur additional e-government development. By selecting five very different tool implementations, the research design employs Mill’s Method of Difference to isolate commonalities springing simply from a municipality’s implementation of a civic technology tool. Interviews reveal a range of common effects beyond the simple improvement of the service-delivery experience.
Is There a Spillover Effect of Targeted Dietary Change on Untargeted Health Behaviors? Evidence From a Dietary Modification Trial:

Background. The gateway behavior hypothesis posits that change in a health behavior targeted for modification may promote positive changes in other untargeted health behaviors; however, previous st...
Improving Human-computer Interaction in Low-resource Settings with Text-to-phonetic Data Augmentation

Off-the-shelf speech recognition systems can yield useful results and accelerate application development, but general-purpose systems applied to specialized domains can introduce acoustically small—but semantically catastrophic—errors. Furthermore, sufficient audio data may not be available to develop custom acoustic models for niche tasks. To address these problems, we propose a concept to improve performance in text classification tasks that use speech transcripts as input, without any in-domain audio data. Our method augments available typewritten text training data with inferred phonetic information so that the classifier will learn semantically important acoustic regularities, making it more robust to transcription errors from the general purpose ASR. We successfully pilot our method in a speech-based virtual patient used for medical training, recovering up to 62% of errors incurred by feeding a small test set of speech transcripts to a classification model trained on typescript.
Factors Influencing Not Perceiving Family Health History Assessments as Important: Opportunities to Improve Dissemination of Evidence-Based Population Screening for Cancer.

Introduction: Public willingness to collect personal family health history (FHH) assessments is integral to implement population screening to identify those at high cancer risk who could benefit most from lifesaving interventions. Yet, surprisingly little consideration has been given to factors associated with the public’s perceived importance of FHH in the context of cancer. Methods: Using data from the 2013 Health Information National Trends survey, we assessed the association of intrapersonal (e.g., cancer worry), sociodemographic (e.g., education), and interpersonal-level factors (e.g., family trust) associated with not perceiving FHH assessment to be very important for personal health. Associations were tested with bivariate analyses and hierarchical logistic regression. Results: Of the 3,007 respondents, 32.7% reported perceiving FHH as not very important to their health. Whites (p < 0.001), males (p = 0.003), and those born in the United States (p = 0.004) were most likely to perceive FHH as not very important. Those who were least worried about cancer and perceived that cancer risk could not be lowered also viewed FHH as not very important (p = 0.002, p = 0.018, respectively). In hierarchical regression analyses, the association of low cancer worry remained significant after accounting for sociodemographic and interpersonal factors. The addition of sociodemographic factors modestly improved the model; the addition of interpersonal factors did not improve the model. Conclusions: A sizable proportion of the public does not perceive FHH to be very important, may be hard to reach, and impede implementation of population screening guidelines for inherited cancers. Campaigns to increase the perceived value of FHH assessment may need to be tailored to demographic subgroups, emphasize cancer prevention, and encourage family communication.
Stability Margins of ${\cal L}_{1}$ Adaptive Control Architecture

This technical note presents the L 1 adaptive control architecture for systems in the presence of unknown high-frequency gain with known sign, time-varying unknown parameters and disturbances. The L 1 adaptive controller leads to uniform performance bounds for the system's input and output signals, which can be systematically improved by increasing the adaptation rate. For constant unknown parameters, this result leads to analytically computable time-delay margin of a semiglobal nature.
Beyond Endodontic MicroSurgery 1: Intentional Replantation

The goal of this paper is to explain the concepts and techniques of intentional replantation so as to encourage all practitioners to include this procedure in their armamentarium. We will seek to answer why this procedure is not done more frequently. The latest review of papers from the 1960s through 2017 shows a success rate approaching 89%. Other than newer root-end filling materials and transport media, the technique has not varied significantly. The CBCT has allowed for better imaging to help treatment plan the direction of extraction without fracturing the tooth. Future research may show easier ways or tools to more predictably remove a tooth atraumatically.
Project BAR-S: monitoring and updating work standards systems

This project deals with the review of Work Standards and the development of a paperless management information system to monitor and update these standards. The Work Standards database will interface with the Worker Wages Computation system to determine workers wages. Some of the tasks we are undertaking are observing the operations in the warehouse and product dispatch sections and documenting the Standard Method for each operation; developing new Work Standards based on our observations and updating the existing database of work standards. We will also be creating a computerized database of the work standards and developing/implementing the procedures for keeping the database current and in line with the policies of BAR-S. We will then write the code for interfacing the Work Standards database system with the Workers Wage Computation system, test the system then implement the interface. We would also like to thank Dr. Harpal S. Dhillon for his guidance.
Optimizing Regularized Cholesky Score for Order-Based Learning of Bayesian Networks

Bayesian networks are a class of popular graphical models that encode causal and conditional independence relations among variables by directed acyclic graphs (DAGs). We propose a novel structure learning method, annealing on regularized Cholesky score (ARCS), to search over topological sorts, or permutations of nodes, for a high-scoring Bayesian network. Our scoring function is derived from regularizing Gaussian DAG likelihood, and its optimization gives an alternative formulation of the sparse Cholesky factorization problem from a statistical viewpoint. We combine simulated annealing over permutation space with a fast proximal gradient algorithm, operating on triangular matrices of edge coefficients, to compute the score of any permutation. Combined, the two approaches allow us to quickly and effectively search over the space of DAGs without the need to verify the acyclicity constraint or to enumerate possible parent sets given a candidate topological sort. The annealing aspect of the optimization is able to consistently improve the accuracy of DAGs learned by greedy and deterministic search algorithms. In addition, we develop several techniques to facilitate the structure learning, including pre-annealing data-driven tuning parameter selection and post-annealing constraint-based structure refinement. Through extensive numerical comparisons, we show that ARCS outperformed existing methods by a substantial margin, demonstrating its great advantage in structure learning of Bayesian networks from both observational and experimental data. We also establish the consistency of our scoring function in estimating topological sorts and DAG structures in the large-sample limit. Source code of ARCS is available at https://github.com/yeqiaoling/arcs_bn .
Green Gold, Green Hell: Coca, Caste, and Class in the Chaco War, 1932–1935

This article investigates the use of coca by the Bolivian Army during the Chaco War of 1932–35. I present research that reveals the surprising extent to which the Bolivian Army provisioned coca to its soldiers as a substitute for adequate nutrition; as a morale booster; as a stimulant; and as a medicine. The article explores the social and cultural implications of mass coca consumption by Bolivian soldiers, many of whom were mestizos who had never before chewed the leaf. Ultimately, I argue that the pervasiveness of coca within the traumatic popular experience of the Chaco War sowed the seeds of a historic transformation of the politics of coca in Bolivia. The Chaco War initiated a process by which coca in Bolivia was transformed from a neo-colonial marker of the Indian caste to a material and symbolic element of an emergent interethnic working class. Through a comparative analysis of the Bolivian army's use of coca in the Chaco War with the German army's use of methamphetamine during World War II, this article concludes with a consideration of the ways in which the present case study expands our understanding of the crucial but under-studied historical relationship between drugs and warfare.
Zinc-mediated anionic cyclization of unstabilized ketone enolates with unactivated alkenes

Abstract We report herein general conditions for a zinc-mediated anionic cyclization of unstabilized ketone enolates. This anionic cyclization allows access to various carbocyclic architectures by utilizing abundant ketones and unactivated alkenes as precursors. The transformation is enabled by the use of Zn(TMP)2 as base and Zn(OTf)2 as an additive. The resulting alkylzinc species can be intercepted by electrophiles for tandem C–X and C–O bond formation.
Retracing the evolutionary trajectory of adenine base editors using theoretical approaches

Adenine base editors (ABEs) have been subjected to multiple rounds of mutagenesis with the goal of optimizing their function as efficient and precise genome editing agents. Despite this ever-increasing data accumulation of the effects that these mutations have on the activity of ABEs, the molecular mechanisms defining these changes in activity remain to be elucidated. In this study, we provide a systematic interpretation of the nature of these mutations using an entropy-based classification model that relies on evolutionary data from extant protein sequences. Using this model in conjunction with experimental analyses, we identify two previously reported mutations that form an epistatic pair in the RNA-editing functional landscape of ABEs. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal the atomistic details of how these two mutations affect substrate-binding and catalytic activity, via both individual and cooperative effects, hence providing insights into the mechanisms through which these two mutations are epistatically coupled.
Intrapleural silicone granuloma mimicking pleural malignancy.

Abstract We describe a 78-year-old initially presenting with left breast cancer, status post mastectomy and bilateral dual-lumen breast implant placement, subsequently developed lung cancer years later status post lobectomy, who later developed FDG-avid pleural nodularity and thickening. The differential diagnosis of pleural thickening and nodularity can be broad, including metastatic cancer, asbestos-related pleural disease, loculated fluid (including simple pleural effusion, hemothorax, or chylothorax), and pleural infection. However, in the setting of two different primary malignancies, our patient's FGD-avid pleural thickening was concerning for metastatic disease. Further workup with a core-needle biopsy of the pleural nodule revealed “droplets of foreign material and foreign body giant cell reaction consistent with contents of ruptured medical device”, without evidence of malignancy. Prior imaging did not indicate breast implant compromise. A subsequent mammogram suggested findings of bilateral implant rupture, however, no further clinical workup was performed. A screening mammogram a decade later indicated possible extracapsular silicone within the right breast and left mastectomy site and an MRI was recommended for further workup. Subsequent MRI showed bilateral extracapsular silicone implant rupture with a thick layer of silicone signal within the left pleura in a similar distribution to her pleural thickening and nodularity. Her breast MRI findings, in conjunction with her pleural biopsy result, are concordant with pleural silicone granulomas from extracapsular breast implant rupture via radio-occult tract from prior left lobectomy procedure.
Air Pollution and Global Warming: History, Science, and Solutions

This new edition of Mark Z. Jacobson's textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to the history and science of the major air pollution and climate problems that face the world today, as well as the energy and policy solutions to those problems. Every chapter has been brought completely up to date with new data, figures and text. There is a new additional chapter on large-scale solutions to climate and air pollution problems. Many more color photographs and diagrams, and many additional examples and homework problems have been added. This is an ideal introductory textbook on air pollution for students taking courses in atmospheric chemistry and physics, meteorology, environmental science, Earth science, civil and environmental engineering, chemistry, environmental law and politics, and city planning and regulation. It will also form a valuable reference text for researchers and an introduction to the subject for general audiences.
System tradeoffs in siting a solar photovoltaic material recovery infrastructure.

The consumption and disposal of rare and hazardous metals contained in electronics and emerging technologies such as photovoltaics increases the material complexity of the municipal waste stream. Developing effective waste policies and material recovery systems is required to inhibit landfilling of valuable and finite resources. This work developed a siting and waste infrastructure configuration model to inform the management and recovery of end-of-life photovoltaics. This model solves the siting and waste location-allocation problem for a New York State case study by combining multi-criteria decision methods with spatial tools, however this methodology is generalizable to any geographic area. For the case study, the results indicate that PV installations are spatially statistically significant (i.e., clustered). At least 9 sites, which are co-located with landfills and current MRFs, were ‘highly’ suitable for siting according to our criteria. After combining criteria in an average weighted sum, 86% of the study area was deemed unsuitable for siting while less than 5% is characterized as highly suitable. This method implicitly prioritized social and environmental concerns and therefore, these concerns accounted for the majority of siting decisions. As we increased the priority of economic criteria, the likelihood of siting near ecologically sensitive areas such as coastline or socially vulnerable areas such as urban centers increased. The sensitivity of infrastructure configurations to land use and waste policy are analyzed. The location allocation model results suggest current tip fees are insufficient to avoid landfilling of photovoltaics. Scenarios where tip fees were increased showed model results where facilities decide to adopt limited recycling technologies that bypass compositionally complex materials; a result with strong implications for global PV installations as well as other waste streams. We suggest a multi-pronged approach that lowers technology cost, imposes a minimum collection rate, and implements higher tip fees would encourage exhaustive material recovery for solar photovoltaic modules at end-of-life, beyond New York State. These results have important implications for policy makers and waste managers especially in locations where there is rapid adoption of renewable energy technologies.
Two Modes of Contemporary Pragmatist Aesthetics

This paper identifies two central modes of discourse in contemporary pragmatist aesthetics: Cultural Emergentism and Experiential Somaesthetics. Whereas Cultural Emergentism focuses on developing a non-reductive ontology of culture, Experiential Somaesthetics preserves the traditional pragmatist emphasis on embodied experience and examines the place that the care and cultivation of the living soma has in improving our aesthetic transactions.
Abstract T P279: Falls After Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background: Falls can result in injury, activity limitation, decreased independence and death. There have been no studies investigating falls post intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Purpose: To determine rate and factors associated with falls post ICH. Methods: The Ethnic/Racial Variations of Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ERICH) study is a prospective, multi-center, case-control study of ICH. For this analysis, the primary outcome was fall reported at 3 month follow-up. Variables collected at baseline included age, sex, race, ICH score (volume, IVH, age, Glasgow Coma Scale) and fall during inpatient hospitalization. Variables collected at 3-month follow-up included modified Rankin (mRS), incontinence (Barthel) and anxiety/depression (EuroQol). Variables p<.10 were entered into a logistic regression with the final model consisting of variables p<.05, adjusting for ICH score. Results: As of 12/31/2013, 2064 patients presented to an emergency department. After excluding deaths, premorbid mRS 4-5 and missing data, 1098 remained. At 3-month follow up, 200 (18.2%) reported a post-discharge fall including: 99 (50%) who fell more than once, 9 (4.5%) broken bones, 14 (7.0%) hospitalizations and 4 (2.0%) surgeries due to falls. The highest 3-month fall rates was observed among persons with mRS 3 (55/206, 26.7%), mRS 4 (79/253, 31.2%), extreme anxiety (19/64, 29.7%) and among those who had fallen during inpatient hospitalization (44/168, 26.2%). Variables associated with a 3 month fall were: race, mRS, ICH Score, a fall during inpatient hospitalization, incontinence and anxiety/depression (Table 1). Adjusting for ICH score, the final model included race, mRS and anxiety/depression. Conclusions: Assessing factors associated with falls can help target high risk patients. After 12 month follow up is complete, the next step will be to analyze factors associated with a fall during the first year post ICH and examine causation. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Sleep Apnea in an Urban Public Hospital: Assessment of Severity and Treatment Adherence

Objective: To assess obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) adherence, and factors associated with CPAP adherence among a group of patients with OSA receiving care at a publicly funded county hospital.
Parallel-contact metal-contact RF-MEMS switches for high power applications

Electrostatically-actuated metal-contact RF MEMS switches have been designed, fabricated and tested with an aim of handling moderately high RF power (hundreds of mW to 1 W). The design strategy is: (i) the development of a switch element having good metal contacts and reliability without stiction problems under moderate actuation voltage (50-60 V), and (ii) the reduction of RF current through each contact by arranging several mechanically-independent switch elements in parallel. The developed switch element is a relatively wide and thick cantilever having two contacts and should have a contact force of 70 /spl mu/N per each contact at an applied voltage of 60 V based on the simulation. The measured pull-down voltage of 40-50 V has been obtained. By placing several switch elements in parallel, the insertion loss can be greatly reduced, and a loss as low as 0.03 dB at 2 GHz is obtained for an 8-contact switch (i.e. 4 switch elements) with a corresponding isolation of 22 dB at 2 GHz.
Parent–Infant Communicative Interactions in Cultural Context

In this chapter, we examine the sociocultural context of infant development, with primary emphasis on parent–infant communicative interactions. We focus on the cultural context of development as societies (and local communities) around the world have different sets of views and practices around raising children. We focus on infancy, as it involves rapid brain growth and impressive achievements in language and social communication. We focus on parent–infant communicative interactions because infants' social experiences occur primarily within the family setting and interactions with family members are a core conduit for sharing culture. We begin with five starting principles that guide our thinking on cultural similarities and differences in parent–infant communicative interactions. We then show how the everyday settings and activities of families—referred to as daily routines—frame the types of communicative interactions that parents have with their young. We next describe cultural variations in three aspects of parent–infant communicative interactions: modes of communication (i.e., language, gaze, touch, gesture), parents' communicative accommodations to infants (i.e., support of infants' expressions and understandings), and the content of interactions (i.e., the functions and topics of communications). We conclude with take-home messages and next steps in the study of parent–infant interactions in cultural context. Keywords: parent–infant interactions; communicative development; language development; culture; family context
Inhibition of hepatic metabolism of azathioprine in vivo

Abstract Glutathione-mediated thiolysis of azathioprine in the liver is believed to be the main mechanism for the conversion of this drug to 6-mercaptopurine. This metabolic step was inhibited in vivo by pretreating rats with probenecid as indicated both by less hepatic glutathione depletion and by a greater proportion of unmetabolized azathioprine in the liver. Less hepatic glutathione depletion was also found in the hyperbilirubinemic Gunn rat. These findings indicate that the conversion of azathioprine to 6-mercaptopurine in vivo is mediated enzymatically by the glutathione S -transferases.
The Effects of a Success Skills Group on Adolescents' Self-Regulation, Self-Esteem, and Perceived Learning Competence

In this article, the authors discuss how school counselors at two middle schools identified and intervened with eighth-grade students who were at risk for academic failure using the Student Success Skills (SSS) small-group curriculum (Brigman, Campbell, & Webb, 2010). Participants reported significant increases in self-regulation and perceived competence for learning. The authors present results of the intervention, including (a) process, (b) perception, and (c) outcome data, and discuss implications for school counselors.
Development of a Sterile Amniotic Membrane Tissue Graft Using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

Numerous techniques have been reported for preparing and sterilizing amniotic membrane (AM) for use in clinical applications. However, these preparations either do not produce completely sterile tissue or are detrimental to molecules unique to the tissue matrix, thus compromising beneficial wound-healing properties of the AM graft. The objective of this work was to produce a sterile human AM tissue graft using a novel preparation technique involving supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2). AM tissue was subjected to various sterilization treatment groups that optimized the duration of exposure to SCCO2 and the amount of peracetic acid (PAA) required to achieve a sterility assurance level of 10−6 log reduction in bacterial load. Effects of sterilization treatment on the histological, biophysical, and biochemical properties of the sterile AM were evaluated and compared with those of native AM tissue. Exposure of the AM tissue to combined SCCO2 and PAA sterilization treatment did not significantly alter tissue ...
Generation of Boolean logic equations for discrete logic control

A systematic procedure is presented for generating Boolean logic equations that represent the desired control action to be carried out by a discrete logic controller. A key component of the controller design is the specification of set and reset operations that define the next value of each state variable in the Boolean logic equations for the controller. The logic equations can be implemented on a PLC or PC in order to realize the desired control action. Two examples are given to illustrate the procedure.
The crystal and molecular structure of a bismonothioacetylacetonate complex of copper, Cu(CH3CSCHCOCH3)2: An analysis of cis vs. trans isomerism

The crystal and molecular structure of cis-Cu(CH3CSCHCOCH3)2 has been determined by X-ray diffraction. The complex crystallizes in the triclinic space group P $\bar 1$ with lattice parameters a = 10.588(2) A, b = 11.445(2) A, c = 11.779(2) A, α = 88.13(1)°, β = 63.73(2)°, γ = 86.57(2)°, V = 1277.6(4) A3, Z = 4. The asymmetric unit consists of two crystallographically independent molecules. The approximate cis square planar geometry of thecomplex is consistent with the relatively large dipole moment observed in solution. Density functional calculations predict that a pseudo-tetrahedral conformation of the molecule would be on the order of 40 kJ mol−1 higher in energy than the crystallographicallydetermined conformation, while a trans conformation would have approximately the same energy. This suggests that the cis conformer observed in the solidstate coexists in equilibrium with the trans conformer in solution.
Physical integrity: the missing link in biological monitoring and TMDLs

The Clean Water Act mandates that the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of our nation's waters be maintained and restored. Physical integrity has often been defined as physical habitat integrity, and as such, data collected during biological monitoring programs focus primarily on habitat quality. However, we argue that channel stability is a more appropriate measure of physical integrity and that channel stability is a foundational element of physical habitat integrity in low-gradient alluvial streams. We highlight assessment tools that could supplement stream assessments and the Total Maximum Daily Load stressor identification process: field surveys of bankfull cross-sections; longitudinal thalweg profiles; particle size distribution; and regionally calibrated, visual, stream stability assessments. Benefits of measuring channel stability include a more informed selection of reference or best attainable stream condition for an Index of Biotic Integrity, establishment of a baseline for monitoring changes in present and future condition, and indication of channel stability for investigations of chemical and biological impairments associated with sediment discontinuity and loss of habitat quality.
COMPARATIVE STUDIES ON SYNAPTOSOMES: UPTAKE OF [N‐Me‐3H]CHOLINE BY SYNAPTOSOMES FROM SQUID OPTIC LOBES

— The uptake of [N-Me-3H]choline into synaptosomes from squid optic lobes was studied using a Millipore filtration technique. When incubated in an artificial sea water medium at 26°C, but not at 0°C, the synaptosomes rapidly accumulated choline, most of which could be recovered as unchanged free choline. The accumulated choline was readily released by treatment of the synaptosomes with Triton X-100 or exposing them to hypo-osmotic conditions. The influx of choline increased with increasing concentrations of choline and could be resolved into saturable and non-saturable components. Kinetic analysis revealed the presence of two saturable components one of high affinity (Km about 2 μm) and one of lower affinity (Km 25 μm). The rate of choline uptake by these synaptosomes was considerably greater than by mammalian brain synaptosomes. Both high and low affinity systems were Na+-requiring and inhibited by hemicholinium no. 3, levorphanol and dextrorphan. NaCN, 2,4-dinitrophenol and ouabain also inhibited choline uptake, the high affinity system being particularly sensitive to these agents. It is suggested that the high affinity system is specific for cholinergic terminals.
Formation of R&D consortia: industry and company effects

This study investigates economic and strategic inducements of R&D cooperation. We focus on industry and company factors that affect a firm's rate of participation in R&D consortia. These factors are analyzed in a dynamic context using a sample of 312 Japanese firms in 74 industries between 1969 and 1992. We find a firm in an industry with weak competition and appropriability conditions has a higher rate of consortia participation. A firm's R&D capabilities, network formation through past consortia, encounter with other firms in product markets, age, and past participation in large-scale consortia also positively affect its tendency of consortia formation. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Calcium Sensitive Ring-Like Oligomers of Synaptotagmin: Implications for Regulation of Neurotransmitter Release

The synaptic vesicle protein synaptotagmin-1 (SYT) is required to couple calcium influx to the membrane fusion machinery. However, the structural mechanism underlying this process is unclear. Using electron microscopy we find an unexpected circular arrangement (ring) of SYT's cytosolic domain (C2AB) formed on lipid monolayers in the absence of free calcium. Rings vary in diameter from 18 nm to 43 nm, corresponding to 11 to 26 molecules of SYT. Continuous stacking of the SYT rings occasionally converts both lipid monolayers and liposomal bilayers into protein-coated tubes. Helical reconstruction of the SYT tubes shows that the C2B interacts with the membrane and is involved in ring formation, while the C2A domain points radially outwards. SYT rings are rapidly disrupted by physiological concentrations of free calcium but not by magnesium. Assuming that calcium-free SYT rings are physiologically relevant, these results suggest a simple and novel mechanism by which SYT regulates neurotransmitter release: the ring acts as a spacer to prevent the completion of SNARE complex assembly thereby clamping fusion (in the absence of calcium). When the ring disassembles in the presence of calcium, then fusion proceeds unimpeded.
Continuing Education: A Clinician's Guide to Monitoring and Promoting Competence

The pressures of practice in a rapidly changing healthcare environment require therapists to maintain refined practice skills. Although continuing education is a commonly cited term, how it contributes to monitoring and promoting competence is often not discussed in detail. The purpose of this article is to describe three themes related to continuing education and competence that emerged in a review of the professional literature. These three themes are elements of competence, monitoring competence and methods to promote competence to assist clinicians in their own professional development.
Tactile exploration of visual reinforcement following operant responding by 12- to 24-month-old infants

Two experiments studied the interaction of operant responding for visual reinforcement (color slides) and tactile exploratory behavior directed toward that reinforcement. Experiment 1 attempted to quantify the relationship between operant performance and tactile exploration of the reinforcement produced. In an effort to influence exploratory tendencies, certain infants were given a tactile “priming” treatment of prior play exposure to the materials used as visual reinforcers. No differences in exploratory tendencies were found as a function of this prior exposure. However, in those infants who did not play before operant learning, a significant correlation was found between operant response frequency and total amount of tactile exploration of the visual images used as reinforcement. Visual reinforcers did elicit tactile responses. In Experiment 2, infants were again given the opportunity to touch visual reinforcement stimuli, this time during two different types of operant contingencies: buttonpress and “step on floor pad.” Those reinforcing stimuli activated by the floor-pad response were explored (touched) significantly more, indicating that the tendency to explore reinforcers depended upon the manner in which they were produced. These data were discussed by relating certain types of exploration as “adjunctive” behavior in an operant contingency.
Fuzzy c-means and singular value decomposition based through wall image enhancement

Singular value decomposition based through wall image enhancement is proposed which is capable of discriminating target, noise and clutter signals. The overlapping boundaries of clutter, noise and target signals are separated using fuzzy c-means clustering algorithm. Moreover, weights are assigned to different singular values based on their membership value. Proposed scheme significantly works well for extracting multiple in heavy cluttered through wall images. Simulation results are compared on the basis mean square error, peak signal to noise ratio and visual inspection.
The role of calcium in blended fly ash geopolymers

In this research effort, the role of calcium in geopolymers was investigated through a series of syntheses where a high-calcium fly ash was blended with a low-calcium fly ash. Increased calcium content led to accelerated set-up times, increased compressive strength, and increased product formation. Powder X-ray diffraction results showed the majority of that product to be geopolymer framework with only minor contributions from calcium silicate phases. Thermal analysis confirmed the absence of a calcium silicate hydrate phase. Analysis of fly ash dissolution showed that calcium aided in aluminosilicate dissolution and therefore the geopolymerization reaction. While aiding in this reaction, calcium became incorporated into the pore structure of the geopolymer as a counter-balancing cation, according to ion exchange experiments. Thus, geopolymer synthesis with increased calcium content through the use of a high-calcium fly ash under these experimental conditions produced a quick-setting, strong, calcium incorporated geopolymer material.
Mimicry and Inhibition of Nerve Growth Factor Effects: Interactions of Staurosporine, Forskolin, and K252a in PC12 Cells and Normal Rat Chromaffin Cells In Vitro

: The structurally similar compounds staurosporine and K252a are potent inhibitors of protein kinases. K252a has previously been reported to inhibit most or all of the effects of nerve growth factor (NGF) on PC12 pheochromocytoma cells, and staurosporine has been reported both to inhibit and to mimic NGF-induced neurite outgrowth from a PC12 cell subclone in a dose-dependent manner. We have studied the interactions of these agents with each other, with NGF, and with forskolin, an activator of adenylate cyclase, on the parent PC12 cell line and on normal neonatal and adult rat chromaffin cells. Staurosporine alone or in conjunction with forskolin induces outgrowth of short neurites from PC12 cells but does not substitute for NGF in promoting cell survival. It does not abolish NGF-induced neurite outgrowth but does reverse the effects of NGF on catecholamine synthesis. K252a abolishes NGF-induced neurite outgrowth but only partially decreases outgrowth induced by NGF plus forskolin. It does not inhibit neurite outgrowth produced by staurosporine or staurosporine plus forskolin. These findings with PC12 cells suggest that staurosporine might act downstream from K252a and NGF on components of one or more signal transduction pathways by which NGF selectively affects the expression of certain traits. Both neonatal and adult rat chromaffin cells show dramatic flattening and extension of filopodia in response to staurosporine, an observation suggesting that some of the same pathways might remain active in cells that do not exhibit a typical NGF response. Only a small amount of neurite outgrowth is observed, however, and only in neonatal cultures. Staurosporine might be useful in studying both the actions of NGF and the ways in which those actions are altered in the course of normal development and tumor formation.
Microwave-mediated non-catalytic transesterification of algal biomass under supercritical ethanol conditions

Abstract A novel integrated approach has been proposed to convert lipid-rich, dry algae ( Nannochloropsis salina ) into fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) under microwave-mediated supercritical ethanol (MW-SCE) conditions with a non-catalytic transesterification approach. This process enables simultaneous extraction of lipids from algal biomass and conversion/transesterification of them into algal biodiesel in a relatively short reaction time, which may reduce energy consumption versus traditional processes due to simplified separation and purification steps. High conversion rates can be possible when the extractive-transesterification of algal biomass is performed near-critical or supercritical conditions. The use of passive heating elements made of silicon carbide (SiC) to aid the microwave-mediated heating process at higher temperatures is also described. Experimental runs were designed to optimize the process parameters to evaluate the effect on the algal biodiesel under controlled power conditions. The algal biomass characterization and algal biodiesel analysis were performed using various analytical instruments such as FTIR, SEM-EDS, TGA and GC–MS. It was demonstrated in this work that this direct conversion technique has the potential to provide an energy-efficient and economical route for algal biodiesel production.
Optical metrology for integrated circuit fabrication

A new tool for optical metrology, the Mirau Correlation Microscope (MCM), it introduced. The basic principle of this device is to employ an interference microscope with a temporally and spatially incoherent illumination source, and to use as the detected output the interference signal between the beams reflected from the object and from a reference mirror, respectively. Phase images and cross-sectional images of integrated circuits are obtained. Critical dimension measurements on photoresist linewidths are demonstrated and features with sizes down to 0.4 micrometers have been measured consistently.
Range of ventricular dimensions and function by steady-state free precession cine MRI in repaired tetralogy of Fallot: Right ventricular outflow tract patch vs. conduit repair

Purpose To characterize the range of biventricular size and function evaluated by steady-state free precession (SSFP) cine magnetic resonance (MR) in a large cohort of patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), and to compare these measurements in those with a right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) patch vs. a right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) conduit. Materials and Methods Analysis of ventricular size and function in 300 consecutive examinations in patients with repaired TOF evaluated by SSFP cine MR. Results Of the 300 examinations performed in 256 patients, 69% had undergone repair with a RVOT patch and 31% with a RV-PA conduit. Compared to patients with RV-PA conduit, those with a RVOT patch had significantly more pulmonary regurgitation (PR) (38 ± 17 vs. 23 ± 16%, P < 0.0001), larger indexed RV end-diastolic volume (154 ± 53 vs. 133 ± 51 mL/m2, P = 0.002), similar indexed end-systolic volume (80 ± 39 vs. 74 ± 46 mL/m2, P = 0.31), higher ejection fraction (EF) (50 ± 9 vs. 47 ± 12%, P = 0.037), and lower mass-to-volume ratio (0.29 ± 0.08 vs. 0.36 ± 0.13, P < 0.0001). Pulmonary regurgitation fraction correlated positively with RV end-diastolic volume index in the RVOT patch group (r = 0.51, P < 0.0001) but not in the RV-PA conduit. Conclusion This study provides the range and distribution of biventricular size and function, and PR measured by MRI in a large contemporary cohort of patients with repaired TOF, and demonstrates important variations in RV mechanics between patients repaired with a RVOT patch and those with an RV-PA conduit. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2007;26:934–940. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Sensor planning in an active robotic work cell

In this paper, we discuss techniques for extending the sensor planning capabilities of the machine vision planning system to include motion in a well-known environment. In a typical work cell, vision sensors are needed to monitor a task and provide feedback to motion control programs or to assess task completion or failure. In planning sensor locations and parameters for such a work-cell, all motion in the environment must be taken into account in order to avoid occlusions of desired features by moving objects and, in the case where the features to be monitored are being manipulated by the robot, to insure that the features are always within the camera's view. Several different sensor locations (or a single, movable sensor) may be required in order to view the features of interest during the course of the task. The goal is to minimize the number of sensors (or to minimize the motion of the single sensor) while guaranteeing a robust view at all times during the task, where a robust view is one which is unobstructed, in focus, and sufficiently magnified. In the past, sensor planning techniques have primarily focused on static environments. We present techniques which we have been exploring to include knowledge of motion in the sensor planning problem. Possible directions for future research are also presented.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Plasticity of the Extracranial Facial Nerve

Although the expansion properties of peripheral nerves have been a matter of considerable study in recent years, investigations of the plasticity of cranial nerves, including the facial nerve, have been lacking. Clinicians, however, have long recognized the tenacity of facial nerve function in patients with slow-growing benign tumors that enormously distort the nerve. An experimental study was designed to assess whether tissue expansion techniques can be applied to the extracranial portion of the facial nerves of cats. In eight cats the frontozygomatic branch of the facial nerve was expanded by stages in seven sessions over a period of 40 days. The length of the nerve increased an average of 95% without significantly impairing nerve function. Pressure changes in the expander averaged 75 mm Hg during each stage of expansion. Electroneurography was performed after each injection of the expander. Statistical analysis of these data did not show consistent evidence of demyelination or denervation, and all but one cat exhibited a normal blink reflex and had normal electromyographic findings at the end of the experiment. Histologic examination of the expanded nerves, however, did show inflammatory changes, intraneural edema, and occasional demyelination.
From political fragmentation towards a customs union: Border effects of the German Zollverein, 1815 to 1855

Over the first half of the nineteenth century, the Prussian-German customs union known as the Zollverein gradually unified a scattered confederation of sovereign states under an internal free trade agreement. This article uses grain prices to quantify the differential effect of the Zollverein for market integration among Zollverein members versus European powers that were not part of the Zollverein, including France, Switzerland, and the Habsburg Empire of Austria. Overall, this border effect is consistently and substantially less than border effect estimates from contemporary samples. For the 1834 liberalisation round, the implied border effect, calculated as the implied decrease in distance that comes about as the result of the customs border being eliminated, is between 140 and 160 kilometres, with the smaller distance for non-German speaking cities, and the larger distance for German–speaking cities. Thus, common language in this sample provides an additional benefit of lowering trade barriers by 11–15 percent in distance, making border elimination more valuable among German-speaking cities than for mixed-language-speaking cities. The article offers a few reasons for why I estimate smaller border effects than are found in studies on twentieth century economies, and the analysis gives a new historical perspective on what drives trade costs and changes in market integration.
Symmetry of upper mantle anisotropy

Abstract Symmetry of the form of upper mantle seismic anisotropy observed by refraction measurements at sea reflects basic symmetry of mantle elasticity which in turn places constraints on models proposed to explain the origin of anisotropy. Observed mantle velocity variation appears to exhibit bilateral symmetry which can be explained by a fairly restricted class of elastic models for the upper mantle. Velocity data obtained off California are tested for a bilaterally symmetric model and a small component of asymmetry is found. Such asymmetry may be due to systematic small errors in the data or minor perturbations in the elastic symmetry.
Evaluation and surgical management of peripheral nerve problems

OBJECTIVE: To illustrate how an understanding of the basic biological responses of peripheral nerves to injury is important in formulating a rational treatment plan. METHODS: Peripheral nerve anatomy and physiology are described in a context that is relevant to understanding the different grades of peripheral nerve injury. Methods of evaluating and treating peripheral nerve injuries both medically and surgically are reviewed. Relevant scientific studies with potential clinical impact are also discussed. RESULTS: The clinical symptoms, physical findings, and electrodiagnostic and imaging test results relevant to the diagnosis of peripheral nerve problems are reviewed. Conventional and new medical or surgical strategies in the management of peripheral nerve injuries and mass lesions are described. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis and treatment of peripheral nerve injuries follow logically from an understanding of the biological responses of peripheral nerves after injury and during recovery.
Genealogy of the “Grandmother Cell”

A “grandmother cell” is a hypothetical neuron that responds only to a highly complex, specific, and meaningful stimulus, such as the image of one’s grandmother. The term originated in a parable Jerry Lettvin told in 1967. A similar concept had been systematically developed a few years earlier by Jerzy Konorski who called such cells “gnostic” units. This essay discusses the origin, influence, and current status of these terms and of the alternative view that complex stimuli are represented by the pattern of firing across ensembles of neurons.