cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
COVERAGE ISSUES UNDER COMMERCIAL GENERAL LIABILITY AND DIRECTORS' AND OFFICERS' LIABILITY POLICIES

As many lawyers and business people are all too acutely aware, employment-related litigation has been burgeoning over the past few years as various pieces of federal and state legislation have been enacted. This legislation has significantly expanded the rights and remedies available to aggrieved employees. Not surprisingly, after appreciating the heightened liability and damages exposures in this area, one's thoughts may tum to whether or not there is in­ surance coverage available for these exposures. About four years ago, insurers introduced a liability insurance product which has come to be known generically as Employment Practices Liability Insurance ("EPLI"). Unlike the other insurance policies that will be discussed in this article, EPLI is in a sense the first insurance product specifically intended by insurers to provide coverage for employment-related perils such as discharge from employment, workplace discrimination, and sexual harassment. The notoriety that has attended these perils, exemplified by events such as the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas in the fall of 1991, and the $7.2 million jury verdict in California in the summer of 1994 against a major law firm arising from sexual harassment, has served only to exacerbate interest in the insurance issues in this area. This Article will focus upon the extent that coverage may be
The Complete Amino Acid Sequence of a λ Type Bence-Jones Protein

Abstract The complete amino acid sequence of a type L Bence-Jones protein (an immunoglobulin λ light chain) has been determined, including the location of the disulfide bridges. λ light chains, like k light chains, are subject to extensive variation in primary structure in the NH2-terminal half, but the COOH-terminal portion appears to be invariant. When aligned to achieve maximum homology, about 40% of the amino acid residues are identical in the sequence of human k and λ chains. Genetic conservation of the main polypeptide chain conformation is reflected in the similar location of the disulfide bridges of k and λ chains and in the similarity in sequence around the half-cystine residues and throughout the entire molecule.
Knowledge leverage from contours to bounding boxes: a concise approach to annotation

In the class based image segmentation problem, one of the major concerns is to provide large training data for learning complex graphical models. To alleviate the labeling effort, a concise annotation approach working on bounding boxes is introduced. The main idea is to leverage the knowledge learned from a few object contours for the inference of unknown contours in bounding boxes. To this end, we incorporate the bounding box prior into the concept of multiple image segmentations to generate a set of distinctive tight segments, with the condition that at least one tight segment approaching to the true object contour. A good tight segment is then selected via semi-supervised regression, which bears the augmented knowledge transferred from object contours to bounding boxes. The experimental results on the challenging Pascal VOC dataset corroborate that our new annotation method can potentially replace the manual annotations.
Tunability of optical absorption in a heterostructure with an embedded graphene sliver

A key design component of optical instruments employed in diverse roles such as detectors, optical resonators, and thermal-imaging cameras is enhancement of the optical absorption. The efficiency of absorption in conventional thin metallic films can be further improved by replacing them with graphene detectors. While graphene exhibits a high absorption and quantum efficiency for light-matter interactions [1–2], the optical absorption of single-atom layer graphene is poor to be an efficient photo-detector [3]. Its adaptability for various frequency ranges is also limited by a flat absorption spectrum in the visible to near-infrared region. In this work, using a transfer matrix approach [4], we present methods to enhance the optical absorption in a graphene sliver sandwiched between dielectric media via adjustments to the thickness of the dielectrics, incident angle and wavelength of the EM wave, and chemical potential of the graphene layer. The model equations are presented in Table I.
Quasisymmetric Maps: Basic Theory I

In this chapter, we first introduce an important quasisymmetrically invariant class of metric spaces and then prove that quasisymmetric maps between spaces from this class are Holder continuous. Quantitative bounds for the change in Hausdorff dimension then follow. As a second topic, we discuss the relationship between quasisymmetry and quasiconformality for maps between Euclidean domains. Finally, as an example, we show how quasisymmetric maps naturally arise in one-variable complex dynamics.
Embedding Nonblocking Multicast Virtual Networks in Fat-Tree Data Centers

Virtualization of servers and networks is a key technique to resolve the conflict between the increasing demands on computing power and the high cost of hardware in data centers. In order to map virtual networks to physical infrastructure efficiently, designers have to make careful decisions on the allocation of limited resources, which makes network embedding in data centers a very important problem. In this paper, we tackle the network embedding problem in fat-tree data centers. To meet the requirements of instant parallel data transfer between multiple computing units, we propose a model of multicast-capable virtual networks (Mons). We then design three virtual machine (VM) placement schemes with different features for embedding MVNs into fat-tree DCNs, named Most-Vacant-Fit (MVF), Most-Compact-First (MCF) and Mixed-Bidirectional-Fill (MBF). All these VM placement schemes guarantee the no blocking multicast capability of each MVN while simultaneously achieving significant saving on the cost of network hardware. In addition, each VM placement scheme also has its unique features. The MVF scheme has zero interference to existing computing tasks in data centers, the MCF scheme leads to the greatest cost saving, the MBF scheme simultaneously possesses the merits of MVF and MCF, and it provides an adjustable parameter allowing cloud providers to achieve preferred balance between the cost and the overhead. Finally, we compare the performance and overhead of these VM placement schemes, and present simulation results to validate our theoretical results.
Cyclooxygenase-2–selective inhibitors impair glomerulogenesis and renal cortical development

Cyclooxygenase-2–selective inhibitors impair glomerulogenesis and renal cortical development. Background Antenatal exposure to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has been associated with renal dysgenesis in humans. Methods These studies characterized cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) versus COX-1–selective inhibition on nephrogenesis in the rodent using histomorphometry, immunohistology, and in situ hybridization. Results Administration of a COX-2–selective inhibitor (SC58236), started during pregnancy until weaning, significantly impaired development of the renal cortex and reduced glomerular diameter in both mice and rats. An identical phenotype was demonstrated in COX-2 -/- mice. In contrast to its effects on the developing kidney, a COX-2 inhibitor had no effect on glomerular volume in adult mice. This effect was specific for COX-2 because maternal administration of a COX-1–selective inhibitor (SC58560) did not affect renal development despite significantly inhibiting gastric mucosal prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) synthesis in pups. The expression of COX-2 immunoreactivity peaked in the first postnatal week and was localized to S-shaped bodies and the macula densa in the cortex. Treatment with a COX-2 inhibitor during this period (from postnatal day 0 to day 21) severely reduced glomerular diameter, whereas treatment limited to pregnancy did not affect glomerular size. Conclusion These data demonstrate an important role for COX-2 activity in nephrogenesis in the rodent, and define a specific time period of susceptibility to these effects.
Tissue Engineering of Blood Vessels

A “holy grail” for cardiovascular researchers over the past half century has been the tissue engineering of a small-diameter blood vessel substitute. There is a need for this substitute because blood vessel substitutes made from synthetic materials do not work in the small diameters required for coronary bypass surgery, and many patients do not have the native vessels normally used in such surgical procedures. Even in the replacement of larger blood vessels where synthetic grafts do work, it is hoped that an enhanced patency might be achieved through tissue engineering, i.e., a more biological approach. Keywords: tissue engineering; blood vessel; bioreactor technology; cell-secreted scaffold strategy; ePTFE grafts; congenital defects
Mouse ovarian tissue cryopreservation has only a minor effect on in vitro follicular maturation and gene expression.

Purpose: To establish a protocol for ovarian tissue cryopreservation which can retain fertility potential after thawing and to evaluate the impact of cryopreservation on development and gene expression during folliculogenesis.
Stable approximation of time-variable systems

Abstract The authors previously introduced the notion of a “uniformly balanced” realization for time-variable systems. Thi s representation is charac terized by the fact that its control labi1ity and observability grammians are equal and diagonal. Such a framework has many remarkable properties and leads to a setting where the subsystems can be taken as reduced model for time-variable systems. It turns out that once the stabi1ity of a subsystem is guaranteed, then the subsystem preserves many of the properties of the original system. In this paper the stability of subsystems is fully explored
Skin Infections in the Grappling Arts

This article covers the incidence, symptoms, and treatment of skin infections common among grapplers. The purpose is to educate grapplers, coaches, and parents about the risk of skin infections, identification of infections, and steps to treat and prevent outbreaks. The information in this article is drawn from primary and medical reference literature. It is concluded that prevention is key and the appropriate measures should be taken to prevent the spread of infections. Grapplers of all styles should adhere to the guidelines set forth by the NCAA Wrestling Handbook when determining eligibility for practice or competition.
Dose-Intensive Therapy for Limited-Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Long-Term Outcome

PURPOSE: To determine progression-free survival (PFS) and overall long-term survival for limited-stage small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients aged 60 years or younger who respond to first-line chemotherapy followed by high-dose combination alkylating agents (cyclophosphamide 5,625 mg/m2, cisplatin 165 mg/m2, and carmustine 480 mg/m2) with hematologic stem-cell support and chest and prophylactic cranial radiotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were selected on the basis of their continued response to first-line therapy, their relative lack of significant comorbidity, and their ability to obtain financial clearance. RESULTS: Of 36 patients with stage III SCLC, nine patients (25%) had achieved a complete response (CR), 20 had achieved a near-CR, and seven had achieved a partial response before undergoing high-dose therapy. Toxicity included three deaths (8%). For all patients, the median PFS was 21 months. The 2- and 5-year survival rates after dose intensification were 53% (95% confidence interval [CI],...
Insulin stimulates membrane phospholipid metabolism by enhancing endogenousα1-adrenergic activity in the rat hippocampus

Insulin stimulates membrane phospholipid metabolism and activates protein kinase C (PKC) in its peripheral target tissues. Additionally, insulin can stimulate PKC activity in cultured fetal chick neurons. In the present study, we tested whether insulin can stimulate membrane phospholipid metabolism in the rat hippocampus, a CNS region in which insulin has been reported to stimulate the phosphorylation of a PKC substrate protein and to suppress spontaneous electrical activity of pyramidal cells. Concentrations of 1, 10 and 100 nM insulin significantly stimulated the accumulation of [3H]inositol phosphate ([3H]IP1) and [3H]IP2 in hippocampal slices labelled with [3H]myoinositol. Significant (P < 0.05) increases of hippocampal diacylglycerol (a product of phospoinositol hydrolysis) content were observed at 1, 5 or 10 min of incubation with 50 or 100 nM insulin. Addition of tetrodotoxin resulted in a suppression of insulin stimulation of [3H]IP1 release, suggesting that insulin effects may be indirect and mediated via release of an endogenous neuronal transmitter within the hippocampus. Norepinephrine has been shown to both stimulate PI turnover and suppress the spontaneous electrical activity of pyramidal cells viaα1-adrenergic receptors. Therefore, we tested whether the effects of insulin were mediated by norepinephrine. We measured [3H]IP1 release in the presence or absence of theα1-adrenergic antagonists prazobind and prazosin. These compounds blocked insulin stimulation of IP1 accumulation, suggesting that the action of insulin to stimulate PI turnover is secondary to enhancement of endogenous noradrenergic activity within the hippocampus.
A new SVPWM strategy for input switched multilevel converter

This paper proposes a new space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) strategy for a hybrid input switched multilevel converter. The converter topology is a cascaded connection of input switched and H-bridge converters, which can provide 2N+1 voltage levels for each phase. The proposed SVPWM strategy treats the multilevel converter as a two-level converter by introducing an offset vector. With generated switching pattern, it is possible to obtain minimum number of switching-state transitions and switch the H-bridge close to line frequency; thus, the switching losses can be significantly reduced. The proposed SVPWM strategy has been realized on a seven-level converter to demonstrate the principle of operation. The advantages of the proposed scheme and architecture are verified by both simulation and experimental results.
CM3 Multivariable Methods for Measuring Treatment Costs in Randomized Trials

As treatment costs are increasingly determined from individual level cost data, the number of proposed multivariable methods for use in this analysis has multiplied. These methods involve estimation of multivariable cost functions that yield predictions at the individual level, coditional on interventions, patient characteristics, and other factors. What are these methods, how are they used properly, and what are the circumstances when one method is preferred over others? The purpose of this workshop will be to develop skills in conducting multivariable analysis of cost data from randomized trials. We will instruct participants in the use of ordinary least squares regression techniques and survival analysis techniques. We will discuss how non-normal cost data and censored cost data are properly and improperly handled in these methods. Participants will learn when it is appropriate to use log transformation of costs in their analysis and how to estimate unbiased treatment costs using smearing techniques. Participants will also learn how to apply the Cox proportional hazard model to analysis of costs. How does one determine which model is best given the circumstances? We will develop concepts important for evaluating the superior model: predictive validity and adherence to assumptions for unbiased estimators. We will present results from a simulation designed to evaluate how well the various methods perform under different circumstances. Those who want to learn the techniques of multivariable cost analysis and develop criteria for choosing the best technique will benefit from this workshop. Participants who would benefit include analysts of cost data and those who want to increase their understanding of the literature of economic evaluation.
HYDROTHERMAL CIRCULATION THROUGH MID-OCEAN RIDGE FLANKS : FLUXES OF HEAT AND MAGNESIUM

Thermally driven convection of seawater occurs through oceanic crust of all ages, at the seafloor spreading axis, on mid-ocean ridge flanks, and in the ocean basins. At the ridge axis and on the flanks, circulating seawater produces a major chemical exchange between the oceans and the crust. Based on heat budget constraints and the composition of hot springs, between 10 and 40% of the river flux of Mg can be taken up during high-temperature alteration of the basaltic crust along the ridge axis. Most of the hydrothermal heat loss, however, occurs on the mid-ocean ridge flanks, where the temperatures are lower and the seawater flux correspondingly larger. The estimated heat loss on the flanks is so large that upwelling must occur over a large fraction (5–30%) of the seafloor less than 65 Ma in age, if temperatures are < 20°C and seepage velocities are on the order of 10 to 100 cm/y. The circulating seawater needs to lose on average less than 1–2% of its Mg content in order to solve the Mg mass balance for the oceans. Chemical fluxes through mid-ocean ridge flanks are poorly known because of the wide range of crustal conditions that prevail there and the paucity of study to date. The most critical parameter for characterizing crustal conditions is temperature in basement, which is a function of crustal age, basement topography, and sediment thickness and permeability. Basement temperature, which can usually be inferred from heat flow and seismic reflection surveys, largely determines the change in the composition of seawater circulating through basement. This change can be inferred, in turn, from profiles of sediment porewater chemistry. All sites studied to date with temperatures at the sediment-basement interface ≤ 25°C have a large component of advective heat loss and show only a small ( 80%) Mg loss. Both types of sites may be important for chemical fluxes. Whether the cooler sites are important depends on how much the seawater changes in composition as it circulates through the crust; only small changes are needed. Whether the warmer sites are important depends on how much heat is lost by advection in this type of setting. The warmer sites could produce significant chemical fluxes even if they are scarce: they could account for the entire river input of Mg to the oceans even if they represent only 8–20% of the total advective heat loss on ridge flanks.
A structural optimization approach in process synthesis—I: Utility systems

Abstract A mixed-integer linear programming approach is presented for performing structural and parameter optimization in the synthesis of processing systems. This approach is applied to the synthesis of utility systems that have to provide fixed demands of electricity, power for drivers and steam at various pressure levels. A superstructure that has embedded many potential configurations of utility systems is proposed, as well as its corresponding mixed-integer programming model. The application of the model is illustrated with a large example problem.
Surface scattering effect on the electrical resistivity of single crystalline silver nanowires self-assembled on vicinal Si (001)

Fundamental questions as to the nature of electron surface scattering in nanoscale materials remain unanswered. In order to isolate the effects of surface scattering from grain boundary scattering, single crystalline trapezoidal silver (Ag) nanowires were self-assembled on vicinal silicon substrate. The well established kinetic theory to model electron surface scattering effects on the electrical resistivity of nanowires was extended to include trapezoidal geometries. The experimentally measured electrical resistivity for Ag nanowires was found to fit the theoretical resistivity for the case of electrons diffusely scattering from the nanowire surface.
Electrode-Biologic Tissue Interreactions at Interfaces - A Review

This review draws attention on the accuracy and usefulness of the study of electrode phenomenon at the interfaces with an emphasis on the metals and their interreaction with surrounding cells and proteins.
Social Media and Soft Power: Positioning Turkey’s Image on Twitter

This paper explores how Turkey is using social media via Twitter, a public relations strategy, to spread its messages and to establish itself within the international community. Turkey appears to be situating itself as a European, progressive, democratic, secular and Muslim nation that has the potential to influence nations in the Middle East. The rise of social media has revolutionized the way states communicate with the international community. To that end, this study analyzed three top Turkish governmental officials’ personal and official Twitter accounts to examine how Turkey is cultivating its national image using Twitter. The findings suggest Turkey is wielding its soft-power in both the West and the Middle East/North Africa regions. Yet the quantitative analysis reveals that the western emphasis is more prominent in the messages. In its Twitter messages, the Turkish government follows an image cultivation and information subsidy approach in public diplomacy. Contrary to the highly interactive features of this social media tool, Turkish bureaucracy is not engaged in building relationships with its publics through Twitter.
Easing pain in children

Abstract The assessment and management of pain in children has been essentially ignored until recently. Thankfully, these "dark ages of pain" are ending. The trauma nurse is an integral part of the pain management team and can have a positive impact on outcome by using a combination of relatively simple strategies. These include using multiple types of assessment to measure the severity of pain; providing adequate pain relief with a combination of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions; and carefully monitoring and documenting the efficacy of all pain management approaches.
Ion beam emittance growth in LINAC-ring electron–ion colliders due to LINAC RF voltage fluctuations and spurious dispersion

Abstract LINAC-ring electron–ion colliders provide superior luminosity performance compared to ring–ring based designs due to the fact that beam–beam effects on the electron beam can be largely ignored. However, fluctuations in electron beam parameters may lead to intolerable ion beam emittance blow-up. While the effects of electron bunch intensity fluctuations and emittance jitter have been studied earlier [C. Montag, Hadron beam emittance growth due to electron beam parameter jitter in LINAC-Ring electron–ion colliders, C-A/AP/143. [1] ], this report examines the effect of random RF voltage fluctuations in conjunction with spurious dispersion in the electron LINAC.
Fenretinide Causes Emphysema, Which Is Prevented by Sphingosine 1-Phoshate

Sphingolipids play a role in the development of emphysema and ceramide levels are increased in experimental models of emphysema; however, the mechanisms of ceramide-related pulmonary emphysema are not fully understood. Here we examine mechanisms of ceramide-induced pulmonary emphysema. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with fenretinide (20 mg/kg BW), a synthetic derivative of retinoic acid that causes the formation of ceramide, and we postulated that the effects of fenretinide could be offset by administering sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) (100 µg/kg BW). Lung tissues were analyzed and mean alveolar airspace area, total length of the alveolar perimeter and the number of caspase-3 positive cells were measured. Hypoxia-inducible factor alpha (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and other related proteins were analyzed by Western blot analysis. Immunohistochemical analysis of HIF-1α was also performed. Ceramide, dihydroceramide, S1P, and dihydro-S1P were measured by mass spectrometer. Chronic intraperitoneal injection of fenretinide increased the alveolar airspace surface area and increased the number of caspase-3 positive cells in rat lungs. Fenretinide also suppressed HIF-1α and VEGF protein expression in rat lungs. Concomitant injection of S1P prevented the decrease in the expression of HIF-1α, VEGF, histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2), and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) protein expression in the lungs. S1P injection also increased phosphorylated sphingosine kinase 1. Dihydroceramide was significantly increased by fenretinide injection and S1P treatment prevented the increase in dihydroceramide levels in rat lungs. These data support the concept that increased de novo ceramide production causes alveolar septal cell apoptosis and causes emphysema via suppressing HIF-1α. Concomitant treatment with S1P normalizes the ceramide-S1P balance in the rat lungs and increases HIF-1α protein expression via activation of sphingosine kinase 1; as a consequence, S1P salvages fenretinide induced emphysema in rat lungs.
The Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory–3 and Stages of Change: A Screening Validity Study

The sensitivity of the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory—3 (SASSI-3) was examined among substance-dependent adults enrolled in a family drug court. The SASSI-3 had a high sensitivity rate with this population, even across varying levels of motivation to change.
Contextual influences of dimension, speed, and direction of motion on subjective time perception

Research has indicated that the direction of motion and the speed of motion can influence the subjective estimates of temporal duration of two-dimensional (2-D) stimuli expanding and contracting within the picture plane. In this study, we investigated whether the contextual cues of stimulus/movement-plane dimensionality (2-D stimuli with implied movement in the picture plane or depth-rendered “3-D” stimuli with implied movement in the depth plane) influence and interact with speed and implied movement direction during interval estimation. Participants viewed a series of standard stimulus durations followed by a test stimulus duration and determined whether the test and standard durations differed. The results indicated that moving stimuli were overestimated relative to stationary stimuli, regardless of the direction of motion or dimensionality. Also, faster-moving stimuli were overestimated relative to slower-moving stimuli. Importantly, an interaction between movement direction and dimensional cues indicated that the loom/recede distinction occurs for 2-D but not for 3-D stimuli. It is possible that the loom/recede distinction for the 2-D condition may be an artifact arising from reduced or from a lack of perceived motion in 2-D “recede” conditions, rather than a specific overestimation for looming stimuli.
Mechanical tests of a three-dimensionally-reinforced carbon-carbon composite material

Abstract A tightly woven block consisting of high modulus graphite fiber yarns in a three-dimensional array was repeatedly impregnated with a series of low viscosity polymer resins, each reimpregnation being followed by a 1540°C carbonization process. After thirteen reimpregnations and carbonizations, the densified block was graphitized at 2650°C. Strength and modulus properties were measured after the seventh and thirteenth carbonizations, and after graphitization, by cutting test specimens from the block. These properties are compared with microphotographs of cross sections of the block taken at various process stages. The influence of the anisotropic thermal expansion characteristics of the composite on the variations in mechanical properties is discussed.
Linear dependency for the difference in exponential regression

In the field of reliability, a lot has been written on the analysis of phenomena that are related. Estimation of the difference of two population means have been mostly formulated under the no-correlation assumption. However, in many situations, there is a correlation involved. This paper addresses this issue. A sequential estimation method for linearly related lifetime distributions is presented. Estimations for the scale parameters of the exponential distribution are given under square error loss using a sequential prediction method. Optimal stopping rules are discussed using concepts of mean criteria, and numerical results are presented.
Two contiguous conformations in a nucleic acid duplex

DNA CONFORMATIONS and properties depend on DNA sequence and on environmental conditions1–3. It has been suggested that specific regulatory sites on DNA might have unique secondary conformations2. Conformational transitions, and the propagation of these transitions along a DNA helix, have been proposed as mechanistic steps in RNA transcription4 and DNA replication3,5 as well as having possible regulatory roles in these functions6. Whether two significantly different conformations can coexist in a DNA duplex, however, has been uncertain. The A and B structural forms of DNA differ greatly in base-pair tilt, base-pair positioning and sugar ring pucker7,8. Most DNA duplexes are generally considered to adopt the B form in solution whereas RNA duplexes and DNA RNA hybrids have only been found to adopt A forms9–11. We have synthesised a polynucleotide complex (Fig. 1) which has covalently linked DNA · DNA duplex and RNA · DNA hybrid tracts. NMR studies on this molecule demonstrate that the A and B conformations can coexist along a nucleic acid duplex and also that significant propagation of conformational transitions along DNA helices is unlikely.
Ethnic Identity as a Moderator of Psychosocial Risk and Adolescent Alcohol and Marijuana Use: Concurrent and Longitudinal Analyses

SUMMARY Studies of psychosocial risk and adolescent drag use among minority youth have been primarily descriptive in nature. This may be an unfortunate oversight, particularly because developmental studies indicate that cultural factors play an important role in the etiology of mental health problems. Utilizing data obtained from a sample of minority control students participating in a longitudinal school-based drag prevention trial, we examined the role of ethnic identity as it moderates the relations between several domains of psychosocial risk and alcohol and marijuana use. A risk-factor methodology was used to construct additive risk indices that reflected key domains of a psychosocial model of deviant behavior. Results of cross-sectional analyses indicated that ethnic identity moderated the effects of alcohol-related expectancies, knowledge, and social skills for alcohol use; whereas ethnic identity moderated the effects of social influences, competence, and social skills for marijuana use. Results o...
Similarity effects in online training: Effects with computerized trainer agents

In this study, trainees worked with computerized trainer agents that were either similar to them or different regarding appearance or feedback-giving style. Similarity was assessed objectively, based on appearance and feedback style matching, and subjectively, based on participants' self-reported perceptions of similarity. Appearance similarity had few effects. Objective feedback similarity led to higher scores on a declarative knowledge test and higher liking for the trainer. Subjective feedback similarity was related to reactions, engagement, and liking for the trainer. Overall, results indicated that subjective similarity is more important in predicting training outcomes than objective similarity, and that surface-level similarity is less important than deep-level similarity. These results shed new light on the dynamics between e-learners and trainer agents, and inform the design of agent-based training.
Coulomb-deflection effects in the L-subshell ionization of Nd, Gd and Er by charged particles

Abstract L-subshell X-ray production cross sections of Nd, Gd and Er for incident protons (0.25–1.00 MeV) and deuterons (0.40–2.00 MeV) were measured using standard techniques. It is possible to isolate the Coulomb-deflection effect (which is a part of the perturbed stationary state (PSS) theoretical treatment of this phenomenon) by forming ratios of the production cross sections for equal-velocity pairs of particles. The PSS theory provides a good fit to the experimental results for all three subshells.
Practice parameters for the use of spinal cord stimulation in the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain.

Introduction. Physicians, policy makers, and other interested parties require a synthesized, critical, and clear compilation of the following information to optimize spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for neuropathic pain: 1) indications and potential beneficial outcomes; 2) answers to key clinical questions; 3) cost/resource use implications; and 4) the quality and source of the evidence. This information must be nonjudgmental and noncoercive and have the sole objective of increasing the reader's expertise. Study Design. Evidence-based literature review and consensus statement. Methods. We consulted with experts to identify clinical-practice questions. Then, we conducted a critical literature review (MEDLINE, EMBASE, 1967 through March 2007) to grade treatment practices from “options” to “recommended.” We created a bibliographical database of all citations pertinent to each practice question. Several experts not otherwise involved reviewed the draft document. Results. We answered 64 questions covering 1) indications; 2) potential beneficial outcomes; 3) prognostic factors; 4) patient selection for screening trial; 5) procedural risk management; 6) screening trial; 7) device options; 8) patient management; 9) factors affecting the delivery and quality of SCS treatment; and 10) cost-effectiveness. Most of our more than 300 references are cited multiple times (in each pertinent category). This is the first overview that seeks to categorize and place the entire SCS clinical literature at the disposal of the reader. It presents the first grading system that incorporates, among other evidence sources, an assessment of the likelihood of a favorable outcome based on the evidence provided by expert consensus combined with consideration of the risk and potential benefit of an action. Conclusions. The Practice Parameters for Spinal Cord Stimulation in the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain answers important questions. It assesses supporting evidence and provides specific citations to enable the reader to conduct further study. The document will be updated regularly in a Web-based version.
What’s Wrong With Methodism?

I distinguish between two theses, DPJ and DGP. DPJ asserts that one's justification for accepting particular epistemic propositions positively depends on one's being justified in believing general epistemic principles. DGP claims that one's justification in believing general epistemic propositions positively depends on one's being justified in believing particular epistemic propositions. I claim that methodism accepts DPJ and rejects DGP and particularism accepts DGP and rejects DPJ. I argue that we should reject DGP and methodism roughly because these views imply that many of us do not know epistemic propositions that we do know. This point is made by Roderick Chisholm in The Problem of the Criterion and challenged by Robert Amico. I consider Chisholm' s arguments and Amico's objections. Finally, I argue that even if we reject DPJ and methodism, we need not embrace particularism, since we could reject both DPJ and DGP.
Physical self-concept and basic psychological needs in exercise: Are there reciprocal effects?

This study investigated a reciprocal effects model of physical self-concept and basic psychological need satisfaction in a sample of undergraduate students engaged in structured exercise classes. A total of 329(N = 329) exercisers completed surveys at the beginning and end of the semester. Hierarchical linear modelling analyses revealed that physical self-concept at the start of the semester predicted exercisers’ feelings of autonomy, competence, and relatedness at the end of the semester after controlling for individual and class-related variables. Surprisingly, autonomy, competence, and relatedness at the start of the semester did not predict physical self-concept at the end of the semester. Thus, the self-enhancing effects of physical self-concept on future exercise need satisfaction were supported while reciprocal effects were not. Findings suggest that physical self-concept may be best situated as an antecedent rather than an outcome of exercise need satisfaction.
The Stiles-Crawford effect of the first kind (SCE I): studies of SCE I in an aniridic observer

The Stiles-Crawford effect of the first kind (SCE I), discovered in 1933, represented a major breakthrough in our understanding of retinal physiology and the modern beginning of the science of photoreceptor optics. The current status of knowledge in this area is briefly reviewed. A study is presented of a white adult female observer with aniridia, clear media, only traces of nystagmus, rather good visual acuity, and good fixation. It is shown that this individual exhibits approximate alignment of her photoreceptors with the center of the retinal sphere, clear evidence of side lobes on functions, and surprisingly steep SCE I functions. The implications of these findings are considered.
Comorbid psychopathology factor structure on the Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits-Part 2 (BISCUIT-Part 2)

Abstract Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a topic receiving great attention from researchers and clinicians in the field. However, many of these studies focus on children or adults, with research on infants and toddlers evincing ASD being virtually non-existent. Even more scant is information pertaining to the assessment of symptoms of comorbid psychopathology in this young population. Nonetheless, it is essential to identify comorbid conditions in addition to the symptoms associated with the core features of ASD. Building on the effectiveness of early intervention with children with ASD, comprehensive evaluations and individualized treatment goals are necessary and may enhance treatment efficacy. The Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits-Part 2 (BISCUIT-Part 2) is a new assessment, specifically designed to examine symptoms of psychopathology in infants and toddlers with ASD. The purpose of this study was twofold. First, the factor structure of the BISCUIT-Part 2 was established. Second, group differences in the endorsement of symptoms of psychopathology were examined between infants and toddlers with and without ASD.
Diffusion in metallic glasses: Analysis from the atomic bond defect perspective

Abstract Diffusion in metallic glasses and deeply undercooled liquids is analyzed using the concept of ‘atomic bond deficiency’ (BD). The process is considered to be thermally activated hopping of diffusing atoms between the first nearest-neighbor (NN) and the second NN positions at the BD defects. Cooperative movements of multiple adjacent atoms are required because of (1) the small extra volumes created by BD defects and (2) the short-range-only constraint. The activation energy Q depends on the bond strengths, size of diffusing atoms, the elasticity of the matrix and the effective number of the involved matrix atoms. Application to tracer diffusion in Zr–Ni and Ti–Ni shows that 10 or fewer matrix atoms may be involved, and the size effect of diffusing atoms on Q agrees with experimental measurements. Other observations, including the sharp slope of the Q versus pre-exponential factor, the isotope and pressure effects are explained.
An electromagnetic cervical range-of-motion system and its sensitivity to environmental metal.

A three-dimensional cervical spine range-of-motion system was developed using an electromagnetic tracking system for data collection and a personal computer for analysis and graphic representation of the data. A test was designed to investigate the sensitivity of the electromagnetic device to the proximity of metal. It was found that position errors could be kept below 0.5 cm, and rotation errors could be kept below 1.3°, if all metal was at least 33 cm from the source and sensor. The sensitivity of the system to metal should not cause serious problems in the typical clinical environment if simple precautions are taken.
The duration of atrial electrical activity and its relationship to the atrial rate.

Abstract 1. 1. The duration of atrial electrical activity, the P-P interval, and the atrial rate are measured in seventy-four electrocardiograms of thirty-six patients with atrioventricular block. 2. 2. The range of the duration of atrial electrical activity (P + TP) is 0.19 second at an atrial rate of 300, to 0.53 second at an atrial rate of 62. 3. 3. A linear relationship exists between the duration of atrial electrical activity and the P-P interval with the duration of atrial electrical activity increasing with increasing P-P interval. Decrease in the duration of atrial electrical activity occurs with increase in atrial rate.
Metal mediated sterol receptor-DNA complex association and dissociation determined by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

Metal mediated sterol receptor-DNA complex association and dissociation determined by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Technical proficiency of trainees performing colonoscopy : a learning curve

Abstract Background and purpose: We sought to provide an objective measure of the technical progress of trainees learning colonoscopy. GI fellows in our training program perform colonoscopy under supervision throughout their 2 years of fellowship. Method: The frequency of fellows reaching the cecum in less than 30 minutes was determined by one endoscopy instructor during the last 7 months of their first year of training and during the last 7 months of their second year. Results: The mean success rate of reaching the cecum for seven first-year fellows was 54% (individual range, 25% to 86%). This compared with 86% for six second-year fellows (individual range, 73% to 93%) and with 97% for the endoscopy instructor when he did procedures without a fellow. First-year fellows during the 7-month "testing" periods believed they had reached the cecum in 5.7% of cases in which they had not. This was not a problem with second-year fellows. Counting colonoscopies done with all instructors in our program, fellows in this series each did an average of 149 colonoscopies during their first-year of training and 328 by the end of their second. Conclusions: Increasing proficiency in reaching the cecum occurs with experience over time, and continues even after completion of formal training. Individual trainees also seem to learn colonoscopy at different rates. Depending on how one defines competency, it is possible that the minimum threshold number for technical competency in colonoscopy of 100 procedures, as suggested by the ASGE, may be low. (Gastrointest Endosc 1995;42:287-91.)
Increased Density of Glutamate-immunoreactive Vertical Processes in Superficial Laminae in Cingulate Cortex of Schizophrenic Brain

Recent postmortem investigations have suggested that schizophrenia may involve a defect in associative information processing in the upper layers of limbic cortex. One of these studies reported that vertical processes visualized with antibodies against the neurofilament 200K subunit (NFP-200K) of the axon cytoskeleton were increased in density in layer II and upper portions of layer IIIa of the cingulate region of schizophrenic individuals. Based on this latter finding, it was hypothesized that there may be a superbundance of associative afferents to this region. To explore this possibility further, an immunoperoxidase localization of the amino acid glutamate has been employed to visualize vertical fibers in layers II and IIIa of postmortem anterior cingulate cortex in both normal controls (n = 15) and schizophrenics (n = 17). Vertical fibers were distinguished according to small or large calibers and were differentially counted with a blind computer-assisted technique. The schizophrenic group showed a markedly higher density (77.8%) of small-caliber glutamate-immunoreactive vertical fibers when compared to controls; the density of large-caliber vertical fibers also showed a similar, though smaller (30.2%), increase in the schizophrenic group. There were no differences in the density of either small- or large-caliber processes in prefrontal cortex of the two groups. The effects of age, postmortem interval, fixation, and neuroleptic exposure do not account for the differences between the normal and schizophrenic subjects. Taking together their small caliber, vertical orientation, localization in superficial layers, and marked glutamate immunoreactivity, it seems plausible that the fibers showing an increased density in schizophrenics may be glutamatergic afferents, possibly ones that are associative in nature.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Generalized thermalization in an integrable lattice system.

After a quench, observables in an integrable system may not relax to the standard thermal values, but can relax to the ones predicted by the generalized Gibbs ensemble (GGE) [M. Rigol et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 98, 050405 (2007)]. The GGE has been shown to accurately describe observables in various one-dimensional integrable systems, but the origin of its success is not fully understood. Here we introduce a microcanonical version of the GGE and provide a justification of the GGE based on a generalized interpretation of the eigenstate thermalization hypothesis, which was previously introduced to explain thermalization of nonintegrable systems. We study relaxation after a quench of one-dimensional hard-core bosons in an optical lattice. Exact numerical calculations for up to 10 particles on 50 lattice sites ($\ensuremath{\approx}{10}^{10}$ eigenstates) validate our approach.
Three-path electroplated copper compliant interconnects — Fabrication and modeling studies

Compliant interconnects have been studied in universities and industry over the past decade, as compliant interconnects could mechanically decouple the die from the substrate and thus could reduce the stresses in the die. In this work, we present the design, fabrication and modeling results of three-path electroplated compliant interconnect that addresses several of the challenges associated with various other compliant interconnects. Sample interconnects were fabricated on 4" wafers to enable experimental validation of the designed microstructures. There were about 8300 interconnects on each 20 × 20 mm2 chip in area-array layout. The interconnects were subjected to compliance testing. In parallel to the experiments, finite-element simulations were carried out to determine the mechanical compliance and the electrical resistance of the interconnects as well as their thermo-mechanical reliability. It is seen that the out-of-plane mechanical compliance will be more than 1 mm/N, several orders of magnitude greater than solder bump interconnects, and from a reliability perspective, the interconnects will last at least 1000 thermal cycles.
Dentin Hypersensitivity and Oxalates: a Systematic Review

Treatment of dentin hypersensitivity with oxalates is common, but oxalate efficacy remains unclear. Our objective was to systematically review clinical trials reporting an oxalate treatment compared with no treatment or placebo with a dentin hypersensitivity outcome. Risk-of-bias assessment and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers. Standardized mean differences (SMD) were estimated by random-effects meta-analysis. Of 677 unique citations, 12 studies with high risk-of-bias were included. The summary SMD for 3% monohydrogen-monopotassium oxalate (n = 8 studies) was -0.71 [95% Confidence Interval: -1.48, 0.06]. Other treatments, including 30% dipotassium oxalate (n = 1), 30% dipotassium oxalate plus 3% monohydrogen monopotassium oxalate (n = 3), 6% monohydrogen monopotassium oxalate (n = 1), 6.8% ferric oxalate (n = 1), and oxalate-containing resin (n = 1), also were not statistically significantly different from placebo treatments. With the possible exception of 3% monohydrogen monopotassium oxalate, available evidence currently does not support the recommendation of dentin hypersensitivity treatment with oxalates.