cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Testing a Partial Ordering of Population Means with Application to Inference about Growth Habits of Cowpea Genotypes.

SUMMARY. Using general results available in the literature, we derive the likelihood ratio test for a particular partial ordering of means that naturally arises in a biological context. We then show that the conceptual and computational complexity of the derivation can be substantially reduced by equivalently deriving the test using the intersection-union principle for decomposing a complex null hypothesis into elemental forms. A Monte Carlo algorithm for obtaining the p-value of the test is proposed. The test procedure is illustrated with a data set of the competitive ability of several cowpea genotypes, where previous experiments have indicated the proposed partial order of the means. A simulation study is used to examine the power of the test.
A jury of medical experts.

Excerpt To the editor: Dr. Brennan (1) raises several interesting issues in his article on hazardous substance litigation. There is little doubt that leaving the final determination of truth in the...
Technic for intravascular injection and bleeding of newborn rats and mice.

Recent quantitative studies of immunological tolerance have focused attention on the need for special technics of bleeding and injection of embryonic and neonatal animals. Billingham and Brent(1) found that a higher proportion of tolerant mice was produced when homologous cells were injected by the intravenous route into the newborn than by other routes of administration. Their method of intravenous injection requires considerable skill and is not suitable for bleeding neonatal mice. Terasaki and Cannon(2) have devised an ingenious technic for cross-transfusion of blood in embryonic chicks. An intravascular method of injection for rat embryos of 13 to 17 days was described by Grazer and Clemente(3) but it has a relatively high mortality rate. The intracardiac technic described here for bleeding and injection of newborn rats and mice was accompanied by mortality of less than 5% in over 600 newborn rats, and 40 newborn mice. This technic has been advantageously employed in studies of transplantation immunit...
Mercury Alters B-Cell Protein Phosphorylation Profiles

Environmental exposure to mercury is suggested to contribute to human immune dysfunction. To shed light on the mechanism, we identified changes in the phosphoproteomic profile of the WEHI-231 B cell line after intoxication with Hg2+. These changes were compared to changes in the phosphoproteome that were induced by pervanadate or okadaic acid exposure. Both 250 μM HgCl2 and pervanadate, a known phosphotyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, caused an increase in the number of proteins identified after TiO2 affinity selection and LC-MS/MS analysis. Pervanadate treatment had a larger effect than Hg2+ on the number of Scansite motifs that were tyrosine-phosphorylated, 17, and Ingenuity canonical signaling pathways activated, 4, with score >5.0. However, Hg2+ had a more focused effect, primarily causing tyrosine-phosphorylation in src homology 2 domains in proteins that are in the B cell receptor signaling pathway. The finding that many of the changes induced by Hg2+ overlap with those of pervanadate, indicates that ...
Eligibility of patients with renal impairment for Phase I trials: Time for a rethink?

Since the inception of Phase I clinical trials in cancer, patients with renal dysfunc- tion have commonly been excluded from participation because of a poor outlook. Most cancer drugs are approved with limited information on the pharmacokinetics and/or pharmacody- namics of the drugs in patients with renal dysfunction, and no formal renal dysfunction study is ever undertaken. Patients with asymptomatic mild to moderate renal dysfunction pose an increasingly frequent challenge for clinicians. In this paper, we discuss that a subset of patients with asymptomatic mild to moderate renal impairment might be appropriately entered into selected Phase I trials. This will provide physicians timely data of the new agents in this patient population and increase patients' access to experimental treatments. 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Twenty-five years of groupthink theory and research: Lessons from the evaluation of a theory.

In this paper, we examine the historical development of the groupthink model and discuss recent responses to the body of empirical evidence amassed on the model. We conclude by articulating general lessons implied by the evolution of research on the groupthink model.
Digital predistortion using quadrature ΔΣ modulation with fast adaptation for WLAN power amplifiers

This paper presents a low-power, low-complexity adaptive digital predistortion system based on a quadrature ΔΣ modulator for linearizing WLAN PAs. To decrease the modulator oversampling rate, second-order ΔΣ modulation is employed with phase alignment and gain normalization, which ensure the stability of the modulator. The feedback path of the predistortion system is comprised of an RF subsampler and a 32-MSPS ADC. An experimental system linearizes a commercial 2.4-GHz SiGe PA transmitting a 20.2-dBm WLAN signal with 10-MHz channel bandwidth. The background adaptation of a predistortion look-up table in the ΔΣ modulator is achieved in 524 milliseconds. The experimental predistortion system improves the EVM of the unlinearized PA from 5.90% to 0.96%, and enhances the ACPR from −33.3 dBc to −38.0 dBc.
Textured image segmentation via neural network probabilistic modeling

It has been shown that a trained backpropagation neural network (BPNN) classifier produces outputs which can be interpreted as estimates of Bayesian a posteriori probabilities. Based on this interpretation, the BPNN approach for the estimation of the local conditional distributions of textured images, which are commonly represented by a Markov random field (MRF) formulation, is presented. The proposed BPNN approach overcomes many of the difficulties encountered when using an MRF formulation. The approach does not require the trial-and-error choice of clique functions or the subsequent unreliable estimation of clique parameters. Simulations show that the images synthesized using BPNN modeling produce desired textures more consistently than MRF-based methods. The application of the proposed BPNN approach to synthesis and segmentation of real world textures is presented. >
Management of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

Optimizing the management of antibiotic resistance is an important strategy in improving outcomes for infectious diseases in older persons. Strategies that manage antibiotic resistance must take into account all clinical settings, because resistant pathogens previously seen only in acute care facilities are becoming increasingly common in long-term care facilities. Recently, modest improvement in therapeutic options for the treatment of infections due to resistant pathogens has become available because of the development of newer antibiotics. Some of these drugs are briefly discussed in this review, but the best strategy is to limit the potential for the development of resistance and transmission of these pathogens. This can best be accomplished by minimizing misuse of antibiotics and maximizing adherence to basic hygiene standards.
Substance use disorders: a theory‐driven approach to the integration of genetics and neuroimaging

The etiology of substance use disorders is related to changes in neuronal systems involved in reward anticipation, negative affect, and withdrawal, as well as to alterations in inhibition and executive control. Genetic and epigenetic variation associated with individual differences in these mechanisms may be important for predicting the effectiveness of current treatments and informing future pharmacogenomic investigations. Genetic research efforts have increasingly involved the use of approaches that leverage neurobiological phenotypes to link changes at the molecular level (e.g., genetic and epigenetic variation) to changes in intermediate neuroimaging phenotypes, and ultimately to clinical outcomes. The current review summarizes recent efforts that utilize neuroimaging and genetic approaches in the context of a three-stage model of addiction. In addition, this review explores how these approaches have been used to study the progression from impulsive, recreational substance use to the compulsive, addicted state. Finally, this review describes future ways that research may incorporate these approaches to examine important stage-specific mechanisms of addiction.
Focal adhesion kinase suppresses Rho activity to promote focal adhesion turnover

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is activated and localized at focal adhesions upon cell adhesion to extracellular matrices. Cells lacking FAK show increased focal adhesion number and decreased cell migration, functions that are regulated by the small GTPase Rho. We now report that fibroblasts from FAK-/- mice failed to transiently inhibit Rho activity when plated on fibronectin. Re-expression of FAK restored normal Rho regulation. Turnover of focal adhesions correlated inversely with Rho activity. The presence or absence of FAK was mimicked by inhibiting or activating Rho, respectively. These data suggest that loss of FAK resulting in constitutive activation of Rho and inhibition of focal adhesion turnover can account for deficiencies in cell migration and embryonic lethality of the FAK knockout.
Electroacupuncture Improves Imbalance of Autonomic Function under Restraint Stress in Conscious Rats

Acupuncture may modulate the imbalance of the autonomic nervous system. It is well known that restraint stress delays gastric emptying via inhibiting parasympathetic activity and/or stimulating sympathetic activity in rats. We have previously shown that electroacupuncture (EA) improves delayed gastric emptying induced by restraint stress in rats. To investigate whether the beneficial effect of EA on delayed gastric emptying is associated with its modulatory effects on autonomic nervous activity, we utilized spectral analysis of heart rate variability (HRV). In rats, the power in the low frequency (LF; 0.04-1.0 Hz) and high frequency (HF; 1.0-3 Hz) band of HRV represent sympathetic and parasympathetic activities, respectively. Electrocardiography (ECG)-electrodes were implanted on the subcutaneous tissues of the back. One week after the surgery, ECG was recorded before, during and after the restraint stress loading in a conscious state. EA (10 Hz) was applied at bilateral acupuncture points [ST-36 (lower leg) or BL-21 (back)] during restraint stress loading. In response to restraint stress, heart rate and LF component were increased, suggesting the increased activity of sympathetic tone. EA at ST-36 significantly reduced the elevated heart rate and LF, compared to that of control group. EA at ST-36 also significantly increased HF component after finishing the stress loading. In contrast, EA at BL-21 had no significant effect on the heart rate, LF and HF. It is suggested that EA at ST-36 stimulates parasympathetic activity and inhibits sympathetic activity under the restraint stress in rats.
THE EFFECT OF NONLINEAR INCENTIVES ON PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE FROM "ECON 101"

This paper analyzes both theoretically and empirically how an absolute grading standard that allows only a small number of distinct grades affects student course performance outcomes. The clearest prediction of the model is that course performance of “grade-motivated” students will tend to be clustered slightly above the boundaries that separate grades, as long as the variance of the random component of performance is not too large. A more tenuous prediction is that the proximity of a grade-motivated student to a grade boundary going into the final exam should influence final exam performance, after controlling for prefinal exam performance. An empirical investigation of the course performance of university students who were enrolled in introductory economics classes that used an absolute grading standard finds evidence in favor of both of these predictions. The results suggest that student effort decisions respond to the incentives created by the grading system.
Synthesis of polylactide with varying molecular weight and aliphatic content: Effect on moisture sorption

Polylactide (PLA) is a bio-based, biodegradable polymer, which is derived from lactic acid and has numerous potential applications, some of which are limited by its moisture barrier and thermal properties. Prior studies have been inconsistent about how moisture sorption in PLA varies with crystallinity and molecular weight. This research is a systematic study of how moisture sorption in PLA depends on molecular weight and aliphatic content via end-group modification. PLA with varying aliphatic content was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of L-lactide initiated with different long-chain aliphatic alcohols. The terminating end groups were also modified from hydroxyl to acetoxy to eliminate hydrophilic end groups. Molecular weight was controlled by varying the ratio of L-lactide monomer to alcohol initiator, and triethylaluminum was used as the catalyst for precise control over molecular weight. The molecular weight and end-group compositions were verified by gel permeation chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance. Moisture sorption of the modified PLA samples was measured with a quartz crystal microbalance. Quartz crystal microbalance experiments revealed that both molecular weight and aliphatic content contributed to the sorption properties of PLA. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Compromised sensitivity to monetary reward in current cocaine users: An ERP study

We studied modulation of the P300 by monetary reward expected to be received on a sustained attention task in 18 individuals with current cocaine use disorders (CUD) and 18 control subjects. Results in the controls revealed sensitivity to money as measured with P300 amplitude and speed of behavioral response and their intercorrelations. In contrast, despite generally faster P300 waveforms and higher self-reported interest in the task, individuals with CUD did not display these responses to money versus nonreward; at the behavioral level, this impairment correlated with frequency of recent cocaine use. These preliminary results suggest a compromised sensitivity to a secondary reinforcer in CUD. This deficit, which needs to be replicated in larger samples of people with currently active versus abstaining CUD, may underlie the compromised ability to advantageously modify behavior in response to changing inner motivations and environmental contingencies.
Efficacy of Self-Administered Treatments for Depression and Anxiety

Self-administered treatments (SATs) are widely used by the general public and mental health professionals. Previous reviews of the efficacy of SATs have included under this category interventions for nonclinical problems, group interventions, and interventions involving significant amounts of therapist contact. The efficacy of SATs for clinical levels of depression and anxiety with minimal therapeutic contact was examined by meta-analyzing 24 studies. The results show large effects for SATs when compared with no-treatment control groups (d 1.00). However, unlike previous meta-analyses that found nonsignificant differences between SATs and therapist-administered treatments, in this sample SATs resulted in significantly poorer outcomes (d –0.31). Some differences in effect size were observed between the clinical targets of depression and anxiety. However, there were high correlations between clinical target, methodological quality of the study, and amount of contact. This makes it impossible to determine whether the observed differences could be explained by the nature of the disorders, methodological quality, or the amount of contact with a member of the research team. The implications of the findings for the clinical use of SATs and for future research are discussed.
Second and Fourth Harmonic Frequencies in Electric Field-Induced Liquid Crystal Reorientations

The second and fourth harmonics of low frequency electric field-induced liquid crystal reorientations are analyzed theoretically and confirming results observed experimentally. These transient dynamic optical responses manifest when the phase of a homogeneous cell is nearby Nπ or , where N is an integer. These ripples would influence the grayscales of liquid crystal devices if the driving electric field frequency is comparable to the liquid crystal response rate.
RF circuit design in reliability

A methodology for designing reliable RF circuits is proposed. A model to predict hot carrier and soft breakdown effects on CMOS device parameters in RF circuits is developed. Hot carrier and soft breakdown effects are evaluated experimentally with 0.16 /spl mu/m CMOS technology. Device stress measurement and SpectreRF simulation are conducted to evaluate the impact of hot carrier and soft breakdown effects on RF circuits such as low noise amplifier and voltage-controlled oscillator performance. Two design techniques to build reliable RF circuits are proposed and verified.
Epitaxial Growth of Rhenium with Sputtering

We have grown epitaxial Rhenium (Re) (0001) films on α-Al2O3 (0001) substrates using sputter deposition in an ultra high vacuum system. We find that better epitaxy is achieved with DC rather than with RF sputtering. With DC sputtering, epitaxy is obtained with the substrate temperatures above 700 °C and deposition rates below 0.1 nm/s. The epitaxial Re films are typically composed of terraced hexagonal islands with screw dislocations, and island size gets larger with high temperature post-deposition annealing. The growth starts in a three dimensional mode but transforms into two dimensional mode as the film gets thicker. With a thin (∼2 nm) seed layer deposited at room temperature and annealed at a high temperature, the initial three dimensional growth can be suppressed. This results in larger islands when a thick film is grown at 850 °C on the seed layer. We also find that when a room temperature deposited Re film is annealed to higher temperatures, epitaxial features start to show up above ∼600 °C, but the film tends to be disordered.
Introduction to Computable General Equilibrium Models: Final Demand in a CGE Model

In this chapter, we describe final demand by domestic agents – private households, government, investors – and by the export market. Data in the Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) describe agents' incomes and the commodity composition of their spending. The computable general equilibrium (CGE) model depicts demand by domestic agents as a two-stage decision. First, consumers decide on the quantities of each commodity in their consumption basket. Second, an “Armington” import aggregation function describes their choice between domestic and imported varieties of each commodity. We survey functional forms commonly used in CGE models to describe private household preferences. We also introduce the concept of “national welfare,” which is the monetary value of changes in a nation's well-being following an economic shock. The U.S. economic stimulus package, implemented in the 2009 recession, was designed to increase government spending in order to compensate for sharp declines in spending by private households and investors, and in export sales. These four categories of demand – private households, investment, government, and exports – constitute the demand side of an economy. They are called components of final demand since the goods and services that are consumed are in their end-use; they are not further combined or processed into other goods and services. An economy's structure can change when the categories of aggregate final demand change in relative size because each type of final demand usually purchases different goods and services.
FATTY ACID ESTERIFICATION AND CHYLOMICRON FORMATION DURING FAT ABSORPTION. 2. PHOSPHOLIPIDS.

Studies were conducted on the over-all fatty acid specificity of the mechanisms involved in chylomicron lecithin formation during fat absorption in the rat. Synthetic mixtures of fatty acids containing trace quantities of C14-labeled fatty acids were administered by gastric intubation to rats with cannulated thoracic ducts. The chylomicron lipids were first separated on silicic acid columns into cholesterol ester, glyceride, and phospholipid fractions. The results obtained with the sterol ester and glyceride fractions are described in the accompanying paper. The phospholipids were rechromatographed to obtain pure lecithin, and determinations were made of the total fatty acid radioactivity, total mass, and distribution of mass and radioactivity, among the several fatty acids of lecithin, by gas-liquid chromatography. Different fatty acids fed to the rat were not incorporated to equal extents into chylomicron lecithin. The incorporation showed a marked relative specificity for stearic acid and a lesser specificity for linoleic acid. Oleic acid was incorporated least of all into lecithin. The incorporation of different dietary fatty acids varied with the nature of the diet, but the addition of fatty acids from endogenous sources was of such magnitude as to make this change less evident, so that the over-all fatty acid pattern of lecithin was relatively constant and independent of the composition of the diet. The endogenous contribution to lecithin fatty acids was greater than the endogenous contribution to the sterol ester or triglyceride fatty acids of the same chylomicron sample. This endogenous contribution to lecithin also varied from fatty acid to fatty acid, being greatest with palmitic acid and least with oleic acid. The general features of chylomicron formation are discussed in detail. Lecithin carried a relatively large share of stearic acid, and relatively vcry little oleic acid, within the chylomicron.
Liberal Nationalism and Cosmopolitan Justice

Many liberals have argued that a cosmopolitan perspective on global justice follows from the basic liberal principles of justice. Yet, increasingly, it is also said that intrinsic to liberalism is a doctrine of nationalism. This raises a potential problem for the liberal defense of cosmopolitan justice as it is commonly believed that nationalism and cosmopolitanism are conflicting ideals. If this is correct, there appears to be a serious tension within liberal philosophy itself, between its cosmopolitan aspiration on the one hand, and its nationalist agenda on the other. I argue, however, that this alleged conflict between liberal nationalism and cosmopolitan liberalism disappears once we get clear on the scope and goals of cosmopolitan justice and the parameters of liberal nationalism. Liberal nationalism and cosmopolitan global justice, properly understood, are mutually compatible ideals.
Gendered decision-making practices in Alaska's dynamic mountain environments? A study of professional mountain guides

Abstract Avalanche professionals make dozens of decisions each time they step into the field. The best practices for decision-making in high-risk, dynamic environments are widely researched and discussed in the snow professional community. However, previous research in the leisure and outdoor recreation fields has failed to address the different ways in which male and female guides gather information and make decisions. This exploratory study sought to better understand the influence of an individual's gender identity on their decision-making and risk tolerance. A survey was administered to professional guides on Denali in the 2014 mountaineering season. Respondents answered questions pertaining to the factors that influenced their decision-making and risk tolerance, as well as their perceptions of those qualities in their coworkers. Results show that while there is no statistical difference between the personal risk tolerance levels of male and female Denali guides, but female backcountry partners are perceived to have a lower risk tolerance. This indicates the potential presence of a “gender heuristic trap”. Management implications A better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of common decision making practices among avalanche professionals is crucial for improving their safety. Perceptions about male and female characteristics are problematic if they are not representative of actual behavior in the field. A better understanding of the decision-making practices of professional mountain guides also provide the foundation for the development of avalanche safety initiatives for recreational, non-professional backcountry users.
Retrospective analysis of pulmonary neuroendocrine/carcinoid tumors at Ohio State University

18176 Background: Neuroendocrine tumors are a unique malignant neoplasm which can arise from the respiratory tree. Bronchial neuroendocrine tumors account for 25% of all neuroendocrine tumors, but only about 1–2% of all lung cancers. The epidemiology, clinical behavior, treatment, and prognosis of carcinoid tumors differ from other lung malignancies in significant ways. Located most often in the major bronchi, these tumors secrete neuroendocrine granules such as serotonin, histamine, and prostaglandins. Classic carcinoid syndrome (diarrhea, flushing, palpitations, wheezing), however, is rare in these patients. Treatment is primarily surgical resection for cure. The purpose of our study was to identify the experience with these malignancies at our institution and compare it to other series. Methods: A total of 64 patients were identified using diagnostic codes via our institutional cancer registry from 1980–2006. Poorly-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors and small cell lung cancer cases were excluded fro...
Perceptions of Climate Change, Sea Level Rise, and Possible Consequences Relate Mainly to Self-Valuation of Science Knowledge

This study examines perceptions of climate change and sea level rise in New Jersey residents in 2012 and 2014. Different surveys have shown declines in interest and concern about climate change and sea level rise. Climate change and increasing temperatures have an anthropogenic cause, which relates to energy use, making it important to examine whether people believe that it is occurring. In late 2012 New Jersey experienced Super storm Sandy, one of the worst hurricanes in its history, followed by public discussion and media coverage of stronger more frequent storms due to climate change. Using structured interviews, we tested the null hypotheses that there were no differences in perceptions of 1260 interviewees as a function of year of the survey, age, gender, years of education, and self-evaluation of science knowledge (on a scale of 1 to 5). In 2012 460 of 639 (72%) rated “global warming occurring” as “certain” (#4) or “very certain” (#5) compared with 453 of 621 (73%) in 2014. For “due to human activities” the numbers of “certain” or “very certain” were 71% in 2012, and 67% in 2014 and for sea level rise the numbers were 64% and 70%. There were some inconsistent between-year differences with higher ratings in 2012 for 3 outcomes and higher ratings in 2014 for 5 outcomes. However, for 25 questions relative to climate change, sea level rise, and the personal and ecological effects of sea level rise, self-evaluation of science knowledge, independent of years of education, was the factor that entered 23 of the models, accounting for the most variability in ratings. People who believed they had a “high knowledge” (#4) or “very high knowledge” (#5) of science rated all issues as more important than did those people who rated their own scientific knowledge as average or below average.
Maternal Immunologic Changes During Pregnancy: A Critical Appraisal

A great variety of approaches have been applied to the study of immunity during pregnancy. Many of the studies have been motivated by an attempt to explain the failure of of the mother to reject the fetus. At times, dramatic findings have been claimed; and, at times, these results have been held to be expected, since no immunologic event (or nonevent) has been more perplexing than the failure of the mother to reject the fetal "allograft." This review will present clinical findings relevant to an understanding of immunocompetence and host defense during pregnancy, as well as the results of laboratory investigations regarding the possibility of altered immunity during pregnancy.
Rapid determination of fumigant and industrial chemical residues in food

A gas chromatographic (GC) method is described for the determination of 22 fumigant and industrial chemical residues in a variety of foods. The fumigants and industrial chemicals determined are methyl bromide, methylene chloride, carbon disulfide, chloroform, 1,1-dichloroethane, ethylene dichloride, methyl chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, methylene bromide, propylene dichloride, 2,3-dichloropropene, trichloroethylene, 1,3-dichloropropylene, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, chloropicrin, ethylene dibromide, tetrachloroethylene, propylene dibromide, 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane, p-dichlorobenzene, o-dichlorobenzene, and 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane. Except for the latter three, the fumigants are determined at 90 degrees C on 3.6 m 20% loaded OV-101 columns with electron-capture and Hall-electroconductivity detectors. The other 3 compounds (o-dichlorobenzene, p-dichlorobenzene, and 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane), which elute beyond 30 min on the above columns, are determined at 90 degrees C on 1.8 m 5% loaded OV-101 columns with the same detectors. The ng/g-level fortifications have an overall mean analyte recovery of 70% and a coefficient of variation of 40%. The variety of foods examined includes both fatty and nonfatty food types (e.g., off-the-shelf cooked and uncooked grain-based items, dairy products, fresh and canned fruits and vegetables, and meats). Samples are extracted and cleaned up according to fat content and food type. Samples containing less than 71% fat are extracted by using an aqueous: nonaqueous shakeout (20% acetone solution under isooctane). Most extracts (isooctanes) are analyzed directly. Extracts from samples containing from 21 to 70% fat (e.g., ground beef, pecans, and corn chips) are cleaned up further on micro-Florisil columns to remove excess fat. A few other samples containing more than 71% fat or oil (e.g., butter, salad dressing, and vegetable oil) are diluted directly in isooctane and, depending on the degree of dilution, can be cleaned up further on micro-Florisil columns. Also, clear beverages (e.g., soda and tea) are extracted directly with isooctane. These extraction and cleanup techniques were tested on 231 different table-ready foods. Three-hundred incurred residues of 10 different fumigants were found in 138 items examined; 93 items had no detectable residues. The main advantage of the method is rapid semiquantitative determination of multiple fumigants from all food types.
Surgical overview of urolithiasis.

AbstractUrinary stones usually require surgical therapy because of impaction, associated infection, unremitting pain or economic hardship created by the presence of the stone. During the last 100 years stones of the kidneys and ureters have overtaken bladder calculi in incidence and importance. In a pattern that parallels development of therapy of bladder stones, surgical treatment of upper urinary tract stones has progressed rapidly through development of safer open operations to percutaneous manipulative procedures to minimally invasive extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. Each of these progressions contributed to a significant decrease in immediate morbidity, although therapeutic results remained similar. However, some deficiencies in our data about long-term problems with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy exist, including effects on renal function, effects on surrounding organs and development of new hypertension A most important question that still must be answered is whether the apparent low m...
Teaching in the Field: What Teacher Professional Life Histories Tell about How They Learn to Teach in the Outdoor Learning Environment.

This research investigates the professional life histories of upper elementary science teachers who were identified as effective both within the classroom and in the outdoor learning environment (OLE). The narratives of five teachers, collected through semistructured and open-ended interviews, provided the data for the study. Professional life histories were constructed for each teacher participant and an analysis of the teacher narratives identified the themes of teacher development across the voices of the participants. Narrative reasoning was used to unify those themes into a hypothetical professional life history as reported in this manuscript. Implications of this research can be realized for stakeholders in the preparation of pre-service teachers as well as the development of in-service teachers. Future research regarding the early induction years of new teachers, impacts of inclusion of the OLE in pre-service teacher instruction, and teacher experiences regarding professional development relating to efforts to include the OLE in formal education should be investigated.
Efficacy and Tolerability of Antipsychotics in Treatment of Agitation and Aggression Following Traumatic Brain Injury (Tbi): Systematic Review of Clinical Trials

Introduction Aggression is a common consequence of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Agitation may be predictive of longer length of inpatient care and poor progress. Objectives To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of Antipsychotics for management of aggression in TBI. Aims Systematic review of RCT's to evaluate efficacy and tolerability of Antipsychotics in treatment of aggression in TBI. Method MEDLINE, PubMed, Psychinfo, Embase searched from 1990 till 2014 . Search terms Brain Injury, Head injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, Agitation, Aggression, Violence, Irritability, Episodic dyscontrol, Antipsychotic medication were used. Result 50 papers were screened based on pre-set criteria. 3 clinical trials were identified for final analysis. 1 study compared oral haloperidol and oral droperidol; the second study compared intramuscular droperidol and haloperidol. The third study compared oral Quetiapine and Chlorpromazine. Jadad scale was used to assess the quality of trials.1 study reached a Jadad score of 3, the other two did not score. Better tolerability reported for Quetiapine, which was effective in reducing aggression in doses of 25mg to 300mg. Time to achieve calming was significantly shorter with intramuscular droperidol (mean = 27 minutes) compared to intramuscular haloperidol (mean = 43 minutes). Single doses of droperidol controlled agitation more frequently and with less post-episodic sedation. Oral haloperidol and droperidol did not show differences in their efficacy. Conclusion Overall the clinical trials were not of sufficient quality to accurately guide clinicians in the management of aggression and agitation post-TBI. The review identifies some evidence of efficacy of antipsychotic medication group in this patient population.
Sensing Distress Following a Terrorist Event

Terrorism aims to cause the psychological instability in the targeted population. Social psychological research through traditional methods, like surveys or interviews, have provided insights for understanding the psychological effects of such traumatic events. However, these studies are costly and usually are reported with a significant delay after the events. With the allure of social media, we are provided with a unique opportunity to gather timely psychological signals from publicly available Twitter data. In this study, we collected more than 4 million tweets from 16 K Paris users. We present our analysis of the immediate emotional response as well as the subsequent recovery process following the Paris attacks. Our analysis shows that, immediately after the attacks, a greater level of anxiety was associated with locations closer to the attack site. Users’ emotional shift gradually returned to the pre-impact status over days to weeks, while the emotional trajectories vary with the degrees of users’ social interactions. The analysis further reveals a significant impact of media exposure on the recovery process. This study provides both theoretical and practical implications for understanding users’ emotional vulnerability and resilience concerning mass violence events.
Anamnesis Through Artwork in Transformative Catechesis

This paper presents findings from the first clinical trial of transformative catechesis conducted in the spring of 2006 at Santa Clara University. The paper analyzes and interprets the findings for the purpose of refining the process, which has been adapted from Jungian analytical method. Like Jungian method, transformative catechesis helps participants identify and resolve issues blocking psychological development. The process involves anamnesis and storytelling through artwork, which participants analyze individually and collectively. The artwork used in the present trial contained traditionally religious and non-religious themes, representing a variety of periods and genres.
Can Private Donations Help Public Universities Build Bridges Over Troubled Waters?: Practical Lessons for Administrators and Donors

With decreasing appropriations, some public organizations seek donations, often from large donors who may want to generate a return on investment by transforming the institution. As such, an interesting question emerges about institutions’ ability to meet donors’ expectations. Long fundraising histories, combined with a political and decentralized nature, make state universities an interesting venue to study the use of donations to create institutional change. Based on two single-state case studies, this research argues that real and perceived organizational barriers must be overcome. It concludes with implications for both administrator and donors.
Are blockchains immune to all malicious attacks

In recent years, blockchain technology has attracted considerable attention. It records cryptographic transactions in a public ledger that is difficult to alter and compromise because of the distributed consensus. As a result, blockchain is believed to resist fraud and hacking. This work explores the types of fraud and malicious activities that can be prevented by blockchain technology and identifies attacks to which blockchain remains vulnerable. This study recommends appropriate defensive measures and calls for further research into the techniques for fighting malicious activities related to blockchains.
How do they get here: does the method of transportation impact salvage for patients with testicular torsion?

Summary Introduction A growing number of patients are arriving at our tertiary care center for evaluation of possible testicular torsion using ambulance or helicopter transport. In many cases the parents arrive by car before the patient arrives. Are these advanced methods of medical transport worth the expense and risk in the case of suspected testicular torsion? Objective We evaluated the total number of patients presenting to our emergency room for suspected testicular torsion to see if the means of transport affected testicular survival. Study design Retrospective. Results As shown below in the table, the means of transport did not impact on testicular salvage. N Distance (miles) Driving time (hours) Explored N (%) Salvage N (%) Salvage >40 miles N (%) Car 484 15.7 ± 21.5 0.6 ± 0.33 94 (19.4) 66 (70)# 7/12 (54.5)## Ambulance 111 29.5 ± 29.2+ 0.6 ± 0.38 37 (33)+ 23 (62)# 9/11 (81.8)## Helicopter 37 58.4 ± 7.5+* 1.04 ± 0.42+* 30 (81)+* 19 (63)# 15/24 (65.2)## + = P * = P # = P = 0.6 across all modes of transport. ## = P = 0.36 across all modes of transport. Discussion It is understandable that many patients with scrotal pain seek treatment closer to home because of their pediatrician's recommendation and/or family preference. However once evaluated many patients are transferred because of a lack of urologists willing to evaluate and treat the pediatric patients in community settings or because of a lack of anesthesia support. These patients are often transported by ambulance or helicopter. Our data would suggest that there is no improvement in the testicular salvage rate seen with these more advanced means of medical transportation compared with transfer by private car even when we restrict the analysis to patients traveling from over 40 miles away. We suspect that important time is lost while waiting to make such transfer arrangements. Furthermore transfer by ambulance or helicopter is more expensive and these costs are often passed on to families. Transfer by helicopter is also riskier. While an argument can be made in favor of medical transport over long distances or long driving times, this data suggests that many of these transfers could be accomplished by car with no effect on testicular salvage rates. Conclusion The rate of testicular salvage was not affected by the means of transport to our tertiary facility. Only 4 patients would have required advanced of medical transport if this were limited to those facilities over 100 miles or 1.5 hours driving time away. This would achieve a substantial cost savings with no measurable change in outcome.
The Death of Languages; the Death of Minority Cultures; the Death of a People’s Dignity

This chapter explores when the loss of language may constitute a violation of human rights and may be destructive of democratic principles by its negative impact on minority cultures. It reviews the development of human rights law that led to the growing jurisprudence of treaty-monitoring committees and judicial bodies to determine when state action or inaction (state duties) may constitute a violation of human rights. The chapter argues that the assimilation of a minority into a majority culture, with the concomitant likely death of the minority language, is not in itself a violation of human rights. If the choice to discard culture and language is free, without coercion and without a state policy and action designed to eliminate the minority interests, then human rights will not be deemed to be violated. However, where state policy does not protect the right to use one’s language via action or inaction, and reflects the preference and agenda of its majority, at the expense of the minority, then concerns are raised as to the protection of human dignity and identification of a minority. Such action may constitute a denial of our human right to self-expression. While the extent and nature of the case law and legal analysis of the pertinent instruments will be preliminarily referenced, an in depth exploration is beyond the scope of the chapter and requires additional discussion and analysis.
Detection of single metal nanoparticle collision events in non-aqueous media

In this work, the detection of metal nanoparticle collision events in a non-aqueous solvent-here, toluene and acetonitrile-using gold nanoparticles and a platinum ultramicroelectrode (UME) is reported. The collisions were monitored by the oxidation of tri-n-propylamine (TPrA) under diffusion-dominated conditions. Based on the current response, it was observed that the current steps were indicative of a mediated Faradaic reaction. Current steps as small as 1-2 pA could be clearly observed. Larger current steps were caused by agglomeration of the nanoparticles attributed to the polarity of the mixed solvent. The experimentally observed collisions per second ranged from 0.07 to 0.51, indicating that particle agglomeration in solution occurs rapidly, reversibly and can subsequently cause rapid and, often, repeated collisions.
Millimeter wave network coverage with stochastic user orientation

Millimeter wave (mmW) communication is a promising solution for providing high-capacity wireless network access. However, the benefits of mmW are limited by the fact that the channel between a mmW access point and the user equipment can stochastically change due to severe blockage of mmW links by obstacles such as the human body. Thus, one main challenge of mmW network coverage is to enable directional line-of-sight links between access points and mobile devices. In this paper, a novel framework is proposed for optimizing mmW network coverage within hotspots and in-venue regions, while being cognizant of the users' orientation. In the studied model, the locations of potential access points and users are assumed as predefined parameters while the orientation of the users is assumed to be stochastic. Hence, a joint stochastic access point placement and beam steering problem is formulated, under desired network coverage constraints. Then, a greedy algorithm is introduced to solve the joint deployment and assignment problem using a “size constrained weighted set cover” approach. A closed-form approximation ratio between the optimal and approximate solutions is analytically derived. Simulation results show that, in order to guarantee coverage constraint for the Alumni Assembly Hall of Virginia Tech, the greedy algorithm uses at most one more AP compared to the optimal solution. The results also show that, due to the use of an additional AP, the greedy algorithm will yield a network coverage that is about 8% better than the optimal, AP-minimizing solution.
A Stochastic Framework for Reliability and Sensitivity Analysis of Large Scale Water Distribution Networks

Abstract The hydraulic reliability and sensitivity analysis of large scale water distribution systems in presence of uncertainty is considered in this work. The assessment of the network reliability and sensitivity is performed by an efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo method, namely Subset simulation. Prescribed nodal heads of storage tanks, nodal demands and pipe roughness coefficients are modeled as uncertain parameters and described in a probabilistic manner. Failure is assumed to occur when the minimum nodal head in the network is lower than a minimum allowable value. The efficiency of the proposed method is demonstrated with the analysis of a real water distribution network consisting of a large number of nodes and pipes (of the order of thousands). The corresponding reliability problem represents a high dimensional problem. The approach gives an important insight into the performance, reliability and sensitivity of a class of complex utility networks.
Censorship and Magic Tricks in Inter-War Britain

This paper demonstrates that between World War One and World War Two, the British state censored a variety of media including books, magazines, postcards, and films as well as engaging in public trials of obscene books that generated enormous publicity. Despite all of this, the British state denied that it censored and was largely successful at concealing its own practices. This paper documents the ways that the British state concealed the mechanisms of censorship and considers why these strategies became necessary when in previous decades the state had censored as a matter of course.
Numerical Methods of Statistics: Matrices and Linear Equations

Introduction In recent years, linear algebra has become as fundamental a mathematical tool as calculus. Since its role in statistics is so prominent, matrix computations and the solution of linear equations are fundamental to the computing of statistics. Hence the treatment in this chapter is rather traditional. The study of one particular statistical problem, regression, is postponed, and some problems arising in time-series analysis are discussed in the next chapter. Numerical analysts always talk about the solution to a system of equations, Ax = b , for the thought of computing an inverse is considered (for reasons often unstated) naive and gauche. Although the tone is haughty, the reasoning is sound, and while the mathematics of A -1 B speaks of inverses, its computation means solving systems of equations with several right-hand sides. To emphasize, although the algebra may be written in terms of inverses, careful analysis to convert the computations to solving systems of equations with many right-hand sides may lead to substantial savings in computing time. The systems of equations to be treated here will always be square and consistent – that is, they will always have a solution. When this assumption is violated, the problem of solving a system of equations changes its nature, sometimes to a regression problem (discussed in Chapter 5) or to an eigenproblem (Chapter 6). The first topic to be covered is an introduction to the computational and storage tricks that are so useful in matrix computations.