cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Health Related Quality of Life of Children with Refractory Epilepsy on the Ketogenic Diet (P3.244)

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the quality of life of patients with medically refractory epilepsy on the ketogenic diet is positively or negatively affected. BACKGROUND: The ketogenic diet (KD) is a low carbohydrate, high fat diet, which is an established treatment for medically refractory epilepsy that is strictly regulated and specific for individual patients. Due to the strictness and structure of the KD, the possibility of a negative impact on the health related quality of life (HRQOL) is a common concern for these patients. There have been no prior studies on HRQOL of KD patients using a validated tool. DESIGN/METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study assessing HRQOL in children, aged 4-17 years old, with medically refractory epilepsy using the Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy (QOLCE) questionnaire, a disease-specific instrument validated in pediatric epilepsy patients. The questionnaire was completed upon initiation of the KD and 3 months later for 10 patients as well as 10 control patients. Statistical analysis include univariable and multivariable analysis using general linear model with the change in scores as an outcome variable. RESULTS: At this time, Three patients have completed the QOLCE questionnaire at 0 and 3 months, with an increase in overall quality of life by an average 19.7 points, from 41.7 to 61.5 (maximum score 100 points ). At the end of the study, 20 patients will be enrolled. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results have shown improved quality on life on the ketogenic diet, in spite of strict dietary restrictions and modifications. Final results showing a better quality of life on the ketogenic diet might alleviate family’s qualms about the lifestyle changes required for the ketogenic diet. Disclosure: Dr. Rajaraman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lay has nothing to disclose. Dr. Murata has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sim has nothing to disclose. Dr. Matsumoto has nothing to disclose.
Success rates of 2-site phacoemulsification combined with fornix-based trabeculectomy using mitomycin C for primary angle-closure glaucoma and primary open-angle glaucoma in an Asian population

To determine the long-term outcomes of 2-site phacoemulsification combined with fornix-based trabeculectomy using mitomycin C (MMC) for primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in an Asian population. We reviewed the records of all patients with POAG or PACG who underwent phacoemulsification with trabeculectomy using MMC from January 2008 through December 2010 in a tertiary ophthalmology unit in Singapore. The primary outcome measure was cumulative success rates defined as complete [intraocular pressure (IOP) <21, 18, 15 mmHg without medication] and qualified (IOP <21, 18, 15 mmHg with at least 1 medication) success. In total, 168 eyes (110 POAG and 58 PACG) were included (43.5% female; mean age ± SD, 68.3 ± 8.2 years). The respective 3-year qualified success rates were 88.4, 79.3, and 52.5% for IOP <21, 18, and 15 mmHg. The corresponding complete success rates were 79.0, 70.9, and 51.1%. The mean 3-year postoperative IOP was 14.5 ± 4.4 mmHg, and the IOP reduction was significantly greater for PACG than for POAG eyes (P = 0.006). After surgery, the mean number of medications was significantly reduced and visual acuity, significantly improved (both P < 0.001). Occurrence of postoperative complications, higher number of topical medications, younger age, and presence of diabetes mellitus were significant risk factors for surgical failure. Two-site phacoemulsification combined with fornix-based trabeculectomy using MMC is a good surgical approach for Asian eyes with concomitant mild-to-moderate primary glaucoma and cataracts.
Cyclical Thinning of Black Phosphorus with High Spatial Resolution for Heterostructure Devices

A high spatial resolution, cyclical thinning method for realizing black phosphorus (BP) heterostructures is reported. This process utilizes a cyclic technique involving BP surface oxidation and vacuum annealing to create BP flakes as thin as 1.6 nm. The process also utilizes a spatially patternable mask created by evaporating Al that oxidizes to form Al2O3, which stabilizes the unetched BP regions and enables the formation of lateral heterostructures with spatial resolution as small as 150 nm. This thinning/patterning technique has also been used to create the first-ever lateral heterostructure BP metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET), in which half of a BP flake was thinned in order to increase its band gap. This heterostructure MOSFET showed an ON/OFF current ratio improvement of 1000× compared to homojunction MOSFETs.
Evaluating Promotional Dimensions of Energy-conservation Programmes by Utility Companies

Evaluations of the promotional aspects of utility energy-conservation programmes are discussed. The primary focus is on the results of promotion recall and market penetration in the context of a home energy audit programme. The findings suggest that targeted promotional efforts to maximize the net benefits of the home energy audit programme are needed.
Phase I Trial of Triapine-Cisplatin-Paclitaxel Chemotherapy for Advanced Stage or Metastatic Solid Tumor Cancers.

Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) is an enzyme involved in the de novo synthesis of deoxyribonucleotides, which are critical for DNA replication and DNA repair. Triapine is a small-molecule RNR inhibitor. A phase I trial studied the safety of triapine in combination with cisplatin-paclitaxel in patients with advanced stage or metastatic solid tumor cancers in an effort to capitalize on disrupted DNA damage repair. A total of 13 patients with a variety of previously-treated cancers were given a 96-hour continuous intravenous (i.v.) infusion of triapine (40-120 mg/m2) on day 1, and then 3-hour i.v. paclitaxel (80 mg/m2) followed by 1-hour i.v. cisplatin (50-75 mg/m2) on day 3. This combination regimen was repeated every 21 days. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) for each agent was identified to be triapine (80 mg/m2), cisplatin (50 mg/m2), and paclitaxel (80 mg/m2). Common grade 3 or 4 toxicities included reversible anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, or electrolyte abnormalities. The combination regimen of triapine-cisplatin-paclitaxel resulted in no objective responses; however, five (83%) of six patients treated at the MTD had stable disease between one and eight months duration. This phase I study showed that the combination regimen of triapine-cisplatin-paclitaxel was safe, and provides a rational basis for a follow-up phase II trial to evaluate efficacy and progression-free survival in women with metastatic or recurrent uterine cervix cancer.
Getting to the Heart of Masculinity Stressors: Masculinity Threats Induce Pronounced Vagal Withdrawal During a Speaking Task.

Previous work has found that traditional masculinity ideals and behaviors play a crucial role in higher rates of morbidity and mortality for men. Some studies also suggest that threatening men’s masculinity can be stressful. Over time, this stress can weigh on men’s cardiovascular and metabolic systems, which may contribute to men’s higher rates of cardiometabolic health issues. The purpose of this study is to explore how masculinity threats affect men’s heart rate and heart rate variability reactivity (i.e., vagal withdrawal) to masculinity feedback on a social speaking task. Two hundred and eighty-five undergraduate males were randomly assigned to one of six conditions during a laboratory-based speech task. They received one of two feedback types (masculinity or control) and one of three feedback levels (low, high, or dropping) in order to assess whether masculinity threats influence heart rate reactivity and vagal withdrawal patterns during the speech task. Men who receive low masculinity feedback during the speech task experienced more pronounced vagal withdrawal relative to those who received the control. Masculinity threats can induce vagal withdrawal that may accumulate over the life course to contribute to men’s relatively worse cardiometabolic health.
The American Nondelegation Doctrine

An American nondelegation doctrine is flourishing. Contrary to the standard account, it does not forbid Congress from granting broad discretion to executive agencies. Instead it is far narrower and more targeted. It says, very simply, that executive agencies cannot make certain kinds of decisions unless Congress has explicitly authorized them to do so. In so saying, the American nondelegation doctrine promotes the central goals of the standard doctrine, by preventing Congress from shirking and by requiring it to focus its attention on central questions, and also by protecting liberty. The abstract idea of “certain kinds of decisions” is currently filled in by, among other things, the canon of constitutional avoidance; the rule of lenity; and the presumptions against retroactivity and extraterritoriality. More recent nondelegation canons, not yet firmly entrenched, require agencies to consider costs and forbid them from interpreting statutes in a way that produces a large-scale increase in their regulatory authority. The cost-consideration canon makes a great deal of sense, especially as a way of disciplining the modern regulatory state; the “major questions doctrine,” as it is sometimes called, is less obviously correct. and its proper provenance depends on the nature of the relevant statute.
Separable Covariance Matrices and Kronecker Approximation

Abstract When a model structure allows for the error covariance matrix to be written in the form of the Kronecker product of two positive definite covariance matrices, the estimation of the relevant parameters is intuitive and easy to carry out. In many time series models, the covariance matrix does not have a separable structure. Van Loan and Pitsanis (1993) provide an approximation with Kronecker products. In this paper, we apply their method to estimate the parameters of a multivariate regression model with autoregressive errors. An illustrative example is also provided.
The pedagogical value and importance of applicable computational intensive scientific kernels in parallel computing: a case study

Case studies constitute a fundamental cornerstone in the formation, reinforcement and consolidation of knowledge. A good case study not only should approach a realistic, and applicable problem, but it should also include multidisciplinary concepts that will be beneficial to the student not only during their academic years but also during their career. This paper presents and highlights key elements associated with a widely studied, used, and important scientific kernel, the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). The focus is a complex single precision radix-2 FFT version of the algorithm, which forces the student to recall, or reinforce important concepts such as summations, signal symmetry, complex numbers, Euler's identity, radians, and signal decomposition among others. The problem under study is approached from three different perspectives, two of which correspond to a regular sequential solutions (not optimal, and optimal), and a parallel implementation on a Graphical Processing Unit (GPU).
An adaptive control for globally stabilizing linear systems with unknown high-frequency gains

This paper presents an algorithm for adaptively controlling a single-input, single-output process admitting an n-dimensional, minimum phase linear model of relative degree 1 or 2, with unknown parameters. Apriori knowledge of the sign of the model's high frequency gain is not required, and a sufficiently rich probing signal is not needed for stabilization.
Opportunities and limitations for ion beams in radiation effects studies: Bridging critical gaps between charged particle and neutron irradiations

Abstract Ion beams are indispensible for understanding radiation effects in materials, enabling access to conditions challenging to perform with neutrons. However, ion irradiations can produce potential artifacts from beam rastering, high displacement damage rate effective “temperature shifts”, subthreshold collisions, high ionization rates, and non-monoenergetic primary knock-on atom energies. The influence of near-surface denuded zones and implanted ion effects is analyzed, including diffusional broadening effects. At high ion irradiation energies, “swift heavy ion” effects can lead to enhanced defect production or recovery. Ion energies of 10–50 MeV typically offer a good compromise for minimizing near-surface, implanted ion, and swift heavy ion effects.
Online control basis selection by a regularized actor critic algorithm

Policy gradient algorithms are useful reinforcement learning methods which optimize a control policy by performing stochastic gradient descent with respect to controller parameters. In this paper, we extend actor-critic algorithms by adding an l 1 norm regularization on the actor part, which makes our algorithm automatically select and optimize the useful controller basis functions. Our method is closely related to existing approaches to sparse controller design and actuator selection, but in contrast to these, our approach runs online and does not require a plant model. In order to utilize l 1 regularization online, the actor updates are extended to include an iterative soft-thresholding step. Convergence of the algorithm is proved using methods from stochastic approximation. The effectiveness of our algorithm for control basis and actuator selection is demonstrated on numerical examples.
Macrophage metalloproteinases in destructive inflammatory diseases

Expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is associated with a variety of destructive diseases including atherosclerotic plaque rupture, abdominal aortic aneurysms, tumor invasion, arthritis, and emphysema. This has led to the hypothesis that aberrant expression of MMPs causes tissue destruction. The macrophage, intimately associated with these inflammatory diseases is a rich source of MMPs. Interestingly, both emphysema and aortic aneurysms are associated with macrophage infiltration and elastic fiber destruction. This paper will review the potential roles of macrophage MMPs in general, and macrophage elastase (MMP12) in particular, in the development of aneurysm formation and emphysema. The role of gene targeting will be discussed as a method to perform controlled experiments in mammals to determine the effects of macrophage MMPs in these disease processes.
Intermixing at Nin/Cu(001) interface and its effects on the magnetic properties of Ni

Abstract Effects of interfacial interdiffusion on electronic and magnetic properties of Ni n /Cu(0 0 1) system are studied by using the full-potential linearized-augmented-plane-wave method with the generalized-gradient approximation for the exchange correlation interactions. Three systems, namely NiCu/Cu(0 0 1), Ni 3 /NiCu/Cu(0 0 1), and NiCu/Ni 3 /Cu(0 0 1) are used to simulate the intermixing in Ni n /Cu(0 0 1). Ni atoms in NiCu/Cu(0 0 1) are magnetically dead, while magnetic moment of Ni atom is significantly reduced in the alloy layer to 0.19 μ B /atom in Ni 3 /NiCu/Cu(0 0 1) and to 0.57 μ B /atom in NiCu/Ni 3 /Cu(0 0 1).
Comparing Public Quality Ratings for Accredited and Nonaccredited Home Health Agencies

This was a descriptive study comparing 1,582 accredited and 10,008 nonaccredited home health agencies over a 3-year period using the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Home Health Compare d...
Model-Based Maximum Power Curves of Solar Photovoltaic Panels Under Partial Shading Conditions

This paper introduces a new model-based analytical method for locating the maximum power point (MPP) of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels under partial shading conditions. It also provides an analytical model to obtain maximum power line as a function of the panel voltage for changing weather conditions. A series of analytical equations that can accurately simulate a photovoltaic P – V or I – V curve under uniform and partial shading conditions are derived from established models. The proposed analytical model can subsequently determine the approximate location of all local maxima on a P – V or I – V curve and identify the global MPP to improve MPP tracking efficiency. Results show that the proposed analytical model for single and multiple maxima match experimental measurements on a PV panel. Loci of the MPP are also verified to be in close correlation between the proposed model, existing PV single-diode two-resistor model, and experiments.
Utility of Early-Onset Sepsis Risk Calculator for Neonates Born to Mothers with Chorioamnionitis.

Objectives To evaluate the performance of the early-onset sepsis (EOS) risk calculator in a cohort of neonates born to mothers with clinical chorioamnionitis, and to compare the diagnostic utility of the EOS calculator, clinical signs, and laboratory evaluations for correctly identifying EOS in this cohort. Study design This was a retrospective study of neonates born at ≥35 weeks of gestation to mothers with chorioamnionitis. The risk and management categories for all neonates were calculated using the EOS calculator, and these results were analyzed and compared with laboratory data and clinical signs. Results Of the 1159 neonates born to mothers with chorioamnionitis, 5 (0.43%) had culture-proven EOS. Data for calculation of EOS risk were available for 896 neonates, including the 5 neonates with culture-proven EOS. The management recommendation based on the calculator was no empiric antibiotic treatment for 67% of the neonates, including 2 of the 5 with EOS. All neonates with culture-proven EOS had abnormal complete blood counts and C-reactive protein levels at 6-12 hours. Three of the 5 neonates with EOS had clinical signs of sepsis. Conclusions The risk of EOS in neonates born to mothers with chorioamnionitis is low. The use of an EOS calculator may reduce the use of empiric antibiotics in chorioamnionitis-exposed neonates, but in our cohort, some neonates with culture-confirmed EOS would have been missed. A larger study is needed to evaluate whether limiting antibiotics to chorioamnionitis-exposed neonates with clinical and/or laboratory signs of infection can safely decrease antibiotic use.
Impact of uncoordinated plug-in electric vehicle charging on residential power demand

Electrification of transport offers opportunities to increase energy security, reduce carbon emissions, and improve local air quality. Plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) are creating new connections between the transportation and electric sectors, and PEV charging will create opportunities and challenges in a system of growing complexity. Here, I use highly resolved models of residential power demand and PEV use to assess the impact of uncoordinated in-home PEV charging on residential power demand. While the increase in aggregate demand might be minimal even for high levels of PEV adoption, uncoordinated PEV charging could significantly change the shape of the aggregate residential demand, with impacts for electricity infrastructure, even at low adoption levels. Clustering effects in vehicle adoption at the local level might lead to high PEV concentrations even if overall adoption remains low, significantly increasing peak demand and requiring upgrades to the electricity distribution infrastructure. This effect is exacerbated when adopting higher in-home power charging. Electrification of transport offers many benefits for the energy transition but introduces a number of complexities around the electric system. This study undertakes modelling of residential power demand and electric vehicle use to understand the impact of uncoordinated vehicle charging on the electricity load.
Capillary leak syndrome in Daboia russelii bite-a complication associated with poor outcome.

Background Capillary leak syndrome (CLS) has been previously observed as a complication of Daboia russelii bite but not clearly defined or studied in length. This observational case-control study evaluates the mortality along with associated clinical and laboratory features. Methods Twenty-five patients who developed CLS were compared with 25 patients without CLS following Daboia russelii (Russell's viper) bite. Results Development of CLS is associated with a significantly high risk of mortality; 11 (44%) patients with CLS died compared with 1 (4%) control (odds ratio 18.8 [95% confidence interval 2.2 to 161.99], p=0.002). Disease-defining manifestations included myalgia (22 [88%]), thirst (20 [80%]), parotid swelling (15 [60%]), conjunctival chemosis (19 [76%]) and hypotension (22 [88%]), which were unobserved in controls. Although several clinical and laboratory parameters were found to be predictive for development of CLS in univariate analysis, none of them had independent predictive value in multivariate analysis. Similarly, development of parotid swelling was the only factor with independent predictive value for mortality in multivariate analysis. Even though the number of vials of snake antivenom used is more in CLS, it seems unlikely to improve the mortality in CLS. Conclusions This study proves that CLS is a well-defined complication of Russell's viper bite with high mortality but with clear predictors for the development of CLS and mortality.
Aromatherapy, Physical and Movement-based Therapies on Symptom Management for Cancer Patients

Aromatherapy, physical and movement-based therapies have been used for centuries to promote health and well-being and manage both physical and psychological conditions. A large number of cancer patients have diminished levels of physical activity and suffer from various types of discomfort, including constipation, shortness of breath, anxiety, negative mood states, sleep disturbances, and fatigue. Randomized controlled trials provide evidence for the use of aromatherapy massage to reduce anxiety, relieve constipation, and improve quality of life, though trials investigating the use of the respiratory administration of aromatherapy among cancer patients have found limited use during radiation therapy and stem cell transplantation. Emerging evidence supports a variety of physical and movement-based therapies for relieving fatigue and improving quality of life, physical conditioning, and aerobic capacity among cancer patients. This chapter summarizes the evidence on the effectiveness of aromatherapy and select physical and movement-based therapies for use as supportive care for cancer patients. Actual case scenarios provide examples for integrating these therapies into clinical oncology care.
Enterprise reputation threats on social media: A case of data breach framing

Abstract Reputation threats on social media in the aftermath of a data breach is a critical concern to enterprises. We argue that any effort to minimize reputation threats will require an orderly assessment of how reputation threat manifests on social media. Drawing on crisis communication and social media literature, we analyze Twitter postings related to the 2014 Home Depot data breach. We identify a taxonomy of data breach frames and sub-frames and the related reputation threats as manifested by data breach responsibility-attributions and negative emotional responses. Results indicate that reputation threats vary for intentional, accidental, and victim data breach frames. Based on crisis stage theory, we also analyze the dynamics of evolving reputation threats as data breach situation unfolds on social media. Results suggest that the data breach frames and associated reputation threats vary across the crisis stages. Further, intentional and accidental frames increase subsequent responsibility-attributions and negative emotions. Tweets with responsibility-attributions further increase the subsequent generation of reputation-threatening tweets. Negative emotions, particularly anger and disgust, also increase subsequent reputation threats. Our study has implications for enterprise reputation management and word-of-mouth literature. The results yield valuable insights that can guide enterprise strategy for social media reputation management and post data breach intervention.
Tumor Immunology, Immunotherapy and Its Application to Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC)

Tumor immunology is a rapidly developing field and continues to expand with further understanding of the interplay between tumor cells and the immune system. The recent introduction of immunomodulatory agents into the treatment armamentarium for oncology has offered benefits to patients that previously had no therapeutic options. Understanding of the immune system during health and the response that occurs with diseases, such as infection, provided the basis for what is now known about how the immune system responds to developing and established tumors.
Development of a Unique Student Pharmacist Internship in a Primary Care Provider System

Purpose: To describe a unique pharmacy intern program in a group of federally qualified health center (FQHC) outpatient primary care provider clinics. Summary: A pharmacy intern program was created at the North Central Nursing Clinics in Indiana, a group of four FQHC outpatient primary care provider facilities. Intern-performed tasks included: Prior authorization (PA) requests, medication assistance program (MAP) applications, sample procurement and inventory, and contraceptive devices for implantation inventory management. Interns interacted with clinic administration, nurse practitioners, and medical staff to complete their assigned responsibilities. Over a one-year period, the interns completed documentation on more than 2000 charts during a combined 12 h a week. Interns identified the interprofessional interactions as the most beneficial experience, while providers acknowledged no difference in the processing of paperwork during the transition of duties from pharmacy fellow to intern. Conclusion: This unique pharmacy intern program was successfully created and implemented in a primary care provider office, resulting in learning opportunities for pharmacy interns, as well as operational efficiencies to fellows, providers, and the organization.
JAMINAN AKSES INFORMASI DALAM PERLINDUNGAN DAN PENGELOLAAN LINGKUNGAN HIDUP (REKOMENDASI PENGUATAN HAK AKSES INFORMASI LINGKUNGAN)

Abstrak Demokrasi deliberatif dalam pengelolaan dan perlindungan lingkungan hidup mensyaratkan adanya partisipasi masyarakat dalam menjawab kompleksitas lingkungan dan post-normal science. Untuk mencapai partisipasi yang ideal, akses masyarakat terhadap informasi lingkungan harus terpenuhi. Namun berbagai pembelajaran dari praktek menunjukkan bahwa implementasi akses informasi lingkungan yang telah ada saat ini masih jauh dari ideal. Tulisan ini mencoba menelaah secara normatif kekurangan-kekurangan yang ada dari kerangka hukum akses informasi lingkungan yang telah ada sekarang, baik dari sudut pandang hukum lingkungan maupun keterbukaan informasi. Lebih jauh, tulisan ini menyajikan pula beberapa alternatif yang dapat dilakukan untuk memperbaiki norma akses informasi lingkungan agar dapat lebih memfasilitasi partisipasi masyarakat dalam pembuatan hukum ke depannya. Abstract Deliberative democracy in environmental management and protection requires public participation in answering the environmental complexity and post-normal science. To achieve ideal participation, community access to environmental information shall be fulfilled. However, some lesson from the practice show that the current implementation of access to environmental information is still far from ideal. This Article tries to study normatively the weaknesses in the existing legal framework of environmental information access, either from the perspective of environmental law and information openness. Moreover, this Article also serve some alternatives that can be done to improve the access to environmental information norms so it can further facilitate community participation in the lawmaking ahead.
Religious coping and depressive symptoms among Black Americans living with HIV: An intersectional approach.

This exploratory quantitative study examined the association between religious coping and depressive symptoms among a sample of 216 Black Americans living with HIV (BALWH) in the Southeastern United States. Descriptive analyses and multiple linear regression were used to determine statistically significant associations between religious coping styles and depressive symptoms, and to investigate the potential of sexual orientation and gender to moderate the associations between religious coping styles and depressive symptoms. Negative religious coping, but not positive religious coping, significantly predicted depressive symptoms. Sexual orientation, but not gender, significantly moderated the association between positive religious coping and depressive symptoms so that the relationship was only significant for heterosexual BALWH. Implications of these findings for future research and clinical work with BALWH are discussed.
Sustainable Governance of Wildlife and Community-Based Natural Resource Management: From Economic Principles to Practical Governance

This book develops the Sustainable Governance Approach and the principles of Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM). It provides practical examples of successes and failures in implementation, and lessons about the economics and governance of wild resources with global application. CBNRM emerged in the 1980s, encouraging greater local participation to conserve and manage natural and wild resources in the face of increasing encroachment by agricultural and other forms of land use development. This book describes the institutional history of wildlife and the empirical transformation of the wildlife sector on private and communal land, particularly in southern Africa, to develop an alternative paradigm for governing wild resources. With the twin goals of addressing poverty and resource degradation in the world’s extensive agriculturally marginal areas, the author conceptualises this paradigm as the Sustainable Governance Approach, which integrates theories of proprietorship and rights, prices and economics, governance and scale, and adaptive learning. The author then discusses and defines CBNRM, a major subset of this approach. Interweaving theory and practice, he shows that the primary challenges facing CBNRM are the devolution of rights from the centre to marginal communities and the governance of these rights by communities, a challenge which is seldom recognised or addressed. He focuses on this shortcoming, extending and operationalising institutional theory, including Ostrom’s principles of collective action, within the context of cross-scale governance. Based on the author’s extensive experience this book will be key reading for students of natural resource management, sustainable land use, community forestry, conservation, and development. Providing practical but theoretically robust tools for implementing CBNRM it will also appeal to professionals and practitioners working in communities and in conservation and development.
Acts of desire

ABSTRACTAct-based theories of content hold that propositions are identical to acts of predication that we perform in thought and talk. To undergo an occurrent thought with a particular content is j...
David Oliver: What to say when patients are “sick enough to die”

One weekend, as a consultant for acute admissions, I spoke to the families of three patients and explained that their relative was critically ill and would probably die soon. Two of those patients rallied sufficiently to return home days later. The next week on my ward I had similar chats with three other patients and their families. Death followed within hours, their symptoms well palliated. We also got two more patients home, whose admitting doctors had said to expect the worst and who had moved away from active intervention to supportive care. I’ve practised at the acute end of geriatrics and internal medicine for 30 years. Like many colleagues I find such conversations and scenarios commonplace yet critical. Very sick people present acutely or deteriorate quickly, necessitating time critical assessments. But those few …
The Educational Implications of Affirmative Action and Crossing the Color Line.

(2000). The Educational Implications of Affirmative Action and Crossing the Color Line. Amerasia Journal: Vol. 26, No. 3, pp. 67-84.
Representational similarity analysis reveals atypical age-related changes in brain regions supporting face and car recognition in autism.

Background Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is associated with atypical activation in the ventral stream during face processing. The current study further characterizes the development of face processing in ASD using a multivoxel pattern analysis, which assesses the similarity in the representation of exemplars from the same category. Methods Ninety-two children, adolescents and adults - with and without ASD - performed the Cambridge Face Memory Test, the Australian Face Memory Test, and a matched car memory test. Regions of interest during these tasks included Fusiform Face Area (FFA), based on the literature, and additional, structurally-defined regions in the ventral stream. Group differences in the patterns of activity within these ROIs when memorizing exemplars were examined using a representational similarity analysis (RSA). Results The RSA revealed significant interactions between age group and diagnostic group in R FFA, with increasing similarity within a category (faces, cars) into adulthood typically but not in those with ASD. This pattern was also evident in structurally defined ventral stream regions, namely L inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), bilateral temporoparietal junction (TPJ), L inferior temporal lobule, and the R fusiform gyrus. Conclusions The specialization of face and object processing from adolescence to adulthood evident in typical development may be impaired in ASD, undermining the ability to reach adult-level visual processing in those with ASD.
Coups d’état and the cost of debt

Abstract This paper extends the literature on the economic consequences of coups d’etat by examining their impact on the cost of debt for sovereigns and, respectively, the likelihood of experiencing a sovereign default. Using a monthly panel dataset covering 134 countries over the period 1990 to 2014 and after employing the entropy balancing methodology, I find that the occurrence of coups d’etat significantly increases the cost of debt for sovereigns and their likelihood of experiencing sovereign defaults. I demonstrate that this finding is extremely robust to different specifications, potential omitted variables, and the use of falsification tests. Moreover, I show that the impact of coups d’etat on the cost of debt varies systematically depending on the political regime, the types of coups d’etat, and the sovereign credit rating grade. Finally, I provide suggestive evidence that the induced drop in the real economic growth, the changes in the willingness function to honor contracts and irrational exuberance are the root of increased sovereign debt cost and the likelihood of defaults following coups d’etat.
Learning LWF Chain Graphs: an Order Independent Algorithm.

LWF chain graphs combine directed acyclic graphs and undirected graphs. We present a PC-like algorithm that finds the structure of chain graphs under the faithfulness assumption to resolve the problem of scalability of the proposed algorithm by Studeny (1997). We prove that our PC-like algorithm is order dependent, in the sense that the output can depend on the order in which the variables are given. This order dependence can be very pronounced in high-dimensional settings. We propose two modifications of the PC-like algorithm that remove part or all of this order dependence. Simulation results under a variety of settings demonstrate the competitive performance of the PC-like algorithms in comparison with the decomposition-based method, called LCD algorithm, proposed by Ma et al. (2008) in low-dimensional settings and improved performance in high-dimensional settings.
High-Temperature Diamond Detector for Neutron Generator Output Monitoring in Well Logging Applications

A high-temperature fast neutron detector has been developed for well logging applications. The developed fast neutron detector is based on a single-crystal diamond grown by chemical vapor deposition. Among many other advantages, diamond detectors are rugged, radiation hard, and stable under high temperatures. The diamond detector was evaluated for monitoring the fast neutron intensity of pulsed neutron instruments. Pulsed neutron instruments are employed to deliver formation thermal neutron capture cross section, carbon-to-oxygen ratio, and mineralogy information. The ability to monitor the neutron generator output and correct for fluctuations has a potential for improving the measurement accuracy. Experimental results presented in the article include comparison of spectra acquired in the 25–175 °C temperature range, comparison of spectra acquired in various environments, and normalization of gamma-ray count rates to neutron generator output in a pulsed neutron gamma-ray logging tool. The results clearly show usability of diamond detectors for fast neutron measurements in pulsed neutron instruments.
Parents’ Retrospective Storytelling of Their Child’s Coming Out: Investigating Contributions of Communicated Perspective-Taking in Relation to Well-Being

Guided by communicated narrative sense-making (CNSM) theory, we surveyed parents (n= 133) to elicit retrospective stories of their child’s coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT...
Priorities to improve cancer caregiving: report of a caregiver stakeholder workshop

Caregivers of people with cancer represent a large, overburdened, and under-recognized part of the cancer care workforce. Research efforts to address the unmet needs of these caregivers are expanding with studies focused on caregivers’ skill sets, physical and psychological health, and integration into healthcare delivery. As this field of research continues to expand, integrating caregivers’ input is vital to studies to ensure that research aligns with their experiences. This is a focus group study of 15 cancer caregivers conducted during a cancer caregiving workshop at the University of Pittsburgh in February 2020. During the workshop, caregivers reviewed, critiqued, and proposed priorities to support caregivers of adults with cancer. We used a multistage consensus building approach to identify priority areas of research and clinical practice to address caregivers’ experiences and needs. We used descriptive content analysis to summarize caregivers’ priorities. Caregiver-identified priorities included (1) training and information about cancer and treatment, (2) caregiver integration into the patient’s healthcare delivery, (3) assistance with navigating the healthcare system, (4) focus on caregiver health and well-being, and (5) policy reform to address caregiver needs. We identified ways in which these priorities can inform cancer caregiving research and practice. These recommendations should be considered by researchers, clinicians, cancer center leadership, and policymakers interested in creating caregiver-focused research protocols, interventions, and support systems.
Mitigating the Cold-start Problem in Reputation Systems: Evidence from a Field Experiment

Reputation systems are typically used in markets with asymmetric information, but they can cause the cold-start problem for young sellers who lack historical sales. Exploiting a field experiment on a large e-commerce marketplace, we show that in the presence of a reputation-based quality certification, introducing a second certification tier that is less history-dependent and less demanding mitigates the cold-start problem: it increases demand for high-quality young sellers, incentivizes their quality provision, and increases their chance of eventually obtaining the top-tier certification. Moreover, it prompts established sellers to re-optimize their effort decision. Therefore, the net impact of introducing a less history-dependent signal on quality provision depends on underlying market fundamentals.
Comments on 'the discrepancy between human peripheral nerve chronaxie times as measured using magnetic and electric field stimuli: the relevance to MRI gradient coil safety'.

A recent electrostimulation study with human subjects (Recoskie et al 2009 Phys. Med. Biol. 54 5965-79) reported a large difference between chronaxie times when stimuli were delivered to the same body locus (the wrist) either through contact electrodes (electric stimulation) or through a pulsed magnetic field (magnetic stimulation). This paper reviews the procedures and analytic methods used in that study that might account for the reported discrepancies. Factors possibly accounting for reported discrepancies include the maximum and minimum pulse widths of the experimental stimuli; variations in experimental waveforms vis-a-vis mathematically ideal functions; differences in the spatial distribution of the in situ electric field for the two methods of delivery and differences in derived chronaxie relative to strength-duration time constants.
A Laboratory to Supplement Courses in Process Control

This article describes a set of virtual and real experiments used to supplement an undergraduate course in process control. By integrating laboratory exercises with the course, students observe the close relationship between theory and application. The open-ended experiments encourage creativity and allow students to explore various control system design options. MATLAB/SIMULINK is used as the primary software. Retaining the SIMULINK interface for the laboratory experiments makes for an efficient transition from simulations. A number of tools are provided to allow students to focus on control system synthesis and evaluation after mastering the basic concepts.
N-methylglutamate synthetase. Purification and properties of the enzyme.

Abstract N-methylglutamate synthetase (glutamate + methylamine ⇌ N-methylglutamate + ammonia) from Pseudomonas MA (ATCC 23819) has been purified and characterized. The purified enzyme exhibits multiple bands on disc gel electrophoresis; however, sedimentation equilibrium studies on the native enzyme, the succinylated enzyme, and the enzyme in 7 m guanidine hydrochloride all indicate homogeneity. In the presence of glutamate the enzyme has an s20,ω value of 13, while in the absence of glutamate dissociation of the enzyme into two components (s20,ω of 11 and 2.8) occurs. The native enzyme (molecular weight 350,000) is composed of approximately 12 subunits (molecular weight 30,000 to 35,000). The enzyme is specific for the amino acid substrate, but a number of amines can substitute for methylamine.
Potent induction of apoptosis by beta-lapachone in human multiple myeloma cell lines and patient cells.

BACKGROUND: Human multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable hematological malignancy. We have reported that beta-lapachone, a pure compound derived from a plant, can induce cell death in a variety of human carcinoma cells, including ovary, colon, lung, prostate, pancreas, and breast, suggesting a wide spectrum of anticancer activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We first studied antisurvival effects of beta-lapachone in human MM cells by colony formation assay. To determine whether the differential inhibition of colony formation occurs through antiproliferative activity, we performed MTT assays. The cytotoxicity of beta-lapachone on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells was also measured by MTT assay. To determine whether the cell death induced by beta-lapachone occurs through necrosis or apoptosis, we used the propidium iodide staining procedure to determine the sub-GI fraction, Annexin-V staining for externalization of phosphatidylserine, and fragmentation of cellular genomic DNA subjected to gel electrophoresis. To investigate the mechanism of anti-MM activity, we examined Bcl-2 expression, cytochrome C release, and poly (ADP ribose) polymerase cleavage by Western blot assay. RESULTS: We found that beta-lapachone (less than 4 microM) inhibits cell survival and proliferation by triggering cell death with characteristics of apoptosis in ARH-77, HS Sultan, and MM.1S cell lines, in freshly derived patient MM cells (MM.As), MM cell lines resistant to dexamethasone (MM.1R), doxorubicin (DOX.40), mitoxantrone (MR.20), and mephalan (LR5). Importantly, after treatment with beta-lapachone, we observed no apoptosis in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in either quiescent or proliferative states, freshly isolated from healthy donors. In beta-lapachone treated ARH-77, cytochrome C was released from mitochondria to cytosol, and poly (ADP ribose) polymerase was cleaved, signature events of apoptosis. Finally, the apoptosis induced by beta-lapachone in MM cells was not blocked by either interleukin-6 or Bcl-2, which confer multidrug resistance in MM. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest potential therapeutic application of beta-lapachone against MM, particularly to overcome drug resistance in relapsed patients.
Voluntary turnover of field operations officers

Abstract This article explores classic and contemporary explanations for voluntary police turnover in one of the largest police departments in the Southeast—the Birmingham (Alabama) Police Department (BPD). It specifically tests confluency theory and eight variables associated with job satisfaction as predictors of turnover among field operations officers. Confluency theory, an untested theory, attributes police turnover to an absence of preemployment job awareness and to incongruencies between job expectations and job realities. Results from a survey of 232 current officers and 60 former officers disagreed with conventional wisdom and the majority of turnover research findings. Former BPD officers were generally more satisfied with their jobs in BPD than current officers. Logistic regression further indicated that confluency theory and the job satisfaction variables investigated are poor predictors of field operations officers who leave the BPD.
Inorganic salts dissolved in non-aqueous or in mixed solvents—II: Conductometric studies of SnCl4·5H2O dissolved in pure methanol or in methanol plus water

Abstract Conductance data at 25°C are given for SnCl 4 ·5H 2 O dissolved in water, methanol, or methanol-water. Empirical relations between measured values and concentration terms are illustrated. Coagulation phenomena are also reported.
Investigating the mechanisms of perioperative ischemic stroke in the Carotid Occlusion Surgery Study

Object The Carotid Occlusion Surgery Study (COSS) was a large, prospective clinical trial that examined whether superficial temporal artery–middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass, in addition to best medical therapy, reduced the risk of ipsilateral ischemic stroke in patients with carotid artery occlusion and hemodynamic cerebral ischemia. Despite improved cerebral hemodynamics and excellent bypass graft patency rates, COSS failed to show a benefit for the surgical group with respect to ipsilateral stroke recurrence at 2 years after treatment. This was due to a lower than expected rate of recurrent ipsilateral stroke in the medically treated group and a high rate of perioperative ipsilateral strokes in the surgical group. Critics of the trial have cited surgeon inexperience and technical difficulties related to the performance of the bypass graft as a leading cause of failure of the trial. Methods The authors retrospectively identified all patients from the COSS with an ipsilateral, perioperative (< 30 d...
Structure of the backbone of rhamnogalacturonan i a pectic polysaccharide in the primary cell walls of plants

Abstract Rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I), solubilized from the walls of suspension-cultured sycamore cells ( Acer pseudoplatanus ) by digestion of the walls with a highly purified endo-1,4-α-polygalacturonase, was found to possess a backbone consisting of the diglycosyl repeating unit →4)-α- d -Gal p A-(1→2)-α- l -Rha p -(1→. This structure was established by means of l.c.-m.s., g.c.-m.s., and 1 H-n.m.r. spectroscopic studies of per- O -alkylated oligoglycosyl-alditol fragments of RG-I. Side chains are attached to O-4 of half the rhamnosyl residues. No regular pattern was found for the arrangement in the backbone of the branched and unbranched rhamnosyl residues.