cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An experiment in document representative modification

A method of using relevance judgements to modify docu ment descriptions has previously been proposed. An experi ment is described which investigates the effect that application of this method, based on one query, has on a second query. The results indicate that approximately half of the second queries have substantially different retrieved document sets when docu ment modification is used. Of these, about half behave better, and half worse, than originally. If the queries are repeated a second time, the proportion showing improved performance increases to 90% and only 3% still give inferior retrieved document sets. The general conclusion is that document mod ification can lead to improved information system perfor mance.
King Makers: Local Leaders and Ethnic Politics in Africa

Much of the literature on electoral politics in Africa has focused on one mechanism of electoral mobilization reliance on shared ethnic identity between politicians and voters. On the contrary, the author argues that politicians pursue two distinct modes of nonprogrammatic electoral mobilization: (1) by directly relying on the support of voters from one’s own ethnic background, and (2) by indirectly working through electoral intermediaries—local leaders who command moral authority, control resources, and can influence the electoral behavior of their dependents. Yet the power of local leaders varies greatly; hence the option to use electoral intermediaries is not available in all settings. The choice of electoral mobilization affects national electoral outcomes: by severing the direct link between politicians and voters, intermediaries reduce a campaign’s reliance on shared identity and create cross-ethnic electorates. The evidence for this argument is based on original interviews with political leaders collected during fieldwork in Senegal and Benin during the 2006–7 electoral season, media coverage of elections, and a historical analysis of first mass elections in the 1950s.
Attitude Similarity, Attraction, and Physical Proximity In a Dynamic Space1

Previous research on physical proximity as an index of attraction based on attitude similarity has been limited to semifixed feature spaces. The present study tested the similarity-proximity relationship in a dynamic space. Female subjects' attraction to a female confederate was manipulated by means of false attitude information. The subjects then briefly interacted with the confederate in a dynamic space. Subjects' spatial behaviors were not directly related to attitude similarity-dissimilarity or to attraction. The implications of these findings for the generality of the similarity-proximity relationship and for research on nonverbal communication are discussed.
Implementation of a Safe Glycemic Control Protocol in Hospitalized Intensive Care Unit Patients

Implementation of tight glycemic control in hospitalized ICU patients presents a significant health care challenge. Many patients are involved, and implementation of tight glycemic control uses man...
The Visual Simulation Environment technology transfer

This paper describes how the Visual Simulation Environment (VSE) technology has been transferred into a commercial product. The VSE has been created under research funding, primarily from the U.S. Navy for over a decade. Orca Computer, Inc., with support from Virginia Tech, Naval Research Laboratory, Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division, and Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, has been successful in making the VSE technology transfer a reality. VSE is now a commercially available software product which is provided at no cost for use by U.S. Federal Government employees at government sites.
Regional integration options for Central America and the Caribbean after NAFTA

Abstract From the adoption of NAFTA to the movement toward Mercosur, the entire hemisphere faces a wide range of options for choosing a new integration agenda, one that muse be able to provide for global competitiveness and equitable growth while being politically sustainable in both the United States and Latin America. In this article, we present a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model for analyzing the effects of alternative integration strategies in the United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. The CGE model simulates the static and dynamic effects of alternative integration scenarios on production, income distribution, and the flows of trade, capital, and labor migration. The results point to a number of essential strategic choices that will have to be made in order to generate the most optimal regional outcome. Such an outcome will be possible if and only if: (1) the United States is able to overcome a domestic political economy debate on the distribution of the gains from trade which could then allow it to provide a strategic leadership role in the region, and (2) the Latin American countries in the region resolve an almost classic “prisoner's dilemma” collective action problem. As a NAFTA partner with veto power, Mexico thus must make a key decision: to share the NAFTA market with its competitors or to block NAFTA accession and risk unilateral U.S. FTAs with Mexico's rivals and geopolitical neighbors.
The Lattice Design and Tolerance Analysis of the CBA Transport Line

The beam transport line from the AGS to CBA is 600 m long and consists of 70 bending magnets and 20 quadrupoles, as well as several special injection components. The beam has to bend 117 horizontally and drop 1.8 m in elevation. To insure that it has momentum acceptance of ?P/P = ±1% and the transverse emittance dilution is within 30%, a detailed tolerance analysis has been carried out on the requirements of the AGS beam properties, magnetic field quality oL the transport magnets, and misalignment errors. Field quality tolerances of ?Bo/B < 1 × 10-3 for bending field, ?G/G < 5 × 10-3 for gradient field and ?B2/B < 2.5 × 10-4 cm-2 of the sextupole components in the bending magnets are indicated.
THE EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AMENITIES ON HOUSE VALUES: THE EXAMPLE OF A VIEW LOT

For good land management, policy makers need information on the value people attach to environmental amentities. It is demonstrated here that the economic evaluation of such an intangible residental environmental amenity as a view is both possible and useful. Estimation of the implicit price of a view is made through a hedonic-price regression model based on data from a sample of single-family residences in the Los Angeles metroplitan area.
Starting Over when the Bickering Never Ends: Rebuilding Aggregate Trust Among Clustered Firms Through Trust Facilitators

Mechanisms to reconstruct trust are vital for geographically clustered firms, since they must collaborate while they also compete. This research outlines the role of third-party “trust facilitators” in reconstructing trust in cluster environments that have evolved into states of distrust and noncollaboration. Specifically, their trust-facilitating abilities and reputation, when moderated by appropriate process structures and managerial propensities to trust, help demarcate separate relationship domains, which represent new opportunities for trust and cooperation to emerge in relationships previously gridlocked in uncooperativeness. I discuss implications for theory and public policy.
Influence of Moisture Absorption on Mechanical Properties of Wood Flour-Polypropylene Composites:

Wood-plastic composites are being examined for a greater number of structural-type applications that may be exposed to different environments, some of them adverse. This paper discusses the influen...
Postcranial skeleton of Shinisaurus crocodilurus (Squamata: Anguimorpha)

The postcranial skeleton is poorly known for Shinisaurus crocodilurus, the Chinese crocodile lizard. Discrepancies exist between published accounts of Shinisaurus; moreover, comparisons with complete specimens show important differences from the published descriptions. Contrary to some publications, the axial skeleton variably consists of 26 or 27 presacral vertebrae, including eight cervical vertebrae. Humeral entepicondylar and ectepicondylar foramina are present, as are an epipubis and hypoischium, and the post-tubercular portion of the pubis is subequal in length to the proximal portion. Sesamoids are present in the knee, elbow, and between the penultimate phalanges and unguals. A cartilaginous strut joins the clavicles and interclavicle. Comparative investigation of extant anguimorphs add context to these observations and support the conclusion that Mosasauroidea possessed eight or more (rather than seven) cervical vertebrae. Overall, the postcranium of Shinisaurus is relatively unspecialized for Anguimorpha, although it may be diagnosed accurately by a combination of character states. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Changing Realities: User Creation, Communication, and Innovation in Digital Worlds

By building upon advances in disparate technologies, digital worlds enable easier and more powerful forms of creation and communication, allowing digital worlds to be more innovative places than the real world. The power to be more innovative makes it inevitable that digital worlds grow beyond their social and game roots. Furthermore, market and economic forces seen as detrimental by conventional massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) accelerate this transition. Ultimately, entertainment and economic incentives will integrate digital worlds into everyday life.
1H-n.m.r. studies of the fibronectin 13 kDa collagen-binding fragment. Evidence for autonomous conserved type I and type II domain folds.

A 1H-n.m.r. study of a 117-residue (13 kDa) gelatin-binding fragment of human fibronectin, which contains the sixth (from the N-terminus) type I domain and the first type II domain, was undertaken. The resolution of the 1H-n.m.r. spectrum indicates that the domains are independent and mobile relative to each other. Analysis of two-dimensional 1H-n.m.r. experiments recorded at 500 MHz afforded spin-system identifications for all aromatic and a number of aliphatic residues. Utilizing the fact that phenylalanine residues occur only in the type II portion of this fragment, many spin systems were localized to either the type I or the type II module via analysis of two-dimensional nuclear-Overhauser-effect (NOESY) experiments. This allowed unambiguous assignment of the two tryptophan residues, as they occur singly in each domain. Patterns of NOESY connectivities are found to be consistent with known type I and type II domain structures; this affords a number of tentative sequence-specific assignments. For both domains, evidence of conserved hydrophobic cores and secondary-structure elements is obtained. In addition, 1H-n.m.r.-monitored thermal-melting studies demonstrate conclusively that the domains are independently folded and that the type I domain has high thermal stability relative to the type II domain. This is consistent with the results of calorimetric studies, and also confirms the localization of spin systems determined from the NOESY data.
Insulin treatment increases myocardial ceramide accumulation and disrupts cardiometabolic function

States of hyperinsulinemia, particularly insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus, are becoming remarkably common, with roughly half a billion people likely to suffer from the disorder within the next 15 years. Along with this rise has been an associated increased burden of cardiovascular disease. Considering type 2 diabetics treated with insulin are more likely to suffer from heart complications, we sought to determine the specific effect of insulin on ceramide-dependent cardiometabolic risk factors, including insulin resistance and altered heart mitochondrial physiology. H9c2 cardiomyocytes and adult mice were treated with insulin with or without myriocin to inhibit ceramide biosynthesis. Insulin and glucose changes were tracked throughout the study and mitochondrial bioenergetics was determined in permeabilized cardiomyocytes and myocardium. Herein, we demonstrate that insulin is sufficient to disrupt heart mitochondrial respiration in both isolated cardiomyocytes and whole myocardium, possibly by increasing mitochondrial fission. Further, insulin increases ceramide accrual in a time-dependent manner, which is necessary for insulin-induced alterations in heart mitochondrial respiration and insulin resistance. Collectively, these observations have two implications. First, they indicate a pathological role of insulin in heart complications stemming from mitochondrial disruption. Second, they identify ceramide as a possible mediator of insulin-related heart disorders.
Characteristic length scales of the secondary relaxations in glass-forming glycerol.

We investigate the secondary relaxations and their link to the main structural relaxation in glass-forming liquids using glycerol as a model system. We analyze the incoherent neutron scattering signal dependence on the scattering momentum transfer, Q , in order to obtain the characteristic length scale for different secondary relaxations. Such a capability of neutron scattering makes it somewhat unique and highly complementary to the traditional techniques of glass physics, such as light scattering and broadband dielectric spectroscopy, which provide information on the time scale, but not the length scales, of relaxation processes. The choice of suitable neutron scattering techniques depends on the time scale of the relaxation of interest. We use neutron backscattering to identify the characteristic length scale of 0.7 A for the faster secondary relaxation described in the framework of the mode-coupling theory (MCT). Neutron spin-echo is employed to probe the slower secondary relaxation of the excess wing type at a low temperature ( ∼ 1.13T g . The characteristic length scale for this excess wing dynamics is approximately 4.7 A. Besides the Q -dependence, the direct coupling of neutron scattering signal to density fluctuation makes this technique indispensable for measuring the length scale of the microscopic relaxation dynamics.
Distribution of azo-proteins in the tissues of the normal mouse.

SummaryThe distribution of a series of azo-proteins in mice after parenteral injection was studied by observing the intensity of color in the tissues on gross and microscopic examination. Their distribution appears to be modified either by the azo dye coupled to a particular protein or by the protein to which a particular azo dye is coupled.
A National Interest Analysis of Sino-Soviet Relations

In the last decade and a half, elaboration of a number of theoretical approaches to international relations has perhaps been the major development in that field. Quite a number of separate and, for the most part, fruitful theoretical orientations have been devised, and the obvious gap which had existed for so many years has now begun to be filled. At present it appears that a period of consolidation and expansion from within has set in, in which the various theories must be interrelated and tested through practical application. At least four problems remain to be overcome in the period ahead. The most serious, perhaps, is the split between "traditional" political analysis and the "behaviorar' or "scientific" approach. These are obviously complementary, but so far there has been a dearth of attempts to integrate the two and to use the insights of one as inputs into the other. It is true that there are theorists who for most of their careers approached international relations either from the point of view of traditional political analysis or of "moralism-legalism" but who now have begun to write in the newer idiom. (Quincy Wright is the example that comes immediately to mind.) But for the most part the gulf of misunderstanding and, on the part of some, deliberate ignorance, remains. To the extent that this is a generational
Embedded Assessment of Validity Using the Continuous Visual Memory Test in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury

Retrospective review of a consecutive patient series (n = 115) referred for neuropsychological examinations for traumatic brain injury was undertaken to evaluate an embedded measure of symptom validity for the Continuous Visual Memory Test (CVMT). Performance on the Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) and Word Memory Test (WMT) was used for classification. Individuals who failed the TOMM or WMT were almost six times more likely to fail the CVMT validity criteria than those who passed the TOMM or WMT. The addition of compensation seeking increased this odds ratio to 9.80. The area under the curve for the latter classification was 0.74. Maximum likelihood ratio optimization of the CVMT validity test cutoff score indicated sensitivity of 0.25 and specificity of 0.99 at a revised cutoff of <12 items. Classification accuracy was 91%. The original cutoff score of <14 items also performed acceptably, with a classification accuracy of 88%. While low sensitivity argues against use in isolation, the proposed measure has utility in conjunction with other established effort measures.
Private Protest?: Public and private engagement online

This article examines two historically distinct understandings of privacy and their relationship to online protest. Using a contemporary view of privacy, which focuses on information secrecy and disclosure, the author examined the development of ‘private protest’ in which both the identities of protesters and even the number of participants are concealed. Empirically, she traced this by tracking both the percentage of protest-related websites that include privacy policies and the percentage of online protest actions that report or estimate participation figures. Using a much older view of privacy, which focuses on controlled access to private property, she examined the implications of online protest occurring on private servers (e.g. Facebook, YouTube). Offline protesters have increasingly had to choose between protesting in venues that enjoy substantial free speech protections or protesting in venues where large numbers of people gather; she argued that online protesters face a similar dilemma but with l...
The infectious disease problems of the diabetic renal transplant recipient.

Abstract Approximately 30% of patients with end stage renal disease who undergo transplantation develop renal failure as a result of their long-standing diabetes mellitus. Therefore, diabetics warrant special attention in considering the infectious disease problems associated with transplantation. The three categories that should be considered in infections affecting the diabetic renal transplant recipient are discussed in this article.
APPLICATION OF FLUE GAS DESULFURIZATION IN USING MAGNESIA PROCESS IN FURNACE WITH FUEL-TUBE BUILT

The paper Introduces the fuel oil furnace flue gas desulfurization process,principle of desulfurization in using magnesia and the effect of desulfurization.
Low Area, Low Power, Robust, Highly Sensitive Error Detecting Latch for Resilient Architectures

Operating at lower supply voltages to meet ever-increasing demands for power-efficiency unfortunately aggravates process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) variability. Resilient architectures have emerged as a promising way to mitigate widening worst-case margins at these voltages. In particular, timing resilient architectures use extra circuitry to detect timing violations and recover to its normal operation. The error detecting latch (EDL) is an efficient circuit that helps perform this task. This paper proposes two EDL architectures that achieve as much as 11.2% less power consumption, 20.8% less leakage, 7.8% smaller area, and 18.2% better sensitivity to glitches compared to state-of-the-art EDLs. The paper offers two different flavors trading off robustness for lower power and vice versa. The paper also proposes a comprehensive power metric encapsulating many of the various energy aspects discussed in the literature.
SOME STRATEGIES FOR THE FIRST TWO YEARS

Publisher Summary This chapter describes a few strategies for the first two years of language learning. Studies of children's texts and of such other performances as comprehension and imitation have given some basis for testing plausible generalizations about what is necessary for language processing in its early stages. The prerequisites to language are environmental circumstances, cognitive development, and children's information storage. On the basis of these considerations, the basic acquisition of regularities of order and inflection, the fundamental grammatical features found in the early performances of children, can be examined. There are three categories of prerequisites to language learning, the first consisting of what the environment must provide, the others the knowledge that language refers to, and the processing skills that the child brings to the learning task. At the onset of grammar in children, while surface markers of simple structure may facilitate the discovery of processing heuristics, they are not absolutely necessary. The abstracting process that allows children to discover formal similarities, presumably from distributional features, is at least as early in development as the appearance of the auxiliary system in English.
Avocado seed-derived activated carbon for mitigation of aqueous ammonium

Abstract There is a significant interest in value-addition of agricultural residues. In the present research, a novel avocado seed-activated carbon prepared from methanesulfonic acid (denoted as AAC-MA) was systematically tested as an adsorbent for removal of ammonium for the first time. SEM characterization technique was employed to identify the structural and morphological properties of the prepared carbon. The effects of pH, adsorbent dosage, initial NH 4 + concentrations, and contact time on ammonium removal from aqueous solution were also investigated. Moreover, different kinetic and isotherm models were fit to the experimental data to gain a better understanding of the efficiency and applicability of the adsorption system. The pseudo-second order kinetic model was found to best describe the ammonium adsorption. The equilibrium data were found to conform best to Langmuir isotherm model with a theoretical maximum adsorption capacity of 5.4 mg g −1 at 25 °C. The results clearly suggested that the novel avocado-derived can potentially mitigate ammonium from aqueous systems.
Academic Achievement in Children with Epilepsy

Academic achievement, measured by school-administered group tests, child attitudes and self-concept, and teachers rated school adaptive functioning were compared in 117 children with epilepsy and 108 with asthma, ages 8 to 12 years, and data were analyzed at the Indiana University Schools of Nursing, Education, and Medicine, Indianapolis.
ISDN and the DOD

This paper looks at ISDN and its impact on the DOD. Most DOD requirements will be met by the standard commercial ISDN offerings. However, there are some areas, such as Multi-Level Precedence and Preemption, that will not be met by the current standards. ISDN provides standard interfaces to a variety of long-haul networks. Initially, these other networks are the fixed commercial networks but eventually other networks could be included. Therefore, other major issues include (a) DOD exploitation of the advanced capabilities and uniform protocol suites of ISDN versus use of DOD-specific protocols, (b) interworking among diverse networks, and (c) the method of organization of the DOD networks. Military requirements favor Self-Organizing-Networks, but for very large networks the costs may outweigh the benefits.
No difference in mechanical ventilation-free hours in critically ill patients who received intravenous, oral, or enteral phosphate replacement.

Abstract Purpose To determine the impact on duration of mechanical ventilation (MV) and the need for reintubation after changing from intravenous (IV) to oral phosphate formulations, in response to a national shortage of IV phosphate. Methods A retrospective study was performed in adult patients who required MV for at least 48 hours. Results A total of 136 patients were included, with 68 patients in both the restricted phosphate group and unrestricted phosphate groups. There was no difference in the cumulative phosphate supplementation received (IV and oral) between groups ( P =.08). The overall mean serum phosphorus concentration in unrestricted vs restricted group was 3.0 vs 2.9 mg/dL, respectively ( P =.24), and the phosphorus concentration was not significantly different between groups during the first 21 days of the study ( P =.24). The median MV-free hours in the unrestricted group was 462 hours compared with 507 hours in the restricted group ( P =.16), and 9 (13.2%) of patients in each group required reintubation ( P =.99). There was no significant difference in mortality, or hospital, or intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay. Conclusions No difference in MV-free hours or need for reintubation was observed after a national shortage requiring the restriction of IV phosphate supplementation. Oral phosphate replacement is a safe and an efficient alternative.
Preparing for biological threats: Addressing the needs of pregnant women

Intentional release of infectious agents and biological weapons to cause illness and death has the potential to greatly impact pregnant women and their fetuses. We review what is known about the maternal and fetal effects of seven biological threats: Bacillus anthracis (anthrax); variola virus (smallpox); Clostridium botulinum toxin (botulism); Burkholderia mallei (glanders) and Burkholderia pseudomallei (melioidosis); Yersinia pestis (plague); Francisella tularensis (tularemia); and Rickettsia prowazekii (typhus). Evaluating the potential maternal, fetal, and infant consequences of an intentional release of an infectious agent requires an assessment of several key issues: (1) are pregnant women more susceptible to infection or illness compared to the general population?; (2) are pregnant women at increased risk for severe illness, morbidity, and mortality compared to the general population?; (3) does infection or illness during pregnancy place women, the fetus, or the infant at increased risk for adverse outcomes and how does this affect clinical management?; and (4) are the medical countermeasures recommended for the general population safe and effective during pregnancy? These issues help frame national guidance for the care of pregnant women during an intentional release of a biological threat. Birth Defects Research 109:391-398, 2017.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A state of denial

Amid growing concern that environ­mental science will be suppressed by the new administration, scientists and others across the United States have been racing to archive federal climate data. Jeffrey Lockwood9s Behind the Carbon Curtain , which tells the story of corporate and political climate science censorship in Wyoming, offers a glimpse into the many forms that scientific suppression can take, giving tangible ex­amples that will do little to quell the grow­ing fear many concerned citizens are feeling around the country.
Onychotillomania: Diagnosis and Management

Onychotillomania, defined as self-induced trauma to the nail unit, either by picking or pulling at the nails, affects 0.9% of the population. It may lead to severe irreversible nail dystrophy, melanonychia, or infections. Although no large clinical trials have assessed the efficacy of treatments, cognitive-behavioral therapy, physical barrier methods, and pharmacological treatments have shown some benefits in case reports. The objective of this article is to review the prevalence, diagnostic criteria, etiology, historical and physical examination findings, pathological features, and current treatment methods. Onychotillomania remains a clinical challenge to dermatologists, pediatricians, internists, and psychiatrists in practice, as there are no evidence-based treatment methods.
Effect of Concussion History on Sway Velocity and BESS Scores in Division 1 Football Players

Objective The purpose of our study was to investigate if concussion history has an effect on sway velocity and BESS scores in Division I football players. Design Cohort Study Setting Division I University Participants 75 Division I football players (age=19.76 ± 1.1, height=72.41” ± 2.19”, weight=222.55 lbs ± 38.17 lbs) Outcome measures Correlation statistics determined the association between concussion history, sway velocity, and BESS errors. Sway velocity was determined by performing the BESS test on a force plate, and BESS errors were determined by one experienced evaluator. Players performed the six trials of the BESS test: three stances on two surfaces. Main results There were no statistical associations between concussion history and sway velocity or BESS errors. There were significant and positive correlations between sway velocity and BESS errors, indicating as sway velocity increased so did the number of errors, on the following trials: single leg firm surface ( r s =0.62, p r s =0.72, p ? r s =0.25, p =0.029), tandem stance foam surface ( r s =0.70, p r s =0.68, p Conclusions Concussion history does not appear to have an impact on sway velocity measures or BESS scores. However, there was a significant and positive correlation between sway velocity and BESS errors during four of the trials and the composite scores, supporting the validity of the BESS test. Competing interests None.
New PCBM/carbon based electron transport layer for perovskite solar cells

Carbon is inherently abundant in nature and relatively inexpensive, which can potentially reduce the manufacturing cost of solar cells. In recent years, carbon has been used as a hole transport layer or counter electrode in perovskite solar cells. Herein, we demonstrate that carbon can also be used as a charge transport layer capable of enhancing the energy conversion efficiency of a CH3NH3PbI3-xClx solar cell when carbon is combined with PCBM. Particularly, we have been able to deposit an ultra-flat carbon layer using an e-beam irradiation method, which exhibited much better conductivity than the competitive PCBM/C60 layer. In addition, quantitative analysis of interfacial charge dynamics shows that the quenching efficiency of PCBM/carbon is comparable to that of PCBM/C60 but better interface defect passivation and improved series and shunt resistances were observed when PCBM/carbon was employed. For the photovoltaic performance, the reference perovskite solar cell fabricated from the widely used PCBM/C60 has a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14% while the perovskite solar cell with PCBM/carbon has an increased PCE of 16%. Our results demonstrate the potential of the use of cost-effective carbon for perovskite solar cells, which could reduce production costs.
Student loan debt: insight into economic well- being issues

The purpose of this study is to investigate economic well-being issues related to student loan debt. The sample used for this study was extracted from the Baccalaureate and Beyond survey. The focus of the study is the extent to which repayment of student loan debt is a financial hardship for graduates. Two debt-to-income ratios of 1) total monthly debt payments over total monthly household income and 2) total educational debt payments over total monthly household income are used as outcome variables. How students pay for a higher education is a critical component of family and public policy. The purpose is achieved through analyses of data from approximately 6,500 students who graduated from a four-year institution in the United States in 1992-1993. The results indicate that for this cohort, in the economic conditions of the time, the benefits of borrowing to acquire a college education outweigh the costs of having to repay student loans. Less than 12% of the respondents had a monthly student loan debt-to-income ratio of 8% or more in 1997. In similar studies the benchmark for real debt burden is defined as occurring when the ratio of loans payments to salary equals or exceeds 8% of gross income. Although this study found that student loan debt is not a financial burden for the majority of students, it appears the overall level of debt for some respondents is quite high. Analysis of the data for finds that over 35% of the respondents have more than 35% of their monthly income going to debt payments. The results of the study indicate that overall total debt is a concern. Policymakers must be aware of the need to educate people on the burden of incurring high debt loads as well as create interventions that results in a decrease in people's debt loads. Methods of intervention could include: reverting to lower student loan limits, individualized counseling,
Reform Efforts in STEM Doctoral Education: Strengthening Preparation for Scholarly Careers

Complex societal problems, concerns about the quality of undergraduate education and the supply and talent of faculty who teach them, and questions about the quality of graduate students’ experiences as they pursue advanced degrees have motivated efforts to reform and strengthen doctoral education in STEM fields. This chapter examines these efforts to improve STEM doctoral education. The chapter begins with an exploration of the context in which STEM graduate education is situated and the recent events that have created a climate for reform. Second, it discusses particular issues toward which reform initiatives in STEM doctoral education have been directed. Third, the chapter reviews the kinds of reform efforts underway, highlights several specific examples of initiatives and programs, and presents the available evidence concerning the impact and outcomes of those efforts. The chapter concludes with an agenda for research and strategic action concerning reform in STEM doctoral education.
Unexpected kidney-restricted role for IL-17 receptor signaling in defense against systemic Candida albicans infection

Kidney injury is a frequent outcome in patients with disseminated Candida albicans fungal infections. IL-17 receptor (IL-17R) signaling is critical for renal protection against disseminated candidiasis, but the identity and function of IL-17-responsive cells in mediating renal defense remains an active area of debate. Using BM chimeras, we found that IL-17R signaling is required only in nonhematopoietic cells for immunity to systemic C. albicans infection. Since renal tubular epithelial cells (RTEC) are highly responsive to IL-17 in vitro, we hypothesized that RTEC might be the dominant target of IL-17 activity in the infected kidney. We generated mice with a conditional deletion of IL-17 receptor A (Il17ra) in RTEC (Il17raΔRTEC). Strikingly, Il17raΔRTEC mice showed enhanced kidney damage and early mortality following systemic infection, very similar to Il17ra-/- animals. Increased susceptibility to candidiasis in Il17raΔRTEC mice was associated with diminished activation of the renal protective Kallikrein-kinin system (KKS), resulting in reduced apoptosis of kidney-resident cells during hyphal invasion. Moreover, protection was restored by treatment with bradykinin, the major end-product of KKS activation, which was mediated dominantly via bradykinin receptor b1. These data show that IL-17R signaling in RTEC is necessary and likely sufficient for IL-17-mediated renal defense against fatal systemic C. albicans infection.
Immune Response to Collagen

This chapter briefly analyzes current concepts regarding the immunologic properties of collagen with major emphasis devoted to the hypothesis that antiself reactivity specific for the cartilage type (native type II) of collagen is an effector mechanism in the connective tissue diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and relapsing polychondritis. The intent is to update earlier reviews of immunity to collagen (Furthmayr and Timpl, 1976; Beard et al., 1977; Trentham, 1981, 1982a, 1983, 1985a; Stuarts et al., 1982a).
Global Ocean Carbon Cycle Modeling

One of the central objectives of the Joint Global Ocean Flux Study (JGOFS) is to use data from the extensive field effort to improve and evaluate numerical ocean carbon cycle models. Substantial improvements are required in the current suite of numerical models if we are to understand better the present ocean biogeochemical state, hindcast historical and paleoclimate variability, and predict potential future responses to anthropogenic perturbations. Significant progress has been made in this regard, and even greater strides are expected over the next decade as the synthesis of the JGOFS data sets are completed and disseminated to the scientific community. The goals of this chapter are to outline the role of modeling in ocean carbon cycle research, review the status of basin to global-scale modeling, and highlight major problems, challenges, and future directions.
Neurogenic Tumors of the Mediastinum

Mediastinal neurogenic tumors arise from the neural elements of the peripheral, autonomic, or paraganglionic nervous systems found within the thorax. All mediastinal neurogenic tumors have an embryologic origin related to the neural crest. However, differences in predominance of specific neural cell types (nerve sheath, ganglion, or neurite) and in degrees of maturation allow for clinicopathologic classification. Neuron-specific enolase and synaptophysin, common immunohistochemical markers for neural tissue, are expressed by all of these neoplasms [1, 2].
Comparison of spontaneous and mechanically-stimulated adenosine release in mice

Abstract Rapid adenosine signaling, on the time frame of seconds, has been discovered in the brain that can modulate neurotransmission or blood flow. Rapid adenosine release can occur spontaneously or be evoked after a mechanical stimulation, but these two modes of adenosine have not been compared. Here, we compared spontaneous and mechanically-stimulated adenosine release in the prefrontal cortex, striatum, and hippocampus of anesthetized mice. For spontaneous adenosine, the number of adenosine events in the prefrontal cortex (40 ± 4 per hour) was significantly lower than in the striatum (54 ± 3) or hippocampus (56 ± 3). Similarly, the concentration per transient was lower in the prefrontal cortex but highest in the striatum. For mechanically-stimulated adenosine, the peak concentration in the prefrontal cortex (8 ± 2 μM) and striatum (8 ± 1 μM) were significantly lower than in the hippocampus (16 ± 2 μM). Comparing the two modes, the hippocampus had high mechanically-stimulated concentration and high spontaneous frequency, while the prefrontal cortex had lower spontaneous frequency and mechanically-stimulated release. However, there is no pattern with the striatum and thus no direct correlations between spontaneous and mechanically-stimulated adenosine. Thus, there may be different pools of adenosine or mechanisms of formation for these two modes. Because of the high frequency of spontaneous events and high concentration of mechanically-stimulated release in the hippocampus, there may be some areas that have stronger adenosine signaling and thus stronger neuromodulatory control by adenosine.
Obesity as a Risk Factor Among Hospitalized Patients with Infective Endocarditis

Objective Obesity contributes to diagnostic and management challenges for many hospitalized patients. The impact of obesity on in-hospital outcomes in patients with infective endocarditis has not been studied and was the focus of this investigation. Method We used the 2013 and 2014 Nationwide Inpatient Sample to identify adults ≥18 years of age with a principle diagnosis of endocarditis. We divided the sample into 2 groups based on presence of absence of obesity. Multivariate linear and logistic regression analysis was used to compare in-hospital mortality, valvular replacement, length of stay (LOS), and hospitalization charges. Results A total of 24 494 adults 18 years and older were hospitalized with infective endocarditis, of which 2625 were classified as obese. Patients with obesity were older (mean age, 57.8 ± 0.3 vs 54.3 ± 0.6 years; P < .01), more likely to be female (50.1% vs 36.1%; P < .01), and had more comorbidities (Charlson comorbidity score ≥ 3, 50.6% vs 28.8%; P < .01). Multivariate regression analysis found no differences between the 2 groups for mortality or repairs or replacements for any valve. On evaluation of resource utilization, patients with obesity had longer average LOS (13.9 days; confidence interval [CI], 12.7-15.1 vs 12.4 days; CI, 12.0-12.8; P = .016) and higher total hospital charges (US $160 789.90; CI, $140.922.40-$180 657.50 vs US $130 627.20; CI, $123 916.70-$137 337.70; P <.01). After adjustment for LOS for total hospital charges, there was no observed difference $11436.26 (CI, -$6649.07-$29521.6; P = .22). Conclusions . Obesity does not significantly impact in-hospital mortality or surgical valvular interventions among patients hospitalized with infective endocarditis, but obesity is associated with increased utilization of hospital resources.
Explicit Matrix-Free Time-Domain Method in Unstructured Meshes

It has been shown when a numerical system obtained from discretizing Maxwell’s equations is unsymmetrical, a traditional explicit time marching is absolutely unstable because an unsymmetrical matrix can have complex-valued eigenvalues, and no time step can be found to make its explicit time marching stable. In this work, we overcome this barrier and successfully develop a matrix-free time-domain (MFTD) method which is truly explicit, requiring no matrix solution in arbitrary unstructured meshes. Although the system matrix of the MFTD is highly unsymmetrical, we develop a new explicit time marching scheme and theoretically prove that this scheme is guaranteed to be stable despite the unsymmetrical system matrix. Meanwhile, the accuracy of the time marching is not sacrificed; and the time step size allowed by a traditional explicit method is not reduced to ensure the stability of the new explicit scheme. As a result, we eliminate the need for a backward-difference-based implicit scheme in the MFTD method, and thereby the series expansion required for obtaining an explicit inverse of the system matrix, greatly improving the computational efficiency of the MFTD method without compromising its accuracy.Extensive numerical experiments on both unstructured triangular and tetrahedral meshes, and comparisons with the original MFTD method and analytical results have validated the accuracy, efficiency, and stability of the proposed new explicit MFTD method. The proposed new explicit method for simulating unsymmetrical systems can also be utilized in other methods whose underlying numerical systems are unsymmetrical to guarantee their stability in time domain.
The role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in elderly patients with borderline or locally advanced pancreatic cancer: Is it safe and feasible?

685Background: For borderline resectable (BRPC) or locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC), neoadjuvant (NAT) FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel (GnP) are standard treatment options an...
Age and mitochondrial DNA copy number influence the association between outdoor temperature and cognitive function: Insights from the VA Normative Aging Study.

Background General cognitive function deteriorates with aging, a change that has been linked to outdoor temperature. Older individuals have reduced ability to adapt to changes in outdoor temperature than younger people. However, to what extent short-term changes in outdoor temperature interact with mitochondria to affect cognition in older people has not yet been determined. Methods Our study included 591 participants of the Normative Aging Study who underwent multiple examinations between 2000 and 2013. Cognitive function was evaluated via the Mini-Mental State Examination. Outdoor temperature was estimated at residential addresses 1 day before the examination using on a validated spatiotemporal temperature model. Mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) was determined using buffy coat samples. Results We found an interaction between temperature, age, mtDNAcn, and cognition. In individuals 84 years of age or older, cooler temperature was associated with low cognition (odds ratio = 1.2; 95% confidence interval = 1.05, 1.35 for a 1°C decrease in temperature; P = 0.007). We found higher odds ratio per 1°C decrease in temperature among individuals with lower mtDNAcn (β3 = 0.12; 95% confidence interval = 0.01, 0.22; P interaction = 0.02). Conclusions Our findings, albeit potentially underpowered, suggest that older individuals may be more susceptible to the influence of short-term temperature exposure on cognition. Moreover, the level of mtDNAcn may also modify the association between temperature and cognitive function, indicating a possible role of these cellular elements in this relationship.
Neuroprostheses for trunk stability, standing, and walking in spinal cord injury

Abstract Walking is the lost function initially most desired by spinal cord-injured patients. Work on electrically induced mobility led to studies at Case Western Reserve University with fine percutaneous wires to allow functional mobility testing during implant development versus immediate full system implantation. Problems included electronic failures, infection, and funding. Most patients paralyzed below T12 cannot walk with braces. Powering the braces with motors or stimulation helps but adds equipment weight. Totally implanted systems approach normal function but still have issues including infection, balance, and fatigue. Major steps include patient assessment, implantation, strengthening, and training. Balance is a difficult problem. Stimulators and implanted electrodes function well, but despite increasing quality of life, totally implanted systems continue as special use and exercise devices. Future needs include a safe, single assistant transfer system and safe, stable, normal speed stimulation walking systems with regional communicating stimulators and a function versus cost ratio such as below-knee artificial limbs.
A Comparison of Word2Vec, HMM2Vec, and PCA2Vec for Malware Classification

Word embeddings are often used in natural language processing as a means to quantify relationships between words. More generally, these same word embedding techniques can be used to quantify relationships between features. In this paper, we first consider multiple different word embedding techniques within the context of malware classification. We use hidden Markov models to obtain embedding vectors in an approach that we refer to as HMM2Vec, and we generate vector embeddings based on principal component analysis. We also consider the popular neural network-based word embedding technique known as Word2Vec. In each case, we derive feature embeddings based on opcode sequences for malware samples from a variety of different families. We show that we can obtain better classification accuracy based on these feature embeddings, as compared to HMM experiments that directly use the opcode sequences, and serve to establish a baseline. These results show that word embeddings can be a useful feature engineering step in the field of malware analysis.