cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A multi-level biomedical ontology-enabled broker: dynamic service-based data source integration

Web services have recently become a new trend for gathering biomedical information. However, it is not easy to integrate and obtain a concise/complete query result among thousands of service operations. In this dissertation, we propose a multi-level ontology-enabled service broker system for dynamically integrating web services in the biomedical domain (BioServiceBroker)[1, 2]. By introducing multi-level modeling concepts and intra/inter level relationships [3], our approach facilitates more accurate modeling of biomedical ontologies, which leads to a better understanding of the data stored in various biological data sources as well as the services provided by the data sources. In addition, we incorporate temporal concepts with new enhanced QoS measures [2], which allow service requesters to control more querying factors in order to precisely invoke corresponding service operations. We also define a Unified Biomedical Service Interface (UBSI) as a proposed service deployment standard. The multi-level ontology-enabled service broker system can be combined with other mediator systems [4] for cross referencing the diverse bioinformatics sources and can also be utilized in other application domains. Our ultimate goal is to construct a public, scalable, and interoperable biomedical service platform based on UBSI to benefit scientists in data searching and publishing.
Surgical repair of a complex renal artery aneurysm through bench surgery and autotransplantation

Abstract A 58-year-old woman with underlying medically controlled hypertension presented after an episode of sudden-onset chest pain. Chest computed tomography imaging revealed a left renal artery aneurysm (RAA) measuring 1.6 cm in diameter with mural thrombi in the distal left renal artery at bifurcation level. An interval enlargement of approximately 0.4 cm in diameter was noted within a 6-month period; however, endovascular intervention was not feasible because of the complex RAA pattern. She was hospitalized and received a hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy, ex vivo repair of the RAA, and autotransplantation into the left iliac fossa. The procedure was successful, and the postoperative course went smoothly. The kidney graft was evaluated using a magnetic resonance angiography 1-year postoperatively, which showed no signs of surgical complications or RAA recurrence.
Studies of Multiple Stranded RNA and DNA with FTIR, Vibrational and Electronic Circular Dichroism

For DNA the duplex B-form is the most common conformation, but the right handed A-form (similar to duplex RNA) and the left handed Z-form also attract much spectroscopic interest. In addition, triple-helical forms may be important in replication, and single-stranded forms must be involved in processes going between these states as well as in degradation. We have previously shown that triplex helical formation in the pyr-pur-pyr type A(T)U system can be uniquely identified for DNA, RNA and mixed systems using vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) whereas the more conventional electronic CD (ECD) and FTIR do not give universal, unique patterns.1 To understand structural variations in DNA that are relevant to biochemical processes or environments, it is important to develop techniques for reliable identification of such triplex forms.
Interview Protocol Design Project Using a Video Interview Platform

Forced ranking, as part of a performance management system, has been and continues to be one of the most controversial management practices. This exercise allows students to draw from their personal experiences regarding the advantages and disadvantages of forced ranking from the perspectives of both the employee and employer.
Thermal Remote Sensing For Moisture Content Monitoring of Mine Tailings: Laboratory Study

Mining produces massive volumes of mine tailings that are deposited into large scale mine tailings impoundments. A key environmental objective of managing these large impoundments is mitigating fugitive dust emissions by monitoring and controlling moisture, because moisture directly affects the tailings9 strength and the ability to apply dust control measures using motorized equipment. Therefore, understanding the spatial and temporal variations in moisture content for surface tailings is critical for characterizing dust susceptibility and trafficability. Remote sensing has been proven to be a useful tool for similar applications. This study utilized laboratory testing conducted on iron mine tailings to verify that: (1) a relationship exists between moisture content and strength for the surface of mine tailings, and (2) thermal remote sensing can be used to infer spatial variations in moisture content for surface tailings. Multivariate regressions were developed to identify the critical remote sensing and climatic variables, and evaluate their influence in remotely measured moisture content. For tailings samples collected from two different North American iron mines, regressions using sample temperature and ambient humidity were able to predict surface moisture content (R 2 >0.9).
EMJ Global Highlights June 2017.

Editor’s note: EMJ has partnered with the journals of multiple international emergency medicine societies to share from each a highlighted research study, as selected by their editors. This edition will feature an abstract from each publication. The official journal of the African Federation for Emergency Medicine, the Emergency Medicine Association of Tanzania, the Emergency Medicine Society of South Africa, the Egyptian Society of Emergency Medicine, the Libyan Emergency Medicine Association, the Ethiopian Society of Emergency Medicine Professionals, the Sudanese Emergency Medicine Society, the Society of Emergency Medicine Practitioners of Nigeria and the Rwanda Emergency Care Association Mbanjumucyo G, George N, Kearney A, Karim N, Aluisio AR, Mutabazi Z, Umuhire O, Enumah S, Scott JW, Uwitonze E, Nyinawankusi JD, Byiringiro JC, Kabagema I, Ntakiyiruta G, Jayaraman S, Riviello R, Levine AC Injury accounts for 9.6% of the global mortality burden, disproportionately affecting those living in low- and middle-income countries. In an effort to improve trauma care in Rwanda, the Ministry of Health developed a prehospital service, Service d’Aide Medicale Urgente (SAMU), and established an emergency medicine training programme. However, little is known about patients receiving prehospital and emergency trauma care or their outcomes. The objective was to develop a linked prehospital–hospital database to …
Reinforcement Delay, Behavioral Contrast, and Inhibition

Two groups of pigeons were trained on a multiple schedule that delayed reinforcement during 1 component. Behavioral contrast was observed, but in at least one of the groups it seemed to disappear with continued training. The results of a combined-cue test indicated that the stimulus associated with delayed reinforcement was a conditioned inhibitor. Since relatively large nonassociative effects were obtained in the differential reinforcement control group’s test, it was suggested that future investigators give more attention to the appropriate control group(s) when employing the combined-cue technique.
No Clinically Relevant Change Between 1 and 2 Year Outcomes Following ACL Reconstruction

Objectives:Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury has an annual incidence of more than 200,000 cases with almost 100,000 undergoing ACL reconstruction (ACLR). Many institutions have built ACL regi...
Natural Course (Stages/Evidence-Based Discussion)

Studies during the 1960s to 1980s have led to characterization of the natural course of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), which occurs in series of five stages. DKD has historically been named diabetic nephropathy if there is macroalbuminuria or proteinuria. This chapter describes the five stages of DKD in Type 1 DM (T1DM) and Type 2 DM (T2DM) as well as their similarities and differences. Stage 1, the so-called hyperfiltration-hypertrophy phase, is detected at the diagnosis of DM. In stage 1 there is renal hypertrophy and elevated glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Stage 2 is named as the silent or normoalbuminuria stage as it is not detected clinically as urinary albumin excretion (UAE) remains within normal range and the GFR can be normal or elevated. However, there are significant structural changes such as thickening of the basement membrane and expansion of the mesangium. The third stage is termed microalbuminuria or incipient diabetic nephropathy and it is detected clinically as UAE is increased to microalbuminuria range (20–200 μg/min, 30–300 mg/24 h, or albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) of 30–300 mg/g). GFR is usually preserved but can start declining in this stage. Untreated hypertension in this stage may worsen DKD. Stage 4 is called macroalbuminuria or overt diabetic nephropathy and has UAE in macroalbuminuria range (300 mg/24 h, >200 μg/min, or ACR > 300 mg/g) or proteinuria. Although GFR can be within normal range early in this phase, it continues to decline as the stage progresses. Progression of kidney structural changes can be detected. Lastly, stage 5 is called end stage renal disease or uremia. It is due to advanced diabetic nephropathy and requires initiation of renal replacement therapy for survival.
Scholarship in Clinic

Performing scholarly activity is an important part of residency training. This chapter discusses several types of scholarship opportunities in continuity clinic and presents information and resources to facilitate faculty mentorship of resident scholarship.
169 A quasi experimental uncontrolled before-after study to assess impact of cashe interventions in the year 2016–2017 at petrochemical industry

Introduction To inculcate best practices in the field of OH; RIL has launched the initiative in 2003 known as CASHe in all 7 manufacturing sites. The various interventions under this project are excellent examples of team work of medical, safety, environment and technical department of respective manufacturing sites. Previously there wasn’t any scientific research approach to evaluate their outcomes at RIL-DMD-which is amongst the largest petrochemical site of RIL. So the present study was carried out to address this need. Methods There are total 12 manufacturing plants and each of them were considered as a unit of the study. The secondary data from all these 12 plants were collected going 1 year retrospectively using semi-structured proforma regarding various CASHe interventions and compiled using MS Excel 2007. Data triangulation was done using OHC data (IH Surveys and HMIS) with plant data. After necessary editing and exclusion (i.e. projects lacking before-after data, qualitative data) student paired T test was applied to find out statistical significance. Result There were total 187 interventions (mean-15.58/plant) addressing noise, heat, chemical exposure, ergonomics, safety and environmental hazards. Out them 142 completed and 45 in progress. Total 3316 persons (928 employee and 2388 contract workers) trained for different OH training with average 600 man hours/department. Central theme for CASHe: 2016–2017 achieved statistically significant result in term of reduction in no. of Pre-diabetic cases up to 30% compared to previous year. Other significant interventions were reduction in exposure to benzene vapour by vapour recovery unit (p=0.01), noise (p=0.001) and heat etc. Discussion CASHe projects outcomes were successful in terms of reducing hazards, workplace improvements and wellness of employee. So the present study experiments guide other industries to deal with noise, heat, highly toxic material safely and reduce their exposure along with taking care of life style diseases of their employees.
Artifactual dimensions of visual rhetoric: what a content analysis of 114 peer-reviewed articles reveals about data collection reporting

ABSTRACTThis content analysis examined how the authors of 114 peer-reviewed journal articles explained their empirical approaches to visual rhetoric scholarship. The authors content analysis sought to answer the question: how do scholars engage with the material dimensions of visual culture, specifically in terms of artifact selection and reporting data collection procedures? The answers to this question, the authors argue, are needed urgently as visual rhetoric research continues to expand because inconsistent reporting will hinder replicability and the reader’s access to the author’s argument. The authors use the findings of their content analysis to surface the implicit norms of empirical visual rhetoric research and to develop recommendations for reporting visual data collection procedures.
Preparation of N-carbomethoxyaminopyrroles

Abstract Azoalkenes 1 react with enamines and β-dicarbonyl compounds to give N -carbomethoxyaminopyrroles rather than N -carbomethoxy-1,2-dihydropyridazines.
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Synthesis in Transplant Recipients Critically Regulate Donor T Cell Alloreactivity and Graft-Versus-Host Disease

Abstract Introduction: Vasoactive Intestinal peptide (VIP) is a neuropeptide expressed by neural and lymphoid cells with pleiotropic effects on brain, immune, pulmonary and GI systems. The potent immunomodulatory activity of VIP make it an attractive therapeutic target to suppresses immune responses in conditions of deleterious inflammation. In allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (allo-BMT), graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is mediated by activated alloreactive T cells that also upregulate a variety of co-inhibitory pathway molecules, including VIP expression on T cells. It is unclear whether VIP production by host cells in the transplant recipient influence the severity of GvHD and donor T cell activation. We tested the hypothesis that lack of VIP production by recipient cells would enhance donor T cell activation and increase GvHD in allo-BMT recipients. Methods and Results: We examined the effect of endogenous VIP signaling in host tissues in modulating GvHD in a murine allo-BMT model, in which C57BL/6 wildtype (WT) and VIP-knock-out (VIP-KO) mice received 11Gy irradiation on day -1 and were transplanted i.v. on day 0 with 5x106 T cell depleted (TCD) bone marrow (BM) plus 0, 1x106 or 3x106 splenocytes (SP) from MHC mis-matched B10.BR donors. All three groups of WT recipients had better survival than VIP-KO recipients. VIP-KO mice transplanted with TCD BM alone had 33.3% survival at day 75 compared with 73.3% survival of WT recipients. Chimerism studies on day 20 post-BMT showed equivalent levels of donor chimerism within each group that received the same dose of donor SP. WT and VIP-KO recipients received BM only showed significantly lower donor chimerism compared to either WT or VIP-KO recipients received additional SP (p Disclosures Waller: Pharmacyclics: Other: Travel Expenses, EHA, Research Funding; Kalytera: Consultancy; Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Celldex: Research Funding; Cambium Medical Technologies: Consultancy, Equity Ownership.
Utilization of Saline Water on the Mechanical Properties for Unbounded Granular Materials

It is well known that three quarters of the world contain saline water. The saline water contains amounts of salt dissolved in water to a concentration of parts in per millions (ppm) includes sodium chloride, Sodium sulfate and magnesium sulfate. Compaction of Base coarse layer is usually done by water which is considered tap water. Cites near shores often need coastal roads to act as service roads parallel to shore lines. For this matter, the use of saline water in compaction is considered a main objective in this situation due to the decrease in transportation cost of Tap water used in hauling and compaction of base coarse layer. This research studies the effect of saline water on the mechanical properties of the unbounded granular material used in base coarse layer. The study compares the results between the use of saline water and standard tap water by subjecting both samples to different lab tests such as California baring ratio (CBR) and modified proctor. The results showed that saline water could be used successfully in the operation of constructing base coarse layer with good results concerning the amount of absorbed water content and maximum dry density of the base coarse layer which will result in good compaction. In addition, the CBR test results showed high evaluation of strength for samples contained saline water. The study used Dolomite material for base coarse layer from Jabal Ataqa as one of the most used aggregate types in Egypt through construction.
Smarandache Manifolds

A Smarandache geometry (1969) is a geometric space (i.e., one with points, lines) such that some "axiom" is false in at least two different ways, or is false and also sometimes true. Such an axiom is said to be Smarandachely denied (or (S-denied for short). In Smarandache geometry, the intent is to study non-uniformity, so we require it in a very general way. A manifold that supports a such geometry is called Smarandache manifold (or s-manifold). As a special case, in this book Dr. Howard Iseri studies the s-manifold formed by any collection of (equiloateral) triangular disks joined together such that each edge is the identification of one edge each from two distinct disks and each vertex is the identification of one vertex from each of five, six, or seven distinct disks.
The mediating role of political talk and political efficacy in the effects of news use on expressive and collective participation

This study examines how media use for news can relate to expressive and collective participation through the mediating role of political talk and internal and external political efficacy. Based on ...
Nature’s Way: Hierarchical Strengthening through Weakness

Creating advanced properties out of simple building blocks remains a frontier in materials science. Two recent papers report advances to achieve toughening of graphene by mimicking a paradigm found in nature, realizing mechanical resiliency by mixing weak and strong bonding.
Distress and Quality of Life Among Patients with Advanced Genitourinary Cancers.

Abstract Patients with advanced genitourinary cancers face many challenges throughout their disease trajectory, and many will experience clinically relevant psychosocial distress. Certain groups, including female gender, younger age (and older age for suicide), unmarried status, and non–clear cell histology, remain at a higher risk, and evidence suggests that those with kidney and bladder cancers may be at an increased risk of suicide. Routine psychosocial screening, with brief validated tools, has the ability to identify patients’ unmet needs, assist the health care team in addressing such symptoms, and subsequently improve quality of life, adherence, and clinical outcomes. Effective supportive care modalities are available that address common patient needs in the context of incurable disease (eg, emotional and physical symptoms); however, challenges remain in terms of patient acceptance and access through insurance coverage. As a result, remote home-based interventions have emerged with the potential to mitigate emotional symptom burden and improve disease adjustment. In this study, we highlight studies reporting on the prevalence of psychosocial distress and associated risk factors in advanced genitourinary cancers, and review evidence-based interventions for the management of distress, including distress screening and psychosocial interventions. Patient summary This mini-review reports the prevalence of psychosocial distress and associated risk factors among patients with advanced kidney, bladder, or prostate cancer. We found that patients with these types of advanced genitourinary cancers are at a great risk of distress, including suicide, with consequent impairments in quality of life. We recommend that a distress screening program be incorporated as the standard of care and that referrals to appropriate psychosocial interventions be available to assist patients in greatest need.
The Body–Mind–Spirit Dimensions of Wellness Mediate Dispositional Gratitude and Life Satisfaction

This study analyzed the mediating effect of the body–mind–spirit dimensions of wellness between dispositional gratitude and life satisfaction among bachelor’s students enrolled at a midsized private university in Islamabad. Rooted in the Broaden-and-Build theory, the study explains how the positive emotion of gratitude may develop personal resources in terms of wellness behaviors or resources, which subsequently foster life satisfaction. The study sample of 779 students was divided into subsample 1 (n = 389) and subsample 2 (n = 390) through a randomizer to obtain solid results. As predicted, the results from a parallel mediation analysis using Model 4 of the PROCESS macro indicated that the body, mind, and spirit dimensions of wellness mediated the dispositional gratitude → life satisfaction link in the two subsamples. The implications of the results for interventions and future research are discussed.
In memoriam: Lori Stiegel, 1957-2020.

Friends and colleagues describe the legacy of and pay tribute to Lori Stiegel, elder justice champion, who died earlier this year.
Personality Disorders Revisited: A Newly Proposed Mental Illness.

Personality disorders such as dependent personality disorder (DPD), among others, have shown limited academic development in terms of a more in-depth understanding or subtypes that may exist as a mental illness or associated condition. DPD was first published as a distinct personality disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, 3rd edition (DSM III) psychiatry manual in 1980. Since its revision in the DSM IIIR in 1987, no significant advancements have been proposed to date. This case study reported a patient with suicidal ideation and offered a new type of DPD to advance personality disorders research. The new subtype of dependent personality disorder has a few key characteristics of the traditional disorder yet reveals features that mirror nearly opposite symptom criteria, making it unique as a distinct subtype or possibly a separate personality disorder of its kind. The case study patient report proposes comorbid diagnoses of adjustment disorder and dependent personality disorder, the altruistic depressive type. Recommendations for further research were made.
A Multiskill, 5-Week, Online Positive Emotions Training for Student Well-Being:

The aim of this 5-week Positive Emotions Project (PEP) is to teach students simple emotional well-being techniques in an online course. I adapted a clinical intervention that Moskowitz et al. devel...
Seigniorage, (Hyper)Inflation and Money Demand in Venezuela in the XXI Century: A First Estimation Attempt

The present work estimates collected seigniorage levels in the Venezuelan economy from 1994Q1 to 2018Q2 and tries to determine when and if a seigniorage-maximizing inflation rate occurred and this way provide a rational on the development of hyperinflation in the country. Results suggest that the Venezuelan government acts as a seigniorage maximizer. The model predicts that the seigniorage-maximizing rate of inflation of the Venezuelan economy occurred around the first quarter of 2016 at a monthly inflation rate of approximately 13 percent. The implications of this are that when facing the choice of maximizing short-run seigniorage even at the expense of long-run seigniorage, the government has opted for the first one and face the perils of hyperinflation; this could certainly be the rational choice of a government that either feels cornered or confidently-headed towards a more heterodox regime. The study finally shows how the current regime, by increasing the role of the public sector in the economy through a series of interventions, has managed to expropriate an important part of the population’s wealth, whereas the previous regime, through less intervention, respect to basic economic freedoms, and standard macroeconomic management, never put itself on the “bad side” of the Bailey curve.
Bioinspired electrospun dECM scaffolds guide cell growth and control the formation of myotubes

While skeletal muscle has a high capacity for endogenous repair in acute injuries, volumetric muscle loss can leave long-lasting or permanent structural and functional deficits to the injured muscle and surrounding tissues. With clinical treatments failing to repair lost tissue, there is a great need for a tissue-engineered therapy to promote skeletal muscle regeneration. In this study, we aim to assess the potential for electrospun decellularized skeletal muscle extracellular matrix (dECM) with tunable physicochemical properties to control mouse myoblast growth and myotube formation. The material properties as well as cell behavior - growth and differentiation - were assessed in response to modulation of crosslinking and scaffold architecture. The fabrication of a bioactive dECM-based system with tunable physicochemical properties that can control myotube formation has several applications in skeletal muscle engineering and may bring the field one step closer to developing a therapy to address these unmet clinical needs.
Nanostructured Elements in Active and Passive Optical Technologies

This paper explores the role of nanotechnology with special focus on matamaterials and nanophotonics of inhomogeneous materials consisting of dielectric, semiconductor and metal compositions to create novel functionalities for various applications including optical communications, optical signal processing, imaging and sensing.
Uterine mesenchymal tumors harboring ALK fusions and response to ALK-targeted therapy.

Abstract Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) of the uterus is a rare but aggressive malignancy that is often misdiagnosed. Approximately 50% of uterine IMTs (UMT) harbor rearrangements involving the ALK gene on chromosome 2p23 with subsequent overexpression of the ALK protein. Molecular characterization and wider availability of immunohistochemistry (IHC) and next generation sequencing (NGS) have improved clinical recognition and accurate diagnosis of UMT. The discovery of ALK fusions as a genomic driver led to the FDA approval of ALK inhibitors in ALK-altered lung cancers, but there are limited data to date on the spectrum of ALK fusions or patterns of response and resistance to ALK inhibitors in ALK-altered UMT. In this report we describe the genomic and histopathological characteristics and the response to ALK-targeted therapy in four patients with UMT. In all four patients, clinical activity of ALK inhibition was observed, with durable responses lasting 12 months or more. Moreover, three patients derived benefit from a second-generation ALK inhibitor after progression of disease or intolerance to the first-generation inhibitor crizotinib. Our report advocates for consideration of expanding the current National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines to include later-generation ALK inhibitors for the treatment of ALK-rearranged UMTs.
Should Passive Investors Actively Manage Their Trades

Using novel daily holding data for exchange-traded funds (ETFs), I identify three types of ETFs that adopt distinct approaches to rebalancing their portfolios, which generates meaningful return heterogeneity. First, 56% of ETFs track public indices that pre-announce their rebalances, and they trade entirely on reconstitution days at closing prices. Their large, uninformed trades pay 67 bps in execution costs, a figure that is three times higher than what is paid in similar-sized institutional trades. Second, 7% of ETFs spread out their trades across 10 days and save 34 bps per trade or 7.3 bps per year. Third, 37% of ETFs use self-designed indices to avoid pre-announcements of rebalancing stocks and save 30 bps per trade. The alternative rebalance schedule leads to a tracking error of 10.6 bps per year and an information ratio of 0.69. For a $2 million retirement account that accrues over 30 years, the transaction cost savings rise to $29 thousand at retirement.
Phosphorylation of varicella-zoster virus glycoprotein gpI by mammalian casein kinase II and casein kinase I.

Abstract Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) glycoprotein gpI is the predominant viral glycoprotein within the plasma membranes of infected cells. This viral glycoprotein is phosphorylated on its polypeptide backbone during biosynthesis. In this report, we investigated the protein kinases which participate in the phosphorylation events. Under in vivo conditions, VZV gpI was phosphorylated on its serine and threonine residues by protein kinases present within lysates of either VZV-infected or uninfected cells. Because this activity was diminished by heparin, a known inhibitor of casein kinase II, isolated gpI was incubated with purified casein kinase II and shown to be phosphorylated in an in vitro assay containing [gamma-32P]ATP. The same glycoprotein was phosphorylated when [32P]GTP was substituted for [32P]ATP in the protein kinase assay. We also tested whether VZV gpI was phosphorylated by two other ubiquitous mammalian protein kinases--casein kinase I and cyclic AMP-dependent kinase--and found that only casein kinase I modified gpI. When the predicted 623-amino-acid sequence of gpI was examined, two phosphorylation sites known to be optimal for casein kinase II were observed. Immediately upstream from each of the casein kinase II sites was a potential casein kinase I phosphorylation site. In summary, this study showed that VZV gpI was phosphorylated by each of two mammalian protein kinases (casein kinase I and casein kinase II) and that potential serine-threonine phosphorylation sites for each of these two kinases were present in the viral glycoprotein.
Developing researching professionals in an EdD program: From learners and leaders to scholarly and influential practitioners

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how entering students and graduating students from an education doctorate (EdD) program viewed themselves as learners, leaders, and action researchers. Further, the paper examines differences in the identity trajectories between the two groups. Finally, the paper suggested a new identity status – scholarly and influential practitioners (SaIP) emerged from melding the three identity statuses. Design/methodology/approach – The paper employed a mixed method design. Findings – Results indicated students new to the program held strong identities as learners and leaders, but not as action researchers; whereas graduates held stronger views of each type of identity, especially as researchers. Program features such as cycles of action research (CAR), and leader-scholar communities were instrumental in influencing graduates’ identities as researching professionals. Research limitations/implications – SaIP emerge when doctoral programs enhance the learner and leader ...
A semantic network of English: the mother of all WordNets

We give a brief outline of the design and contents of the English lexical database WordNet, which serves as a model for similarly conceived wordnets in several European languages. WordNet is a semantic network, in which the meanings of nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs are represented in terms of their links to other (groups of) words via conceptual-semantic and lexical relations. Each part of speech is treated differently reflecting different semantic properties. We briefly discuss polysemy in WordNet, and focus on the case of meaning extensions in the verb lexicon. Finally, we outline the potential uses of WordNet not only for applications in natural language processing, but also for research in stylistic analyses in conjunction with a semantic concordance.
A hard X-ray imaging polarimeter for balloon-borne astronomy

A polarimeter based upon an optical avalanche chamber is being developed at the Marshall Space Flight Center. The polarimeter will be carried aloft by balloon for imaged polarization measurements of celestial sources at energies between 40 keV and 100 keV. In the lab, using a small prototype polarimeter, we have measured a modulation factor of 0.3 at 54 keV. The polarimeter works by using a CCD camera to image the track of each photoelectron liberated when an X-ray is absorbed in the optical avalanche chamber. By virtue of this technique, we are able to measure the ejection direction of the photoelectrons (i.e. polarization of the incident X-ray beam) as well as locate the position of the absorbed X-ray to within a region smaller than the size of the charge cloud. As a result, we can obtain a map detailing the two dimensional distribution of polarization amplitude and polarization direction. We present details of this work as well as a description of the balloon experiment we are currently building.
For-Profits and the Market Paradox

The emergence of For-Profit Colleges and Universities (FPCUs) is having a transformative impact on higher education as a whole, yet it disproportionately impacts vulnerable student populations, subjecting them to significant market volatility and risk. A common claim in support of the rise of FPCUs and reducing their regulatory burden is that they provide access to higher education for vulnerable students. This scenario presents an interesting paradox: FPCUs, rather than traditional non-profit and public institutions, are becoming a de facto path for many vulnerable students: low socioeconomic-status students, underrepresented minorities, first generation college students, non-traditional adult students, and veterans. Federal government funding has accelerated the migration of vulnerable students to FPCUs. This migration reveals a shortcoming associated with portable financial aid in the existing regulatory environment: ill-informed vulnerable students selecting educational options that differentially empower them. Although FPCUs provide access to vulnerable student populations, the existing regulatory framework, when combined with market forces, does not at present, adequately protect federal dollars, students, or address broader societal issues, such as higher education stratification.
Closure of large abdominal wounds with an adjustable suture-tension device.

METHODS Three patients with complicated abdominal pathology were each treated with an open abdomen in which granulation tissue formed over the gastrointestinal viscera. After the abdominal wall defect was debrided, the fascia was closed using absorbable mesh placed over the granulation tissue, followed by application of the STAR device. The vertical axis length of each wound was used to determine the number of devices used for closure, allowing 3 cm between each device. Each suture incorporated the full thickness of the abdominal wall including the edge of the fascia–mesh suture line. Antibiotic ointment was placed along the device–skin interfaces. Beginning 3 days after placement, each device was wound daily in an incremental fashion. During the recovery period, patients were monitored for adequacy of wound closure, level of discomfort, and evidence of cutaneous, subcutaneous, and fascial breakdown. Time-to-closure was measured in days from the time of device placement until the completely untensioned apposition of wound edges. Patient 1 A 62-year-old man underwent thoracoabdominal reduction of a gastric volvulus within a hiatal hernia. Postoperative complications included wound infection, pancreatitis, and abdominal wall dehiscence. This was addressed with debridement and drainage, fascial closure using polyglactin 910 (Vicryl, Ethicon, Somerville, NJ) mesh, and full-thickness abdominal wall approximation using the STAR system. The wound healed completely within 4 weeks. The patient has no residual abdominal wall defects or herniae. Patient 2
Nuts and their bioactive constituents: effects on serum lipids and other factors that affect disease risk

Because nuts have favorable fatty acid and nutrient profiles, there is growing interest in evaluating their role in a heart-healthy diet. Nuts are low in saturated fatty acids and high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. In addition, emerging evidence indicates that there are other bioactive molecules in nuts that elicit cardioprotective effects. These include plant protein, dietary fiber, micronutrients such as copper and magnesium, plant sterols, and phytochemicals. Few feeding studies have been conducted that have incorporated different nuts into the test diets to determine the effects on plasma lipids and lipoproteins. The total- and lipoprotein-cholesterol responses to these diets are summarized in this article. In addition, the actual cholesterol response was compared with the predicted response derived from the most current predictive equations for blood cholesterol. Results from this comparison showed that when subjects consumed test diets including nuts, there was an approximately 25% greater cholesterol-lowering response than that predicted by the equations. These results suggest that there are non-fatty acid constituents in nuts that have additional cholesterol-lowering effects. Further studies are needed to identify these constituents and establish their relative cholesterol-lowering potency.
North Korea under Kim Jong‐un: The Beginning of the End of a Peculiar Dynasty

Kim Jong-il's abrupt death in December 2011 raises many questions. Will Kim Jong-un pull off the third-generation dynastic succession? Will there be policy changes? How should South Korea deal with North Korea? This essay seeks to answer these questions. Despite all the trappings of power, Kim Jong-un is not likely to wield real power. He is most likely to become a symbolic leader without real power or be dethroned by older leaders. Jang Song-taek, Kim Jong-il's brother-in-law, may emerge North Korea's de facto leader. Kim Jong-un will not last long because the North Korean system has two fundamental flaws of power succession and dysfunctional economy. The destruction of the Kim dynasty will come from internal sources. South Korea policy toward the North should be based on two principles, that is, peaceful coexistence and tension reduction. As time passes, North Korea will either reform or fall. In the meantime, South Korea should proactively manage conflicts and reduce tensions with the North. Korean unification may come sooner than later. It's time for South Korea to prepare for unification, reconstruction, and reconciliation.
Algorithmic procedure to design water utilization systems featuring a single contaminant in process plants

This paper introduces a non-iterative algorithmic procedure to design water utilization networks in refineries and process plants. The procedure is based on necessary and sufficient conditions of optimality that allow the construction of a global optimal solution without the need or a targeting procedure. In addition, the steps of this procedure are such that it can be implemented by hand and have no limitations on the problem size.
Surgical management of hepatocellular carcinoma: resection and ablation.

In this article, the author reviews the recent advances in the surgical management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Partial hepatic resection or, in some instances, liver transplantation provides the best chance for cure. Risk of perioperative mortality after partial hepatectomy is less than 5% in most experienced centers. Careful preoperative assessment of hepatic function is important to reduce the risk of postoperative liver failure after liver resection. Long-term outcomes after resection are comparable to those with liver transplantation, with reported 5-year survival rates of 25%–50%. Although limited controlled comparative studies exist, surgical and nonsurgical local ablative therapies, including ethanol and radiofrequency ablation, may result in survival benefit.
Three-dimensional flaw reconstruction and dimensional analysis using a real-time X-ray imaging system

We have implemented a three-dimensional point reconstruction method based on stereo radiography techniques utilizing a real-time radiography (RTR) laboratory. The continuous radiographic image coupled with computerized position control and feature point determination eliminates problems associated with film detectors (development time, occluded/crossed disparities due to missing data between views). Furthermore, the RTR laboratory geometry affords precise control over sample movements using a stepper motor-controlled positioner. We used a simple image-based calibration method to accurately determine the X-ray source and sample position relative to the detector, and ‘'pincushion’' distortion inherent in the electrostatic inverting image intensifier tube was reduced to less than ±0.5 pixels using a two-dimensional third-order polynomial-based image warp. These calibrations resulted in an overall depth accuracy of ±0.2 mm, making this system competitive with computed tomography-based measurements. Moreover, this system achieves good results using two views of a sample rotated 10–30° between views, so it works equally well with symmetric and plate-like geometries. The stereo radiography equations were generalized to support arbitary sample manipulation (translation, rotation) and an arbitrary number of views using a fixed source/detector geometry. The overall system performance was determined by measuring lengths and orientations of simulated cracks (0.3 mm diameter copper wires) embedded at different depths within an aluminum plate, and by measuring the locations of coolant tube axes within a jet engine turbine blade sample.
Steric Stabilization of Colloids by Poly(dimethylsiloxane) in Carbon Dioxide: Effect of Cosolvents.

Abstract Steric stabilization and flocculation of colloids with surface-grafted poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) chains are examined in liquid and supercritical carbon dioxide with and without hexane as a cosolvent. Neither poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nor silica particles with grafted 10,000 g/mol PDMS could be stabilized in pure CO2 at pressures up to 345 bar at 25°C and 517 bar at 65°C without stirring. The addition of 15 wt% hexane to CO2 led to stable dispersions with sedimentation velocities of 0.2 mm/min for 1–2 μm PMMA particles. The critical flocculation pressure of the colloids in the hexane/CO2 mixture, determined from turbidity versus time measurements, was found to be the same for silica and PMMA particles and was well above the upper critical solution pressure for the PDMS–CO2 system. The addition of a nonreactive cosolvent, hexane, eliminates flocculation of PMMA particles synthesized through dispersion polymerization in CO2 with PDMS-based surfactants.
Electron field emission Particle-In-Cell (PIC) coupled with MCNPX simulation of a CNT-based flat-panel x-ray source

A novel x-ray source based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) field emitters is being developed as an alternative for medical imaging diagnostic technologies. The design is based on an array of millions of micro sized x-ray sources similar to the way pixels are arranged in flat panel displays. The trajectory and focusing characteristics of the field emitted electrons, as well as the x-ray generation characteristics of each one of the proposed micro-sized x-ray tubes are simulated. The electron field emission is simulated using the OOPIC PRO particle-in-cell code. The x-ray generation is analyzed with the MCNPX Monte Carlo code. MCNPX is used to optimize both the bremsstrahlung radiation energy spectra and to verify the angular distribution for 0.25-12 μm thick molybdenum, rhodium and tungsten targets. Also, different extracting, accelerating and focusing voltages, as well as different focusing structures and geometries of the micro cells are simulated using the OOPIC Pro particle-in-cell code. The electron trajectories, beam spot sizes, I-V curves, bremsstrahlung radiation energy spectra, and angular distribution are all analyzed for a given cell. The simulation results show that micro x-ray cells can be used to generate suitable electron currents using CNT field emitters and strike a thin tungsten target to produce an adequate bremsstrahlung spectrum. The shape and trajectory of the electron beam was modified using focusing structures in the microcell. Further modifications to the electron beam are possible and can help design a better x-ray transmission source.
The talmudic concept of “beyond the letter of the law”: Relevance to business social responsibilities

The idea of corporate social responsibility is neither new nor radical. The core belief is that business managers, even in their role as managers, have responsibilities to society beyond profit maximization. Managers, in pursuing their primary goal of increasing shareholder value, have social responsibilities in addition to meeting the minimal requirements of the law. Nevertheless, the call for increased social responsibility on the part of business managers remains controversial. At least two major perspectives on social responsibility can be isolated. The classical view, most closely identified with Milton Friedman, suggests that social responsibility is incompatible with a free enterprise economy. By contrast, advocates of increased social responsibility point out the desirability for voluntary (and at times costly) corporate activities which promote society's well being. The purpose of this essay is to briefly describe both the classical and pro-social responsibility perspectives. We suggest that while important differences in assumptions characterize the two distinct views, there is enough overlap and agreement to move the debate beyond the current stalemate. Specifically, we argue that the concept oflifnim mishurat hadin, an innovative and ancient Jewish legal doctrine which is usually translated as “beyond the letter of the law”, might serve as a model for modern legal and social thought. We examine talmudic and post-talmudic sources which apply this concept to the area of business ethics, and explore its applicability to the modern situation. Although the business ethics literature rarely refers to Talmudic and rabbinic sources, these texts reflect a sophisticated understanding of business practices and ethical problems.
Multichannel Interval Timer

A CAMAC based modular multichannel interval timer is described. The timer comprises twelve high resolution time digitizers with a common start enabling twelve independent stop inputs. Ten time ranges from 2.5 ?s to 1.3 ?s can be preset. Time can be read out in twelve 24-bit words either via CAMAC Crate Controller or an external FIFO register. LSB time calibration is 78.125 ps. An additional word reads out the operational status of twelve stop channels. The system consists of two modules. The analog module contains a reference clock and 13 analog time stretchers. The digital module contains counters, logic and interface circuits. The timer has an excellent differential linearity, thermal stability and crosstalk free performance.
Probing public perceptions on energy: Support for a comparative, deep-probing survey design for complex issue domains

Abstract Surveys of public attitudes have increasingly been criticized for being superficial and too fragmented to sufficiently represent views comprehensively within a complex issue domain. Attitudes are often assessed without context, and the scope of these surveys tends to be relatively narrow. With these concerns in mind, we developed a survey of adults in the United States that incorporated an approach that looks comparatively and in-depth at sub-issues within a larger policy domain, thereby probing deeper into individuals' attitudes than typically found. Our emphasis is on energy issues. As debates over energy issues like hydraulic fracturing, oil exploration, gas prices, and renewable energy rage, it is increasingly important to accurately and fully evaluate public attitudes. We present the results of this survey and evaluate the benefits of utilizing a sub-issue comparative, deep-probing survey instrument.