cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conclusion: Unique Adult Degree Programs with Unique Relationships to the Main Campus.

Stephen D. Holtrop defines the assumptions going into this study, reviews patterns in the case studies, and describes results of a follow-up survey on adult programs.
The Conditional Beta Distribution as a Stochastic Production Function

The conditional beta distribution is proposed as a parametric model of the probability distribution of agricultural output. A two-stage maximum likelihood estimation procedure is shown to produce consistent, asymptotically efficient and normal estimates of maximum output and the parameters of the conditional distribution. Application of the procedure to data on corn yield response to fertilizers shows that fertilizers have a significant impact on each of the first three moments of the distribution of corn yield. Corn yield distributions are found to be negatively skewed, implying that above average yields are more probable than below average yields.
The Educated Russian's Curse: Returns to Education in the Russian Federation during the 1990s

Abstract. This paper uses a representative sample of the Russian Federation, the Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey, to estimate the returns to education in this ex-communist country. We tackle this classic issue in labor economics with the realistic expectation of obtaining results for Russia comparable in quality and reliability to those available in developed countries and other economies in transition. Using standard regression techniques we find that the returns to education in Russia are quite low compared with those reported in the literature on countries throughout the world, in almost no specification reaching higher than 5 per cent. Moreover, there is virtually no improvement in returns to education in the 1992–99 period, a result somewhat at odds with other studies using Russian data from similar time periods. When we instrument our main regressor using policy experiments from the 1960s, we find comparable results. We also perform a selectivity correction and discover even lower returns to education for men, although they become slightly higher for women. Additionally, we find extremely low returns to tenure, which can even become negative in certain specifications.
Visual feedback and self-monitoring of sign language.

The perceptual loop theory of self-monitoring posits that auditory speech output is parsed by the comprehension system. For sign language, however, visual input from one’s own signing is distinct from visual input received from another’s signing. Two experiments investigated the role of visual feedback in the production of American Sign Language (ASL). Experiment 1 revealed that signers were poor at recognizing ASL signs when viewed as they would appear during self-produced signing. Experiment 2 showed that the absence or blurring of visual feedback did not affect production performance when deaf signers learned to reproduce signs from Russian Sign Language, and production performance of hearing non-signers was slightly worse with visual feedback. Signers may rely primarily on somatosensory feedback when monitoring language output, and if the perceptual loop theory is to be maintained, the comprehension system must be able to parse a somatosensory signal as well as an external perceptual signal for both sign and speech.
On heuristic reasoning, reactivity, and search

This paper explores the relationships among reactivity, heuristic reasoning, and search. It describes a hybrid, hierarchical reasoner that first has the opportunity to react correctly. If no ready reaction is computed, the reasoner activates a set of reactive triggers for time-limited search procedures. If they too fail to produce a response, the reasoner resorts to collaboration among a set of heuristic rationales. In a series of experiments, this hybrid reasoner is shown to be effective and efficient. The data also show how each of the three processes (correct reactions, time-limited search with reactive trigger, and heuristic rationales) plays an important role in problem solving. Reactivity is demonstrably enhanced by brief, knowledge-based, intelligent searches to generate solution fragments.
Source/drain resistance modeling in bulk and ultra-thin body SOI MOSFETs

In this paper, the optimization of the S/D extrinsic resistance for the recessed and elevated S/D silicide contact structure through physical compact modeling and 2-dimensional TCAD simulation are investigated. A new simplified physical compact modeling is developed and applied to 90-nm SOI CMOS technology to investigate the sub-resistance component contribution and parameter sensitivity. The model-based guideline for the optimum location of silicide/Si interface in elevated S/D structure is proposed with respect to the device parameters including contact size and SOI thickness.
Human Body Joints Estimation for Clinical Jumping Analysis

This paper presents an effective approach to estimate human body joints from a monocular video captured with a handheld camera for clinical jumping analysis. In this framework, the video frames are classified into color blobs and represented by region adjacency graphs (RAGs). Then, the corresponding body parts in the current frame are extracted and tracked based on the labels of RAG nodes in the previous frame using a semantic graph growing method. Initially, each RAG node of the current frame is associated with its most similar RAG node of the previous frame. Then, in order to reduce the mismatches in the initial association, the skeleton of legs is constructed to find the correct leg parts. In addition, a loose stick figure model is used to disambiguate the misassignment by enforcing geometric constraints defined between consecutive frames. Finally, the joint positions are estimated and smoothed using a priori knowledge of the jumping process. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of our algorithm.
Developing environmental indices using fuzzy numbers ordered weighted averaging (FN-OWA) operators

Environmental indices (EI) constitute a common communication tool that is often used to describe the overall status of environmental systems (air, water and soil). EI development entails the use of mathematical operators to aggregate various non-commensurate input parameters in a logical manner. The ordered weighted averaging (OWA) operator is a general mean type operator that provides flexibility in the aggregation process such that the aggregated value is bounded between minimum and maximum values of the input parameters. This flexibility of the OWA operator is realized through the concept of orness, which is a surrogate for decision maker’s attitude. The type of input parameters also affects the choice of aggregation operators. If the input parameters are linguistic or fuzzy, the aggregation through OWA operators is not possible, and the use of fuzzy arithmetic is warranted. The concept of fuzzy number OWA (FN-OWA) operators is explored to handle situations in which one or more input parameter has fuzzy (or linguistic) values. The proposed approach is demonstrated using data provided in an earlier study by Swamee and Tyagi (ASCE J Environ Eng 126(5):451–455, 2000) for establishing water quality indices. Multiple hypothetical scenarios are also generated to highlight the utility and sensitivity of the proposed approach.
Defining Iron-Deficiency Anemia in Public Health Terms: A Time for Reflection

This paper provides a historical context for this meeting, which aimed to examine critically the way we have defined iron-deficiency anemia as a public health problem. The terms and concepts used to define the problem are reviewed first, followed by estimates of the global prevalence of the problem from 1985 to 2000. It is argued that recent estimates are not credible and that we must redefine the problem in terms that are important, measurable and addressable. This meeting was designed to take first steps toward that goal, namely, to identify the causal factors (e.g., iron deficiency vs. iron-deficiency anemia vs. severe anemia from any cause) that link iron-deficiency anemia to important health outcomes and to estimate the magnitude of their effects in public health terms.
Subcutaneous tri-block copolymer produces recovery from spinal cord injury.

We have studied the ability of nonionic detergents and hydrophilic polymers to seal permeabilized membranes of damaged cells, rescuing them from progressive dissolution, degeneration, and death. We report that a single subcutaneous injection of the tri-block copolymer, Poloxamer 188 (P188) 6 hr after a severe compression of the adult guinea pig spinal cord is able to: (1) preserve the anatomic integrity of the cord; (2) produce a rapid recovery of nerve impulse conduction through the lesion; and (3) produce a behavioral recovery of a spinal cord dependent long tract spinal cord reflex. These observations stood out against a control group in blinded evaluation. Conduction through the lesion was monitored by stimulating the tibial nerve of the hind limb, and measuring the arrival of evoked potentials at the contralateral sensory cortex of the brain (somatosensory evoked potentials; SSEP). Behavioral recovery was determined by a return of sensitivity of formerly areflexic receptive fields of the cutaneous trunchi muscle (CTM) reflex. This contraction of back skin in response to tactile stimulation is totally dependent on the integrity of an identified bilateral column of ascending long tract axons. A statistically significant recovery of both SSEP conduction through the lesion and the CTM reflex occurred in P188-treated animals compared to vehicle-treated controls. Quantitative 3D computer reconstruction of the lesioned vertebral segment of spinal cord revealed a statistically significant sparing of spinal cord parenchyma and a significant reduction in cavitation of the spinal cord compared to control animals We determined that the proportion of P188-treated animals that recovered evoked potentials were nearly identical to that produced by a subcutaneous injection of polyethylene glycol (PEG). In contrast, P188 was not as effective as PEG in producing a recovery of CTM functioning. We discuss the likely differences in the mechanisms of action of these two polymers, and the possibilities inherent in a combined treatment. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Current controversies in the radiotherapeutic management of adult low-grade glioma

Over the last decade, the results of four prospective clinical trials of supratentorial low-grade glioma (LGG) in adults have been published. The data from the nearly 1,000 patients treated on these studies are summarized in this presentation, addressing the following three current controversies in the radiotherapeutic management of these patients: (1) optimum timing of radiation therapy (RT); (2) optimum RT dose; and (3) addition of chemotherapy to RT. The 5-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates in these four studies ranged from 58% to 72% and from 37% to 55%, respectively. Significant prognostic factors included extent of surgical resection, histology, tumor size, and age. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) study 22845 randomized 311 adults to postoperative observation or RT. There was no difference in the 5-year OS rate between the two arms, but the irradiated patients had a significantly improved 5-year PFS rate. EORTC study 22844 randomized 379 adults to low- versus high-dose RT. Similarly, an intergroup study conducted by the North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG), Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG), and Eastern Cooperative Group (ECOG) randomized 211 adults to low- versus high-dose RT. There was no difference in the 5-year OS or PFS rates between the two dose groups in either study. A Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) study randomized 60 adults with incompletely resected LGG to RT alone or RT plus lomustine (CCNU) chemotherapy. There was no difference in outcome between the two treatment arms. Further prospective clinical trials are needed to define the optimal management strategy for adults with supratentorial LGG. The schemata from recently completed and ongoing LGG studies will be presented.
Root system architecture of Kosteletzkya pentacarpos (Malvaceae) and belowground environmental influences on root and aerial growth dynamics.

Premise of the study Root growth and architecture of Kosteletzkya pentacarpos and its response to nutrients and soil texture were studied to facilitate domestication of this plant as a biofuel crop (seeds for oil, stems for ethanol). Because it is salt tolerant, it does not compete with food crops for land. Methods Four soil treatments in the bottom chambers of two-chambered growing units (three nutrient levels in sandy loam and saline, dredged material) were used to test substrate influences on root structure and aerial growth in a greenhouse study. Simultaneously, underground reserves were determined by collecting aerial biomass of dark-grown plants. Root cores (15 × 50 cm) were taken to determine root architecture of 2-year-old field-grown plants. Key results High nutrient availability increased the coarse root biomass (≥2 mm diameter) and increased capsule production. Plants grown in dredged sediment had no substantial growth differences from the controls. Underground reserves were significant. Field cores demonstrated that roots extended more than 50 cm with most of the coarse roots in the upper 20 cm and the coarse to fine root ratio decreasing with depth. Fine root surface area, measured using image-analysis software, was substantially greater than many other crops, as was root mass density. Conclusions Root architecture of K. pentacarpos and its responses to various nutrient levels and soil types demonstrate that it is a promising species for further development as a crop on coastal saline land including dredged material sites. Its perennial taproot system stores carbon and will perform buffer functions between upland and wetlands as sea level rises.
Time delay and initial population density affect interactions between Encarsia pergandiella howard and Eretmocerus mundus mercet (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae)

Differences in dispersal abilities between parasitoid species sharing a host may result in asynchronous colonization of host patches and periods of time (delays) when hosts are exploited in the absence of potential competitors. Previous field cage studies showed Eretmocerus mundus Mercet and Encarsia pergandiella Howard were able to coexist for the duration of a field season when released simultaneously and at the same rate on whitefly-infested cotton plants, and interspecific competition did not influence their ability to suppress their host. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of time delay and initial population density on the population dynamics of En. pergandiella and Er. mundus and their abilities to suppress Bemisia argentifolii Bellows and Perring. Field cages enclosing cotton plants were inoculated with whitefly adults and treated by releasing Er. mundus and En. pergandiella either in sequence (one before the other), at two release rates (1× or 3×), and both in sequence and at two release rates. The sequence of release alone did not affect parasitoid population dynamics. However, when released at two rates, or in sequence and at two rates, the density of En. pergandiella was higher at the high rate and when released first. Results suggest that early colonization of host patches is favorable to En. pergandiella without a negative impact on host suppression. Results provide insight to explain the observed patterns of establishment and population dynamics of Aphelinid parasitoids assemblages in agroecosystems.
Influence of Catchment Disturbance on Pteronotropis euryzonus (Broadstripe Shiner) and Semotilus thoreauianus (Dixie Chub)

Abstract We examined relationships between catchment-scale disturbance from military training and two dominant fish species, Pteronotropis euryzonus (broadstripe shiner) and Semotilus thoreauianus (Dixie chub) in headwater streams at the Fort Benning Military Installation (FBMI), GA. Disturbance was estimated as the percent of the catchment that was bare ground and unpaved road cover. Relative abundance of broadstripe shiners and Dixie chubs were negatively and positively related to disturbance, respectively. This complementarity likely resulted from contrasting life histories, feeding behaviors, and habitat preferences between the two species. Absolute abundance of broadstripe shiners increased, whereas relative abundance of Dixie chubs decreased, with stream discharge, suggesting that both species were affected by local habitat conditions. Additionally, the average body size of both species was lower in high-disturbance streams, signifying that both species were affected by disturbance. Results also sug...
Soft Tissue Surgery.

The surgical application of any type of air drill in soft tissue surgery is limited. The techniques described demonstrate specifically how the drill aids the surgeon in his work.
Approach to headaches in children : more about... best of 2011

Headache is a common problem in childhood - up to 25% of schoolchildren suffer from chronic, recurrent headaches. Although primary headaches are far more common than those with a secondary cause, it is the latter that result in the most anxiety for families. A logical approach to investigating and managing headaches is needed.
Milestones in melanocytes/melanogenesis.

Melanocytes and their production of melanin pigment (a process called melanogenesis) have important roles in determining the physiology of human skin. The amount and type of melanin produced, as well as its eventual distribution in the epidermis, dramatically affects visible color, which ultimately determines the various functions of the pigment, such as photoprotection. ‘‘Normal’’ pigmentation is regulated by 4250 genes (as per the latest count), and they function during the development, migration, survival, proliferation, and differentiation of melanocytes and their precursors (melanoblasts). Disruptions of skin pigmentation can occur at all of these stages, and mutations in these pigment-related genes typically lead to characteristic pigmentary diseases. Pigmentation in the lower species is critical for survival (as camouflage), thermal regulation, etc. In humans, however, it is important not only for cosmetic reasons but also to protect the skin from UV damage and the subsequent risk of skin cancers. With respect to susceptibility to skin cancers, melanocyte function seems to be important at many levels in addition to the simple sunscreen effect of the melanin pigment per se. The chemical and enzymatic processes involved in the synthesis of different types of melanins have also been gradually elucidated. The study of genes involved in regulating mammalian pigmentation has had a dramatic advantage owing to the visible effects of mutations in these genes, and pigment variants of mice, fish, birds, and other species have been collected for centuries, providing a rich resource for understanding the complex nature of their interactions. Combined with the dramatic advances in methods for gene sequencing, and functional analysis, our understanding of the complex regulation of human skin pigmentation—and its disruptions in pigmentary diseases—has advanced rapidly.
Resurrecting Rico: Removing Immunity for White-Collar Crime

... A decade ago, I published an article in these pages entitled Judicial Immunity for White-Collar Crime: The Ironic Demise of Civil RICO. ... Part II explains how and why federal courts and Congress, respectively, dismantled RICO's civil enforcement mechanism through heightened pleading requirements and artificially restrictive readings of the statutory pattern and enterprise elements, and legislative reform denying relief to many victims of securities fraud. ... Despite these clear principles, however, many courts have dismissed RICO claims for failure to allege a proper pattern of racketeering activity, a proper enterprise, or both. ... Cases in which a racketeering victim has successfully established an investment injury are virtually nonexistent. ... First, Congress should eliminate the judicially imposed personenterprise doctrine by amending RICO to impose liability on perpetrator entities that conduct their own affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity. Otherwise, for example, neither Enron nor Arthur Andersen could be ccused, civilly or criminally, of conducting its own business through a pattern of racketeering activity. ... Most recently, this perspective proved decisive in Swierkiewicz v. Sorema N.A., the last case in the trilogy, an employment discrimination case in which the Supreme Court rejected the Second Circuit's attempt to impose a heightened pleading standard upon employment discrimination plaintiffs. ...
A Social Gospel for India

This article discusses the ways that secretaries in the U.S. Young Women's Christian Association (USYWCA) used the Social Gospel to create a type of imagined community, which I call Y-space, in India. In the United States, USYWCA secretaries emphasized Social Gospel ideals such as the personal embodiment of Christ-like behavior, inclusivity, and working for the progress of society. In India, USYWCA secretaries used these same ideas to try to make Y-space an alternative to both the exclusive, traditional, British imperial “clubland” and the growing Hindu and Muslim nationalist movement. Instead, they promoted an idealized Americanized Anglo Indian/Christian woman who would engage in civic matters and embody Christian values, and serve as an alternative to the British memsahib, and the Hindu nationalist woman. Despite the USYWCA's efforts to distinguish itself from British imperialists, the secretaries' attempts to create these Americanized Indian women reveals that that the USYWCA supported transforming Indian society according to imposed Western models, in much the same way as the British.
Catalytic Properties of Vanadium Nitride and the Effect of Preparative Parameters on its Microstructure

In this paper the authors describe the synthesis, morphologies, and catalytic properties of vanadium nitrides prepared via the temperature programmed reaction (TPR) of V{sub 2}O{sub 5} (7 m{sup 2}/gr) with ammonia. This reaction yielded VN with surface areas up to 60 m{sup 2}/gr. Among the synthesis parameters, the molar hourly space velocity had the most significant influence on the BET surface areas, crystallite sizes, and pore size distributions. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and x-ray diffraction indicated that the solid state reaction of V{sub 2}O{sub 5} with NH{sub 3} occurred as follows: V{sub 2}O{sub 5} {yields} V{sub 4}O{sub 9} {yields} VO{sub 2} {yields} V{sub 2}O{sub 3} {yields} VO{sub 0.9} {yields} VN. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the surface roughness increased as the transformation proceeded, which corresponds to the increase in surface area. The vanadium nitrides were exceptionally active for the dehydrogenation of butane with selectivities greater than 98% to C{sub 4} olefins. The deactivation was very slow for these catalysts. The reaction rates increased with increasing surface area and were comparable to that of a commercial Pt-Sn/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} dehydrogenation catalyst.
Patterns of Tao (Dao): The Birth of Chinese writing and aesthetics

In the Chinese tradition, the relationship between art and philosophy is conceptually explored in terms of the relationship between dao (Tao) and wen, which may respectively be viewed as representing philosophy and art. Over history, discourses on dao 道 and wen 文 are central to studies of Chinese literature, art, culture, and civilization. But just as dao holds a range of ideas in Chinese philosophy, wen is also one of the most complex terms in Chinese tradition, whose denotations and connotations are multifaceted and open to interpretations. This article argues that the elusive nature of wen can be understood adequately from the perspective of language philosophy and aesthetics via its relationship to the metaphysical principle of the Dao. By examining the discourses on wen and dao, this article advances a thesis with three interrelated ideas: (1) wen (writing) as manifestations of the Tao is an instance of “humanized nature”; (2) the birth of wen marked the beginning of reflections on literature and art, hence inaugurating aesthetics in the Chinese tradition; and (3) the early discourses on wen have determined the distinctiveness of Chinese aesthetic consciousness.
Investigation of Present Situation of Endoscopes in Hospitals Disinfection in Hefei

Objective to know the condition of washing and disinfection of endoscopes in hospitals in Hefei in order to improve the disinfection quality of endoscopes.Methods Questionnaire investigation and sampling examination method were used to carry out according to the relative regulations and standards.Results 28 hospitals were selected from three levels,127 sets of endoscopes and their related articles were sampled and examined and the overall eligible rate was 95.3%.There were 37 Disinfection Endoscopes(The inner surfaces),the eligible rates was 83.8%.The eligible rate of 17 Sterilization Endoscopes was 100%.73 samples were collected from the related articles of endoscopes,water in the bottle and disinfection solution,the eligible rates were 100%.The total eligible rates in hospitals of the city and district were both 100%.Conclusions The disinfection quality of endoscopes at all levels of hospitals in Hefei was in good condition,the qualified rates were relativly high.Several problems still existed in management system,personnel training,and operating Rules in washing and disinfection of endoscopes,so it is necessary to strengthen administration and improve endoscope disinfection quality.
Analysis and Improvement of Electrical System Safety for Nuclear Power Stations

Due to the shortage of fossil fuels and urgent demand of it because of economical development,great changes will happen to the electric power structure in our country.The nuclear power development would go forward irreversibly.The electrical system of nuclear power station became the important parts of nuclear security,the article analysis electrical system characteristics in nuclear power station and its influence on the nuclear security.Moreover it carried out inductions to nuclear power unit operation characteristics and elaborates on the improvement of security measures.
Influence of dietary protein level, amino acid supplementation, and dietary energy levels on growing-finishing pig performance and carcass composition.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of feeding reduced-CP, AA-supplemented diets at two ambient temperatures (Exp. 1) or three levels of dietary NE (Exp. 2) on pig performance and carcass composition. In Exp. 1, 240 mixed-sex pigs were used to test whether projected differences in heat increment associated with diet composition affect pig performance. There were 10 replications of each treatment with four pigs per pen. For the 28-d trial, average initial and final BW were 28.7 kg and 47.5 kg, respectively. Pigs were maintained in a thermoneutral (23 degrees C) or heat-stressed (33 degrees C) environment and fed a 16% CP diet, a 12% CP diet, or a 12% CP diet supplemented with crystalline Lys, Trp, and Thr (on an as-fed basis). Pigs gained at similar rates when fed the 16% CP diet or the 12% CP diet supplemented with Lys, Trp, and Thr (P > 0.10). Pigs fed the 12% CP, AA-supplemented diet had a gain:feed similar to pigs fed the 16% CP diet when housed in the 23 degrees C environment but had a lower gain:feed in the 33 degrees C environment (diet x temperature, P 0.10). These data suggest that pigs fed low-CP, AA-supplemented diets have performance and carcass characteristics similar to pigs fed higher levels of CP and that alterations in dietary NE do not have a discernible effect on pig performance or carcass composition.
The Distance-Based Representative Skyline Calculation Using Unsupervised Extreme Learning Machines

A representative skyline contains k skyline points that can represent its full skyline, which is very useful in the multiple criteria decision making problems. In this paper, we focus on the distance-based representative skyline (k-DRS) query which can describe the tradeoffs among different dimensions offered by the full skyline. Since k-DRS is a NP-hard problem in d-dimensional (\(d\ge 3\)) space, it is impossible to calculate the exact k-DRS in d-dimensional space. By in-depth analyzing the properties of the k-DRS, we propose a new perspective to solve this problem and a k distance-based representative skyline algorithm based on US-ELM (DRSELM) is presented. In DRSELM, first we apply US-ELM to divide the full skyline set into k clusters. Second, in each cluster, we design a method to select a point as the representative point. Experimental results show that our DRSELM significantly outperforms its competitors in terms of both accuracy and efficiency.
Vision-based robot localization across seasons and in remote locations

This paper studies the problem of GPS-denied unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) localization by matching ground images to a satellite map. We examine the realistic, but particularly challenging problem of navigation in remote areas using maps that may correspond to a different season of the year. The problem is difficult due to the limited UGV sensor horizon, the drastic shift in perspective between ground and aerial views, the absence of discriminative features in the environment due to the remote location, and the high variation in appearance of the satellite map caused by the change in seasons. We present an approach to image matching using semantic information that is invariant to seasonal change. This semantics-based matching is incorporated into a particle filter framework and successful localization of the ground vehicle is demonstrated for satellite maps captured in summer, spring, and winter.
Contour and Density Plots

This chapter deals mainly with contour and density plots of two variables. In contrast to plots created with Plot 3D, contour and density plots are especially appropriate for slowly varying functions. The shape of the contours can always be seen independent of the absolute difference between the minimum and maximum values of the function. On the other hand, contour plots may do a poor job of reflecting the properties of rapidly varying functions. Note that the equipotential surface plots discussed in Section 3.3 are included in this chapter. Although the objects generated are of the type Graphics 3D and consequently fit in Chapter 2, they are the natural three-dimensional (3D) generalizations of two-dimensional (2D) contour plots, and this is the reason why they are discussed in this chapter.
Risk of Cognitive Decline Associated With Paroxetine Use in Elderly Nursing Home Patients With Depression.

Objective:This study evaluated the risk of cognitive decline associated with paroxetine use in elderly nursing home patients with depression.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the 2007 to 2010 Medicare Part D claims and minimum data set (MDS) data involving new users of paroxetine and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The primary outcome was MDS Cognition Scale. The repeated-measures mixed model was used to examine the effect of paroxetine on cognition after controlling for other factors.Results:The baseline MDS Cognition Scale measures for paroxetine (n = 63) and other SSRI users (n =1018) were 2.02 (±1.85) and 2.50 (±2.39), respectively. The repeated-measures mixed model did not find statistically significant difference in cognition with the use of paroxetine (β = 0.02, 95% CI: −0.16 to 0.21]) when compared to other SSRIs.Conclusions:There was no differential effect of paroxetine on cognition when compared to other SSRIs.
Personal Health Records, Patient Portals, and Mental Healthcare

Why is a clinical psychologist studying patient portals and personal health records? As an evidence-based clinician, Dr. Carolyn Turvey pursued a research program of developing technology-delivered, home-based psychotherapy for depressed elders. Her initial focus was elders with chronic disabling illness, and she soon became aware of enormous gaps in coordination of care for complex chronic illness. One solution to these gaps was to provide patients and their caregivers electronic access to their health information and to allow them to share this information between their treatment team members.
Where black bodies lie: historiography, race, and the place of Eros

This essay explores how considering the treatment and location of black bodies in the American figurative and literal imagination forces us to reconsider the place of eros as a mechanism for archiv...
Comparison of Methods Study between a Photonic Crystal Biosensor and Certified ELISA to Measure Biomarkers of Iron Deficiency in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

The total analytical error of a photonic crystal (PC) biosensor in the determination of ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) as biomarkers of iron deficiency anemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients was evaluated against certified ELISAs. Antigens were extracted from sera of CKD patients using functionalized iron-oxide nanoparticles (fAb-IONs) followed by magnetic separation. Immuno-complexes were recognized by complementary detection Ab affixed to the PC biosensor surface, and their signals were followed using the BIND instrument. Quantification was conducted against actual protein standards. Total calculated error (TEcalc) was estimated based on systematic (SE) and random error (RE) and compared against total allowed error (TEa) based on established quality specifications. Both detection platforms showed adequate linearity, specificity, and sensitivity for biomarkers. Means, SD, and CV were similar between biomarkers for both detection platforms. Compared to ELISA, inherent imprecision was higher on the PC biosensor for ferritin, but not for sTfR. High SE or RE in the PC biosensor when measuring either biomarker resulted in TEcalc higher than the TEa. This did not influence the diagnostic ability of the PC biosensor to discriminate CKD patients with low iron stores. The performance of the PC biosensor is similar to certified ELISAs; however, optimization is required to reduce TEcalc.
On the ‘front lines’ of the classroom: moral education and Muslim students in French state schools

This paper examines the role of the French state school classroom as a scene of moral pedagogy from the point of view of the French state and Muslim community activists. I argue that in both sets o...
BÔCHER-OSGOOD TYPE THEOREMS FOR THIRD ORDER DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

This chapter discusses Bocher–Osgood type theorems for the third-order differential equations. The oscillation properties of the third-order differential equations have been studied extensively. Many results analogous to results for the second-order equations have been obtained for the third-order case. The chapter discusses some results analogous to the Bocher–Osgood theorem for the second-order equations. One such result is because of A. C. Lazer. The chapter presents a theorem stating that if q ( x ) > 0 ( 2p ( x )/ q ( x ) + d 2 / dx 2 ( q −1 ( x )) ≤ 0 (≥ 0), the absolute values of a solution of y + p ( x ) y ' + q ( x ) y = 0 at its successive maxima and minima form a nondecreasing (nonincreasing) sequence.
Teaching Video NeuroImages: Acquired focal neuromyotonia in LGI-1 autoimmunity

An 81-year-old woman was diagnosed with corticobasal degeneration (cognitive decline and left hand posturing). Hyponatremia and bilateral faciobrachial dystonic seizures (FBDS) ensued. Neurologic examination (figure, A; video) revealed persistent involuntary continuous left 3rd and 4th finger flexor activation and delayed relaxation. EMG revealed high-frequency spontaneous discharges, including neuromyotonia and fast myokymia of the left flexor digitorum superficialis and pronator teres (figure, B). LGI1 immunoglobulin G (IgG)1 was detected, but not CASPR2-IgG (figure, C–E). Oncologic evaluation revealed breast ductal carcinoma in situ. Encephalopathy and FBDS resolved after IV immunoglobulin. Encephalopathy coexisting with peripheral nerve hyperexcitability can mimic neurodegeneration, and should prompt exclusion of LGI1/CASPR2 autoimmunity.2
Synthesis of case reports for meta-assessment of causality.

The evaluation tool presented by Murad and colleagues1 provides an accessible system for judging components of methodological quality in published case reports and series. Whereas the authors observe that their leading explanatory questions in the domain of causality are mostly applicable to drug-related adverse events, it is worth noting that additional, more generalisable factors have been identified. I propose that recognition of such factors offers the potential for meta-assessment of causality across reports of the same or similar interventions. Authors Kiene, Hamre and …
Bioconjugated, Single-Use Biosensor for the Detection of Biomarkers of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is prevalent among cancers in men. A simple method for screening of reliable biomarkers is pivotal for early detection of prostate cancer. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) has been ...
Previous Cartel Experience: Any Lessons for OPEC?

The remarkable success of the OPEC cartel over the last fifteen years has challenged the widely held view among economists that cartels are inherently unstable and short lived. Econometric tests of alternative models of OPEC behaviour point clearly to the conclusion that OPEC is a cartel and owes its success to the willingness of the bulk of its 13 members to voluntarily restrict crude oil production.1 While OPEC appears to have similar structural characteristics as other cartels, its performance has confounded some of the leading economic experts. For example, in Milton Friedman’s now infamous article in Newsweek on March 4, 1974, he predicted that the cartel would soon collapse.2 Morris Adelman in his 1972 article in Foreign Policy is even more explicit:3 “Every cartel has in time been destroyed by one then some members chiselling and cheating; without the instrument of the multinational companies and the cooperation of the consuming countries, OPEC would be an ordinary cartel.”
Orale und intramuskulär applizierbare Neuroleptika bei akuten schizophrenen Psychosen

Die Wirksamkeit der traditionell verwendeten, typischen Neuroleptika muss haufig mit schweren Nebenwirkungen erkauft werden. Neuere Praparate, die sogenannten atypischen Neuroleptika, sind nebenwirkungsarm und sicher in der Anwendung — und auserdem ebenso stark antipsychotisch wirksam. Therapeutische Hoffnung ruht vor allem auf dem derzeit noch unter Studienbedingungen eingesetzten, intramuskular applizierbaren Olanzapin.
Computerized Segmentation of Organs by Means of Geodesic Active-Contour Level-Set Algorithm

Our purpose in this study was to develop a computerized liver extraction scheme based on a geodesic active contour segmentation technique coupled with level-set algorithms for measuring liver volumes in hepatic CT. We evaluated our scheme on 18 prospective liver donors under a liver transplant protocol with a multidetector CT system, and we compared our computerized volumetry with “gold-standard” manual volumetry and interactive volumetry based on commercially available volumetry-assist software.
Fluorophores for Confocal Microscopy

Fluorescence is probably the most important optical readout mode in biological confocal microscopy, because it can be so much more sensitive and specific than absorbance or reflectance, and because it works so well with epi-illumination, which greatly simplifies scanner design. These advantages of fluorescence are critically dependent on the availability of suitable fluorophores that can either be tagged onto biological macromolecules to show their location, or whose optical properties are sensitive to the local environment. Despite the pivotal importance of good fluorophores, little is known about how to rationally design good ones. Whereas the concept of confocal microscopy is only a few decades old and nearly all the optical, electronic, and computer components to support it have been developed or redesigned in the last few years, the most popular fluorophores were developed more than a century ago (in the case of fluoresceins or rhodamines) or several billion years ago (in the case of phycobiliproteins). Moreover, whereas competition between commercial makers of confocal microscopes stimulates ardent efforts to refine the instrumentation, relatively few companies or academic scientists are interested in improving fluorophores.
Retrieval practice and judgements of learning enhance transfer of physiology information

It is well-documented that retrieval practice enhances the recall of simple and complex information (Karpicke and Aue in Educ Psychol Rev 27(2):317–326, 2015). Evidence is also accumulating that retrieval practice can enhance other cognitive processes such as the ability to critically evaluate research articles (Dobson et al. in Med Educ 52(5):513–525, 2018) and transfer of learning (Butler in J Exp Psychol Learn Mem Cogn 36(5):1118, 2010). One aim of this investigation was to explore the effects of retrieval practice on transfer of learning with physiology information. A second aim was to compare recall and transfer of physiology information following retrieval practice versus a judgment of learning task (JOL) that is potentially less time consuming for students to use. Participants were randomly assigned to learn three physiology texts using each of the following strategies: (1) studying a text four times (S–S–S–S), (2) studying and then retrieving a text two times (S–R–S–R), and (3) studying a text four times while completing multiple JOL during the second and fourth repetitions (S–S/J–S–S/J). Recall and accuracy on transfer questions were assessed 1 week after the learning phase, and the results were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVAs. The S–R–S–R strategy (21.35 ± 1.08%) produced significantly greater recall than the S–S–S–S strategy (17.35 ± 0.86%), and both the S–R–S–R (44.60 ± 2.55%) and S–S/J–S–S/J (41.79 ± 2.63%) strategies lead to significantly greater transfer than the S–S–S–S strategy (36.07 ± 2.40%). These results provide evidence that retrieval practice enhances recall and transfer of physiology information and that a JOL task can also prove to be beneficial but to a lesser degree.
Sf3b1 Regulation of Jak/Stat Signaling Is Essential for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Formation

Abstract Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) maintain the hematopoietic system throughout the lifetime of an organism. During embryonic development, HSCs emerge through an endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition (EHT) from specialized hemogenic endothelial (HE) cells in the dorsal aorta. HSC fate specification depends on gene expression, which is the culmination of coordinated transcription, RNA splicing, and translation. Although transcriptional regulation of HSC fate choice is well studied, the regulatory role of RNA splicing in this process is poorly understood. Using zebrafish loss-of-function mutants for the spliceosomal component splicing factor 3b, subunit 1 (sf3b1), we identified that impaired splicing hindered HSC production. Surprisingly, we found that this constitutive splicing factor selectively regulates the fate of hemogenic endothelium while leaving the identity of closely-related non-hemogenic endothelium unperturbed. To identify Sf3b1-regulated transcripts important in EHT, we performed RNA-sequencing on purified kdrl:gfp+ endothelial cells from sf3b1 mutant and wild-type siblings at 24 hpf. Approximately 900 genes were mis-spliced, 144 of which were differentially expressed. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis identified Janus Kinase (Jak)/Signaling Transducer and Activator of Transcription (Stat) signaling, in particular Stat3, as one of the top perturbed pathways in the mis-spliced gene set. Stat3 is a transcription factor activated in response to several cytokine and inflammatory signals. To determine if altered splicing of stat3 was critical for HSC formation, we injected antisense splice-blocking morpholinos (MO) targeting the Sf3b1-sensitive stat3 exon19 into wild-type and sf3b1 heterozygous embryos, which normally generate equivalent levels of HSCs. We observed an impairment of HSC production in stat3 morpholino-injected sf3b1 heterozygotes, but not wild-type siblings, indicating a synthetic lethal interaction between sf3b1 and stat3. We also found that overexpression of a constitutively active form of Stat3 significantly suppressed the HSC defects in sf3b1 homozygous mutants. Together, these data indicate that Sf3b1-mediated splicing regulation of the Jak/Stat pathway is critical for HSC emergence. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Community perspectives of second-generation alcohol misuse and HIV risk in rural Kenya: A gendered syndemic lens

ABSTRACTSub-Saharan Africa is at the intersection of the HIV epidemic and the highest burden of alcohol-related disease and injury. Alcohol consumption is associated with an increased likelihood of...
CTCF and cellular heterogeneity

Cellular heterogeneity, which was initially defined for tumor cells, is a fundamental property of all cellular systems, ranging from genetic diversity to cell-to-cell variation driven by stochastic molecular interactions involved all cellular processes. Different cells display substantial variation in gene expression and in response to environmental signaling even in an apparently homogeneous population of cells. Recent studies started to reveal the underlying mechanisms for cellular heterogeneity, particularly related to the states of chromatin. Accumulating evidence suggests that CTCF, an important factor regulating chromatin organization, plays a key role in the control of gene expression variation by stabilizing enhancer–promoter interaction.
A Diary of Remedial Instruction in Division--Grade Seven.

problem was one well-known to upper elementary and junior high school teachers a student who has been instructed for several years in the rote application of an algorithm, who is generally not successful with it, but whose mental set prevents him from accepting a different approach. Laurie and Patty were perfect examples. When I began working with them, both girls were in the seventh grade and both were perennial "D" students. Laurie and Patty were pleasant, cooperative girls who "tried," as the saying goes. (To some extent this means they had learned to cope with the system; they had learned to put something on paper in response to any assignment given them. They were not concerned with quality results; they were interested in maintaining good relations with teachers and with minimizing parental displeasure. This is not to suggest that they were devious. Their behavior had simply been shaped through a natural selection process. They had learned very easily that to "do-something-even-if-iťs-wrong" results in a happier atmosphere than to rebel.) Laurie and Patty were almost totally unsuccessful in applying the division algorithm that they had been taught (the "distributive algorithm"). They tried, but the results were discouraging. To them the symbol ) meant failure. I decided that if the girls were to make any progress then
Wireless power and data transfer through carbon composite using a common inductive link

This paper presents the design and development of an integrated wireless power transfer and data communication system. The power and data transfer share a common inductive link that consists of two identical Helical coils placed on both sides of a carbon composite barrier. Power and data are transferred simultaneously through a 5-mm thick carbon composite barrier without any physical penetration or contact. Power transfer measurements show that the system can deliver 9.7 AC power to the receiving coil with a power transfer efficiency of 36% through the carbon composite barrier. The system achieves a bidirectional half-duplex data communication with the data rate of unit 1.2kbit/s.
Child-Robot Interaction in a Musical Dance Game: An Exploratory Comparison Study between Typically Developing Children and Children with Autism.

Using robots in therapy for children on the autism spectrum is a promising avenue for child-robot interaction, and one that has garnered significant interest from the research community. After prel...