cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of enteric coated pancreatic enzymes given before meals in reducing steatorrhea in children with cystic fibrosis.

In vitro data indicate that length of enzyme incubation with food critically affects enzyme dissolution and presumably effectiveness. This study compared the effectiveness of enteric coated (EC) pancreatic enzymes given before meals with those given during meals (15 minutes after beginning of meal) in reducing steatorrhea in well-nourished children with cystic fibrosis. Eight children (6 years 11 months old to 14 years 7 months old) were studied in the General Clinical Research Center at Indiana University Hospital, Indianapolis. A crossover study design randomly assigned enzymes before or during meals during two consecutive 7-day treatment periods for each child. No difference in fat excretion was documented for the total group when the children who took enzymes before meals were compared with those who took enzymes during meals. However, a stepwise multiple regression analysis of the difference (before minus during) in fat excretion on sex, age, enzyme number, and treatment order documented a positive correlation of age with fat excretion (r = .83). Mean fat excretion in younger children (less than 10 years old) decreased significantly when enzymes were given before meals (7.14 +/- 1.95%) rather than during meals (9.92 +/- 1.61%) (P = .004). The difference in fat excretion (mean = 2.78 +/- 0.55%, range = 1.4% to 4%) translates into a half to one full year's growth potential. Younger children with cystic fibrosis may benefit clinically from taking EC enzymes before meals.
Physical and emotional health information needs and preferences of long-term prostate cancer survivors.

Objective Many men diagnosed with prostate cancer (PC) will experience physical and psychosocial late effects of treatment. Their interest/preferences for receiving information about addressing common sequelae is not well understood. We examined long-term PC survivors’ level of interest, whether this differed based upon symptomatology, and their preferred coping information source.
Adverse childhood experiences and life opportunities: shifting the narrative

Abstract Substantial research shows that early adversity, including child abuse and neglect, is associated with diminished health across the life course and across generations. Less well understood is the relationship between early adversity and adult socioeconomic status, including education, employment, and income. Collectively, these outcomes provide an indication of overall life opportunity. We analyzed data from 10 states and the District of Columbia that used the adverse childhood experiences (ACE) module in the 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to examine the association between ACEs and adult education, employment, and income. Compared to participants with no ACEs, those with higher ACE scores were more likely to report high school non-completion, unemployment, and living in a household below the federal poverty level. This evidence suggests that preventing early adversity may impact health and life opportunities that reverberate across generations. Current efforts to prevent early adversity might be more successful if they broaden public and professional understanding (i.e., the narrative) of the links between early adversity and poverty. We discuss our findings within the context of structural policies and processes that may further contribute to the intergenerational continuity of child abuse and neglect and poverty.
Genetics of Osteoporosis in Older Age

Generalized osteoporosis is the most common form of the disease, affecting the majority of the bones in a skeleton. Osteoporosis results from a failure to acquire optimal peak bone mass during growth and/or failure to maintain bone homeostasis in later years. The prevalence and severity of osteoporosis is especially high in older persons (so called involutional osteoporosis), in both men and women [4, 18]. Women additionally experience a rapid phase of bone loss after the menopause, as a result of estrogen withdrawal [36, 45]. With aging, the skeleton is susceptible to osteoporotic fractures, which seem to be dependent on genetic factors (heritable). The genetic contribution to involutional osteoporosis is substantial and its heritability has been extensively studied. With recent advances in the elucidation of the mechanisms involved in osteoporosis, there is recognition that there are genetic contributions to fractures and related bone traits, in particular in elderly persons, which may or may not be shared with genetic mechanisms of bone maintenance in younger individuals.
Explore the World with a Global Education Curriculum

Recognizing and celebrating the diversity that exists in our communities has become a central goal of land-grant institutions and cooperative extension programs. This is coupled with the expectation that youth be equipped for a global workforce where they appreciate different world cultures, be able to evaluate global issues and challenges and understand the inter-connectedness of global systems. Given these points, a Global Education Curriculum developed by the WVU Extension Global Education & Engagement Team is presented as a tool to instill a deeper understanding of and appreciation for cultures, people and global issues by youth and the adults who support them.
Teaching and communicating dispersion in hydrogeology, with emphasis on the applicability of the Fickian model

Abstract The process of dispersion in porous media is the effect of combined variability in fluid velocity and concentration at scales smaller than the ones resolved that contributes to spreading and mixing. It is usually introduced in textbooks and taught in classes through the Fick-Scheidegger parameterization, which is introduced as a scientific law of universal validity. This parameterization is based on observations in bench-scale laboratory experiments using homogeneous media. Fickian means that dispersive flux is proportional to the gradient of the resolved concentration while the Scheidegger parameterization is a particular way to compute the dispersion coefficients. The unresolved scales are thus associated with the pore-grain geometry that is ignored when the composite pore-grain medium is replaced by a homogeneous continuum. However, the challenge faced in practice is how to account for dispersion in numerical models that discretize the domain into blocks, often cubic meters in size, that contain multiple geologic facies. Although the Fick-Scheidegger parameterization is by far the one most commonly used, its validity has been questioned. This work presents a method of teaching dispersion that emphasizes the physical basis of dispersion and highlights the conditions under which a Fickian dispersion model is justified. In particular, we show that Fickian dispersion has a solid physical basis provided that an equilibrium condition is met. The issue of the Scheidegger parameterization is more complex but it is shown that the approximation that the dispersion coefficients should scale linearly with the mean velocity is often reasonable, at least as a practical approximation, but may not necessarily be always appropriate. Generally in Hydrogeology, the Scheidegger feature of constant dispersivity is considered as a physical law and inseparable from the Fickian model, but both perceptions are wrong. We also explain why Fickian dispersion fails under certain conditions, such as dispersion inside and directly upstream of a contaminant source. Other issues discussed are the relevance of column tests and confusion regarding the meaning of terms dispersion and Fickian.
Adaptation of a Key Phrase Extractor for Japanese Text

This paper presents some statistical observation relevant to Japanese keyphrase extraction, as well as the details of the implementation of a keyphrase extraction algorithm (called Extractor) for Japanese documents. Parts of the algorithm include an efficient method of extracting the keyphrase candidates, a way to pinpoint the most probable keyphrases using contextual information. . .
Generating short‐term probabilistic wind power scenarios via nonparametric forecast error density estimators

Forecasts of available wind power are critical in key electric power systems operations planning problems, including economic dispatch and unit commitment. Such forecasts are necessarily uncertain, limiting the reliability and cost-effectiveness of operations planning models based on a single deterministic or “point” forecast. A common approach to address this limitation involves the use of a number of probabilistic scenarios, each specifying a possible trajectory of wind power production, with associated probability. We present and analyze a novel method for generating probabilistic wind power scenarios, leveraging available historical information in the form of forecasted and corresponding observed wind power time series. We estimate nonparametric forecast error densities, specifically using epi-spline basis functions, allowing us to capture the skewed and nonparametric nature of error densities observed in real-world data. We then describe a method to generate probabilistic scenarios from these basis functions that allows users to control for the degree to which extreme errors are captured. We compare the performance of our approach to the current state-of-the-art considering publicly available data associated with the Bonneville Power Administration, analyzing aggregate production of a number of wind farms over a large geographic region. Finally, we discuss the advantages of our approach in the context of specific power systems operations planning problems: stochastic unit commitment and economic dispatch. Our methodology is embodied in the joint Sandia–University of California Davis Prescient software package for assessing and analyzing stochastic operations strategies.
Sleep and Dreaming in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Sleep disturbances are core features of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This review aims to characterize sleep disturbances, summarize the knowledge regarding the relationships between trauma exposure and sleep difficulties, and highlight empirically supported and/or utilized treatments for trauma-related nightmares and insomnia. Trauma-related nightmares and insomnia, and other sleep disorders, are frequently reported among trauma survivors. The roles of fear of sleep, REM density, and decreased parasympathetic activity are beginning to inform the relationship between trauma exposure and sleep difficulties. Additionally, the potential adaptive role of sleep loss immediately following a traumatic experience is being recognized. Interventions targeting these sleep disturbances show promise in reducing symptoms. Research in understanding the role of sleep on the development, course, and treatment of PTSD is expanding. Longitudinal investigations are needed to further elucidate these relationships and identify treatments most effective in ameliorating symptoms.
Genetic Variation in Aphthona nigriscutis Foudras (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Populations Introduced into the United States to Biologically Control Leafy Spurge

Cellulose acetate electrophoresis was used to examine the levels and distribution of genetic diversity in Aphthona nigriscutis Foudras populations 5 to 9 yrs following their introduction to sites i...
Material Stabilities in Vapor Compression Refrigeration Systems

This chapter focuses on the material stabilities in vapor compression refrigeration systems. It is pointed out that materials used in modem vapor compression refrigeration systems may be degraded by two distinct mechanisms: (1) chemical reaction; and (2) thermal decomposition. In many of these reactions a gaseous decomposition product is formed. Methods have been developed for separating, identifying and measuring these gaseous products as a means of monitoring rates of material degradation. The chapter also indicates that the effect of temperature on material degradation rates is important in predicting time to failure. It is also highlighted that at early stages in the reaction, it is difficult to obtain accurate rate data by this method, since it is necessary to determine very small quantities of chloride. The results show that the great sensitivity and accuracy of the gas analysis method makes it feasible to study many variables with a minimum expenditure of time and without accelerating temperatures beyond the range encountered in actual service in refrigeration systems.
The common-sense model of self-regulation of health and illness.

The past decade has been witness to an unprecedented growth in research on self-regulation. For example, of the 2,700-plus chapters, dissertations, and journal articles containing the keyword ‘self-regulation’ archived in PsychINFO, a well-used social science citation index, over 1,800 have been published since 1990 alone. It is not entirely clear whether this trend is due to a shift in the Zeitgeist or a change in semantics. Though we suspect that both are involved, the Zeitgeist in Western, industrialized nations is the likely driving force. The focus on the consumer, individual choice, and populist movements that emphasize individual and community empowerment create a context congenial to self-regulation models. These models represent efforts at maintaining a sense of individual autonomy in the face of technological changes and monopolistic, corporate conglomerates that are actually shrinking the individual’s options. Whereas the exact reason for the proliferation of self-regulation models is not clear, what is clear is that an increasing number of researchers and practitioners in the fields of health and social science are adopting concepts and principles from self-regulation theory to explain human behavior and promote behavior change in different contexts (see Boekaerts et al. (2000) for a discussion of applications in areas other than health).
Objective Evaluation of a Didactic Curriculum for the Radiation Oncology Medical Student Clerkship.

Purpose A structured didactic radiation oncology clerkship curriculum for medical students is in use at multiple academic medical centers. Objective evidence supporting this educational approach over the traditional clerkship model is lacking. This study evaluated the curriculum efficacy using an objective knowledge assessment. Methods and Materials Medical students received the Radiation Oncology Education Collaborative Study Group (ROECSG) curriculum consisting of 3 lectures (Overview of Radiation Oncology, Radiation Biology/Physics, and Practical Aspects of Simulation/Radiation Emergencies) and a radiation oncology treatment-planning workshop. A standardized 20-item multiple choice question (MCQ) knowledge assessment was completed pre- and post-curriculum and approximately 6 months after receiving the curriculum. Results One hundred forty-six students at 22 academic medical centers completed the ROECSG curriculum from July to November 2016. One hundred nine students completed pre- and post-clerkship MCQ knowledge assessments (response rate 74.7%). Twenty-four students reported a prior rotation at a ROECSG institution and were excluded from analysis. Mean assessment scores increased from pre- to post-curriculum (63.9% vs 80.2%, P Conclusions Objective evaluation of a structured didactic curriculum for the radiation oncology clerkship at early and late time points demonstrated significant improvement in radiation oncology knowledge. Students who completed clerkships at ROECSG institutions performed objectively better than students who completed clerkships at non-ROECSG institutions. These results support including a structured didactic curriculum as a standard component of the radiation oncology clerkship.
The Role of Fibronectin in Cellular Behavior

Fibronectin, which we have previously called LETS protein (Hynes 1973, 1976; Hynes et al. 1978), is a large glycoprotein found on the external surfaces of many normal cell types, in particular fibroblasts. It has a subunit molecular weight of 230,000 daltons (± 10%) but is disulfide-bonded into dimers and higher aggregates (Hynes and Destree 1977; Ali and Hynes 1978b). It can be isolated in a membrane-free fraction apparently identical with the cell surface coat or glycocalyx (Graham et al. 1975, 1978) and immunofluorescent microscopy shows that it occurs in fibrillar arrays around the cells (Hedman et al. 1977; Mautner and Hynes 1977; Furcht et al. 1978).
Chilling induced ethylene production by beans and peas

The effects of chilling on ethylene production by leaf discs and whole plants of bean (chilling-sensitive) and pea (chilling-tolerant) were studied. When pea or bean leaf discs were excised and incubated at 25°C, transient increases in ethylene production and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) accumulation were observed. Both pea and bean discs kept at 5°C evolved little ethylene, but levels of ACC increased in pea discs and not in bean discs. When discs of either species were chilled at 5°C immediately after excision and then transferred to 25°C 9 h later, increases in their ACC levels and ethylene production rates were observed. Discs were also incubated at 25°C for 12 h to allow excision-induced ethylene production to subside and then chilled at 5°C. Nine hours later, these discs were transferred to 25°C, and an increase in ethylene production was observed. These data indicate that chilling suppresses excision-induced ethylene production and enhances the production of ethylene after transfer to 25°C. Chilling of whole plants resulted in increased production of ethylene and ACC in the chilling-sensitive bean but not in the chilling-tolerant pea. Treatment of bean plants with the ethylene antagonists silver thiosulfate, norbornadiene, or aminooxyacetic acid, or of pea plants with ethylene, did not affect the appearance of chilling injury symptoms, indicating that ethylene does not induce injury symptoms and may not have an adaptive role in chilling stress.
Cilioretinal Artery Occlusion

The cilioretinal artery was first described by Muller [1] in 1856. Its existence is a congenital anomaly. It belongs to the posterior ciliary artery system, so it usually arises from the peripapillary choroid or directly from one of the short posterior ciliary arteries; this origin has important clinical implications, as discussed below. Various anatomical aspects of cilioretinal arteries are discussed in detail in Chap. 3. Following is a brief summary.
Cancer genes by non-homologous recombination.

The only proven cancer genes to date are the onc genes of directly transforming retroviruses1–4. These are autonomous transforming genes because they transform diploid cells in culture with single hit kinetics, and because all susceptible cells become transformed as soon as they are infected. Accordingly, tumors induced by such viruses in animals are all polyclonal. Such viruses have never been found in healthy animals, a statement that cannot be made for retroviruses without onc genes or DNA tumor viruses, which are commonly found in animals outside the laboratory and only transform cells indirectly and inefficiently5–7.
Investigation of Price-Feature Selection Algorithms for the Day-Ahead Electricity Markets

This paper investigates three types of feature selection techniques such as relative importance using Linear Regression (LR), Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS), and Random forest (RF) to reduce the forecasts error for the hourly spot price of the Iberian electricity markets. Two pricing datasets of durations three and six months were used to validate the performance of the model. Three different set of features (17, 4, 2) for three and six months duration were used in this study. These selected features were applied to the two-stage hybrid model such as ARIMA-GLM, ARIMA-SVM, and ARIMA- RF. Finally, three variables (or features) that are commonly matched were selected and tested. Considerable reduction in Mean Absolute Percentage Errors (MAPE) values were observed for both three and six-month datasets.
Designing a high throughput multi-parameter assay for process development of antigen specific T cell therapy products

Background & Aim Infusion of viral T cells(VST) can be an effective treatment for viral infection after stem cell transplant. Current manufacturing approaches have become more rapid but are based on a few select growth conditions that have not been fully optimized. We designed a comprehensive high throughput flow cytometry-based assay for process development(PD) of VSTs that can evaluate all basic T cell characterization within one 96 well plate, measuring viability, function, growth, and differentiation in up to 40 different cytokine combinations. Methods, Results & Conclusion Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from consenting donors (n= 6) were seeded in individual wells with 105 cells, viral peptides (IE-1 and pp65 from CMV), and combinations of cytokines, including IL15, IL6, IL21, IFNα, IL12, IL18, IL4, and IL7. Cells were grown over a period of 10 days and subsequently stained with a 13 color flow cytometry panel to evaluate cell count, viability, expression of standard lymphocyte phenotype and memory markers, IFNγ and TNFα (function), and CD107a (killing). Combinations of IL15/IL6 and IL4/IL7 were the optimal combinations for expansion of viral specific CD3+ T cells, with CD3+ cells cultured in IL15/IL6 growing by 18-fold vs. 14-fold for cells cultured in IL4/IL7 (the standard approach for manufacture) which were both compared with media alone controls. CD8+ T cells expanded by 24-fold in IL15/IL6 containing media over the media alone control which was significantly more than when cells were cultured in the presence of IL4/IL7 (9-fold) (p
A Changing Dichotomy: The Conception of the "Macroscopic" and "Microscopic" Worlds in the History of Physics

This short essay traces the conceptual history of micro- and macroscopicity in the context of physical science. By focusing on three distinct episodes spanning five centuries, we show the scientific and philosophical meanings of this antonym pair, despite never being far from "the small" and "the large," have been evolving as the frontier of science advances. We analyze the intellectual and material impetus for these movements, and conclude that this conceptual history reflects the changing interaction between the natural world and humankind.
The Northumbrian Old English glosses

Abstract The articles in this volume contribute to our understanding of Northumbrian Old English of the 10th century, of the nature of external influence, and of the authorship of the glosses. This introduction provides a background to these three areas. Most of the introduction and contributions examine the Lindisfarne Glosses with some discussion of the Rushworth and Durham Glosses. Section 2 shows that the Lindisfarne glossator often adds a (first and second person) pronoun where the Latin has none but allows third person null subjects. Therefore, although the Latin original has obvious influence, Old English grammar comes through. Section 3 reviews the loss of third person -th verbal inflection in favor of -s, especially in Matthew. This reduction may be relevant to the role of external (Scandinavian and British Celtic) influence and is also interesting when the language of the Lindisfarne and Durham Glosses is compared. In Section 4, the use of overt pronouns, relatives, and demonstratives shows an early use of th-pronouns, casting doubt on a Norse origin of they.Section 5 looks at negation mainly from a northern versus southern perspective and Section 6 sums up. Section 7 previews the other contributions and their major themes, namely possible external (Latin, Norse, or British Celtic) influence, the linguistic differences among glossators, the spacing of ‘prefixes’ as evidence for grammaticalization, and the role of doublets.
Moderate Sleep Restriction and Body Composition

Abstract Sleep, as a modifiable behavioral factor, has gained much attention due to its potential role in obesity. Epidemiological studies generally support an association between short sleep and greater body fat. Most of the existing interventional studies are limited to the short duration (less than 2 weeks) and small sample size. Very few longer-term interventional studies have been conducted. The collective literature suggests a causal role of short sleep in heavier body weight and greater body fat. However, varying sleep duration and sleep schedule between days should also be considered. This review focuses on studies investigating the effect of sleep restriction on body composition in free-living conditions. The existing evidence supports sleep restriction, even mild to moderate (
A LATE SEVERE PARA-VALVULAR AORTIC REGURGITATION AFTER TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT

The early paravalvular leaking (PVL) is a frequent complication of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) that has been shown to be associated with poor outcomes. Late PVR presentation is a rare entity. A 77-year-old male with PMH of Coronary artery bypass surgery, cardiomyopathy with
A Control Theoretic Approach to Simultaneously Estimate Average Value of Time and Determine Dynamic Price for High-Occupancy Toll Lanes

The dynamic pricing problem of a freeway corridor with high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes was formulated and solved based on a point queue abstraction of the traffic system [1] . However, existing pricing strategies cannot guarantee that the closed-loop system converges to the optimal state, in which the HOT lanes’ capacity is fully utilized but there is no queue on the HOT lanes, and a well-behaved estimation and control method is quite challenging and still elusive. This paper attempts to fill the gap by making three fundamental contributions: (i) to present a simpler formulation of the point queue model based on the new concept of residual capacity, (ii) to propose a simple feedback control theoretic approach to estimate the average value of time and calculate the dynamic price, and (iii) to analytically and numerically prove that the closed-loop system is stable and guaranteed to converge to the optimal state, in either Gaussian or exponential manners.
Short-term multiorgan metabolic benefits of rapid weight loss after sleeve gastrectomy in severely obese patients.

Abstract Background Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has become the most prevalent bariatric-metabolic surgical approach in the United States. Its popularity among surgeons and patients is mainly due to a better safety profile and less overall morbidity, with broad benefits from a systemic and metabolic perspective. Objective Comprehensively describe the short-term multiorgan metabolic effects of rapid weight loss after SG. Setting Academic hospital, United States. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients that underwent SG at our institution between 2012 and 2016. We analyzed the required variables to calculate multiple risk scores, such as cardiovascular, hypertension, and diabetes risk scores. Furthermore, the renal and hepatic functions and the metabolic and hematologic profiles were assessed at 12 months of follow-up. Results A total of 1002 patients were included in the analysis. The percentage of excess body mass index loss was, on average, 65% at 12 months of follow-up. We observed a positive cardio-renal-hepatic improvement, demonstrated by a substantial reduction of the 10-year cardiovascular risk. We noticed an improvement of renal function, which was more significant in chronic kidney disease (stage ≥2), and a significant improvement on liver function tests (measured by decreased aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase) at 12 months of follow-up. Our data also show a positive impact on decreasing the risk of developing hypertension and type 2 diabetes. There was a positive impact on the lipid profile, with the exception of low-density lipoprotein. Conclusion There are significant short-term benefits on multiorgan metabolic parameters after rapid weight loss in severely obese patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy.
Assessment of Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Timeliness and Comprehensiveness of Dementia Diagnosis in California.

Importance The US aging population is rapidly becoming more racially and ethnically diverse. Early diagnosis of dementia is a health care priority. Objective To examine the associations between race/ethnicity and timeliness of dementia diagnosis and comprehensiveness of diagnostic evaluation. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cross-sectional study used 2013-2015 California Medicare fee-for-service data to examine the associations of race/ethnicity, individual factors, and contextual factors with the timeliness and comprehensiveness of dementia diagnosis. Data from 10 472 unique beneficiaries were analyzed. The sample was selected on the basis of the following criteria: presence of 1 or more claims; no diagnoses of dementia or mild cognitive impairment in 2013 to 2014; continuous enrollment in Medicare Parts A and B; Asian, Black, Hispanic, or White race/ethnicity; and incident diagnoses of dementia or mild cognitive impairment in January through June 2015. Data analyses were conducted from November 1, 2019, through November 10, 2020. Main Outcomes and Measures Timeliness of diagnosis, defined as incident diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment vs dementia, and comprehensiveness of diagnostic evaluation, defined as presence of the following services in claims within 6 months before or after the incident diagnosis date: specialist evaluation, laboratory testing, and neuroimaging studies. Results The sample comprised 10 472 unique Medicare beneficiaries with incident diagnoses of dementia or mild cognitive impairment (6504 women [62.1%]; mean [SD] age, 82.9 [8.0] years) and included 993 individuals who identified as Asian (9.5%), 407 as Black (3.9%), 1255 as Hispanic (12.0%), and 7817 as White (74.6%). Compared with White beneficiaries, those who identified as Asian (odds ratio, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.38-0.56), Black (odds ratio, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.56-0.94), or Hispanic (odds ratio, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.52-0.72) were less likely to receive a timely diagnosis. Asian beneficiaries (incidence rate ratio, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.74-0.87) also received fewer diagnostic evaluation elements. These associations remained significant after adjusting for age, sex, comorbidity burden, neighborhood disadvantage, and rurality. Conclusions and Relevance These findings highlight substantial disparities in the timeliness and comprehensiveness of dementia diagnosis. Public health interventions are needed to achieve equitable care for people living with dementia across all racial/ethnic groups.
Regulation of Bacterial Ribonucleases.

Ribonucleases (RNases) are essential for almost every aspect of RNA metabolism. However, despite their important metabolic roles, RNases can also be destructive enzymes. As a consequence, cells mus...
Uncertainty as a catalyst and condition for creativity: the case of mathematics

In this paper, the construct of ‘uncertainty’ in professional mathematics is investigated in relation to mathematical creativity. Specific focus is on ‘Big C’ research mathematicians’ conceptions of what uncertainty means and ways in which it influences their research. Based on the hypothesis that uncertainty is both a catalyst and a necessary condition for creativity, a qualitative research design was used to obtain and analyze data from a 4-year study involving 18 research mathematicians who were at the forefront of their research domains. Data analysis using analytic induction confirmed the hypothesis that uncertainty plays an important role as a catalyst of mathematical creativity. The emergent categories from qualitative analysis revealed a dialectic or tension between (1) logic versus heuristics (synthetic versus analytic), (2) learner-researcher and researcher-learner transition, (3) axiom tweaking versus constraints. The findings of the study indicate that textbooks, unexpected moments, risk taking, and a community of support play a crucial role and characterize the interplay of uncertainty with mathematical creativity. The schema for understanding the dialectics of uncertainty sheds new light on an hitherto unexplored aspect of mathematical creativity, namely, uncertainty, vital for the development of mathematicians as researchers in addition to the growth of their discipline.
White Matter Microstructural Differences in Youth With Classical Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia.

Context Gray matter morphology in the prefrontal cortex and subcortical regions, including the hippocampus and amygdala, are affected in youth with classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). It remains unclear if white matter connecting these aforementioned brain regions is compromised in youth with CAH. Objective To examine brain white matter microstructure in youth with CAH compared to controls. Design A cross-sectional sample of 23 youths with CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (12.9±3.5 year; 61% female) and 33 healthy controls (13.1±2.8 year; 61% female) with 3T multi-shell diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance brain scans. Main outcome measures Complementary modeling approaches, including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging (NODDI), to examine in vivo white matter microstructure in six white matter tracts that innervate the prefrontal and subcortical regions. Results DTI showed CAH youth had lower fractional anisotropy in both the fornix and stria terminalis, and higher mean diffusivity in the fornix compared to controls. NODDI modeling revealed that CAH youth have a significantly higher orientation dispersion index in the stria terminalis compared to controls. Decreases in white matter microstructural integrity were associated with smaller hippocampal and amygdala volumes in CAH youth. Conclusions These patterns of microstructure reflect less restricted water diffusion likely due to less coherency in oriented microstructure. These results suggest that white matter microstructural integrity in the fornix and stria terminalis is compromised and may be an additional related brain phenotype alongside affected hippocampus and amygdala neurocircuitry in individuals with CAH.
Out, proud, and resilient: effects of sexual identity labels on perceptions of sexual minorities

Labelling oneself as a sexual minority and sharing that identity with others often represents a significant and intentional process for lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals, as most individ...
Past and Present Coastal Upwelling Along the Western Americas

Every year, increasing insolation during spring and summer sets up a broad pattern of equatorward winds along the western shores of North and South America. These winds are responsible for large-scale advection of nutrient-rich waters to the surface and, therefore, the elevated productivity of the California and Peru/Humboldt eastern boundary current systems. Because the Earth’s radiation balance is involved, eastern boundary currents probably responded to past changes in summer insolation and could be sensitive to future changes in greenhouse gas concentrations. The hydrography of the nutrient-like trace element Cd and its incorporation into the geologic record provide a unique way to quantify the sensitivity of coastal upwelling to climate change, using the effect of orbital changes in insolation during the Holocene as a test case.
Welding vacuum jacketed piping at the Kennedy Space Center

The present work describes fabrication, welding, and repair procedures and specifications for the vacuum jacketed piping used for conveying cryogenic fuels at space vehicle launch sites. The weld inspection procedures are described, and some examples of modifications of the piping are presented.
Whale Origins--Conquering the Seas

The Emergence of Whales Evolutionary Patterns in the Origin of Cetacea. J. G. M. Thewissen, Ed. Plenum, New York, 1998. 491 pp. $115. ISBN 0-306-45853-5. The contributors to this data-rich volume marshal a wide range of evidence (including molecular genetics, functional morphology, isotopic signatures, and paleoecology) to track the transformation of four-footed terrestrial mammals into fully aquatic cetaceans.
Complement pores in erythrocyte membranes. Analysis of C8/C9 binding required for functional membrane damage.

Abstract The number of membrane-bound terminal complement proteins (C5b-9) required to generate a functional pore in the human erythrocyte membrane ghost has been determined. Resealed erythrocyte ghost membranes (ghosts) were treated with human complement proteins C5b6, C7, 131 I-C8, and 125 I-C9 under non-lytic conditions. Following C5b-9 assembly, sucrose-permeant ghosts were separated from C5b-9 ghosts that remained impermeant to sucrose by centrifugation over density barriers formed of 43% (w/v) sucrose. Analysis of 131 I-C8 and 125 I-C9 bound to sucrose-permeant and sucrose-impermeant subpopulations of C5b-9 ghosts revealed: 1. Sucrose-permeant C5b-9 ghosts show increased uptake of both 131 I-C8 and 125 I-C9 as compared to ghosts that remain impermeant to sucrose. Ghosts with less than 300 molecules 131 I-C8 bound remain impermeant to sucrose, irrespective of the total C9 input, or, the multiplicity of C9 uptake by membrane C5b-8. 2. In the presence of excess 125 I-C9, the ratio of 125 I-C9/ 131 I-C8 bound to membrane C5b67 is 3.2 ± 0.8 (mean ± 2 S.D.), suggesting an average stoichiometry of 3 C9 per C5b-8. Under these conditions, the ratio of 125 I-C9/ 131 I-C8 bound to sucrose-permeant ghosts (3.3 ± 0.7) does not significantly differ from the ratio bound to sucrose-impermeant ghosts (2.9 ± 0.6). 3. With limiting C9 input, the threshold of total C5b-8 uptake required for sucrose permeability increases significantly above 300 per cell when the ratio of bound 125 I-C9/ 131 I-C8 is decreased below unity. In the complete absence of C9, 11 700 C5b-8 complexes are bound to sucrose-permeant ghosts. It is concluded that more than 300 C5b-9 complexes must bind to the human erythrocyte to form a sucrose-permeant lesion. Although the binding of one C9 per C5b-8 is critical to the pore-forming activity of these proteins, the binding of additional molecules of C9 to each complex (C9/C8 > 1) does not significantly alter the threshold of total C5b-9 uptake required for lesion formation.
Design techniques for high performance CMOS flash analog-to-digital converters

This paper reviews the limitations in the performance of CMOS flash ADCs. Methods to enhance sampling rate, such as interleaving and latch cascading, are discussed, and a method that employs inductors to improve comparator performance is presented. We also consider the benefits and trade-offs of implementing a flash ADC without a track-and-hold.
Market integration and seasonal prices of staple foodstuffs: A case study of Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract The formulation of staple foodstuff marketing policies requires comprehensive factual information. This article tests for integration In staple foodstuff markets in Ogun state, Nigeria, and estimates the seasonal price patterns of the foodstuffs. The results show that the markets are well integrated and reject some of the alleged imperfections in the Nigerian marketing system. The results further suggest low storage returns to most of the foodstuffs studied and a need to develop improved storage methods.
Constraints of Implicit Focus on Form: Insights from a Study of Input Enhancement

Previous research on implicit focus on form (FonF) has shown that target forms are not always noticed by learners, suggesting that externally-created salience (by the teacher) does not necessarily guarantee learners’ internally-generated salience (Sharwood Smith, 1991, 1993). In an attempt to explore ways of promoting both types of salience, an input enhancement study was conducted in order to examine if, and how, externally-created salience may ideally converge with learners’ internally-generated salience. The results revealed that increasing the perceptual salience of target form(s) does not automatically lead to learners’ noticing of the form(s). In addition, the findings suggest that noticing is largely dependent on internal, cognitive factors such as learner readiness (vis-a-vis the target form), knowledge of the first language, and L2 language-learning experience. Based on the results and insights gathered from online protocol data, a number of constraining factors that need to be considered a priori in achieving a successful focus on form are identified and discussed. In particular, the current study underscores the importance of respecting learner-internal factors, such as their developmental readiness and their internal agenda for learning.
Mechanisms of leukocyte production and release. X. Eosinophil proliferation in rats of different ages.

The technique of double-label, double-emulsion autoradiography was used to study the proliferative activity of bone marrow eosinophils in male rats of four age groups (weanlings, young adults, adults and aged adults). No alterations in the duration of the cell generative cycle (Tc), DNA synthetic period (Ts), or mitosis (TM) were observed to accompany aging. Estimates of Ts were 10 1/2–11 hours; of TM, 0.33 hours; of generation time, 22–25 hours. Hourly production rates varied with age only when related to body weight, with estimates ranging from 10.2 ± 2.1 times 103 eosinophils/hour/mg. marrow/100 g. in the youngest rats to 1.6 ± 0.3 times 103 eosinophils/hour/mg./100 g. in the oldest rats. The data also suggested that approximately 2/3 of the marrow eosinophils were non-dividing cells and that the maturation of eosinophil precursors in the rat is a highly complex process.
On the Communication Complexity of Parallel Computation

We argue that the synchronized alternating finite automaton (introduced by Hromkovic et al.) is a viable model for studying the communication complexity of parallel computation. This motivates our study of the classes of languages accepted by synchronized alternating finite automata (SAFA) whose messages are bounded in length by a function m(n). We establish the lower bounds on m(n) for some types of SAFA to accept nonregular languages; we also show that these bounds are tight. Next, we establish dense hierarchies of these machines on m(n), and finally we give a characterization of NP in terms of bounded-message multihead SAFA.
Greedy algae reduce arsenate

Algae reduce and methylate arsenate, producing arsenite (As(III)) when the growth rates are high and dimethy-larsinic acid (DMA) when the growth rates are low. In lakes, this leads to high As(III) concentrations in the early stages of spring and fall blooms and high DMA concentrations in the summer. We hypothesize that under phosphorus (P)-limited conditions, which usually exist in the summer, algae take up phosphate (PO 4 ) and, because of similar chemical characteristics, As(V) as well. Inside the cell, As(V) is reduced to As(III), methylated to monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) and DMA, and then excreted. However, under non-P-limited conditions, which exist in the early stages of blooms, algae up-regulate their PO 4 transport system to take up excess P, a phenomenon known as luxury uptake. Since As(V) is taken up by the PO 4 transport system, As(V) uptake also increases at this time. Within the cell, the reduction of As(V) to As(III) is fast, but methylation is slower, causing As(III) to build up in the cell and be excreted, which, in turn, causes an increase in extracellular As(III). This mechanism permits the synergistic (luxury uptake) and antagonistic (competition) effects of PO 4 on As(V) uptake and can therefore explain the seemingly contradictory results found in the literature. A mathematical model is constructed on the basis of existing established algal-nutrient interaction models and is used to simulate As transformation in two laboratory batch experiments. In addition to algal and P responses, the model can reasonably well reproduce the observed As(III) peak during the log growth phase and the more gradual appearance of DMA during the stationary phase.
Observations on the spontaneous motility of human uterine muscle in vitro

Abstract 1. 1. The capacity of human uterine muscle for spontaneous shortening was found to decrease with age, and the activity of myometrial samples from old, postmenopausal women was characterized by relatively rapid, feeble contraction waves. 2. 2. Myometrial samples excised from uteri with secretory endometria exhibited a slower rate of spontaneous motility than did those from uteri in the proliferative phase. Muscle shortening, however, was found to be unaffected by the ovarian cycle. 3. 3. Repeated pregnancies and labors, the presence of leiomyomas else-where in the uterus, sedatives, analgesics and anesthetic agents administered at the time of operation, as well as race, were found to be of no statistical significance as factors influencing the spontaneous motility of myometrial strips excised from the nongravid human uterus. 4. 4. Muscle samples removed from gravid uteri (from 2 months' gestation until term) exhibited no statistical differences in regard to motility, when compared with tissues from the nongravid viscus. 5. 5. In a limited number of tests, myometrial tissues from patients with primary uterine inertia exhibited a significantly reduced muscle shortening with increased frequency of contraction when compared with “normal” tissues from both nongravid and gravid uteri.
A model to integrate the science of design into undergraduate computing education: conference workshop

The Science of Design is a new area of inquiry with little existing theory or foundation within the Computer Science discipline. In response to this need, the National Science Foundation has initiated an effort to support this area of inquiry. An important contribution to this educational and research initiative is the creation of a community of individuals from diverse disciplinary and cultural perspectives who can contribute to a foundation. Establishing such a culture will facilitate building on what is already known about design in other disciplines and transferring that knowledge to the computer science community. Our specific efforts have been on the creation and implementation of an undergraduate level, curricular curriculum. In this workshop we will present participants with some of the key tools and curricular activities developed and refined through the course of our work. Our workshop furthers our goal of building community by sharing the curriculum with participants outside the Humboldt State community. The ultimate goal is to build a community for a lasting impact to benefit the advancement of creativity, design and innovation in computing research and education.
Ovulation in lactating women

Abstract 1. Two hundred endometrial biopsies were taken from eighty-five normal lactating women who were amenorrheic. 2. Of the 200 endometrial biopsies, 197, or 98.5 per cent, were estrogenic and 3, or 1.5 per cent, were luteal in character. 3. In all three cases the luteal endometrium was followed by the onset of the first menstrual period. 4. Thirty-six lactating women were biopsied either just preceding or following the first postpartum period. 5. Evidence of ovulation was found either preceding or following the onset of the first period in five women, or 14 per cent. 6. The relationship between lactation and ovarian function is discussed.
Boobs and balls: Exploring issues of gender and identity among women soccer players at Stellenbosch University

abstract This Focus explores the gendered dimension of women soccer players at Stellenbosch University (Maties). It is suggested that women soccer players at Stellenbosch University are active agents in shaping their own sporting experience, albeit in a dominantly male and patriarchal environment. The analysis focuses on two aspects of the women soccer players at Stellenbosch: firstly how they got involved in soccer, and secondly how their participation in soccer influences their perception of their gender identities.