cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessing Virtual Reality's Potential for Teaching Abstract Science

Understanding how to leverage the features of immersive, three-dimensional (3-D) multisensory virtual reality to meet user needs presents a challenge for human factors researchers. This paper describes our approach to evaluating this medium's potential as a tool for teaching abstract science. It describes some of our early research outcomes and discusses an evaluation comparing a 3-D VR microworld to an alternative 2-D computer-based microworld. Both are simulations in which students learn about electrostatics. The outcomes of the comparison study suggest: 1) the immersive 3-D VR microworld facilitated conceptual and three-dimensional learning that the 2-D computer microworld did not, and 2) VR's multisensory information aided students who found the electrostatics concepts challenging. As a whole, our research suggests that VR's immersive representational abilities have promise for teaching and for visualization. It also demonstrates that characteristics of the learning experience such as usability, motiv...
Science Education in Gambia

The teaching and learning of science in the Gambia is not well documented. However, there are past and present records collected by government, non-governmental and international aid agencies that capture various aspects of science education in the Gambia. The challenge is reviewing the available records and piecing them together to tell a coherent story about science education in the Gambia.
Wireless power transfer for ECG monitoring in freely-swimming zebrafish

Zebrafish have proven to be a crucial model for biological elucidations, especially heart-disease studies, owing to their remarkable regeneration capacity. Other than conventional methods, monitoring of electrocardiogram (ECG) has shown promising results recently; however, experiments were usually carried out with sedated fish, resulting in affected signals. In this work, wireless power transfer (WPT) via inductive coupling is developed to power our previously-reported miniaturized ECG sensor implanted in an adult zebrafish. This would enable continuous monitoring of freely-swimming fish without disrupting their normal activities. The WPT is achieved using inductive coupling with the transmitter (TX) located around the fish tank, and a solenoid embedded in the fish implant as the receiver (RX), with sizes of Φ77 mm × 10 mm and Φ1 mm × 10 mm, respectively. Power transfer efficiency (PTE) and an adaptive tuning method were characterized using a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) via S-parameter measurement to ensure the ECG sensor will receive sufficient power for operating and communication.
Factors affecting adherence to appointment system in the clinic for non-communicable diseases in UNRWA's Khan Younis Health Centre and the role of mobile phone text messages to improve adherence: a descriptive cross-sectional study

Abstract Background To meet the emerging needs of the increasing numbers of patients with non-communicable diseases and to provide optimum care with optimum contact time and minimum waiting time, as stated in UNRWA guidelines, the mobile phone text messaging system was implemented in UNRWA centres to remind patients of upcoming appointments and to thereby improve the quality of care for vulnerable patients and regulate the work load in the clinics for non-communicable diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the causes for lack of adherence to the appointment system at UNRWA centres. Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study was done in the UNRWA's Khan Younis Health Centre (KYHC), which serves the same refugee population as other UNRWA health centres and follows the same guidelines with minimal variation. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires, with ten medical staff members involved in the appointment process and 50 patients with non-communicable diseases selected randomly from patients attending the KYHC. The text-message reminder intervention targeted 1000 patients with non-communicable diseases and consisted of an electronic message technique that was developed to remind patients about the day and time of upcoming appointments. Administrative approval was obtained from the chief of UNRWA health programme. Verbal consent was obtained from participants. We followed the Modified International Code of Ethics Principles (1975), known as the Declaration of Helsinki. Findings The main barrier to adherence to appointments in the clinic for non-communicable diseases was forgetting the appointment. Other factors were lack of awareness, clinic overcrowding, appointments that do not match the patient's preference, availability of other service providers, and financial issues. In March, 2016, after the completion of the intervention, the proportion of patients that adhered to their appointment by date and time was 76%, compared with about 45% in January and February, 2016 (p=0·013). Interpretation The text messaging reminder is a successful way of improving patient's adherence to appointments in UNRWA clinics for non-communicable diseases. The intervention should be continued and integrated in daily work. More financial resources are needed to support the text messaging reminder system. Funding None.
Gender Differences in Symptom Reporting on Baseline Sport Concussion Testing Across the Youth Age Span.

Background Little is known regarding gender differences in concussion symptom reporting developmentally across the age span, specifically in pre-adolescent athletes. The present study asks: Do boys and girls differ in symptom reporting across the pre-adolescent to post-adolescent age span? Method This retrospective study utilized baseline assessments from 11,695 10-22 year-old athletes assigned to 3 independent groups: Pre-adolescent 10-12 year olds (n = 1,367; 12%), Adolescent 13-17 year olds (n = 2,974; 25%), and Late Adolescent 18-22 year olds (n = 7,354; 63%). Males represented 60% of the sample. Baseline ImPACT composite scores and Post-Concussion Symptom Scale scores (Total, Physical, Cognitive, Emotional, Sleep) were analyzed for the effects of age and gender. Results Statistically significant main effects were found for age and gender on all ImPACT composites, Total Symptoms, and Symptom factors. Significant interaction effects were noted between age and gender for all ImPACT composites, Total Symptoms, and Symptom factors. Total Symptoms and all Symptom factors were highest in adolescents (ages 13-17) for males and females. In the 10-12 age group, females displayed lower Total Symptoms, Physical, and Sleep factors than males. Conclusion The notion of females being more likely than males to report symptoms does not appear to apply across the developmental age span, particularly prior to adolescence. Females show greater emotional endorsement across the youth age span (10-22 years). Adolescence (13-17 years) appears to be a time of increased symptomatology that may lessen after the age of 18.
Development and Validation of the Post-Dissolution Relational Communication Index

Relational dissolution is a distressing life event. Dissolution is further complicated when communication between ex-partners is inefficient, unpredictable, and strained. This examination uncovers ...
Exploring the Association Between Electronic Health Record Use and Burnout Among Psychiatry Residents and Faculty: a Pilot Survey Study

Burnout is a phenomenon with profound negative effects on the US healthcare system. Little is known about the relationship between time spent working on electronic health record (EHR) and burnout among psychiatry residents. The purpose of this study is to generate preliminary data on EHR use and burnout among psychiatry residents and faculty. In August 2017, psychiatry residents and faculty at an academic medical center were given the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), a standardized measurement tool for burnout, and a survey of factors related to EHR use and potential risk factors for burnout. MBI data along with selected burnout risk and protective factors were analyzed with R Studio software. Responses were obtained from 40 psychiatry residents (73%) and 12 clinical faculty members (40%). Residents reported 22 h per week using EHR on average. Mean score of residents surveyed in postgraduate year (PGY)-1–4 met criteria for high emotional exhaustion associated with burnout. The magnitude of correlation between EHR use and emotional exhaustion was stronger than for other burnout factors including sleep, exercise, and clinical service. Psychiatry residents show signs of high emotional exhaustion, which is associated with burnout. Results demonstrate a strong positive correlation between EHR use and resident burnout. Time spent on EHR use may be an area of importance for psychiatry program directors and other psychiatric educators to consider when seeking to minimize burnout and promote wellness.
A crystal structure of coil 1B of vimentin in the filamentous form provides a model of a high-order assembly of a vimentin filament.

Vimentin is an intermediate filament (IF) protein that is expressed in leukocytes, fibroblasts and endothelial cells of blood vessels. Vimentin filaments contribute to structural stability of the cell membrane, organelle positioning and protein transport. Vimentin self-assembles into a dimer that subsequently forms high-order structures, including tetramers and octamers. The details of IF assembly at crystallographic resolutions are limited to the tetrameric form. We describe a crystal structure of a fragment of a vimentin rod domain (coil 1B) with a dimer of tetramers in the asymmetric unit. Coil 1B in the crystal is in an infinitely high-order filamentous assembly state, in which the tetramers are packed against each other laterally in an antiparallel fashion across the crystal lattice. In one of the directions of lateral packing, the tetramers pack against each other strictly head-to-tail, and in the orthogonal direction the tetramers pack in a staggered manner. This organization of the tetramers of coil 1B in the crystal lattice, together with previously reported biochemical and structural data, yield a model of high-order vimentin filament assembly. Database Structural data are available in the PDB under the accession number 5WHF.
Vanadium Alloys in Aerospace

The potential of V alloys for applications above 2000 deg F is described. Mechanical properties are tabulated and reviewed, with major emphasis on the V-Nb alloys. Evaluations of fabricability are considered, and investigations of several oxidation-protection systems, particularly packsiliconizing treatment are detailed. (auth) nium dioxide. (auth)
Strategic Business Forecasting: The Complete Guide to Forecasting Real World Company Performance, Revised Edition

A book on practical business forecasting belongs in the library of everyone interested in business. Forecasting is extremely important to finance and accounting executives, business economists and managers at all levels.Strategic Business Forecasting: The Complete Guide to Forecasting Real World Company Performance provides you with a working knowledge of the fundamentals of business forecasting that can be applied in the real world regardless of the size of the firm. The author explains the basic forecasting methodology and the practical applications. All aspects of business are discussed, making this a comprehensive and valuable reference.The author avoids theoretical and mathematical discussions to gets right into how, when , and why to use this book. Many practical examples, applications, illustrations, guidelines, measures, checklists, rules of thumb, tips, graphs, diagrams and tables aid your comprehension of the subject. The author displays and explains printouts obtained using many popular spreadsheet programs and software packages.The book goes far beyond just sales forecasting, encompassing a wide range of topics of major importance to practical business managers and finance professionals, including cash flow forecasting, cost prediction, earnings forecasts, bankruptcy prediction, foreign exchange forecasting, and interest rate forecasting. Written in an easy-to-read style, it is practical, current, and intriguing - a reference book to use throughout your business career.
Connective Tissue Related Interstitial Lung Disease

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common complication of the connective tissue diseases (CTD) and results in significant morbidity and mortality. This review will focus on recent literature pertaining to the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of CTD-ILD. Subclinical ILD can be found in the majority of patients with CTD. Clinically significant ILD is most commonly seen in scleroderma followed by polymyositis/dermatomyositis and rheumatoid arthritis, although it can occur in all of the CTDs. Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia is the most common radiographic and histologic pattern, although usual interstitial pneumonia occurs more frequently in rheumatoid arthritis. Pathogenesis is likely related to a combination of autoimmunity/inflammation, disordered fibrogenesis, and vascular injury. Treatment strategies are evolving to target all three of these pathways. Although further research into treatment strategies is needed, the clinician should be aware of the risk factors and clinical presentation of ILD in the various CTDs in order to identify patients who should be screened and/or have modifications in treatment strategies in order to mitigate the morbidity and mortality associated with CTD-ILD.
Intracuff pressure during one-lung ventilation in infants and children

Objective We prospectively evaluated intracuff pressure (IP) during one-lung ventilation (OLV) to characterize potential risk associated with overinflation of the cuff used for OLV. Design Prospective observational study over a 2-year period, in infants and children undergoing thoracic surgery. The IPs of the tracheal and bronchial balloon were measured using a manometer and compared to a previously recommended threshold of 30 cmH2O. Data were compared by the device type used to achieve OLV. Setting Freestanding tertiary-care pediatric hospital. Participants Patients ≤18 years of age undergoing thoracic procedures requiring OLV. Interventions Measurement of IP. Measurements and main results Thirty patients were enrolled (age 5 months-18 years) with a median weight of 28 kg. Median tracheal and bronchial IPs were 32 cmH2O (range: 11, 90) and 44 cmH2O (range: 10, 100), respectively. The tracheal and bronchial IPs exceeded 30 cmH2O in 13 of 20 patients (65%) and 21 of 30 patients (70%), respectively. Conclusions IP was high and in excess of recommended levels in most children undergoing OLV. Continuous monitoring of IP may be indicated during OLV to address the risks involved and ensure the prevention of complications related to high IP. Type of study Prospective comparative study. Level of evidence Level II.
CHAPTER 43 – Genetic engineering of dendritic cells

The first viral vectors used for gene transfer to dendritic cells (DCs) were recominant replication-defective retroviral vectors based on the Moloney murine leukemia virus. As these retroviral vectors preferentially infect dividing cells, DCs or DC precursors that are actively dividing are necessary for targeting viral infection. Because CD34 + DC precursors derived from bone marrow, cord blood, or peripheral blood cells proliferate actively they have been used as targets for retrovirus-mediated transduction. In contrast to retroviral vectors, Ad-based vectors are able to accept large DNA inserts, are not host specific, and are able to infect nondividing, resting cells. These advantages have led to the development of replication-incompetent Ad5 vector for gene transfer purposes. Herpes simplex viruses (HSV)-1 vectors are able to transfer large genes efficiently to a wide range of both dividing and nondividing cells. As HSV is neurotropic and capable of long-term persistence, it is the vector of choice for gene transfer into the central nervous system.
Eptifibatide-Induced Profound Thrombocytopenia After Percutaneous Intervention for Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Challenging Clinical Scenario

Eptifibatide is a glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitor used mostly in the treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The GP IIb/IIIa antagonists occupy the fibrinogen binding site at the GP IIb/IIIa and block thrombocyte aggregation independent of the initial activation pathway. Severe thrombocytopenia has been reported with eptifibatide use. Thrombocytopenia after ACS can have multiple etiologies. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has also been implicated in immune-mediated thrombocytopenia. In this manuscript, we report a case of acute severe thrombocytopenia secondary to eptifibatide use in a patient with a history of HIV infection who presented with an ST elevation myocardial infarction. We also review the differential diagnosis and suggest management strategies in this challenging clinical scenario.
Solution Algorithms for Stochastic Dynamic User-Optimal Route Choice Models

Chapter 8 described two logit-type SDUO route choice models which are stochastic generalizations of deterministic dynamic user-optimal route choice models previously presented in Chapters 5 and 7. To solve these models for large networks, we need to develop solution algorithms avoiding route enumeration. Thus, the stochastic dynamic network algorithms in this chapter are link-based procedures that avoid route enumeration and perform dynamic assignments using only link and node variables. Some new notation is presented in Section 9.1. In Sections 9.2 and 9.3, two multiple-route dynamic route choice algorithms (DYNASTOCH) similar to Dial’s efficient-route algorithm (STOCH) are suggested to solve two discrete-time flow-independent instantaneous and ideal SDUO route choice models. Then, the discrete formulation of the flowdependent instantaneous SDUO route choice model is presented in Section 9.4 and a solution algorithm is presented to solve this model. In Section 9.5, the discrete formulation of ideal SDUO route choice model is presented and a solution algorithm is also proposed. In both solution algorithms for the flow-dependent SDUO route choice models, the DYNASTOCH algorithms are used to solve their subproblems so that explicit route enumeration can be avoided. The method of successive averages (MSA) and other methods are suggested to solve the one-dimensional search problems. Numerical examples are presented in Section 9.6 to illustrate the solution of the proposed algorithms.
Hydrograph separation through multi objective optimization: Revealing the importance of a temporally and spatially constrained baseflow solute source

Abstract Quantifying baseflow is key to a reliable understanding of water quality, supply and habitat. This is especially valid for watersheds in California, USA, where changing precipitation, evapotranspiration and snowmelt patterns coupled with a land use/land cover transition towards urban/agricultural dominance imply drastic impacts on baseflow. This study presents a new approach to stream hydrograph separation using multi objective optimization. Applying the Mixed Integer Distributed Ant Colony Optimization (MIDACO) solver, baseflow is modeled at two stream sites in California by linking daily baseflow and surface runoff simulations from a recursive digital filter (RDF) with those obtained from chemical, i.e., specific conductance (SC), mass balance. Objective functions are based on (1) a modified Nash Sutcliffe Efficiency (mNSE) index that gages how well the model can reproduce measured stream SC, and (2) a mass balance indicator that limits the occurrences of stream SC exceeding the modeled baselow SC end member. This baseflow SC end member is derived from interpolation of stream SC on consecutive baseflow days predicted by the RDF in the optimization. The associated RDF parameter k, RDF pass number (1–5) and surface runoff SC end member are set as adjustable parameters determined via calibration. Optimum (i.e., trade off) solutions indicate good to very good model performance in terms of mNSE statistics despite the competing nature of applied objective functions. Results furthermore indicate a high sensitivity towards (1) site location, with best results for the more remote “upstream” site, and (2) RDF pass number, with best results obtained by the 2 and 3 pass applications. Significant correlations between baseflow and baseflow SC and annual drought indices reveal an immediate response of the system to precipitation deficit that should be considered carefully in future water resource projections.
Awesome, Awesome: Missed Opportunities for Transformative Learning

This chapter turns to the relationship prospective teachers develop with the cooperating teachers and university-based supervisors—the triad of teacher education. This relationship is found at the intersection of assessment and affirmation—the sense that the supervisor is assessing both prospective and cooperating teachers and the general culture of affirmation that has become inescapable in U.S. education. As a result, the potential for collaborative reflection regarding the puzzles and concerns naturally arising in prospective teachers’ field experiences goes unfulfilled, and opportunities for truly critical reflection for transformative learning are missed.
IP/IC piracy threats of reversible circuits

In recent years, there has been growing interest in reversible computing due to its emerging applications. While designing reversible circuits is of a primary concern, their security implications receive less attention. A reversible synthesis approach generates a reversible circuit for a given target function. This process typically results in additional inputs and outputs to support reversibility. Thus, a reversible circuit realizes not only the target function but also many other functions by varying the value of the additional inputs. This chapter provides a detailed analysis to assess the difficulty in extracting the target function of the reversible circuit. The ultimate goal is to leverage the redundancy of reversible circuits toward security. We first describe reversible circuits and state-of-the-art synthesis approaches to generate these circuits. In particular, we review the telltale signs of these synthesis approaches. We then show how an attacker can exploit these telltale signs to launch IP/IC (intellectual property/integrated circuit) piracy attacks on reversible circuits. Finally, we describe potential countermeasures to thwart these attacks.
Non-textured objects visual SLAM using pola-rization 3D reconstruction

Abstract The common visual SLAM technology is to obtain the scene image information through monocular and binocular cameras, and then process the camera sensor data to get the restored map. However, these camera sensors are not sensitive enough to non-textured scenes to restore the map. It is easy to cause large deviation in image acquisition and cannot restore the corresponding shape. Therefore, in order to address these challenges, this paper proposes a SLAM method that uses polarization camera to obtain polarization characteristics of the target and then calculate the depth information to realize image reconstruction. Specifically, in the SLAM process, we use a monocular polarization camera to acquire an image sequence, and the phase angle and normal vector of each pixel obtained by polarization are used to recover the depth of the textured object, then multi-view normal vector constraints are fused to carry out 3D reconstruction, and finally, in the process of depth propagation, polarized light field information is used to constrain the propagation of non-textured regions. We respectively verified the indoor and outdoor shooting data of single and multiple object scenes, and the reconstruction results are compared with the existing DSO, ORB-SLAM and other algorithms, which shows that the effect of our visual SLAM method is better than that of the existing common SLAM method in reconstructing the surface shape of non-textured objects.
The 2018 adult heart allocation policy change benefits low-volume transplant centers.

INTRODUCTION The effect of the 2018 adult heart allocation policy change at an institution-level remains unclear. The present study assessed the impact of the policy change by transplant center volume. METHODS The United Network for Organ Sharing database was queried for all adults undergoing isolated heart transplantation from November 2016 to September 2020. Era 1 was defined as the period before the policy change and Era 2 afterwards. Hospitals were divided into low-(LVC) medium-(MVC) and high-volume (HVC) tertiles based on annual transplant center volume. Competing-risks regressions were used to determine changes in waitlist death/deterioration, while post-transplant mortality was assessed using multivariable Cox proportional-hazards models. RESULTS A total of 3531 (47.0%) patients underwent heart transplantation in Era 1 and 3988 (53.0%) in Era 2. At LVC, Era 2 patients were less likely to experience death/deterioration on the waitlist (subhazard ratio .74, 95% CI .63-.88), while MVC and HVC patients experienced similar waitlist death/deterioration across eras. After adjustment, transplantation in Era 2 was associated with worse 1-year mortality at MVC (hazard ratio, HR, 1.42 95% CI 1.02-1.96) and HVC (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.02-1.98) but not at LVC. CONCLUSION Early analysis shows that LVC may be benefitting under the new allocation scheme.
Clostridioides difficile infection in liver cirrhosis patients: A population-based study in United States

Clostridioides difficile infection in liver cirrhosis patients: A population-based study in United States
Analysis of verteporfin liposomal formulations for phospholipids and phospholipid degradation products by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS).

ABSTRACT Lipid composition and lipid degradation are critical to the stability of liposomal formulations which can impact the safety and efficacy of the drug. Herein we developed and validated an ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) method for determining phospholipid composition and phospholipid degradation products in a verteporfin liposomal formulation (Visudyne). The high mass accuracy (
Toward Next Generation Open Radio Access Network--What O-RAN Can and Cannot Do!

The open radio access network (O-RAN) describes an industry-driven open architecture and interfaces for building next generation RANs with artificial intelligence (AI) based control. This paper dissects the O-RAN framework and provides a unique assessment of what it enables and where its current shortcomings are. This was motivated by a user survey that we conducted with responses from representative wireless researchers and developers from industry, academia, and government. The survey shows that the physical and medium access control layers are of most relevance to researchers and that nearly 80% believe that the O-RAN architecture will drive future cellular network innovations and deployments. The major contributions of O-RAN are the open interfaces among RAN modules and the specifications of different control loops that facilitate data driven network configuration and operation using AI. These AI controllers are encapsulated as xApps that can be introduced to control communications, networking, or service functions. The important O-RAN limitations relate to security, scope of AI control, and latency. We conclude this paper by indicating how specific limitations can be overcome in future O-RAN architecture revisions.
Annual Aboveground Production and Consumption by Large Mammalian Herbivores in the Northern Range of Yellowstone National Park

The principal objectives of this study are to measure aboveground net primary productivity and consumption by large mammalian herbivores in Yellowstone's northern range. The significance of such information is two-fold. Firstly, it will provide a "pulse rate" of ecosystem processes in an integral region of the Yellowstone Ecosystem and a comparison of rates of energy and nutrient flows with other ecosystems worldwide. This is of particular ecological interest, since such data for areas supporting large populations of freeÂ­ranging native herbivores are rare. Secondly, these data will provide a greater understanding of the effects of ungulate use on ecosystem function in Yellowstone, and thereby, an assessment of current park management of ungulate populations.
Human anterior chamber angle development without cell death or macrophage involvement

PURPOSE The iridocorneal angle in the mammalian eye including the trabecular meshwork (TM) develops from undifferentiated mesenchyme/neural crest between the iris root and cornea. The precise mechanisms underlying anterior angle development are unclear, and the contribution of cell death and phagocytic resorption by macrophages in angle development is controversial. In this study, we examined the human anterior chamber angle during various stages of development for evidence of cell death and phagocytic resorption. METHODS Eyes from the human fetus (F) of 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, and 27 weeks as well as eyes from 5- and 11-month-old children and donors 24, 48, and 67 years of age were obtained. Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded sections were examined by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Immunohistochemistry was performed using polyclonal antibodies against CD68. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) labeling was also performed to evaluate cell death. RESULTS By light microscopy, the development of human angle structures appeared to progress as previously described. Histological evidence of cellular death or resorption by macrophages was not observed. Furthermore, the chamber angle tissues did not stain with CD68 at any stage of development. Few CD68 positive cells were observed in the iris stroma and the anterior ciliary body between fetal weeks 10 and 18 (F10w and F18w). TUNEL labeled nuclei were not detected in the anterior chamber angle in any fetal or infant eyes. By contrast, TUNEL positive nuclei in TM cells were observed in the examined adult donor specimens. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that at the time points examined, neither cell death nor phagocytic resorption with macrophages appear to play a role in the development of the human anterior chamber angle.
Conversations with My Father: Adapting a musical chronology and the emerging life song with older adults

ABSTRACT This article provides a brief review of the literature describing successful aging life tasks, such as reminiscence, meaning-making, and forming substantive connections. Using Relational-Cultural Theory as a base, the article addresses the need for connection and ways that connections can be developed and sustained in later life. Through a personal account, the authors also illustrate how grown children can use music to connect with their parents. Finally, the authors adapt A Musical Chronology and the Emerging Life Song, an intervention that uses music and memories, for use with older adults.
Reflections on the Transition from Elite to Mass to Universal Access: Forms and Phases of Higher Education in Modern Societies since WWII

Reflections on the Transition from Elite to Mass to Universal Access: Forms and Phases of Higher Education in Modern Societies since WWII Forthcoming in Philip Altbach, ed., International Handbook of Higher Education, Kluwer. 2005. Martin Trow Introduction This chapter seeks to reflect and update a set of concepts, first introduced over 30 years ago, regarding the transformation of higher education (Trow, 1973). 1 The ideas of this original essay, as nicely summed up recently by British author John Brennan (2004), illustrate three forms of higher education: (1) elite—shaping the mind and character of a ruling class; preparation for elite roles; (2) mass—transmission of skills and preparation for a broader range of technical and economic elite roles; and (3) universal—adaptation of the ‘whole population’ to rapid social and technological change. Table 1 (p.63) provides a useful summary of these stages of higher education development. Brennan observes that “While these may not capture all of the nuances of current higher education debates, they nevertheless appear to be remarkably prescient of some of the key issues that we face as we embark in the UK on the move, in Trow’s terms, from mass to universal higher education . It should also be emphasized that Trow never saw these distinctions as empirical descriptions of real higher education systems, rather as models or ‘ideal types’ to aid our comprehension of such systems. And a further point to remember is that although he saw these forms as sequential stages, he did not regard it as inevitable that the later stages would completely replace the earlier ones. In particular, he saw definite possibilities of examples of elite forms surviving in the mass and universal stages.” 2 Three decades later, this chapter revisits some of these concepts and models, exploring the question of their continuing usefulness in understanding modern systems of higher education, so much larger, more diverse and complex than the systems the earlier paper addressed. And it raises the question of whether and where those concepts would need to be modified to illuminate
Biliary system inflammation and cholecystitis; a study of 200 liver biopsies done at cholecystectomy.

Abstract Two hundred cases of liver biopsy were studied in patients with proved acute or chronic gallbladder disease, 97.5 per cent with stones. Thirty-two per cent of these patients demonstrated changes consistent with a diagnosis of biliary tree inflammation or what is termed as “cholangitis.” It is believed that acute or chronic cholecystitis with or without stones is only one facet of a generalized process. An ascending type of inflammation as a means of etiology is presumed but not proved. There was a significantly large percentage of patients showing fatty change which was quite variable in extent, amounting to 29 per cent of the total cases. Fatty metamorphosis seemed to be independent of any other process. Attempt was made to correlate an impaired convalescence of the patient with the status of the liver but this was difficult and not conclusive. A discussion of the method of taking the biopsy has been made. Artefacts are an extremely common occurrence in the specimens, but are usually easily recognized. Pathologic descriptions are included and represented by the photomicrographs. We believe that due to the lack of a control group this problem warrants further study.
Image Processing for In-vehicle Smart Cameras

Smart cameras are increasingly being deployed in many automotive applications. The in-vehicle environment presents unique challenges to the camera functions and can significantly degrade the performance of smart cameras. In this paper; we present two image processing algorithms that address two of the most common challenges for in-vehicle smart cameras, namely exposure control and motion induced distortion. The proposed algorithms are very efficient and highly suitable for embedded real-time smart cameras. The algorithms were first developed for a real-time in-vehicle automatic license plate recognition smart camera but the techniques are also applicable to many other in-vehicle smart camera applications.
Glia maturation factor regulates 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium-induced neuron loss and oxidative damage in primary neuron-glia cells (LB75)

Inflammation mediated by glial activation appears to play critical role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson disease (PD). Glia maturation factor (GMF), a proinflammatory protein localized in the centr...
DQML: A Modeling Language for Configuring Distributed Publish/Subscribe Quality of Service Policies

Many publish/subscribe (pub/sub) middleware platforms provide flexibility in configuring policies that affect end-to-end quality of service (QoS). While the functionality and tunability of pub/sub middleware has increased, so has the complexity of creating semantically compatible QoS policy configurations. This paper makes two contributions to addressing these challenges. First, it describes how a domain-specific modeling language (DSML) can automate the analysis and synthesis of semantically compatible QoS policy configurations. Second, it empirically evaluates how this DSML increases productivity when generating valid QoS policy configurations. Our experimental results show a 54% reduction in development effort using DQML over manual methods.
Integrated software tool set for design/analysis of electronic hardware

An overview is given of the following integrated electronic design/analysis software tools used to optimize the quality of developed electronic military hardware: (1) Relgraph for design requirements flowdown and mission reliability modeling; (2) Valid/Allegro for electronic schematic capture, simulation, and printed circuit board (PCB) layout; (3) Engineering Parts Database (EPDB), a design database of program approved components; (4) Sinda, a finite-difference analyzer used for PCB thermal analysis; (5) Reliability Effectiveness Analysis Program (REAP) for reliability predictions of PCBs; and (6) CALCE for stress/fatigue analysis, vibration analysis, and PCB life prediction. >
Effects of co-grazing dairy heifers with goats on animal performance, dry matter yield, and pasture forage composition.

Mixed livestock grazing can offer an alternative management system for rearing dairy replacement heifers (Bos taurus). A 2-yr study was conducted during 2009 (yr 1) and 2010 (yr 2) to deter- mine the effects of co-grazing Holstein heifers under rotational stocking with Boer × Kiko goats on animal performance, pasture DM yield, and botanical composi- tion. Each year, 24 heifers (134 ± 6 d of age and 147.4 ± 31.2 kg BW in yr 1; 166 ± 11 d of age and 168.0 ± 27.6 kg BW in yr 2) and 6 goats (2 yr old and 39.7 ± 16.2 kg BW in yr 1; 1 yr old and 33.7 ± 7.4 kg BW in yr 2) were divided into 6 paddocks with 4 heifers and 2 goats, where applicable, per group. Low endophyte- infected tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.) pastures were used to evaluate 2 grazing strategies (heifers grazed alone (HO) or heifers co-grazed with goats (HG)). In addi- tion, 6 goats were assigned to 2 paddocks and grazed alone (GO) each year to estimate goat pasture forage intake and compare Haemonchus contortus infection to co-grazed goats. Forage samples were taken monthly to assess DM yield and botanical composition. Samples collected for botanical composition were manually sort- ed into grass, legume, and weed species. Forage DMI was estimated using a rising plate meter before and after grazing. Heifer BW at the conclusion of yr 1 and yr 2 did not differ between HO and HG (P = 0.40 and P = 0.12, respectively). Likewise, overall ADG did not dif- fer between HO and HG, averaging 0.65 kg/d and 0.63 kg/d over both grazing seasons (P = 0.70). Grazing strat- egy did not affect forage or total DMI in yr 1; however, HO consumed 2.3 kg/d more forage DM than HG (P < 0.01), resulting in greater total DMI for HO in yr 2 (P < 0.01). Heights at the hip and withers were greater for HO than for HG during both grazing seasons (P < 0.05). Weed presence did not differ between grazing strate- gies over both grazing seasons as determined by manual harvesting, but visual estimation of botanical composi- tion at the end of yr 2 showed that HO paddocks had 3.5 times more weed presence than HG pastures (P < 0.01). Within the confi nes of this study, co-grazing did not affect overall heifer BW gain, but it decreased DMI, suggesting that dairy heifers can be co-grazed with goats without negative effects on ADG or feed effi ciency.
Targeting the PIAS1 SUMO ligase pathway to control inflammation.

Protein sumoylation is a post-translational-modification event, in which small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) is covalently attached to protein substrates by a three-step process. Sumoylation has been suggested to regulate multiple cellular processes, including inflammation. Inflammation is initiated in response to pathogenic infections, but uncontrolled inflammatory responses can lead to the development of inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. Recent studies indicate that proinflammatory stimuli, such as tumor necrosis factor α and lipopolysaccharide, can activate PIAS1 [protein inhibitor of activated STAT1 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 1)] SUMO E3 ligase through a SUMO-dependent, inhibitor of κB kinase α (IKKα)-mediated phosphorylation event. Activated PIAS1 is then recruited to inflammatory gene promoters to repress transcription. These findings support a hypothesis that therapies targeting the PIAS1 SUMO ligase pathway might be developed for the treatment of inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis.
Effects of sulphydryl inhibitors on frog sartorius muscle: N-ethylmaleimide.

Abstract 1. The characteristic action of the -SH inhibitor, N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), is muscle rigour. The dose-response curve indicates a biphasic effect with maximum rigour tension produced by 1·0 mM NEM; beyond 1·0 mM there was an inverse relationship between dose and response. 2. NEM produces a membrane depolarization unrelated to rigour development. 3. NEM causes a sustained increase in 45Ca efflux from whole muscle. Pretreatment of a muscle with ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA, 5 mM) to remove membrane calcium does not alter the NEM induced 45Ca efflux. 4. It is suggested that the primary site of NEM action is inhibition of calcium uptake by the sarcoplasmic reticulum thereby producing rigour. At concentrations above 1·0 mM, NEM may affect the myofilaments.
Quantum Physical Symbol Systems

Because intelligent agents employ physically embodied cognitive systems to reason about the world, their cognitive abilities are constrained by the laws of physics. Scientists have used digital computers to develop and validate theories of physically embodied cognition. Computational theories of intelligence have advanced our understanding of the nature of intelligence and have yielded practically useful systems exhibiting some degree of intelligence. However, the view of cognition as algorithms running on digital computers rests on implicit assumptions about the physical world that are incorrect. Recently, the view is emerging of computing systems as goal-directed agents, evolving during problem solving toward improved world models and better task performance. A full realization of this vision requires a new logic for computing that incorporates learning from experience as an intrinsic part of the logic, and that permits full exploitation of the quantum nature of the physical world. This paper proposes a theory of physically embodied cognitive agents founded upon first-order logic, Bayesian decision theory, and quantum physics. An abstract architecture for a physically embodied cognitive agent is presented. The cognitive aspect is represented as a Bayesian decision theoretic agent; the physical aspect is represented as a quantum process; and these aspects are related through von Neumann's principle of psycho-physical parallelism. Alternative metaphysical positions regarding the meaning of quantum probabilities and the role of efficacious choices by agents are discussed in relation to the abstract agent architecture. The concepts are illustrated with an extended example from the domain of science fiction.
The effects of macroeconomic shocks on sector-specific returns

The reliance on market and sector-specific indexes to evaluate managed portfolios and the popularity of index investing has increased the importance of understanding what leads to market movements, how long they may last, and how different sectors respond to macroeconomic shocks. This research is concerned with how shocks to macroeconomic variables affect five major S&P sector-specific stock market indexes. The paper employs the newly developed econometric technique of generalized impulse response analysis. The results identify the various responses of the sectors to unanticipated changes in some key macroeconomic variables. Asset prices are commonly believed to react sensitively to economic news. Daily experience seems to support the view that individual asset prices are influenced by a wide variety of unanticipated events and that some events have a more pervasive effect on asset prices than do others. (Chen et al. 1986, p. 386)
Re: Pulse Pressure and Risk of Alzheimer Disease in Persons Aged 75 Years and Older

To the Editor: Qiu et al1 conclude that an increased pulse pressure, which is a clinical indication of large-artery stiffness and severe atherosclerosis, may increase the risk of Alzheimer disease (AD) and dementia. In addition, lower pulse pressure may increase the risk of AD and dementia through a deleterious …
Reading Achievement Growth in Children With Language Impairments

Purpose This study examined the reading achievement growth of children with language impairments (LI) across the school grades. The authors sought to determine whether children with LI demonstrate ...
Computer-aided fixture design verification. Part 2. Tolerance analysis

Tolerance analysis is the most important issue in computer-aided fixture design (CAFD), and it is an important part of computer-aided fixture design verification (CAFDV). This study presents a new approach for fixture tolerance analysis that is more generalised and can be used to assign locator tolerances based on machining surface tolerance requirements. The tolerance analysis is also generalised to handle any type of fixture design, workpiece, datum feature, and machining feature tolerance. Locator tolerance assignment distributes tolerances to locators based on a sensitivity analysis.
Laser Interferometers In Microlithography

The laser interferometer is attractive as a position-sensing device for microlithography because of its high resolution, high accuracy, ease of installation, and non-contacting measurement capability. The usual confiqu ration for x-y coordinate sensing is the plane mirror interferometer which minimizes Abbe offset errors. The laser's disadvantages are its relatively high cost, susceptibility to environmental disturbances, non-standard output units, and incremental rather than absolute measurement. However, all of these disadvantages may be reduced or avoided by proper design and installation techniques. There are several approaches to electronically interfacing the laser interferometer to a machine controller, and each approach has its own tradeoffs among cost, speed, and hardware and software complexity.
Computational Fluid Dynamic Simulations of Plume Dispersion in Urban Oklahoma City

Abstract A 3D computational fluid dynamics study using Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes modeling was conducted and validated with field data from the Joint Urban 2003 dispersion study in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The modeled flow field indicated that the many short buildings in this domain had a relatively small effect on the flow field, whereas the few tall buildings considerably influenced the transport and diffusion of tracer gas through the domain. Modeled values were compared with observations along a vertical profile located about 500 m downwind of the source. The isothermal base case using the standard k–e closure model was within 50% of the concentration measurements, and a convective case with ground and building surfaces 10°C hotter than ambient temperatures improved the modeled profile to within 30% of observations. Varying wind direction and source location had a marked effect on modeled concentrations at the vertical profile site. Ground-level concentrations were 6 times the observed values whe...