cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of physical activity monitors in pregnant women.

ABSTRACTPurpose:To determine the step count accuracy of three pedometers and one accelerometer in pregnant women during treadmill walking.Methods:Participants were 30 women in the second or third trimester (20-34 wk) who were screened for pregnancy-related risk factors. Each participant was fitted w
The neuroanatomic correlates of semantic memory deficits in patients with Gulf War illnesses: a pilot study

We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to study semantic memory processing in 38 Gulf War veterans in 3 affected groups (Syndromes 1, 2, and 3) and normal-deployed controls. Subjects were given the Semantic Object Retrieval Test (SORT), which requires participants to decide whether two features combine and result in the retrieval of a specific object (e.g., “desert” and “humps” → “camel”). Differences between groups were calculated using a repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Then, regions of interest were constructed and correlations assessed between the percent signal change (PSC) within these regions, followed by correlations between behavioral measures and PSC. We found affected groups performed less well on the SORT than the controls did, and behavioral differences were correlated to PSC within the caudate and thalamus. The combination of performance deficits and functional neuroimaging differences between affected Gulf War veterans and deployed normal controls begins to establish a neurobiological basis for their word-finding deficits.
Brugia malayi : transient transfection by microinjection and particle bombardment

To develop a method for the introduction of DNA into filarial parasites, several methods that have proven successful in other organisms were evaluated for their ability to transform Brugia malayi. Luciferase activity was detectable in embryos bombarded with gold particles coated with a construct consisting of a luciferase reporter gene under the control of the 5S rRNA intergenic spacer (SL promoter). Similar results were seen in adult parasites and infective larvae bombarded with this construct, or in adult female parasites microinjected with the plasmid. In similar experiments employing the SL promoter driving a green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter, expression of the reporter was detectable in the intrauterine embryos of the microinjected adult parasites, and in the sub-cuticular tissues of biolistically transfected adult female parasites. A similar pattern of GFP expression to that seen in the SL promoter construct transfected parasites was noted in parasites transfected with constructs consisting of the upstream domain derived from an aspartyl aminoacyl tRNA synthetase gene of B. malayi. The ability to transfect B. malayi embryos may provide a foundation for studies of the regulation of gene expression and function in these organisms.
Multivariate statistical approach to the fingerprinting of oils by infrared spectrometry

The need to attach a statistically significant number, describing the extent of match or mismatch of infrared spectra of oil samples, is satisfied using a multivariate normal probability density function. The requirements of normality and independence are examined, and two methods of baseline placement are considered. Example results are presented for a test population of 10 lubricating oils, 22 waste lubes, 30 No. 2, 30 diesel, 12 No. 4, 10 No. 5, 28 No. 6 fuels, and 62 crude oils.
Integrated Grazing and Prescribed Fire Restoration Strategies in a Mesquite Savanna: I. Vegetation Responses

Abstract This study evaluated the efficacy of prescribed fire applied within landscape-scale rotational grazing treatments to reduce mesquite ( Prosopis glandulosa Torr.) encroachment and restore herbaceous productivity and cover. One-herd, multiple-paddock rotational grazing was used to accumulate herbaceous fine fuel for fires via prefire deferment and to provide periodic postfire deferment for grass recovery. Treatments were an unburned continuous-grazed control, a four-paddock-1 herd system with fire (4:1F), and an eight-paddock-1 herd system with fire (8:1F), with two replicates per treatment (1 294–2 130 ha per replicate). The management plan was to burn 25% of each system (one paddock in the 4:1F; two paddocks in the 8:1F treatments) and defer grazing during all or portions of the 9 mo (May to January) prior to burning. Deferral was “internalized” by grazing on the remaining 75% of each treatment without reducing stocking rate determined for the entire system. Mesquite cover increased on clay-loam soils from 22% to 40% in unburned paddocks over 7 yr (1995–2001). This increase, coupled with extended drought, reduced fine fuel amounts for fire and limited the number and intensity of fires that were applied. It was possible to burn one paddock in the 8:1F treatment (12.5% of total area), but not in the 4:1F treatment (25% of total area) during drought. Fires reduced mesquite and cactus ( Opuntia spp.) cover by 25–79% and 24–56%, respectively, but cover of these species increased to prefire levels within 6 yr. All fires reduced ( P ≤ 0.05) total herbaceous biomass for 1 yr postfire. The 8:1F treatment increased ( P ≤ 0.05) grass biomass on loamy-bottom soils and reduced ( P ≤ 0.05) bare ground on clay-loam and loamy-bottom soils in unburned paddocks compared to the unburned continuously grazed control. The 8:1F treatment, through internalized grazing deferment, facilitated the application of fire to reduce woody cover during extended drought without degrading the herbaceous understory.
3D Reconstruction of Colon Segments from Colonoscopy Images

A new algorithm for reconstruction of a 3D virtual colon segment from an individual image captured from colonoscopy is presented. Colonoscopy is currently the gold standard method for detection and prevention of colorectal cancer. However, the protective effect depends on the amount of colon mucosa that is actually seen by the endoscopist. The proposed algorithm takes contours of colon folds in the image as input and calculates the depth and the slant angle of each fold. Finally, the colon mucosa is created using Cubic Bezier Curve interpolation between the folds. The proposed algorithm is an important step toward 3D reconstruction of the virtual colon from video of an entire colonoscopy procedure. The reconstruction is potentially useful to estimate percent of colon mucosa inspected by the endoscopist.
Trust but verify: procedures to achieve accurate efficiency measurements for all photovoltaic technologies

The measurement of the photovoltaic (PV) performance with respect to reference conditions requires measuring the performance with respect to a given tabular reference spectrum, junction temperature, and total irradiance. This paper discusses the procedures implemented by NREL's PV Cell and Module Performance Characterization Group to achieve the lowest practical uncertainty. This paper describes the process of trusting and verifying software, hardware, calibrations, procedures, and results. As an ISO 17025 accredited calibration facility, the quality system that is in place is designed to assure customers that the results are valid within specified uncertainty limits and are traceable. The process of trusting performance claims but desiring an independent verification permeates the PV business and society.
Autonomy, competence, and relatedness in the classroom: Applying self-determination theory to educational practice

Self-determination theory (SDT) assumes that inherent in human nature is the propensity to be curious about one's environment and interested in learning and developing one's knowledge. All too ofte...
Statistical downscaling using K-nearest neighbors

[1] Statistical downscaling provides a technique for deriving local-scale information of precipitation and temperature from numerical weather prediction model output. The K-nearest neighbor (K-nn) is a new analog-type approach that is used in this paper to downscale the National Centers for Environmental Prediction 1998 medium-range forecast model output. The K-nn algorithm queries days similar to a given feature vector in this archive and using empirical orthogonal function analysis identifies a subset of days (K) similar to the feature day. These K days are then weighted using a bisquare weight function and randomly sampled to generate ensembles. A set of 15 medium-range forecast runs was used, and seven ensemble members were generated from each run. The ensemble of 105 members was then used to select the local-scale precipitation and temperature values in four diverse basins across the contiguous United States. These downscaled precipitation and temperature estimates were subsequently analyzed to test the performance of this downscaling approach. The downscaled ensembles were evaluated in terms of bias, the ranked probability skill score as a measure of forecast skill, spatial covariability between stations, temporal persistence, consistency between variables, and conditional bias and to develop spread-skill relationships. Though this approach does not explicitly model the space-time variability of the weather fields at each individual station, the above statistics were extremely well captured. The K-nn method was also compared with a multiple-linear-regression-based downscaling model.
Comparison of seasonal and spatial variations of leaf area index and fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Common Land Model

[1] This paper compares by land cover type seasonal and spatial variations of MODIS leaf area index (LAI) and fraction of photosynthetically active radiation (0.4–0.7 μm) absorbed by vegetation (FPAR) from 2.5 years with those from the Common Land Model (CLM) and investigates possible reasons for notable differences. The FPAR value is mainly determined by LAI in MODIS and both LAI and stem area index (SAI) in CLM. On average, the model underestimates FPAR in the Southern Hemisphere and overestimates FPAR over most areas in the Northern Hemisphere compared to MODIS observations during all seasons except northern middle latitude summer. Such overestimation is most significant in winter over northern high latitudes. The MODIS LAI is generally consistent with the model during the snow-free periods but may be underestimated in the presence of snow, especially for evergreen trees. The positive FPAR bias is mainly attributed to CLM SAI of deciduous canopy and higher LAI than MODIS for evergreen canopy as well. The negative FPAR bias results from several factors, including differences in LAI and soil albedo between CLM and MODIS or limitations of the geometric optics scheme used in the model. Therefore the MODIS algorithm needs to better represent the winter LAI retrievals, while the model needs to better quantify LAI and SAI. Since stems will not have the same single-scattering albedo as green leaves, it may be inappropriate for the model to treat LAI and SAI the same in the FPAR and albedo parameterizations. If so, the role of SAI in these parameterizations needs reformulation.
Risk factors for intracranial hemorrhage in adults on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Objective. Intracranial hemorrhage is a recognized complication in neonates and infants on extracorporeal membrane oxygenator support and various risk factors associated with this have been defined. The prevalence and risk factors associated with intracranial hemorrhage in adults on extracorporeal membrane oxygenator support are unknown and this study was performed to define these factors. Methods .A retrospective study of adults supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenators at a single institution between January 1992 and December 1996 was performed. Age, gender, weight, body surface area, renal function, anticoagulation, coagulation variables, blood flow, arterial pressure, arterial cannulation sites, duration of support, extracranial bleeding, native cardiac function and presence of intracranial microemboli were analyzed to determine the risk factors for intracranial hemorrhage. Results. Fourteen out of 74 adults on extracorporeal membrane oxygenator support had intracranial hemorrhage (18.9%). An increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage showed a positive correlation with female gender (P = 0.02, odds ratio 6.5), use of heparin (P = 0.05, odds ratio 8.5), creatinine greater than 2.6 mg/ dl (P = 0.009, odds ratio 6.5), need for dialysis ( P = 0.03, odds ratio 4.3) and thrombocytopenia (P = 0.007, odds ratio 18.3). Diminishing renal function and the need for dialysis were associated with increasing duration of support. Multivariable logistic regression showed female gender and thrombocytopenia, especially with platelet counts less than 50 000 cells/mm 3 to be the most important predictors of intracranial hemorrhage. Intracranial hemorrhage was associated with a mortality of 92.3% compared with a mortality of 61% in those without intracranial hemorrhage (P = 0.027). Conclusion. Intracranial hemorrhage is a significant complication in adults on extracorporeal membrane oxygenator support. Judicious management of anticoagulation, prevention of renal failure and aggressive correction of thrombocytopenia may help to lower the risk of intracranial hemorrhage in adults on extracorporeal membrane oxygenator support. © 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
NEMO Is Essential for Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus-Encoded vFLIP K13-Induced Gene Expression and Protection against Death Receptor-Induced Cell Death, and Its N-Terminal 251 Residues Are Sufficient for This Process

ABSTRACT Kaposi9s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus-encoded viral FLICE inhibitory protein (vFLIP) K13 was originally believed to protect virally infected cells against death receptor-induced apoptosis by interfering with caspase 8/FLICE activation. Subsequent studies revealed that K13 also activates the NF-κB pathway by binding to the NEMO/inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB) kinase gamma (IKKγ) subunit of an IKK complex and uses this pathway to modulate the expression of genes involved in cellular survival, proliferation, and the inflammatory response. However, it is not clear if K13 can also induce gene expression independently of NEMO/IKKγ. The minimum region of NEMO that is sufficient for supporting K13-induced NF-κB has not been delineated. Furthermore, the contribution of NEMO and NF-κB to the protective effect of K13 against death receptor-induced apoptosis remains to be determined. In this study, we used microarray analysis on K13-expressing wild-type and NEMO -deficient cells to demonstrate that NEMO is required for modulation of K13-induced genes. Reconstitution of NEMO -null cells revealed that the N-terminal 251 amino acid residues of NEMO are sufficient for supporting K13-induced NF-κB but fail to support tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-induced NF-κB. K13 failed to protect NEMO -null cells against TNF-α-induced cell death but protected those reconstituted with the NEMO mutant truncated to include only the N-terminal 251 amino acid residues [the NEMO(1-251) mutant]. Taken collectively, our results demonstrate that NEMO is required for modulation of K13-induced genes and the N-terminal 251 amino acids of NEMO are sufficient for supporting K13-induced NF-κB. Finally, the ability of K13 to protect against TNF-α-induced cell death is critically dependent on its ability to interact with NEMO and activate NF-κB. IMPORTANCE Kaposi9s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus-encoded vFLIP K13 is believed to protect virally infected cells against death receptor-induced apoptosis and to activate the NF-κB pathway by binding to adaptor protein NEMO/IKKγ. However, whether K13 can also induce gene expression independently of NEMO and the minimum region of NEMO that is sufficient for supporting K13-induced NF-κB remain to be delineated. Furthermore, the contribution of NEMO and NF-κB to the protective effect of K13 against death receptor-induced apoptosis is not clear. We demonstrate that NEMO is required for modulation of K13-induced genes and its N-terminal 251 amino acids are sufficient for supporting K13-induced NF-κB. The ability of K13 to protect against TNF-α-induced cell death is critically dependent on its ability to interact with NEMO and activate NF-κB. Our results suggest that K13-based gene therapy approaches may have utility for the treatment of patients with NEMO mutations and immunodeficiency.
The Evolutionary History of the Amylase Multigene Family in Drosophila pseudoobscura

In Drosophila pseudoohscuru, the amylase (Amy) multigene family is contained within a series of inversions, or gene arrangements, on the third chromosome. The Standard (ST), Santa Cruz (SC), and Tree Line (TL) inversions are central to the phylogeny of arrangements, and have clusters of other arrangements derived from them. The gene arrangements belonging to each of these three clusters have a characteristic number of Amy genes, ranging from three in ST to two in SC to one in TL. This distribution pattern can reflect a history of either duplications or deletions, although the data available in the past did not permit a decision between these alternatives. We provide unambiguous evidence that three Amy genes were present before the divergence of the ST, SC, and TL arrangements. Thus, the current status of the Amy multigene family is the result of deletions in the TL and SC arrangements, which created three new pseudogenes: TL AmyZ-$, TL Amy3-$, and SC Amy3-$. Analysis of pseudogene sequences revealed that, in the SC and ST arrangements, pseudogene evolution has been retarded, most likely due to the homogenization effect of gene conversion. Finally, by determining the original copy number, we have reconstructed the evolutionary history of the Amy multigene family and linked it with the evolution of the central gene arrangements.
Financing assertive community treatment

Assertive community treatment (ACT) is a widely-used intervention for the most severely impaired persons with mental illness. Because it differs from traditional treatment approaches in its philosophy, its organization, and in the clients it serves, financing strategies that are appropriate for standard services may not be optimal for ACT. In developing new payment systems, policymakers must choose between targeted strategies that attempt to influence the treatment process directly and those that establish broad goals for effectiveness, access, and efficiency while allowing providers more latitude in the treatment process. These choices profoundly influence how and to whom ACT is available.
A computationally efficient Lyapunov-based scheduling procedure for control of nonlinear systems with stability guarantees

We propose an alternative to gain scheduling for stabilization of nonlinear systems. For a useful class of nonlinear systems, the characterization of a region of stability based on a control Lyapunov function is computationally tractable, in the sense that computation times vary polynomially with the state dimension for a fixed number of scheduling variables. Using this fact, we develop a procedure to expand the region of stability by constructing control Lyapunov functions to various trim points of the system. A Lyapunov-based control synthesis algorithm is used to construct a control law that guarantees closed-loop stability for initial conditions in the expanded region of state space. This control asymptotically recovers the optimal stability margin in the sense of a Lyapunov derivative, which in turn can be seen as a performance measure. Robustness to bounded disturbances and stabilization under bounded control are easily incorporated into this framework. In the worst case, the computational complexity of the analysis problem that develops in the new method is increased by an exponential in the disturbance dimension. Similarly, we can handle control constraints with an increase in computational complexity of no more than an exponential in the control dimension. We demonstrate the new control design procedure on an example.
STOCK PRICE BEHAVIOR OF PURE CAPITAL STRUCTURE ISSUANCE AND CANCELLATION ANNOUNCEMENTS

I examine planned senior-for-junior and junior-for-senior transactions that are subsequently cancelled. I find statistically significant stock returns for issuance and cancellation announcements that are positively related to the direction of the leverage change. The magnitude and direction of the returns differ from previous research. Discrepancies are attributed to different issuance purposes.
RtAudio: A Cross-Platform C++ Class for Realtime Audio Input/Output

This paper presents a cross-platform C++ class for realtime audio input and output streaming. RtAudio provides a flexible, easy to use application programming interface (API) which allows complete audio system control, including device capability querying, multiple concurrent streams, blocking and callback functionality. RtAudio is currently supported on Windows platforms using the DirectSound API, Linux platforms using both the OSS and ALSA APIs, and on Irix platforms. Support for OS-X and Steinberg ASIO drivers is planned for Spring 2002.
A decision analytic framework for evaluating concurrent engineering

This paper quantifies key issues with regard to concurrent engineering through the use of risk and decision analysis techniques that enable us to better understand, structure, and manage the design process. In concurrent engineering, the information structure of a design process does not usually imply the execution patterns of the corresponding design tasks. On the contrary, this gap between the information structure and execution patterns is the essence of concurrent engineering and its basic advantage over traditional sequential design. In this paper, we relate the structure of information flow in a design process to three different execution strategies: sequential, partial overlapping, and concurrent. The risks of excessive task iterations or redesigns associated with each execution pattern are probabilistically modeled. Risk and decision analysis methodology is used to determine the best execution strategy and the optimal overlapping policy for a set of activities given their information structure. Applying this theoretical framework to a real-world design application of an automotive cylinder block suggested a potential 18% reduction in development cycle time.
Metabolic and Endocrine Differences Between Dairy Cows That Do or Do Not Ovulate First Postpartum Dominant Follicles

Most dairy cows develop the first dominant follicle postpartum within 2 wk after calving, but only about 40% of these follicles produce sufficient estradiol to stimulate ovulation despite having normal ultrasound appearance and growth. This study aimed to characterize metabolic, endocrine, and follicular fluid profiles of cows in which the first dominant follicle postpartum will become ovulatory and those with nonovulatory follicles. Luteinizing hormone pulse frequency, follicular fluid androstenedione, and follicular fluid estradiol concentrations were lower in nonovulatory cows suggesting that the function of theca cells is impaired. In addition, nonovulatory cows had more severe negative energy balance and greater insulin resistance postpartum. This study describes for the first time the steroid hormone profile of early postpartum follicles and shows that a steroidogenic defect most likely occurs in theca cells limiting the amount of androgen precursor available for estradiol production that impairs their ovulatory outcome.
What You Need to Know to Have an Intelligent Conversation about Student Cyber-Speech: Balancing Schools’ Authority with Students’ Free Speech

This Article was written to inform parents, teachers, principals, practicing attorneys, and judges of the rising issue of when student cyber-speech may be disciplined or censored without subjecting administrators to civil liability (likewise, enabling students to understand the limits of free speech in context of a public school environment).In the Article, the author reanalyzed Supreme Court precedent in light of many legal and policy issues in order to illustrate a workable and coextensive test — clearing any confusion of which precedent applies. This Article carries the reader through a concise explanation of the nuances and issues that surround student cyber-speech — the omnipresence effect of technology on speech beyond the schoolhouse gate — resulting in a well-rounded, practical understanding of the issue (while allowing the reader further detail and explanation through the use of explanatory footnotes). Stated another way, a reader may simply read ‘above the line’ to gain a real-life, workable understanding of the subject, or may delve into the footnotes that help explain the different aspects and arguments that a practicing attorney or law student may find helpful for a more detailed and in-depth view of the subject. The simplification of student cyber-speech jurisprudence allows for the readjustment of the scale to properly balance the school’s authority to maintain an orderly educational environment, with the student’s ever-important right to free speech
Neutronics Evaluation of Lithium-Based Ternary Alloys in IFE Blankets

Pre-conceptual fusion blanket designs require research and development to reflect important proposed changes in the design of essential systems, and the new challenges they impose on related fuel cycle systems. One attractive feature of using liquid lithium as the breeder and coolant is that it has very high tritium solubility and results in very low levels of tritium permeation throughout the facility infrastructure. However, lithium metal vigorously reacts with air and water and presents plant safety concerns. If the chemical reactivity of lithium could be overcome, the result would have a profound impact on fusion energy and associated safety basis. The overriding goal of this project is to develop a lithium-based alloy that maintains beneficial properties of lithium (e.g. high tritium breeding and solubility) while reducing overall flammability concerns. To minimize the number of alloy combinations that must be explored, only those alloys that meet certain nuclear performance metrics will be considered for subsequent thermodynamic study. The specific scope of this study is to evaluate the neutronics performance of lithium-based alloys in the blanket of an inertial confinement fusion (ICF) engine. The results of this study will inform the development of lithium alloys that would guarantee acceptable neutronics performance whilemore » mitigating the chemical reactivity issues of pure lithium.« less
Recurring Goals and Learning: The Impact of Successful Reward Attainment on Purchase Behavior:

Abstract The authors examine the impact of successfully attaining a goal on future effort directed at attaining the same goal. Using data from a major frequent-flier program, they demonstrate empirically how success contributes to an increase in effort exhibited in consecutive attempts to reach a goal. They replicate the effects in a laboratory study that shows that the impact of success is significant only when the goal is challenging. They also show how progress enhances perceptions of self-efficacy and how successfully completing the task provides an added boost, supporting the notion that self-learning is the principle mechanism driving their results.
Do Self-Intersections Characterize Curves of Constant Width?

(1972). Do Self-Intersections Characterize Curves of Constant Width? The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 79, No. 5, pp. 505-506.
Alcohol and Thiol Adsorption on (Oxy)hydroxide and Carbon Surfaces: Molecular Dynamics Simulation and Desorption Experiments

Classical molecular dynamics simulations were used to investigate the interaction of methyl, ethyl, and n-propyl alcohols and thiols with the hydroxylated basal surfaces of aluminum hydroxide and iron oxyhydroxide, as well as a model graphite surface. Comparisons were made to concurrently run desorption experiments investigating the interaction of methyl, ethyl, and n-propyl alcohols with aluminum hydroxide and activated carbon. The metal (oxy)hydroxide surfaces represent the basal surfaces of the neutral end-member layered double hydroxides gibbsite and lepidocrocite, respectively, while the graphite surface is a simplified model of the pore walls in activated carbon used in the chemisorption experiment. Adsorption enthalpies obtained from simulations at infinite adsorbate dilution show that adsorption is greatly favored on the hydroxylated surfaces compared to the graphite surface, with the ethyl molecules adsorbing most favorably. Heats of desorption calculated from chemisorption experiments show the s...
The Superconducting Cuprates: Preliminary Steps in their Investigation via NMR

The purpose of this chapter is twofold. First, it is partly historical, to recount the somewhat uncertain beginnings and explain how ideas developed the way they did, and secondly, to review the early milestones which laid the foundations for the many years of study which were to follow. These agendas will unfold simultaneously in an essentially chronological recounting of the important first steps in constructing the edifice of high-\(T_c\) NMR phenomenology which exists today.
Characterizing Radiation and Stress-Induced Degradation in an Embedded Split-Gate NOR Flash Memory

Radiation and stress-induced degradation are characterized in split-gate NOR flash cells through a set of unique experiments. Radiation and program/erase stress on the bit cells is shown to create both positive and negative traps in the oxide around the floating gate cell. The annealing temperature following radiation determines the rate at which oxide traps are neutralized. To analyze both program/erase and radiation induced damage in greater detail; partial program and erase operations are performed. The implications of this work for both radiation hardness assurance testing and device reliability are discussed.
Determination of related substances in levodopa tablet by HPLC

Objective:To use an RP-HPLC method for determination of related substances in levodopa.Methods:The method was performed on Spherisorb column(5μm,150×4.6mm),the mobile phase A was 0.01mol/L KDP buffer (contain 0.003mol/L Octane-1-sulfonic acid sodium salt,pH3.0),the mobile phase B was MeOH,the detection wavelength was 280nm.The flow rate was 1.0ml/min.Results:The related substances in levodopa were separated successfull.Conclusion:The Method is simple,accurate and good reproducibility.
An Investigation of Relationships Between Internal and External Factors Affecting Technology Integration in Classrooms

AbstractVarious factors affecting technology integration have been identified, but little research has examined the relationships between factors, especially internal and external ones, and whether they directly or indirectly influenced each other. To fill this research gap, this study examined the significance and relationships of five factors influencing technology integration. A proposed model was tested using structural equation modeling with self-reported data from 223 K–12 school teachers in the United States. The findings demonstrated that perceived benefits and an appropriate budget directly influenced teachers' technology use in classrooms, and teachers' perceived benefits were affected by their confidence in technology integration and professional development. Results from this study suggest that in order to foster teacher technology integration, educators should develop a systematic approach that holistically addresses different needs for various factors.
Radiation bio effects and dose reduction strategies

Radiation is ubiquitous. It comes from many sources, including cosmic radiation as well as radon exposure. This natural or background exposure is the largest single source of radiation to the world’s population. Radiation is also a necessary component of diagnostic and therapeutic imaging. Since the discovery of the X-ray in 1895, it has been a dramatic and increasing influence on health-care.
Methods for Index Selection

This chapter discusses the methods for index selection. Methodology for choosing indexes of cases parallels the methodology for determining the indexing vocabulary needed in a domain. One first determines what a case can be useful for and then designates the circumstances under which it could be useful. Using index selection, guidelines associated with the different kinds of reasoning decisions the case can support, a first set of descriptors is chosen from that set of features. Those descriptors are massaged to make sure that the index is generally applicable, and that each component is described in a way that is recognizable. In an additional step, the description is translated into the symbolic vocabulary of the reasoning system. The first two steps designate the lessons the case teaches, or the points it makes, and for each, the circumstances in which those lessons can usefully be taught. The first two steps help the indexer identify the lessons and the circumstances in which they could appropriately be taught.
The Conditioning Method

In this chapter the conditioning method is introduced. The core of the approach is to examine the behaviour of a stochastic system in the SDE framework under the condition that its trajectories are confined to the slow subspace of the deterministic version of the system. A similar procedure has been applied in previous works in the analysis of noise induced speciation [11, 12]. Inspired by this success, the method is generalised here for applications to a broader range of systems. I also highlight how the method can be especially useful in some specific instances. Because a static description of the slow subspace is used (as opposed to a stochastic description, as in Eq. ( 2.86)), the method is applicable to a broader range of systems than the direct elimination procedure or the Haken slaving principle. Moreover, the procedure is mathematically explicit, straightforward to apply, and addresses the effect of correlated noise terms. One also gains a sense of physical intuition as to the behaviour of the system, which is arguably not present in the FPE setting.
The Nuclear and the Extended Family: An Area of Conceptual Confusion

An attempt is made to establish a typology of families that would encompass all family units in major types of societies- non literate hunting and gathering and horticultural societies, agricultura...
Nonadditive Compositional Curvature Energetics of Lipid Bilayers

The unique properties of the individual lipids that compose biological membranes together determine the energetics of the surface. The energetics of the surface, in turn, govern the formation of membrane structures and membrane reshaping processes, and thus they will underlie cellular-scale models of viral fusion, vesicle-dependent transport, and lateral organization relevant to signaling. The spontaneous curvature, to the best of our knowledge, is always assumed to be additive. We describe observations from simulations of unexpected nonadditive compositional curvature energetics of two lipids essential to the plasma membrane: sphingomyelin and cholesterol. A model is developed that connects molecular interactions to curvature stress, and which explains the role of local composition. Cholesterol is shown to lower the number of effective Kuhn segments of saturated acyl chains, reducing lateral pressure below the neutral surface of bending and favoring positive curvature. The effect is not observed for unsaturated (flexible) acyl chains. Likewise, hydrogen bonding between sphingomyelin lipids leads to positive curvature, but only at sufficient concentration, below which the lipid prefers negative curvature.
Nanoscale-shape-mediated coupling between temperature and densification in intense pulsed light sintering

In intense pulsed light sintering (IPL), pulsed large-area visible light from a xenon lamp is absorbed by nanoparticle films or patterns and converted to heat, resulting in rapid sintering of the nanoparticles. This work experimentally characterizes IPL of silver nanoparticle films. A newly observed turning point in the evolution of film temperature during IPL is correlated to the observation, in literature and in this work, that film densification levels off beyond a critical pulse fluence and number of pulses. A computational model is developed that couples electromagnetic finite element analysis, heat transfer models and densification models to predict the evolution of film temperature and density during IPL. This model is able to capture the experimentally observed turning point in temperature during IPL, whereas current models of IPL are unable to do so. It is shown that the temperature turning point occurs due to a coupling between optical absorption and densification in the nanoparticle film, mediated by a change in nanoscale shape of the deposited nanoparticles due to interparticle neck growth. Further, it is found that the optical fluence per pulse has a greater effect on the achievable film density in IPL, as compared to the number of pulses.
Equation of state, adiabatic sound speed, and Grüneisen coefficient of boron carbide along the principal Hugoniot to 700 GPa

A equation of state (EOS) experimental technique that enables the study of thermodynamic derivatives into the TPa regime is described and applied to boron carbide (${\mathrm{B}}_{4}\mathrm{C}$). Data presented here are principal Hugoniot sound speed measurements reported using a laser-driven shock platform, providing a means to explore the high-pressure off-Hugoniot response of opaque materials. The extended ${\mathrm{B}}_{4}\mathrm{C}$ Hugoniot suggests the presence of a high-pressure phase, as recently predicted by molecular dynamics simulations, adding to the complexity of the existing phase diagram.
Utilization of pelvic lymph node dissection for low-risk prostate cancer.

86Background: National guidelines suggest against pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) for patients with low-risk prostate cancer (PCa). However, the actuarial rate of PLND in this population is unk...
Transcriptomic evidence of a para-inflammatory state in the middle aged lumbar spinal cord

We have previously reported elevated expression of multiple pro-inflammatory markers in the lumbar spinal cord (LSC) of middle-aged male rats compared to young adults suggesting a para-inflammatory state develops in the LSC by middle age, a time that in humans is associated with the greatest pain prevalence and persistence. The goal of the current study was to examine the transcriptome-wide gene expression differences between young and middle aged LSC. Young (3 month) and middle-aged (17 month) naive Fisher 344 rats (n = 5 per group) were euthanized, perfused with heparinized saline, and the LSC were removed. ~70% of 31,000 coding sequences were detected. After normalization, ~ 1100 showed statistically significant differential expression. Of these genes, 353 middle-aged annotated genes differed by > 1.5 fold compared to the young group. Nearly 10% of these genes belonged to the microglial sensome. Analysis of this subset revealed that the principal age-related differential pathways populated are complement, pattern recognition receptors, OX40, and various T cell regulatory pathways consistent with microglial priming and T cell invasion and modulation. Many of these pathways substantially overlap those previously identified in studies of LSC of young animals with chronic inflammatory or neuropathic pain. Up-modulation of complement pathway, microglial priming and activation, and T cell/antigen-presenting cell communication in healthy middle-aged LSC was found. Taken together with our previous work, the results support our conclusion that an incipient or para-inflammatory state develops in the LSC in healthy middle-aged adults.
DNA methylation in tumor and matched non-cancerous tissues from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients

A67 We used MethyLight assays to analyze the DNA methylation status of 27 genes in 49 paired cancerous and non-cancerous tissue samples from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who underwent surgical resection. Seven genes (RARB, BVES, CDKN2A, KCNH5, RASSF1, CDH13, and RUNX) were found to be methylated significantly more frequently in tumor tissues than in non-cancerous tissues. Only methylation of CCND2 and APC was frequently detected in non-cancerous tissues, supporting the hypothesis that the methylation of these two genes is a pre-neoplastic change and may be associated with tobacco smoking exposure. Methylation of any one of eight genes (RASSF1, DAPK1, BVES, CDH13, MGMT, KCNH5, RARB, or CDH1) was present in 80% of NSCLC tissues, but only in 14% of non-cancerous tissues. Detection of methylation of these genes in blood might have utility in monitoring for and detecting tumor recurrence in early stage NSCLC patients after complete and presumably curative surgical resection.
The Yau Years: 1981-1984

Computer flourished under Stephen Yau's leadership, becoming more technical in nature and scope.
Professional Ethics for Digital Age Psychiatry: Boundaries, Privacy, and Communication

Internet and social media use continue to expand rapidly. Many patients and psychiatrists are bringing digital technologies into the treatment process, but relatively little attention has been paid to the ethical challenges in doing this. This review presents ethical guidelines for psychiatry in the digital age. Surveys demonstrate that patients are eager to make digital technologies part of their treatment. Substantial numbers search for professional and personal information about their therapists. Attitudes among psychiatrists about using digital technologies with patients range from dread to enthusiastic adoption. Digital technologies create four major ethical challenges for psychiatry: managing clinical boundaries; maintaining privacy and confidentiality; establishing realistic expectations regarding digital communications; and upholding professional ideals. Traditional ethical expectations are valid for the evolving digital arena, but guidance must be adapted for actual application in practice.
Renal vein stenting abates sickle cell trait mediated chronic refractory hematuria exacerbated by the Nutcracker phenomenon

Abstract Nutcracker syndrome (NCS) is a rare vascular anomaly involving left renal vein (LRV) outflow entrapment most commonly between the aorta and the superiormesenteric artery (SMA). This can lead to chronic LRV hypertension with resultant gonadal vein reflux, pelvic varicosity formation, hematuria, anemia, failure to thrive, and if severe enough, renal failure. Sickle cell trait (SCT) is a well-known and relatively common cause of hematuria causing damage to the renal microvasculature with subsequent renal papillary necrosis. In the rare setting of both conditions, LRV compression exacerbates upstream LRV sickling and exponentially augments hematuria. As is presented here, alleviation of LRV compression via a minimally endovascular approach can cease life-threatening hematuria.
Circuits and Technologies for Wireless Sensor Networks

Successful deployment of wireless sensor and actuator networks in sufficient numbers to provide true ambient intelligence requires the confluence of several disciplines including networking, low power RF and digital IC design, MEMS techniques, energy scavenging, and packaging. Progress in each of these areas has been documented and proof- of-concept prototypes have been tested. Research in RF transceiver design utilizing bulk acoustic wave resonators has yielded fully integrated, ultralow power transceivers. Novel digital circuit design techniques, including aggressive power management, robust subthres- hold logic operation, and ultralow voltage SRAM with data retention enable efficient computation. These technological advances should be accompanied by novel opportunistic networking and media access techniques to provide robustness and decrease the duty cycle of the node. Future challenges include the integration of a sub-50 mW carrier sense detector for asynchronous and non-beaconed receiver wake-up, efficient hybrid energy scavenging power generation, and cheap, robust three-dimensional packaging techniques.
SIFIs and STATES

Although regulators have made strides in reducing the likelihood that global financial institutions will collapse, too little has been achieved in constructing a framework for managing the financial resolution of these institutions if and when regulation fails. Given a long history of regulatory capture or fatigue, such a system is essential to protect the world’s financial infrastructure. Two propositions are central to creation of a workable approach. First, government funds will generally be necessary to permit an orderly resolution, if only to provide temporary liquidity and market confidence, despite official reluctance to concede that reality. Second, no resolution system for global institutions will be workable unless regulators are prepared to give deference and cooperation to one national regulator as the leader of the global effort. From those two propositions, it follows that the jurisdiction prepared to provide the bulk of the necessary funds for resolution must also be given that leadership role. Success or failure of such a system may depend upon advance commitments as to both financial responsibility and regulatory deference and that commitment is unlikely unless it is multinational.
Incorporating a Discussion of Genetic Attributions into Psychology Courses.

A highly relevant construct that may need more emphasis in our psychology courses is genetic attributions. Attributions are causal explanations people make for specific behaviors, characteristics, ...
Landscape Analysis: Fracking Technology

Hydraulic fracturing of oil- and gas-bearing rocks, also known as fracking, is an established technology. Hydraulic fracturing was first started experimentally in 1947 in the Hugoton oil field in Kansas [1]. Fracking is an old technique that is used to increase the production of oil from the worked-out oil wells. However, it is considered as a new tool for producing natural gas. Fracking has been developed gradually by some international companies and organizations with no government support until the success has been proven.
Ownership, Concentration, and Investment

The US business sector has underinvested relative to profits, funding costs, and Tobin's Q since the early 2000s. Building on prior work, we argue that decreasing competition, rising intangibles, and tightening governance explain, respectively, about one-half, one-third, and one-sixth of the investment gap. In particular, quasi-indexer ownership appears to lower investment, and this effect is stronger in noncompetitive industries.