cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Connectionist mechanisms for cognitive control

An understanding of cognitive control is crucial for understanding high-level cognition and delineating the functional role of prefrontal cortex in supporting complex cognitive operations. In this paper, we approach the problem of cognitive control by examining the control needs of SHRUTI, a neurally plausible and cognitively motivated model of inference and decision-making. It is shown that processing via spreading activation has a number of limitations with respect to inference and decision-making, and specific forms of controlled processing is required to overcome these limitations. We propose a set of primitive, neurally plausible control mechanisms, including monitoring, filtering, selection, maintenance, organization, and manipulation, describe connectionist implementations of these primitive mechanisms, and demonstrate the use of several of these primitives in a complex control process.
The design of ARCTIC : A rotary compressor thermally insulated μcooler

Abstract Microscale cooling to date relies largely on passive on-chip cooling in order to move heat from hot spots to alternate sites. Such passive cooling devices include capillary pump loops (CPL), heat pipes, and thermosiphons. Recent developments for active cooling systems include thermal electric coolers (TECs) for heat removal. This paper focuses on the design of an active microscale closed loop cooling system that utilizes the Rankine vapor compression cycle. In this design, a rotary compressor will generate the high pressure required for efficient cooling and will circulate the working fluid to move heat away from chip level hot spots to the ambient. The rotary compressor will leverage technology gained from the rotary engine power system (REPS) program at UC Berkeley, most specifically the 367 mm3 displacement platform. The advantage of a Wankel (Maillard) compressor is that it provides six compression strokes per revolution rather than a single compression stroke common to other popular compressors such as the rolling piston. The current Wankel compressor design will achieve a theoretical compression ratio of 4.7:1. The ARCTIC (a rotary compressor thermally insulated μcooler) system will be a microscale hybrid system consisting of some microfabricated (or MEMS) components including microchannels, in plane MEMS valves, and MEMS temperature, pressure and flow sensors integrated with mesoscale, traditionally machined steel components, including the compressor itself. The system is designed to remove between 45 W of heat at 1000 rpm using R-134a but the system is easily scaleable through a speed increase or decrease of the compressor. Further, a vapor compression cycle using R-134a operating between 258 and 310 K has a theoretical coefficient of performance (C.O.P.) of approximately 4.6. While this calculation does not include pressure losses, compressor inefficiency, or heat transfer losses, it provides ample room for significant improvement over comparable TECs with C.O.P.s of approximately 0.1–0.2. Finally, a thermal circuit analysis determines that the time constant to achieve refrigeration temperature at the evaporator in 12 s is possible.
Optimal Change-Detection and Spiking Neurons

Survival in a non-stationary, potentially adversarial environment requires animals to detect sensory changes rapidly yet accurately, two oft competing desiderata. Neurons subserving such detections are faced with the corresponding challenge to discern "real" changes in inputs as quickly as possible, while ignoring noisy fluctuations. Mathematically, this is an example of a change-detection problem that is actively researched in the controlled stochastic processes community. In this paper, we utilize sophisticated tools developed in that community to formalize an instantiation of the problem faced by the nervous system, and characterize the Bayes-optimal decision policy under certain assumptions. We will derive from this optimal strategy an information accumulation and decision process that remarkably resembles the dynamics of a leaky integrate-and-fire neuron. This correspondence suggests that neurons are optimized for tracking input changes, and sheds new light on the computational import of intracellular properties such as resting membrane potential, voltage-dependent conductance, and post-spike reset voltage. We also explore the influence that factors such as timing, uncertainty, neuromodulation, and reward should and do have on neuronal dynamics and sensitivity, as the optimal decision strategy depends critically on these factors.
Photochemical repair of vocal fold microflap defects.

Objectives: To bond vocal fold flaps using a sutureless, nonthermal laser-assisted method combining visible light and photosensitizing dyes to produce collagen crosslinks. Study Design: In the ex vivo study, epithelial incisions were created in sheep vocal folds. The concentration of the Rose Bengal, and the laser fluence were varied and studied. The in vivo canine study evaluated the thickness of the basement membrane zone, density and distribution of collagen, elastin, and fibroblasts at time zero, 2 weeks, and 8 weeks. Methods: Ex Vivo: Rose Bengal at concentrations between 0.5% and 1.0% was applied to the free margins of the incision and irradiated with an Nd:YAG laser at fluences varying from 150 to 600 J/cm2. The bonding was considered positive when the incision could withstand air at 2 pounds per square inch (psi) from a distance of 3 cm. In Vivo: 0.75% Rose Bengal was applied to the microflap edges and irradiated with an Nd:YAG laser for 140 seconds (100 J/cm2). The control side was not irradiated. Results: Ex Vivo: Bonding was achieved with a minimum of 0.75% Rose Bengal and 300 J/cm2. In Vivo: There was no difference in the amount of subepithelial reaction between the experimental and control sides at 8 weeks. Conclusions: Photochemical tissue bonding is effective at sealing vocal fold incisions and did not create long-term scarring of the vocal folds. Use of this technique may allow for more predictable healing after microflap resection and may reduce the need for postoperative voice rest.
SOCIAL INVOLVEMENT, DISCLOSURE OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AND THE QUALITY OF LESBIAN RELATIONSHIPS

Gay and lesbian political activists encourage lesbians to “come out” and get involved. Is this good advice for lesbian couples? In these secondary analyses of data collected form 784 lesbian couples in 1979 for the American Couples Study (Blumstein & Schwartz, 1983), we examined whether social involvement and disclosure of sexual orientation were systematically associated with the quality of women's relationships. We predicted and found that partners matched on level of social involvement were happier than mismatched couples. The extent of women's social involvement had a curvilinear association with relationship quality: moderately involved couples were the most satisfied. Contrary to predictions, lesbians who had disclosed to a greater number of important others did not have more satisfying romantic relationships, nor did partner matching on self-disclosure enhance relationship quality.
An energy-efficient approach to power control and receiver design in wireless data networks

In this paper, the cross-layer design problem of joint multiuser detection and power control is studied, using a game-theoretic approach that focuses on energy efficiency. The uplink of a direct-sequence code-division multiple-access data network is considered, and a noncooperative game is proposed in which users in the network are allowed to choose their uplink receivers as well as their transmit powers to maximize their own utilities. The utility function measures the number of reliable bits transmitted by the user per joule of energy consumed. Focusing on linear receivers, the Nash equilibrium for the proposed game is derived. It is shown that the equilibrium is one where the powers are signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio-balanced with the minimum mean-square error (MMSE) detector as the receiver. In addition, this framework is used to study power-control games for the matched filter, the decorrelator, and the MMSE detector; and the receivers' performance is compared in terms of the utilities achieved at equilibrium (in bits/joule). The optimal cooperative solution is also discussed and compared with the noncooperative approach. Extensions of the results to the case of multiple receive antennas are also presented. In addition, an admission-control scheme based on maximizing the total utility in the network is proposed.
A practical and systematic review of Weibull statistics for reporting strengths of dental materials

Objectives. To review the history, theory and current applications of Weibull analyses sufficient to make informed decisions regarding practical use of the analysis in dental material strength testing.
Detection of resistance in US Varroa jacobsoni Oud. (Mesostigmata: Varroidae) to the acaricide fluvalinate

Populations of Varroa jacobsoni Oud. from three geographic regions of the United States were assayed for resistance to fluvalinate. A bioassay using a discriminating concentration estimated to cause approximately 80-90 % mortality in a fluvalinate-susceptible strain of V. jacobsoni was used to compare percent mortalities between locations. An average of 73.3 % mortality was seen in two additional operations in Texas, not significantly less than the susceptible strain. An average of 23.7 % mortality was found for mites tested in Florida that had originated from field control failures; Florida test mortality was significantly less than that of the susceptible strain. An average of 65.1 % mortality was found for mites tested in California, also significantly less than mortality of suscepti- ble mites. However, no field control failures were reported for the mites tested in California. © Inra/DIB/AGIB/Elsevier, Paris
Repair of Ebstein's anomaly in the symptomatic neonate: an evolution of technique with 7-year follow-up.

Abstract Background . Ebstein's anomaly in the severely symptomatic neonate is usually fatal. Until recently, successful repair has not been reported and various palliative operations have been associated with prohibitive mortality. Recently, we published our initial results with biventricular repair in 3 severely symptomatic neonates. We now update our experience with emphasis on the evolution of our surgical technique and the medium-term follow-up of these patients. Methods . Since 1994, 8 severely symptomatic neonates and young infants underwent biventricular repair by one surgeon. Six had Ebstein's anomaly and 2 had physiologically similar pathology with severe tricuspid valve dysplasia, cyanosis, and gross cardiomegaly. One Ebstein patient (2 months old) had undergone a Starnes operation elsewhere. Weight of the patients at operation ranged from 2.1 to 6.4 kg (mean 2.7 kg). Five patients had either anatomical (n = 3) or functional (n = 2) pulmonary atresia. Severe (4/4) tricuspid regurgitation was present in all except 1 (Starnes operation), and cardiothoracic ratio exceeded 0.85 in all patients. Echocardiography severity scores were >1.5 in 6 (grade 4/4) and 1.3 in 1 (grade 3/4). Repair consisted of tricuspid valve repair, reduction atrioplasty, relief of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, partial closure of atrial septal defect, and correction of all associated cardiac defects. Technique of tricuspid valve repair evolved over time: 3 had Danielson-type repairs, 3 had DeVega-type repairs, and 2 had complex repairs. Results . One patient died in hospital: a 2.1 kg patient with tricuspid dysplasia, anatomical pulmonary atresia, and hypoplastic pulmonary arteries. The other 7 patients are all in functional class I and in sinus rhythm. Although 3 patients had symptomatic tachyarrhythmias before surgery, no child has experienced SVT after discharge. At recent echocardiography 4 patients had mild tricuspid regurgitation, and 2 had mild-moderate (2/4) tricuspid regurgitation. Three patients are now 7 years old, 2 are almost 2 years old, and the remaining 2 patients are 1 year old. Conclusions . Surgical repair of the severely symptomatic neonate with Ebstein's anomaly is feasible and safe. The repair appears durable and with good medium-term outcome.
The Dilemma of Gender Specialization: Substituting and Augmenting Wives' Household Work

The greater the gender specialization in marriage, the less the overlap in the skill sets and motivations of the partners. The less the overlap, the less readily can the labor of the husband substi...
Quantitative intradermal terbutaline sweat test in horses

The aim of the current study was to quantify sweating responses to intradermal terbutaline in normal horses. Seven Thoroughbred horses were used. Terbutaline (10-fold dilutions from 1000-0.001 mg/l) and a saline control were injected intradermally (0.1 ml/site) and sweat collected for 30 min into absorbent pads taped over each injection site. Tests were performed monthly for 11 successive months and temperature, relative humidity and dewpoint were measured at the time of testing. There was no significant effect (P<or=0.05) of environmental variables or time of year on sweat responses at any dose. There was significant effect (P<0.001) of terbutaline concentration on sweat weight, with significant increases at every concentration from 0.1-1000 mg/l. This quantitative intradermal terbutaline sweat test should be a useful aid to the study of equine sweating and anhidrosis.
Factors Affecting Energy Consumption: Two Field Tests of the Fishbein-Ajzen Model

Summary One hundred and thirteen students and 506 consumers in a statewide sample participated in two studies which investigated the relationship among variables defined by the Fishbein-Ajzen model, situational factors, and energy consumption measures. Correlational analyses with the student sample indicated that one of the situational variables, knowledge, predicted energy usage relatively accurately. In addition, the standard Fishbein-Ajzen model appeared to be moderately useful in understanding energy consumption. With the statewide sample, similar results were found except that the situational variable of income rather than knowledge was the most potent predictor. A manipulation attempting to alter the information level of the students yielded a change in knowledge, but no change in the Fishbein-Ajzen measures. It was concluded that given the complex nature of energy consumption, multiple treatments are probably necessary to increase conservation.
Does the electron have a structure

“... it ain't likely to have a radius of exactly zero,” is the conclusion of H. G. Dehmelt(1) from his Nobel Prize (1989) winning observations on trapped electrons. There are small discrepancies between Dehmelt's observations and the theoretical predictions of quantum electrodynamics (QED), which assumes that the electron is a point particle. Here we present evidence in support of Dehmelt's contention that the electron has a structure. Essentially, we point out that the nonrelativistic limit of QED is at variance with a fundamental principle underlying all of physics, viz. the second law of thermodynamics.
Cardiac Arrhythmias and Sudden Death in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias can occur in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage secondary to rupture of intracranial aneurysms. The arrhythmias are secondary to acute dysfunction of the central nervous system and possibly to sudden increase in intracranial pressure. The autonomic nervous system is the mediator in the production of these disorders. The clinical significance of these rhythm disorders is discussed, particularly in regard to the sudden, unexpected death seen in this type of patient. The possible mechanisms of production are analyzed and their therapeutic implications are stressed.
Rapid modeling of power electronics thermal management technologies

A methodology was developed to rapidly evaluate trade-offs associated with alternative packaging configurations and thermal management technologies for power electronics packaging. The methodology includes the integration of available experimental correlations, computational fluid dynamics results, parametric 3D finite element analysis (FEA) thermal models, and established heat exchanger analysis techniques. The parametric 3D FEA model enables sensitivity studies related to the power module package configuration and cooling technologies. This paper focuses on the study of alternative cooling technologies as they are applied to a fixed power module package. The methodology is applied to a double-sided power module package for several alternative cooling technologies.
Activity‐induced patterns of dental abrasion in prehistoric Pakistan: Evidence from Mehrgarh and Harappa

A detailed investigation of worn teeth should reveal a record of past activity patterns including information regarding diet, food preparation methods, and craft or occupational activities. Anthropological studies of the extensive dental samples from Neolithic (MR 3) and Chalcolithic (MR 2) levels at Mehrgarh, Baluchistan, and Bronze Age Harappa, Punjab, yielded several interesting examples of unusual dental abrasion. This paper provides macro- and microscopic (scanning electron microscope) descriptions of three types of activity-induced dental abrasion: 1) interproximal tooth grooving and interproximal abrasion patches, 2) facial abrasion of maxillary anterior teeth, and 3) lingual abrasion of maxillary incisors in association with rounded wear of lower incisors. The gross size and shape of abrasion features, the orientation of microscopic wear striae, and ethnographic parallels are employed in inferring causal factors involved in their formation. Behavioral activities and dietary explanations possibly associated with each type of dental wear are considered and their implications for reconstructing prehistoric activity patterns discussed. The need for extensive ethno-anthropology research into variations of tooth use among living people with different diets, subsistence bases, and craft specializations is essential to further progress in this field.
On the geometry of feedforward neural network error surfaces

Many feedforward neural network architectures have the property that their overall input-output function is unchanged by certain weight permutations and sign flips. In this paper, the geometric structure of these equioutput weight space transformations is explored for the case of multilayer perceptron networks with tanh activation functions (similar results hold for many other types of neural networks). It is shown that these transformations form an algebraic group isomorphic to a direct product of Weyl groups. Results concerning the root spaces of the Lie algebras associated with these Weyl groups are then used to derive sets of simple equations for minimal sufficient search sets in weight space. These sets, which take the geometric forms of a wedge and a cone, occupy only a minute fraction of the volume of weight space. A separate analysis shows that large numbers of copies of a network performance function optimum weight vector are created by the action of the equioutput transformation group and that these copies all lie on the same sphere. Some implications of these results for learning are discussed.
Fracture toughness of transverse cracks in graphite/epoxy laminates at cryogenic conditions

Abstract Stress singularity of a transverse crack normal to ply-interface in a composite laminate is investigated using analytical and finite element methods. Four-point bending tests were performed on single-notch bend specimens of graphite/epoxy laminates containing a transverse crack perpendicular to the ply-interface. The experimentally determined fracture loads were applied to the finite element model to estimate the fracture toughness. The procedures were repeated for specimens under cryogenic conditions. Although the fracture loads varied with specimen thickness, the critical stress intensity factor was constant for all the specimens indicating that the measured fracture toughness can be used to predict delamination initiation from transverse cracks. For a given crack length and laminate configuration, the fracture load at cryogenic temperature was significantly lower. The results indicate that fracture toughness does not change significantly at cryogenic temperatures, but the thermal stresses play a major role in fracture and initiation of delaminations from transverse cracks.
Mobility control requirement in multiphase displacement processes in porous media

According to the conventional mobility control requirement, the displacing phase mobility (e.g. polymer) should be equal to or less than the sum of the mobilities of several displaced phases (e.g. water and oil). When the oil mobility is much lower than the water mobility, the sum of the displaced phase mobilities will be almost the same as the water mobility. Then, according to the requirement, the displacing polymer mobility is almost the same as the water mobility. As a result, the polymer solution will flow preferentially along water channels, leaving oil undisplaced. In this paper, we propose that the displacing phase mobility (polymer) should be equal to or less than the lowest mobility of displaced phases (generally, oil phase mobility) multiplied by its normalized saturation. This mobility requirement is validated by extensive simulation results at different conditions. It is also justified by field practices. Some published experimental data are analyzed to justify the proposed requirement. The proposed mobility requirement provides a criterion for mobility control design in multiphase displacement processes in porous media. © 2012 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Smart Bit-width Allocation for Low Power Optimization in a SystemC based ASIC Design Environment

The modern era of embedded system design is geared towards design of low-power systems. One way to reduce power in an ASIC implementation is to reduce the bit-width precision of its computation units. This paper describes algorithms to optimize the bit-widths of fixed point variables for low power in a SystemC design environment. We propose an algorithm for optimal bit width precision for two variables and a greedy heuristic which works for any number of variables. The algorithms are used in the automation of converting floating point SystemC programs into ASIC synthesizable SystemC programs. Expected inputs are profiled to estimate errors in the finite precision conversions. Experimental results on the trade-offs between quantization error, power consumption and hardware resources used are reported on a set of four SystemC benchmarks that are mapped onto 0.18 micron ASIC cell library from Artisan Components. We demonstrate that it is possible to reduce the power consumption by 50% on average by allowing round-off errors to increase from 0.5% to 1%. 1
The Effects of Family Structure and Family Relations on Adolescent Marijuana Use

The role of family structure in adolescence has been linked to a host of problem behaviors, including marijuana use. This paper investigates the relationship between family structure and marijuana use, and elaborates previous research by 1) exploring several intervening mechanisms that affect the relationship, and 2) examining the effects of a variety of family forms. Analyses of data from the National Youth Survey (1977-79) indicate that 1) a parental divorce or living with a stepparent decreases family attachment among adolescents; 2) attenuated family attachment and involvement increase the likelihood of associating with drug-using peers; and 3) less family involvement and increased associations with drug-using peers increase the probability of initiating marijuana use and elevate frequency of use.
Staff characteristics associated with likeableness on an adolescent treatment unit.

Personality characteristics including subtest scores from the 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire (16 PF), California Personality Inventory, and Tennessee Self-concept Scale were related to the rated likeableness of staff members of an adolescent treatment unit. Likeableness was assessed by students participating in the treatment program. Correlated were likeableness of staff members and staff members' self-esteem, responsibility, social awareness, and lack of acquiescent response tendencies.
Element-Specific Profiling for ICF Ablator Capsules with Mixed Dopant and Impurities

National Ignition Facility (NIF) specifications require nondestructive, independent profiling of copper, argon, and oxygen in a delivered beryllium capsule. We use a combination of two methods to accomplish this goal: (a) model-enhanced energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) of witness shell fragments for destructive profiling of all three elements in a select sample within a batch and (b) differential radiography (DR) to profile copper and argon on multiple shells to nondestructively prove the sample-to-sample consistency within a batch. This combination fully qualifies the delivered shells. For EDS, we developed a physics model and fabricated standards to quantify low concentrations of relatively light elements in a very low-Z matrix. For model validation, we produced sputtered beryllium capsules containing a single dopant in each shell and used contact radiography (CR) to characterize the dopant profiles to 5 to 10% accuracy. The copper calibration was also checked against bulk Cu-Be standards with known composition, and the argon and oxygen calibrations were also checked against the X-ray absorption edge spectroscopy (Edge method) and the weight gain methods. Together, the EDS method gives ±0.1, ±0.05, and ±0.2 at.% accuracy for copper, argon, and oxygen, respectively, in NIF specification capsules. For DR, we conduct two CR measurements with the X-ray tube running at 9 and 30 kVp, respectively. The differential response between copper and argon enables elemental separation. The dopant profiles can be measured to ±0.7 at.% for NIF specification capsules. The oxygen profile in DR must be inferred from the EDS measurement. In the production work flow, we use EDS to obtain the oxygen profile and use it as input to the DR measurement. We then check that the copper and argon profiles obtained from DR and those from EDS are consistent. The average argon and copper contents from either method can also be checked against the results from the Edge method. These two levels of cross-checks offer critical assurances to the data integrity in production metrology.
Time and the NGOther: Development and temporalities in an Ecuadorian coastal village:

This article looks at divergent and competing understandings of temporalities in Estero de Platano, a fishing village in the Esmeraldas province of Ecuador. Through a discussion of how time can str...
Depressive symptoms and inductive reasoning performance: findings from the ACTIVE reasoning training intervention

Within the context of the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly study (ACTIVE; Ball et al., 2002; Jobe et al., 2001; Willis et al., 2006), we examined the longitudinal association of baseline depressive symptoms on inductive reasoning performance over a 10-year period between the reasoning training and control conditions (N = 1,375). At baseline, 322 participants (23%) reported elevated depressive symptoms, defined by a score ≥9 on the 12-item version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D; Mirowsky & Ross, 2003; Radloff, 1977). Differences in baseline depressive status were not associated with immediate posttraining gains or with subsequent annual change in reasoning performance, suggesting that the presence of elevated baseline depressive symptoms does not impact the ability to benefit from reasoning training.
A Comparison of the Internal Validity of Alternative Parameter Estimation Methods in Decompositional Multiattribute Preference Models

Since 1971, interest in the use of decompositional multiattribute preference models in marketing has been increasing. The applications have varied in terms of the type of data used, behavior predic...
Attitudes and Perceptions of Research in Aging and Dementia in an Urban Minority Population

In dementia trials, minority participation is low. We assessed attitudes toward research in a community based urban poor minority sample of elderly adults attending senior center talks using the 7-item Research Attitudes Questionnaire (RAQ). Presentations on cognitive aging were given at senior centers, and 123 attendees completed the RAQ-7. On trust and safety questions, a significant minority (42-48%) responded neutrally or negatively. Encouragingly, on questions concerning the importance of research, 72-81% answered positively. More work can be done to capitalize on these findings to engage and foster trust, and this can be a focus of outreach.
[Molecular epidemiological study on HIV/AIDS under the follow-up program in Zhejiang province in 2009].

Objective To analyze the molecular epidemiological characteristics on HIV infectors/AIDS patients (HIV/AIDS) under a follow-up program in Zhejiang province in 2009.Methods 303 cases were randomly sampled.Information on the cases was collected and followed by genomic DNA extraction.Gag gene fragments were amplified by nested PCR,followed by sequencing and bio-informatic analysis.Results The rate of success for sequence acquisition was 74.3％ (225/303).Distributions of HIV subtypes were as follows:CRF01_AE (58.7％),CRF07_BC (13.8％),CRF08_BC (9.8％),B' (15.1％),C (1.8％),G (0.4％) and unassigned BC (unique recombinant form 0.4％).Results from the HIV BLAST analysis showed that the sources of strains with the highest homology involved in 10 provinces/municipalities (Liaoning,Guangxi,Yunnan,Henan,etc.) and five other countries (Thailand,Vietnam,India,South Africa and Libya).The CRF01 _AE phylogenetic tree was divided into four clusters.The sequences of HIV/AIDS with homosexual transmission showed a gathering in cluster 1,and mixing with those infected through heterosexual contact.Conclusion Circulating recombinant forms of HIV seemed to play a dominant role in Zhejiang province.Unique recombinant form and new subtype of HIV were found.People living with HIV under homosexual transmission and heterosexual transmission had a trend of interwoven with each other.Increase of both the diversity and complexity of HIV strains were also noticed in Zhejiang province. Key words: Human immunodeficiency virus; Subtype; Molecular epidemiology
Recent advances in plant response to mechanical stress: theory and application.

NASA: This paper reviews the types of mechanical stress that plants encounter, including natural environmental stresses (e.g., wind, rain, hail) and controlled mechanical stresses such as shaking and handling (as would be found in a greenhouse or controlled growth chamber), and reviews recent advances in understanding plant responses to these stresses. Studies on various plants are summarized and hormone involvement and signal transduction mechanisms are discussed in relation to plant responses to mechanical stress.
Implanted spacer approaches for pelvic radiation therapy

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Recent clinical advances in radiation therapy have aimed to improve the therapeutic ratio through shortening the treatment duration through increasing the biologically effective dose (either through dose escalation or hypofractionation). However, despite using advanced techniques such as intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image-guidance methods, dose escalation can be limited by its resultant gastrointestinal toxicity. In an effort to reduce rectal toxicity, biodegradable spacer materials and implantable balloons have been injected into the prostate-rectal space to increase the separation between the rectum and prostate thereby reducing rectal irradiation.Areas covered: The purpose of this review is to describe the commercially available rectal spacers in pelvic radiation therapy, including prostate cancer and gynecologic malignancies, and to discuss the application, dosimetric effects, and reported clinical outcomes to date.Expert commentary: Several groups have report...
G Protein-Gated Potassium Channels: A Link to Drug Addiction

G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels are regulators of neuronal excitability in the brain. Knockout mice lacking GIRK channels display altered behavioral responses to multiple addictive drugs, implicating GIRK channels in addictive behaviors. Here, we review the effects of GIRK subunit deletions on the behavioral response to psychostimulants, such as cocaine and methamphetamine. Additionally, exposure of mice to psychostimulants produces alterations in the surface expression of GIRK channels in multiple types of neurons within the reward system of the brain. Thus, we compare the subcellular mechanisms by which drug exposure appears to alter GIRK expression in multiple cell types and provide an outlook on future studies examining the role of GIRK channels in addiction. A greater understanding of how GIRK channels are regulated by addictive drugs may enable the development of therapies to prevent or treat drug abuse.
VII. REPLICATION, RESEARCH ACCUMULATION, AND META-ANALYSIS IN DEVELOPMENTAL SCIENCE

The progression of scientific knowledge requires replication of research results and an orderly accumulation of research knowledge. However, developmental science, like many other sciences, has too often prioritized individual studies at the expense of replication and synthesis efforts. In this chapter, I describe the concepts of replication and research accumulation and consider both their barriers and potentials for developmental science. I emphasize the importance of considering effect sizes rather than statistical significance, and I describe meta-analysis as a powerful tool in facilitating research accumulation and in guiding replication efforts. By considering advancement in terms of research accumulation rather than single studies, developmental science can achieve greater efficiency and precision to guide both future research and applied efforts.
To the Promised Land

To the Promised Land is the third installment of philosopher-novelist Michael Boylan’s ingenious four volume exploration of some of life’s great quandaries. Each of the De Anima Novels views fundamental challenges through the lens of the world’s great religious perspectives, letting the reader slip into the characters’ lives as they grapple with such issues as sudden wealth, racial identity, politics, and fate. To the Promised Land gives us powerful individuals wrestling with the conflict between responsibility to ourselves and others, as their tales are paired with insights from the Jewish idea of forgiveness.
Salamander Antipredator Defenses: A Field Exercise to Engage Students in Ecosystem Dynamics

The addition of field experimentation to the theory of behavioral biology and ecosystem science creates a significant critical thinking link for students at all levels. First-hand observations of the responses of salamanders in the field permit students to see how organisms behave in their natural habitat. This exercise introduces students to the study of animal behavior, specifically the antipredator responses of salamanders. The students form hypotheses regarding the behavior of salamanders in their natural environment and then record responses of individual salamanders, compile data, interpret data, and draw conclusions about the behavior of salamanders in response to natural stressors.
Online Learning with a Hint

We study a variant of online linear optimization where the player receives a hint about the loss function at the beginning of each round. The hint is given in the form of a vector that is weakly correlated with the loss vector on that round. We show that the player can benefit from such a hint if the set of feasible actions is sufficiently round. Specifically, if the set is strongly convex, the hint can be used to guarantee a regret of O(log(T)), and if the set is q-uniformly convex for q\in(2,3), the hint can be used to guarantee a regret of o(sqrt{T}). In contrast, we establish Omega(sqrt{T}) lower bounds on regret when the set of feasible actions is a polyhedron.
Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Debriefing for Meaningful Learning Inventory

Abstract Background Despite recommendations for formal debriefing training, it is unknown how training improves the application of a debriefing method. To assess the application of Debriefing for Meaningful Learning (DML), the previously tested 31-item DML Evaluation Scale© was modified into the 57-item DML Inventory© (DMLI). Methods The DMLI was completed by 234 participants. Data from the 52 application DMLI items were used to conduct a factor analysis confirming the DMLI as a valid measure of DML. Results Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated a good fit for the DMLI data, supporting a six-class DFactor model classified as the six Es of DML. Conclusions The 52 DMLI application items are a valid measure of DML. Assessment of how debriefing methods are applied after training is needed to advance the science of debriefing practice.
Body Composition in Adults With Intellectual Disabilities: Implications for Practice

Health care professionals require increased knowledge of health and disabilities to effectively implement health promotion initiatives at both the individual and group level for adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). The aim of this review is to examine the feasibility, reliability, and validity of various field-based measurements to assess body composition among adults with ID as compared to nondisabled controls. The literature was systematically searched from 1990 to 2017 for primary articles pertaining to the subject matter that were published in the English language and included only individuals ≥18 years of age. 1,989 studies were screened and 8 studies were included for review. Several field-based measurements for body composition are feasible and reliable yet none have been validated for use in adults with ID. Awareness of the various methods for assessing body composition in adults with ID in clinical practice, while simultaneously understanding their limitations, is necessary.
The physical and mental health burden of obesity in U.S. veterans: Results from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study

In this study, we provide an updated estimate of the prevalence of obesity in U.S. military veterans, and evaluate a broad range of sociodemographic, military, physical and mental health, and lifestyle characteristics associated with obesity in this population. Data were analyzed from a nationally representative sample of 3122 U.S. veterans who participated in the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study (NHRVS). Associations between obesity status, and physical and mental health, and lifestyle variables were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression and linear regression analyses. Results revealed that 32.7% of U.S. veterans are obese, which is higher than the previously reported estimates for U.S. military veterans nationally, and was particularly high among younger and non-white veterans and those using the Veterans Heath Administration (VHA) healthcare system. Obesity was associated with greater trauma burden; elevated rates of a broad range of health conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease, PTSD, nicotine dependence; poor physical and mental functioning and quality of life, and decreased engagement in an active lifestyle. Taken together, these results suggest that the prevalence of obesity is high in U.S. veterans and associated with substantial health burden. Results have implications for informing obesity prevention and treatment programs in veterans, and underscore the importance of assessing, monitoring, and treating obesity in this population.
Unconventional natural gas development and pediatric asthma hospitalizations in Pennsylvania.

Abstract Background Pediatric asthma is a common chronic condition that can be exacerbated by environmental exposures, and unconventional natural gas development (UNGD) has been associated with decreased community air quality. This study aims to quantify the association between UNGD and pediatric asthma hospitalizations. Methods We compare pediatric asthma hospitalizations among zip codes with and without exposure to UNGD between 2003 and 2014 using a difference-in-differences panel analysis. Our UNGD exposure metrics include cumulative and contemporaneous drilling as well as reported air emissions by site. Results We observed consistently elevated odds of hospitalizations in the top tertile of pediatric patients exposed to unconventional drilling compared with their unexposed peers. During the same quarter a well was drilled, we find a 25% increase (95% CI: 1.07, 1.47) in the odds of being hospitalized for asthma. Ever-establishment of an UNGD well within a zip code was associated with a 1.19 (95% CI: 1.04, 1.36) increased odds of a pediatric asthma hospitalization. Our results further demonstrate that increasing specific air emissions from UNGD sites are associated with increased risks of pediatric asthma hospitalizations (e.g. 2,2,4-trimethylpentane, formaldehyde, x-hexane). These results hold across multiple age groups and sensitivity analyses. Conclusions Community-level UNGD exposure metrics were associated with increased odds of pediatric asthma-related hospitalization among young children and adolescents. This study provides evidence that additional regulations may be necessary to protect children's respiratory health from UNGD activities.
The effects of dystrophin gene mutations on the ERG in mice and humans.

Purpose The authors' earlier findings of a negative electroretinogram (ERG) in a boy with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) led them to investigate dystrophin gene deletions and ERGs in five boys with DMD. The authors wanted to determined whether there were similar ERG findings in an animal model for DMD, the mdx mouse. Methods Ganzfeld ERGs were recorded in five boys with DMD after a complete ophthalmic examination. The dystrophin gene was analyzed by Southern blot hybridization. ERGs were recorded in anesthetized mdx and control mice with a modified Grass photostimulator (Grass Instrument Company, Quincy, MA). Results Ophthalmic examinations in all five boys had normal findings, yet an abnormal negative ERG was recorded for each subject. The subjects' gene deletions were variable, ranging from large deletions to no detectable deletions. The ERGs of the mdx mice were normal and did not differ significantly from those of the control mice. Conclusions The authors believe the unique ERG recorded for the human subjects is a manifestation of DMD associated with defects at the dystrophin gene locus and represents a new clinical entity. The ERG of the mdx mouse may be spared for several reasons, including milder effects of the mouse gene defect, differences in muscle and retinal gene product, or species differences in the biochemical role of dystrophin. The ERG shows promise of becoming a noninvasive diagnostic tool for DMD and its milder allelic forms.
Teaching and Assessing Graduate Ethics in Engineering, Science, and Technology

Educating scientists and engineers with respect to the ethical implications of their professional actions is an increasingly urgent, demanding, and complex task, and we do them and society a disservice if they inadequately grasp the ethical significance of the work they do. Education in ethics in engineering and the sciences has been recognized as intrinsically important. The Institute for Science, Technology, Ethics, and Policy at The University of Texas at El Paso brings together scientists, engineers, and philosophers from the academic, industrial, and public policy domains to focus on training both graduate students and faculty in ethical theory related to science and engineering. This training will focus on the rigorous development of ethical thought as applied to current topics in the science, engineering, and technology sectors. Because education in ethics necessarily involves subjective as well as objective factors, in order to evaluate the efficacy of this approach, an innovative assessment of student development that integrates both quantitative and qualitative approaches needs to be made. This paper describes such an experimental method that will be used to assess students for an ethics in engineering course.
NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN (OR WOMEN) -- DO STATE TAX POLICIES DRIVE AWAY THE ELDERLY?

Over the last forty years, state income tax breaks targeting the elderly have grown, often justified by arguments that the elderly move across state lines in response. Using two complementary sources of elderly migration data and several measures of elderly income tax breaks, we investigate the relationship between these tax breaks and migration. We employ different empirical methodologies that emphasize changes over time, including panel regression models spanning four censuses (1970-2000) and several different socioeconomic groups of elderly. Our results are overwhelming in their failure to reveal any consistent effect of state income tax breaks on elderly interstate migration.
Regulation of Cerebral Blood Flow by Carbon Dioxide

This chapter reviews the effects of CO 2 on the cerebral vasculature and the potential mechanisms of action, which can account for these effects. Many studies in man and animals, involving the use of different techniques, have shown that CO 2 exerts a profound influence on cerebral blood flow (CBF). Cerebral vascular vasodilation to hypercapnia and vasoconstriction to hypocapnia are universal findings in mammals regardless of postnatal age. An increase in arterial CO 2 tension produces perhaps the most marked and consistent cerebral vasodilation of any known agent. In man, 5% CO 2 inhalation raises CBF by approximately 50%, and 7% CO 2 by 100%. The main mechanism of the potent effect of CO 2 on CBF is a local action on cerebral arteries and appears to be mediated by extracellular fluid [H + ]. It has been shown that marked changes in arterial CO2 tension and bicarbonate ion concentration of cerebrospinal fluid do not affect pial arteriolar caliber unless a change in pH occurs. This demonstrates that molecular CO 2 and the bicarbonate ion have no vasoactivity and that it is the [H + ] which is the important vasoactive agent.
Social determinants of health in the Human Services: a conceptual model and road map for action

ABSTRACTThe Social Determinants of Health Framework is well known as a reliable way to understand and predict poor health outcomes and health inequities among individuals who are disproportionately...