cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Theory: The Elephant in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Room

Excerpt: November, 2006 marked the third annual meeting of the International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, and it was another blockbuster, with 850 participants, a rich array of sessions, the “Commons@ISSoTL” for informal exchange and sharing of resources, and a true international feel. As in past years, the conference also provided a window into the character and progress of the work, and a chance to ask where we are, what has been accomplished, and where we’re going. These questions leave room for considerable disagreement, of course. As in the parable of the blind men and the elephant, the scholarship of teaching and learning can look quite different depending on which parts of the conference anatomy one grabbed hold of. Even so (and with apologies for shifting tropes), I doubt that I was alone in seeing the role of theory in the scholarship of teaching and learning as the elephant in the room.
New Methods for Shaping the Response of a Nonlinear System

Shaping the response of a control system has long been a central problem in the analysis and design of feedback systems. The widespread use of both frequency domain techniques and state-space methods is at least in part due to the relative ease and intuitive content of these methods in addressing problems such as asymptotic tracking and disturbance attenuation for linear systems. Recently, a combination of methods drawn from geometric nonlinear control theory and from nonlinear dynamics was developed to give an admittedly unanticipated local solution to the nonlinear regulator problem, yielding necessary and sufficient conditions for nonlinear regulation for the class of detectable and stabilizable nonlinear systems ([1], [2]). In section 2, we state the basic nonlinear regulator problem and give conditions for solvability of the problem in terms of the solvability of a system of nonlinear partial differential equations. In the linear case, these “regulator equations” coincide with the linear equations derived by Francis [3] in his rather complete treatment of the linear multivariable regulator problem. The derivation of the nonlinear regulator equations and the consequent design of a nonlinear controller repose on two essential problems: feedback stabilization for nonlinear systems, a research area currently enjoying intense activity and success, and an analysis of the “steady-state response” of a nonlinear system to a driving input. In section 3, we sketch our solution to the problem of existence of such a steady-state response using center manifold methods, from which the regulator equations can be derived mutatis mutandis.
Chemotypic variation in oshá (Ligusticum porteri) in Colorado, USA

Abstract Ligusticum porteri (osha) is an important wild-harvested medicinal plant. Populations of this plant occur in meadows and forest understories in the subalpine and montane zones of the Rocky Mountains. We examined variation in the bioactive compounds of 44 methanolic extracts of L. porteri roots harvested from eleven populations in Colorado, USA during 2012 and 2015. Populations were found in two distinct regions of Colorado, the Front Range and Western Slope. We also classified population light environment as either meadow or understory based on the mean percent of full-sun photosynthetically active radiation above plants. We used high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to quantify variation in five secondary metabolites: Z-ligustilide, trans-ferulic acid, (Z/E)-3-butylidenephthalide, isovanillin and elemicin. Variation between sampling years was found for trans-ferulic acid, elemicin and (E)-3-butylidenephthalide. Root extracts from the Front Range had more than double the mean relative concentrations of (Z)-ligustilide than root extracts from plants on the Western Slope of Colorado. Our results demonstrate distinct chemotypes in L. porteri, and this could have therapeutic effects because (Z)-ligustilide is the major bioactive compound in this species.
Amniotic Fluid Stem Cells for the Treatment of Surgical Disorders in the Fetus and Neonate

Over the past decade, amniotic fluid-derived stem cells have emerged as a novel experimental approach aimed at improving outcomes in children with congenital anomalies, including spina bifida, heart defects, and diaphragmatic hernia. Interest in these cells for the treatment of prenatally diagnosed diseases has arisen based on numerous studies demonstrating the relative ease of harvesting an abundant quantity of amniocytes from a small aliquot of fluid, the unique properties of amniocytes themselves, and the beneficial effects of amniotic fluid-derived stem cells in experimental animal models. This report gives a brief overview of the rationale and current status of amniotic fluid stem cell-based therapies, focusing on its relevance to birth defects affecting the fetus and neonate. The author proposes a roadmap for further study that would be required prior to clinical application of amniotic fluid stem cell technologies. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2018;7:767-773.
Phase 1/2 study of combination therapy with pexidartinib and sirolimus to target tumor-associated macrophages in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors.

TPS11070Background: Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are generally resistant to chemotherapy. Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) play a role in MPNST growth and include c-KIT, PDGFR,...
The Prophetic and the Prosperous: Religious Ideologies and the Maintenance of Group Consciousness:

Integral to the development of group consciousness is the establishment of independent entities, which allow individuals to develop a common identity and solidarity. In the case of African American...
A Cross-Stack QoS Routing Approach For Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks

In this paper, we utilize a novel cross-stackc design that factors in the dynamics of the underwater channel to optimize the single-hop performance amongst multiple node pairs. This will result in a set of links that meet or exceed QoS requirements, which is further leveraged for network discovery and energy-efficient routing with minimum end-to-end packet delay. Thus, our proposed routing approach will provide means to guarantee application-specific QoS while also maximizing the network lifetime. Simulation experiments were conducted to validate the approach in a shallow water multipath environment.
Solvent-dependent transition from concerted electron–proton to proton transfer in photoinduced reactions between phenols and polypyridine Ru complexes with proton-accepting sites

The bimolecular rate coefficients (kobsq) for quenching the metal-to-ligand charge transfer excited states of two Ru polypyridine complexes containing H-bond accepting sites by six p-substituted phenols exhibit abrupt deviations from the expected linear correlations of log kobsq with phenol's Hammett σp constant. This pattern is attributed to a transition of the quenching mechanism from a concerted electron–proton transfer (EPT) to a proton transfer (PT); the latter becomes predominant for the most acidic phenols in acetonitrile, but not in dichloromethane. This assertion is supported by a detailed thermochemical analysis, which also excludes the quenching pathways involving electron transfer from phenols with or without deprotonation of phenols to the solvent, either concerted or sequential. The transition from EPT to PT upon the σp increase is consistent/supported by the magnitudes of the measured and computed PhOH/OD kinetic isotope effects and by the observed reduction of the EPT product yields upon replacing the low σp methoxyphenol by the high σp nitrophenol. In addition to modulating the relative contribution of the EPT and PT quenching pathways, the solvent strongly affects the bimolecular rate coefficients for the EPT quenching proper. Unlike with H-atom transfer reactions, this kinetic solvent effect could not be quantitatively accounted for by the phenol-solvent H-bonding alone, which suggests a solvent effect on the H-bonding constants in the phenol-Ru complex precursor exciplexes and/or on the unimolecular EPT rate coefficients within these exciplexes.
Valence- and Conduction-Band Offsets for Atomic-Layer-Deposited Al 2 O 3 on (010) (Al 0.14 Ga 0.86 ) 2 O 3

The wide-bandgap ternary (AlxGa1−x)2O3 forms a heterostructure system with Ga2O3 that is attracting attention for modulation-doped field-effect transistors. The options for gate dielectric on (AlxGa1−x)2O3 are limited by the need for adequate band offsets at the heterointerface. Al2O3 deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) is one option due to its large bandgap (6.9 eV). We measured the valence-band offset at the Al2O3/(Al0.14Ga0.86)2O3 heterointerface using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Al2O3 was deposited by ALD onto single-crystal β-(Al0.14Ga0.86)2O3 (bandgap 5.0 eV) grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). The valence-band offset was determined to be 0.23 ± 0.04 eV (straddling gap, type I alignment) for ALD Al2O3 on β-(Al0.14Ga0.86)2O3. The conduction-band offset was 1.67 ± 0.30 eV, providing good electron confinement.
A retrospective study of hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) FUDR/Dex and mitomycin C (MMC) for chemotherapy refractory unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (ICC).

432Background: ICC are aggressive tumors with approximately 6,000 cases a year in US. The 5-year survival rate is less than 30% even for localized disease. There is only one approved line of system...
The Effect of Confirmation Bias on Auditors’ Risk Assessments: Archival Evidence

Experimental research in accounting provides extensive evidence that auditors’ judgments are negatively affected by the use of heuristics. However, there is little research investigating whether the negative effects of using heuristics manifest in practice and survive the quality control processes that regulators and audit firms have in place to mitigate them. In this study, we focus on one such heuristic – confirmation bias – and identify a setting where the effects of auditors’ use of this heuristic are likely to manifest. Our findings indicate that auditors with previous experience auditing a client with a history of low risk followed by an increase in risk do not adequately respond to the higher level of risk. Consistent with expectations, we find that this effect is mitigated when the risk increase is likely to violate auditors’ reasonableness constraint, when the client is highly visible or has high institutional holdings, and when the auditor is a Big Four or industry specialist auditor. Our study complements prior experimental research by providing evidence that auditors’ use of heuristics has an economically significant effect on auditor judgments in practice and that the negative effects of using heuristics can survive the quality control processes that audit firms have in place.
Intracardiac Echocardiography-Guided Biopsy of a Left Ventricular Mass.

Abstract Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) has been used to guide percutaneous biopsies of atrial masses. However, the use of ICE to direct left ventricular mass sampling has not been described. This clinical vignette illustrates the role of ICE-guided left ventricular biopsy in establishing a definitive diagnosis after a failed computed tomography–guided lung mass biopsy. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.)
An assessment of the impact of geographic variation on resection rates and survival for early-stage pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

e15052 Background: Pancreatic resection is the only known curative option for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Resection has been previously reported to be underutilized in patients with early stage dise...
Spectrally dependent linear depolarization and lidar ratios for nonspherical smoke aerosols

Abstract We use the numerically exact T-matrix method to model light scattering and absorption by aged smoke aerosols at lidar wavelengths ranging from 355 to 1064 nm assuming the aerosols to be smooth spheroids or Chebyshev particles. We show that the unique spectral dependence of the linear depolarization ratio (LDR) and extinction-to-backscatter ratio (or lidar ratio, LR) measured recently for stratospheric Canadian wildfire smoke can be reproduced by a range of model morphologies, a range of spectrally dependent particle refractive indices, and a range of particle sizes. For these particles, the imaginary part of the refractive index is always less than (or close to) 0.035, and the corresponding real part always falls in the range [1.35, 1.65]. The measured spectral LDRs and LRs could be produced by nearly-spherical oblate spheroids or Chebyshev particles whose shapes resemble those of oblate spheroids. Their volume-equivalent effective radii should be large enough (reff = 0.3 µm or greater) to produce the observed enhanced LDRs. Our study demonstrates the usefulness of triple-wavelength LDR measurements as providing additional size information for a more definitive characterization of the particle morphology and composition. Non-zero LDR values indicate the presence of nonspherical aerosols and are highly sensitive to particle shapes and sizes. On the other hand, the LR is a strong function of absorption and is very responsive to changes in the particle refractive index.
Testing Presence-Absence Associations in the Microbiome using the LDM and PERMANOVA

Background: Most methods for testing microbiome associations with covariates of interest (e.g., clinical outcomes or environmental factors) assumed that the associations are driven by changes in relative abundance of species. However, it is also well known that many associations are driven by changes in presence-absence of species. The analysis of presence-absence associations faces a unique challenge, which is confounding by library size (i.e., sequencing depth). Currently, there is a lack of robust and efficient methods for testing presence-absence associations. Methods: PERMANOVA is a commonly used distance-based method for testing hypotheses at the community level. We have also developed the linear decomposition model (LDM) that unifies the community-level and OTU-level tests into one framework. Here we present a strategy that can be used with both PERMANOVA and the LDM for testing presence-absence associations. We propose to rarefy the OTU table such that all samples have the same library size, and then apply PERMANOVA to a presence-absence-type of distance based on the rarefied table or the LDM directly to the rarefied table; we repeat the process for a number of randomly rarefied tables and sum up the test statistics over the replicates. The flexible nature of PERMANOVA and the LDM allows discrete or continuous traits or interactions to be tested and extra confounding covariates to be adjusted. Results: Our simulations indicate that the proposed strategy is robust to any systematic differences in library size. Using simulation, we also explored the optimal number of rarefactions that maintains a good balance between statistical power and computation time. Additionally, we provided practical guidelines on how to select the rarefaction depth. Finally, we illustrated our strategy through an analysis of the data on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that have differential library sizes between cases and controls.
Analysis on postoperative bleeding risk factors of elderly kidney stone patients with PCNL

Objective To explore the risk factors for postoperative bleeding in kidney stones patients with percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL),and provide a reference for clinical treatment.Methods Retrospective review was conducted to get clinical data of 50 cases of kidney stones patients with PCNL in our hospital from January 2010 to December 2012,and analyzed the factors that may affect bleeding (gender,liver function insufficiency,diabetes,high blood pressure,blood creatinine,stones shape,degree of hydronephrosis,urinary tract infections,surgical time,renal insufficiency,puncture path).Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze a variety of factors and the relationship between blood transfusion,so as to identify the major risk factors affecting bleeding.Results 95.57％ of the patients with the PCNL postoperative disposable completely stone,no obvious postoperative adverse reactions found,and efficacy in patients had good prognosis.Logistic regression analysis found that the major risk factors leading to the PCNL postoperative bleeding were stones shape,surgery,diabetes and renal insufficiency (P =0.000,0.041,0.006,0.004).Conclusion Patients with kidney stones need to be controlled with blood sugar levels before surgery,recovery of renal function and reduce the operation time,thus reducing the risk of postoperative bleeding. Key words: Kidney stones; Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL); Bleeding; Risk factors
Primary Low-Grade Astrocytoma of the Spine With Secondary Cerebral Metastasis: A Case Report and Comprehensive Review of the Literature.

An astrocytoma is a subclassification of glioma, with primary spinal manifestations accounting for less than 10% of all spinal cord tumors, with the majority encompassing low-grade features. It is even more uncommon for such lesions to demonstrate intracerebral metastasis. We report such an occurrence in a 39-year-old female who initially presented with an intramedullary and intradural mass from T10-L1, as well as secondary metastasis to the mesial right temporal lobe and cerebellum upon clinical follow-up. Surgical resection of the spine and subsequent temporal lobe biopsy confirmed high-grade glioma. Given the rarity and poor prognosis of spinal gliomas with cerebral metastasis, we also summarize all previously reported cases to date. We recommend that physicians maintain an index of suspicion for spinal gliomas in young patients with cord compression related symptoms outside the event of traumatic injury.
Price Determinants of Scholarly Business Books: An Econometric Model

This study examines important factors affecting the price of scholarly books in the business disciplines. The data consist of over 2800 titles in areas of Accounting, Economics, Finance, Management...
Vibrational detection of delamination in composites using a combined finite element analysis and machine learning approach

One common challenge of using composite materials is detecting delamination failure in a non-destructive and cost-effective way. Past studies have proven the feasibility of using vibrational measurements to detect damage but have not explored the full capabilities and limitations of vibrational testing. Here, we use a finite element model of a composite plate to characterize the natural frequency, mode shape, and mode curvature tests for a variety of delamination scenarios. We find that the mode curvature test is resource-intensive to conduct but provides the best resolution in both identifying and localizing delamination. On the other hand, the natural frequency test is simple and inexpensive to conduct but can only reliably identify the presence of delamination. Additionally, a machine learning model is implemented to augment the natural frequency test, allowing both localization of damage and quantification of its severity with only the natural frequencies of modes 1–6. We are able to interpret our model and discover a phase transition for natural frequencies with different sized delaminations. This testing framework allows rapid non-destructive analysis for the iterative design of composites, accelerating the development of novel delamination-resistant materials.
Considerations for Size, Surface Charge, Polymer Degradation, Co‐Delivery, and Manufacturability in the Development of Polymeric Particle Vaccines for Infectious Diseases

Vaccines have advanced human health for centuries. To improve upon the efficacy of subunit vaccines they have been formulated into nano/microparticles for infectious diseases. Much progress in the field of polymeric particles for vaccine formulation has been made since the push for a tetanus vaccine in the 1990s. Modulation of particle properties such as size, surface charge, degradation rate, and the co-delivery of antigen and adjuvant has been used. This review focuses on advances in the understanding of how these properties influence immune responses to injectable polymeric particle vaccines. Consideration is also given to how endotoxin, route of administration, and other factors influence conclusions that can be made. Current manufacturing techniques involved in preserving vaccine efficacy and scale-up are discussed, as well as those for progressing polymeric particle vaccines toward commercialization. Consideration of all these factors should aid the continued development of efficacious and marketable polymeric particle vaccines.
The current state of vascular surgery presence and educational content in Google and YouTube internet search results

Abstract Background Information on the internet regarding vascular disease has not been extensively assessed. Our goal was to compile and appraise the information available via Google and YouTube searches regarding various topics of interest for vascular surgeons (VS) and related procedures with a focus on the role of the VS. Methods The Google and YouTube platforms were independently queried for 25 keywords/phrases relating to common vascular diagnoses and procedures by two separate researchers from March to July 2019. Paid advertisements or a Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) webpage or affiliated video in the first 25 results was documented. Results were reviewed for information regarding the responsible medical specialty and the target audience, and disease-related information (screening, risk factors, risk reduction, diagnostic testing, operative treatment, alternative treatment, follow-up, complications, and recovery). Results From the Google search, 357 unique domains of 1241 total webpages were identified with 75% directed toward the public. An SVS page was present in 56% of the first-page results and least likely to be present in searches for claudication, gangrene, carotid stent, rib resection, and thrombolysis. VS were mentioned as referral physicians in 56% of the 68% of websites that mentioned a specialty, endovascular specialists/interventional radiology in 20%, and cardiothoracic surgeons in 19%. Only 4% of the websites contained information from all categories, with the greatest number for aortic dissection. Advertisements were present in 18% of all searches (most commonly for “varicose vein,” “varicose vein surgery,” and “inferior vena cava filter”). From YouTube, 1247 search results (613 unique videos) were evaluated with 64% directed toward the public. An SVS affiliated video was present in 36% of searches. In the 47% of videos where a specialty was mentioned, 56% mentioned VS, interventional radiology in 10%, and cardiothoracic surgeons in 7%. Only 0.24% of the videos contained information from all categories. The greatest number of content categories was in videos related to peripheral arterial disease. Across both platforms, dialysis access searches yielded results with the least number of content categories. Conclusions Patient-related information regarding vascular surgical topics is readily available on the internet, but the content is highly variable and not comprehensive. Only half of the searches mention VS as the referral physician of choice or authority for these medical conditions. Further efforts should focus on developing the online presence of vascular surgery, improving the quality of education of vascular disease on the internet, and directing patients to the vascular specialists to treat these conditions.
Development of Geospatial Processing Frameworks for Sentinel-1, -2 Satellite Data

To monitor changes in the landscapes at local to regional scales, a large amount of multi-temporal remote sensing products are required for the analysis. Due to the frequent need for remote sensing-based results, research as well as commercial organizations required automated, faster and more efficient methods for downloading and subsequently, processing the enormous amount of such remote sensing datasets. In this study, we have designed and developed geospatial data processing frameworks enriched with automated data search, download, and processing of Sentinel-1,-2 data. The analysis-ready outputs i.e. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) and radar backscatter $(\sigma^{\circ})$ etc. are essential in operational remote sensing use cases such as crop area, crop health, crop loss mapping. The overall framework for Sentinel-1,-2 has been successfully implemented in the Python programming environment.
Oxytocin and addiction: potential glutamatergic mechanisms.

Recently, oxytocin (OXT) has been investigated for its potential therapeutic role in addiction. OXT has been found to diminish various drug-seeking and drug-induced behaviors. Although its behavioral effects are well-established, there is not much consensus on how this neuropeptide exerts its effects. Previous research has given thought to how dopamine (DA) may be involved in oxytocinergic mechanisms, but there has not been as strong of a focus on the role that glutamate (Glu) has. The glutamatergic system is critical for the processing of rewards and the disruption of glutamatergic projections produces the behaviors seen in drug addicts. We introduce the idea that OXT has direct effects on Glu transmission within the reward processing pathway. Thus, OXT may reduce addictive behaviors by restoring abnormal drug-induced changes in the glutamatergic system and in its interactions with other neurotransmitters. This review offers insight into the mechanisms through which a potentially viable therapeutic target, OXT, could be used to reduce addiction-related behaviors.
Validation and Application of a Benchtop Cell Sorter in a Biosafety Level 3 Containment Setting

Introduction: Fluorescent-activated cell sorting (FACS) is often the most appropriate technique to obtain pure populations of a cell type of interest for downstream analysis. However, aerosol dropl...
Resisting White Resilience in the Academy

In thinking about allyship in the academy, I find Shauntae Brown White’s recent commentary instructive. She remarks that the answer is simple: to “do the right thing,” allies must “offer support, r...
Estimating Peer Effects on Health in Social Networks

We recently showed that obesity can spread socially from person to person in adults (Christakis and Fowler 2007). A natural question to ask is whether or not these results generalize to a population of adolescents. Three separate teams of researchers have analyzed the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) and shown evidence of person-to-peron spread of obesity, but they use different methods and disagree on the interpretation of their results. Here, we conduct our own analysis of the Add Health data, provide additional evidence from the Framingham Heart Study on the social spread of obesity, and use Monte Carlo simulations to test the econometric methods we use to model peer effects. The results show that the existence of peer effects in body mass is robust to several specifications in both adults and in adolescents.
Biology of Nerve Injury

The variable outcomes following nerve injury reflect a complex and imperfect physiological response with a slow and inefficient regenerative process. The interaction between regenerating axons, supportive glial cells, and target organelles – all key to successful axonal elongation – may depend on but not limited to trauma severity, level of injury, host factors, and reparative efforts.
Conditional Transit Signal Priority for Connected Transit Vehicles

Connected vehicle (CV) technologies enable safe and interoperable wireless communication among vehicles and the infrastructure with the possibility to run many applications that can improve safety,...
Two Micron Laser Technology Advancements at NASA Langley Research Center

An Independent Laser Review Panel set up to examine NASA s space-based lidar missions and the technology readiness of lasers appropriate for space-based lidars indicated a critical need for an integrated research and development strategy to move laser transmitter technology from low technical readiness levels to the higher levels required for space missions. Based on the review, a multiyear Laser Risk Reduction Program (LRRP) was initiated by NASA in 2002 to develop technologies that ensure the successful development of the broad range of lidar missions envisioned by NASA. This presentation will provide an overview of the development of pulsed 2-micron solid-state laser technologies at NASA Langley Research Center for enabling space-based measurement of wind and carbon dioxide.
Microgrid inclusions to increase the strength and stiffness of sand

Abstract Presented within this paper are the results and analysis of a series of triaxial compression tests evaluating the mechanical properties of poorly-graded sand mixed with randomly-oriented, small grid inclusions (“microgrids”), of various concentrations and aspect ratios. Addition of the relatively stiff microgrids, coupled with frictional interaction and interlocking of the sand grains within grid apertures enabled improved strength and stiffness of the reinforced composites at low confining pressures. Microgrid reinforcement mixture increased soil internal angle of friction from 5 to 10°, as well as the secant modulus by up to 50%. Aspect ratio and grid concentration exhibited effects on mechanical behavior, presenting the most benefit for large aspect ratios and concentrations of 0.5% by weight. Concentration must be optimized since larger grid concentrations may exhibit interference with one another, realizing less granular interlock and interface friction. Interlock of the microgrids and soil grains employs frictional mechanisms similar to geogrids where large interface friction may be mobilized when grid transverse member thickness and/or aperture are of comparable size to the mean grain size of the surrounding soil. However, unlike geogrids, soil composite behavior is better realized when inclusions are mixed homogenously with random orientations throughout a soil.
ANALISIS PERSAINGAN PENDIDIKAN TINGGI DI BATAM DARI PERSPEKTIF POLITEKNIK BATAM

Abstrak: Perguruan tinggi vokasi dihadapkan pada tuntutan untuk meningkatkan kontribusi dan relevansinya dalam peningkatan daya saing kawasan industri di Batam dan sekitarnya melalui dukungan sumber daya manusia. Selain itu, perguruan tinggi vokasi di Batam juga dihadapkan pada tantangan untuk menemukan formula yang tepat untuk ditawarkan kepada masyarakat. Oleh sebab itu, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis persaingan yang dihadapi oleh perguruan tinggi di Batam dan kemudian secara khusus memetakan posisi Politeknik Batam di tengah perguruan tinggi lainnya. Data dianalisis dengan teknik dskriptif kualitatif dan kuantitatif yang berupa statistik deskriptif. Berdasarkan hasil survei kepada 1970 lulusan SMA dan yang sederajat dan studi dokumen kliping koran selama satu tahun, penelitian ini mengindikasikan ketatnya tingkat persaingan pendidikan tinggi di Batam dilihat dari lima kekuatan Porter. Lebih lanjut, hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pendidikan tinggi vokasi di Batam berada pada kondisi yang lemah dengan kompetitor yang lebih unggul. Kata Kunci: kompetisi, positioning, pendidikan vokasi
Physiological benefits of nectar feeding by a predatory beetle

Extrafloral nectar is an important food source for many animals, including predatory lady beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), although the physiological benefits of nectar consumption are poorly understood for most consumers. Under laboratory conditions, we confined new females of Coleomegilla maculata, a North American lady beetle, to Vicia faba plants with or without extrafloral nectaries for 10 days; after this, the beetles were moved onto a high-quality diet for an additional 15 days. Survival, fecundity, and oocyte size and development before and after consuming a high-quality diet were compared between treatments. Colorimetric assays were used to quantify the glycogen and lipid reserves of the beetles before and after exposure to a high-quality diet. Extrafloral nectar increased the survival of C. maculata by 50%, and increased fecundity by 30%, over starved individuals. Oocytes prior to and following exposure to a high-quality diet were significantly larger in females fed nectar than in females that were not fed nectar. Finally, glycogen reserves were higher following the prey-free period in the nectar-fed treatment than the starved treatment, but this deficiency did not persist once a high-quality diet was provided. We conclude that nectar improves the survival and nutrient reserves of predators during periods of prey scarcity, and that the availability of nectar during these periods improves the long-term reproductive capacity of predators. © 2011 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2011, 104, 661–669.
A PROJECTION OF THE EFFECTS OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES ON HIGHWAY ACCIDENT STATISTICS

The paper develops estimates of the number of accidents, injuries, and fatalities which might result from introduction of electric and hybrid vehicles into the general passenger vehicle fleet. The desirability of imposing existing or new safety standards on these vehicles is considered. It is concluded that most of the current motor vehicle safety standards would have to be modified or waived in part in order for electric vehicles to satisfy the letter of the law. The preliminary analysis presented here indicates that selected waiving of safety regulations would not significantly increase the probability of serious injury and death in urban applications.
Adaptive coarse coding for neural network controllers

Examines a class of neuron based learning systems for dynamic control that rely on adaptive range coding of sensor inputs. Sensors are assumed to provide range coded vectors that coarsely describe the system state. These vectors are input to neuron-like processing elements. Output decisions generated by these 'neurons' in turn affect the system state, subsequently producing new inputs. Reinforcement signals from the environment are received at various intervals and evaluated. The range boundaries adapt to form a topological map relating sensor inputs to the control outputs. This is an improvement over current rigid rectilinear partitioning methods. Preliminary experiments show the promise of adapting 'neural receptive fields' when learning dynamical control. The observed performance with this method exceeds that of earlier approaches. >
Built-in self-test mode in a multi-path feedforward compensated operational amplifier

A non-invasive methodology of built-in self-test (BIST) has been presented for analog integrated circuits where there are no pins dedicated to introduce test modes or monitor BIST mode results. In this application BIST signature is binary coded to isolate the fault location precisely. This technique is successfully implemented in a 5-stage multi-path feed forward operational amplifier in a standard package when no dedicated pin is available for inducing or monitoring BIST. The implementation uses a calibration phase which makes this technique process variation tolerant.
Analysis and synthesis of a class of neuron networks: linear systems operating in saturated modes

An investigation was conducted of the qualitative properties of a class of neural networks described by a system of first-order linear ordinary differential equations which are defined on a closed hypercube of the state space with solutions extended to the boundary of the hypercube. When solutions are located on the boundary of the hypercube, the system is said to be in a saturated mode. The class of systems considered retains the basic structure of the Hopfield model but is easier to analyze, synthesize, and implement. An efficient analysis method is developed which can be used to completely determine the set of asymptotically stable equilibrium points and the set of unstable equilibrium points. The latter set can be used to estimate the domains of attraction for the elements of the former set. A synthesis procedure that was developed previously by the authors is modified and applied to the present class of neural networks. The class of systems considered herein can easily be implemented in analog integrated circuits. >
Flexibility and competitive advantage – manufacturing becomes a service business

Much has been reported about the seeming inability of many firms to attain the expected level of benefits from their investments in CIM and FMS technology. Some of the blame has been placed on inappropriate expectations, some on bad project management, and some on errors in the analytical methods used to evaluate and justify the investments. AU of these 'errors' undoubtedly contribute to the problem; but we believe that two more fundamental difficulties are at issue: (1) a failure to understand fully the strategic and organizational changes that must accompany the new technology; and (2) a failure to understand the essential new role of information technology in the integration of engineering, manufacturing and marketing and in the design of flexible manufacturing systems. As yet, few managers see the relationship between flexibility on the factory floor on the one hand, and strategic flexibility in the organisation, and the marketplace, on the other. Nor is such flexibility widely enough viewed as a source of competitive advantage. This paper will briefly discuss the evolution of manufacturing technology and management to highlight how traditional constraints and relationships between manufacturing, engineering and marketing are changed by computer technology. We will then focus on how manufacturing operations are changed, and a new economics of production created. Finally, we will describe a new philosophy for manufacturing along with the new strategies they permit, and the organisation designs and management systems that are required; and made possible, by the utilisation of information technology.
Admission hypomagnesemia and hypermagnesemia increase the risk of acute kidney injury

AbstractBackground: The association between admission serum magnesium (Mg) levels and risk of in-hospital acute kidney injury (AKI) is limited. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of developing AKI in all hospitalized patients with various admission Mg levels. Methods: This is a single-center retrospective study conducted at a tertiary referral hospital. All hospitalized adult patients who had admission Mg available from January to December 2013 were analyzed in this study. Admission Mg was categorized based on its distribution into six groups (less than 1.5, 1.5–1.7, 1.7–1.9, 1.9–2.1, 2.1–2.3 and greater than 2.3 mg/dL). The primary outcome was in-hospital AKI occurring after hospital admission. Logistic regression analysis was performed to obtain the odds ratio of AKI of various admission Mg levels using Mg with lowest AKI incidence (1.9–2.1 mg/dL) as the reference group. Results: Of 9241 patients enrolled, AKI occurred in 1124 patients (12.2%). The lowest incidence of AKI was when serum Mg was...
Are Student Evaluations of Teaching Effectiveness Valid for Measuring Student Learning Outcomes in Business Related Classes? A Neural Network and Bayesian Analyses

In this study we investigate the underlying relational structure between student evaluations of teaching effectiveness (SETEs) and achievement of student learning outcomes in 116 business related courses. Utilizing traditional statistical techniques, a neural network analysis and a Bayesian data reduction and classification algorithm, we find little or no support for the validity of SETEs as a general indicator of teaching effectiveness or student learning. In fact, the underlying structure appears to be non-linear and possibly negatively bimodal where the most effective instructors are within the middle percentiles of student course ratings, while instructors receiving ratings in the top quintile or the bottom quintile are associated with significantly lower levels of student achievement.
Lactosylceramide promotes hypertrophy through ROS generation and activation of ERK1/2 in cardiomyocytes

Hypertrophy is central to several heart diseases; however, not much is known about the role of glycosphingolipids (GSLs) in this phenotype. Since GSLs have been accorded several physiological functions, we sought to determine whether these compounds affect cardiac hypertrophy. By using a rat cardiomyoblast cell line, H9c2 cells and cultured primary neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, we have determined the effects of GSLs on hypertrophy. Our study comprises (a) measurement of [3H]-leucine incorporation into protein, (b) measurement of cell size and morphology by immunofluorescence microscopy and (c) real-time quantitative mRNA expression assay for atrial natriuretic peptide and brain natriuretic peptide. Phenylephrine (PE), a well-established agonist of cardiac hypertrophy, served as a positive control in these studies. Subsequently, mechanistic studies were performed to explore the involvement of various signaling transduction pathways that may contribute to hypertrophy in these cardiomyocytes. We observed that lactosylceramide specifically exerted a concentration- (50–100 µM) and time (48 h)-dependent increase in hypertrophy in cardiomyocytes but not a library of other structurally related GSLs. Further, in cardiomyocytes, LacCer generated reactive oxygen species, stimulated the phosphorylation of p44 mitogen activated protein kinase and protein kinase-C, and enhanced c-jun and c-fos expression, ultimately leading to hypertrophy. In summary, we report here that LacCer specifically induces hypertrophy in cardiomyocytes via an “oxygen-sensitive signal transduction pathway.”
Conversion of methylcyclopentane and acyclic hexanes over supported platinum catalysts. II: Partial pressure and temperature effects on the formation of methylcyclopentane from the three acyclic hexanes

Abstract The sequential reaction model proposed in Part I (J. Cutal. 112, 290 (1988)) of this series for the isomerization of acyclic hexanes via five-ring intermediates is supported by studies of the partial pressure and reaction temperature effects on methylcyclopentane (MCP) formation from n-hexane (nC6), 2-methylpentane (2MP), and 3-methylpentane (3MP). MCP concentration is found to increase linearly with increasing phexane/PH2 ratio as predicted by the model. Enhanced MCP formation with increasing hexane partial pressure and with decreasing hydrogen partial pressure results from an increase in the surface concentration of the five-ring intermediates. Enhanced surface coverage by five-ring intermediates is accompanied by a decrease in hydrogenolysis presumably by reducing the surface coverage of the 3C intermediates. The sequential reaction model for the acyclic hexanes also predicts a linear relationship between ln[MCP] and 1 T with the slope of the line giving the activation energy difference between ring closure and ring opening reactions. Experimental results are in excellent agreement with this prediction. Activation energy differences between ring closure and ring opening reactions indicate that the five-ring closure between two primary carbon atoms (2MP and 3MP) has a somewhat higher activation energy than five-ring closure between a primary and a secondary carbon atom (nC6). Differences between five-ring closures of 2MP and 3MP and nC6 are also evidenced by changes in reaction rates with decreasing hydrogen partial pressure and increasing reaction temperature. The relative nC6 concentration from either MCP ring opening or 2MP and 3MP isomerization decreases with time on stream and with decreasing hydrogen partial pressure. These observations, together with results of MCP ring opening over Pt/TiO2 catalysts, suggest that a carbonaceous layer deposited on the Pt surface during reaction sterically hinders the formation of MCP-like five-ring intermediates having tertiary-secondary CC bonds bound to the Pt surface.
Nonintersecting paths, pfaffians, and plane partitions

Gessel and Viennot have developed a powerful technique for enumerating various classes of plane partitions. The purpose of this article is to show by similar means that one may use pfaffiants to enumerate configurations of nonintersecting paths in which the initial and/or terminal vertices of the paths are allowed to vary over specified regions of the digraph. This leads to the possibility of enumerating classes of plane partitions in which the shape is allowed to vary, whereas the previous applications of Gessel and Viennot were largely confined to plane partitions of a given shape
Structural and Functional Organization of the DNA Polymerase of Bacteriophage T7

The 80-kDa gene 5 protein encoded by bacteriophage T7 shares significant amino acid homology with the large fragment of Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I (Klenow fragment). Like the Klenow fragment, T7 gene 5 protein has both DNA polymerase and 3′ to 5′ exonuclease activities. However, unlike the Klenow fragment, T7 gene 5 protein binds tightly to E. coli thioredoxin to form a complex that has a high processivity of nucleotide polymerization. In order to identify the domains of gene 5 protein responsible for polymerization, hydrolysis, and binding of thioredoxin, we have analyzed proteolytic fragments of gene 5 protein. Cleavage of the protein within one protease-sensitive region (residue 250-300) yields two molecular weight species of peptides of 32-37 and 43-51 kDa derived from the N-terminal and C-terminal region, respectively. DNA polymerase activity is found within the C-terminal fragments and exonuclease activity within the N-terminal fragments. Thioredoxin stimulates the DNA polymerase activity of the C-terminal fragments. All fragments bind to DNA. In addition to delineating the polymerase and exonuclease domains, the protease-sensitive region appears to interact with E. coli thioredoxin. Thioredoxin protects this region from proteolysis, and alteration of this region reduces the ability of thioredoxin to stimulate polymerase activity.
The Gap in Patient Protection for Outpatient Cosmetic Surgery

41. Medicare program: changes to the hospital outpatient prospective payment system and CY 2009 payment rates; changes to the ambulatory surgical center payment system and CY 2009 payment rates; hospital conditions of participation: requirements for approval and reapproval of transplant centers to perform organ transplants—clarification of provider and supplier termination policy Medicare andMedicaid programs: changes to the ambulatory surgical center conditions for coverage; final rule November 18, 2011. Fed Regist. 42 CFR §410, 416, 419.
Automated seed placement for colon segmentation in computed tomography colonography1

Rationale and objective To present an algorithm to automatically locate seeds for colon segmentation in computed tomography colonography (CTC). Materials and methods The algorithm automatically locates two points (seeds) inside the colon lumen. Because of their high distention and fixed anatomic position, we focus on the cecum and rectum for automatic seed placement. We use two-dimensional morphological operators that find pockets of colonic air of sufficient size. For the rectum, we search within an inferiorly and centrally located CT slice. For the cecum, we search in a group of CT slices in the middle of the scanned volume on the patient’s right side. We applied our automated algorithm to segment the colon in 292 consecutive cases of CTC (146 prone, 146 supine). Results After automated seed placement, 83.2% (243 of 292) of the colons were segmented completely and 9.6% (28 of 292) were segmented partially. The unsegmented colon parts were present in datasets where the colon was collapsed in more than one place or because seeds could not be placed in regions filled with fluid. In the remaining 7.2% (21 of 292) of cases, the automatic segmentation leaked outside the colon because of a limitation of the contrast-enhanced fluid detection algorithm. Conclusion Fully automatic seed placement for colonic segmentation is feasible in the majority of cases without seeding of undesired extracolonic air.