cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MR image segmentation using a fuzzy-based neural network

Most techniques for segmentation of magnetic resonance images of the brain are extremely time consuming and/or require extensive user interaction. An automated segmentation procedure is presented, whereby the fuzzy c-means classification results are used to train a feedforward neural network. The cascade correlation algorithm is used to optimize the network training process. After applying a brain-extraction technique, the segmented images are then used for rendering computer-generated images of the brain's surface. Experimental results using real, 3D magnetic resonance images are presented, demonstrating the performance of the segmentation as well as the final surface rendering.
Interstitial Granulomatous Dermatitis with Plaques

A 74-year-old woman presented with an asymptomatic, 20 by 10 cm, erythematous, indurated plaque on the sacrum with similar lesions in the folds of both legs. Laboratory studies revealed an elevated ANA and ESR but normal rheumatoid factor, TSH, Lyme, anti-DNA, and SSA/SSB antibodies. Biopsies from the sacrum and left leg showed a perivascular and interstitial infiltrate of foamy histiocytes, epitheliod cells, and multinucleated giant cells, as well as lymphocytes and eosinophils in the entire dermis. The patient was diagnosed with interstitial granulomatous dermatitis (IGD) with plaques. The lesions resolved spontaneously. IGD with plaques is a rare but benign disorder of uncertain etiology. Its characteristic histopathology and clinical appearance distinguish it from other granulomatous dermatitis.
PDM: an enabling technology for integrated product development

Product data management (PDM) systems are crucial as an enabling technology for integrated product development (IPD). In Texas Instruments (TI) Defense Systems and Electronics Group (DSEG), a PDM architecture is being developed, which consists of four primary segments of functionality: project and enterprise-level PDM, discipline or subprocess-centered environments, cross-discipline data sharing and collaboration support, and specialized PDM environments. A key element of the architecture is the data management system (DMS), which has been developed for project- and enterprise-level functionality. The capabilities of this system, which is in production, are having a positive effect on IPD. DSEG's implementation of the other three segments is less mature, but is being worked as part of the overall PDM strategy. DSEG's phased approach to implementing an effective PDM solution includes working closely with the teams developing and defining the IPD subprocesses to ensure that the PDM systems developed support these processes. It also includes working with various operating organizations to ensure an effective fanout of the capabilities that are developed. >
A New (Old) Component of the Galaxy as the Origin of the Observed LMC Microlensing Events

We suggest a new component of the Milky Way galaxy that can account for both the optical depth and the event durations obtained by the MACHO microlensing survey toward the Large Magellanic Cloud. This component is consistent with recent evidence for a significant population of faint white dwarf stars, detected in a proper motion study of the Hubble Deep Field, which cannot be accounted for by stars in the disk or spheroid. This new component consists of (mostly) old white dwarf stars distributed in a highly extended (very thick) disk configuration. It extends beyond the traditional thin and thick disks, but well within the dark, roughly spherical CDM halo. The total mass in this component is $\sim 7-9 \times 10^{10} M_\odot$. We argue that such a component is reasonable, natural, consistent with a variety of observations, and many of the problems associated with a significant halo population of white dwarfs are ameliorated.
Active visual sensing and collaboration on mobile robots using hierarchical POMDPs

A key challenge to widespread deployment of mobile robots in the real-world is the ability to robustly and autonomously sense the environment and collaborate with teammates. Real-world domains are characterized by partial observability, non-deterministic action outcomes and unforeseen changes, making autonomous sensing and collaboration a formidable challenge. This paper poses vision-based sensing, information processing and collaboration as an instance of probabilistic planning using partially observable Markov decision processes. Reliable, efficient and autonomous operation is achieved using a hierarchical decomposition that includes: (a) convolutional policies to exploit the local symmetry of high-level visual search; (b) adaptive observation functions, policy re-weighting, automatic belief propagation and online updates of the domain map for autonomous adaptation to domain changes; and (c) a probabilistic strategy for a team of robots to robustly share beliefs. All algorithms are evaluated in simulation and on physical robots localizing target objects in dynamic indoor domains.
Effects of Lung Cotransplantation on Cardiac Allograft Tolerance Across a Full Major Histocompatibility Complex Barrier in Miniature Swine.

A 12-day course of high-dose tacrolimus induces tolerance of major histocompatibility complex-mismatched lung allografts in miniature swine but does not induce tolerance of heart allografts unless a kidney is cotransplanted. To determine whether lungs share with kidneys the ability to induce cardiac allograft tolerance, we investigated heart-lung cotransplantation using the same induction protocol. Hearts (n = 3), heart-kidneys (n = 3), lungs (n = 6), and hearts-lungs (n = 3) were transplanted into fully major histocompatibility complex-mismatched recipients treated with high-dose tacrolimus for 12 days. Serial biopsy samples were used to evaluate rejection, and in vitro assays were used to detect donor responsiveness. All heart-kidney recipients and five of six lung recipients demonstrated long-term graft survival for longer than 272 days, while all heart recipients rejected their allografts within 35 days. Tolerant recipients remained free of alloantibody and showed persistent donor-specific unresponsiveness by cell-mediated lympholysis/mixed-lymphocyte reaction. In contrast, heart-lung recipients demonstrated rejection of both allografts (days 47, 55, and 202) and antidonor responsiveness in vitro. In contrast to kidneys, lung cotransplantation leads to rejection of both heart and lung allografts, indicating that lungs do not have the same tolerogenic capacity as kidneys. We conclude that cells or cell products present in kidney, but not heart or lung allografts, have a unique capacity to confer unresponsiveness on cotransplanted organs, most likely by amplifying host regulatory mechanisms.
Ethanol inhibits prolactin- and tumor necrosis factor-?-, but not gamma interferon-induced expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in human astrocytoma cells

In humans, alcohol consumption has multiple effects on the immune system. Despite an increase in our understanding of the effects of alcohol on the immune system, little is known about the effect of alcohol on the neuroimmune response. In the central nervous system (CNS), astrocytes and microglial function as immune effector cells. In response to infection of injury, astrocytes increase in number and size, express several proinflammatory cytokines, MHC class I and II antigens, and several adhesion molecules, including intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Interactions between ICAM-1 and its counter-receptors play an important role in the regulation of neuroimmune response. In this study, cultured human astrocytoma cells were used to examine the effect of ethanol on ICAM-1 expression. Western blot analyses show that quiescent astrocytes express, at least, four immunoreactive ICAM-1 proteins with apparent molecular weights 55, 67, 82, and 90 kDa. Incubation of human astrocytoma cells with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) or prolactin (PRL) resulted in marked increases in all four immunoreactive ICAM-1 proteins. In the presence of ethanol, however, PRL- and TNF-alpha-induced increases in all four immunoreactive ICAM-1 proteins were markedly inhibited. ICAM-1 is a cell surface transmembrane glycoprotein. Using a cell surface specific ICAM-1 adhesion assay we found that in human astrocytoma cells TNF-alpha, interferongamma (IFN-gamma) and PRL increased cell surface ICAM-1 expression. Consistent with our Western blot analyses, ethanol significantly inhibited TNF-alpha- and PRL-induced cell surface ICAM-1 expression. By contrast, IFN-gamma-induced ICAM-1 expression was not inhibited by exposure of the cells to ethanol. Expression of ICAM-1 is regulated predominantly at the transcriptional level. In the present report, we show that TNF-alpha increased ICAM-1 mRNA levels in human astrocytoma cells and that ethanol markedly blocked TNF-alpha-induced increases in ICAM-1 mRNA levels. Further, we found that PRL-induced ICAM-1 expression was, at least in part, due to a PRL-induced increase in TNF-alpha syntheses and secretion. Our results clearly indicate that ethanol has a pronounced effect on ICAM-1 expression in human astrocytoma cells, thus suggesting that ETOH exposure may impair the immune response in the CNS by blocking leukocytes adhesion and migration into the CNS in response to injury or infection.
General vaccination of children against influenza

Excess mortality associated with annual influenza epidemics is highest among persons over 65 y of age, and therefore influenza is often regarded as an illness of the elderly population. Ample evidence indicates, however, that the burden of influenza is also substantial in children, and that children have a central role in the spread of influenza in the community during epidemics. Vaccination of children against influenza could bring about substantial health benefits not only to children themselves but also to persons in other age groups. Conclusion: General awareness about the total impact of influenza in children should be increased among both healthcare personnel and the parents of children. More widespread vaccination of children should be considered to decrease the burden of influenza on children and wider society.
Does septal-lateral annular cinching work for chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation?

Abstract Objectives Ring annuloplasty, the current treatment of choice for chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation, abolishes dynamic annular motion and immobilizes the posterior leaflet. In a model of chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation, we tested septal-lateral annular cinching aimed at maintaining normal annular and leaflet dynamics. Methods Twenty-five sheep had radiopaque markers placed on the mitral annulus and anterior and posterior mitral leaflets. A transannular suture was anchored to the midseptal mitral annulus and externalized through the midlateral mitral annulus. After 7 days, biplane cinefluoroscopy provided 3-dimensional marker data (baseline) prior to creating inferior myocardial infarction by snare occlusion of obtuse marginal branches. After 7 weeks, the 9 animals that developed chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation were restudied before and after septal-lateral annular cinching. Anterior and posterior mitral leaflet angular excursion and annular septal-lateral and commissure–commissure dimensions and percent shortening were computed. Results Septal-lateral annular cinching reduced septal-lateral dimension (baseline: 3.0 ± 0.2; chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation: 3.5 ± 0.4 [ P P Conclusions In this model, septal-lateral annular cinching decreased chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation, reduced annular septal-lateral diameter (but not commissure–commissure diameter), and maintained normal annular and leaflet dynamics. These findings provide additional insight into the treatment of chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation.
Experimental evaluation of electron-nuclear interactions on the anomalous ultralow temperature magnetic properties of a disordered one-dimensional Heisenberg chain

Abstract ESR measurements of the susceptibility (χ) of deuterated Qn(TCNQ)2, along with the size of an internal field Hint and the linewidth Δ H 1 2 are presented. Deuteration of the sample substantially reduces the hyperfine and dipolar interactions between the nuclei and the electrons relative to protonated material. Since the observed behavior is very similar to a protonated sample, it is concluded that electron-nuclear interactions do not contribute significantly to the anomalous behavior in χ, Hint, and Δ H 1 2 .
Representation in the classroom: The effect of own-race teachers on student achievement

Previous research suggests that there are academic benefits when students and teachers share the same race/ethnicity because such teachers can serve as role models, mentors, advocates, or cultural translators. In this paper, we obtain estimates of achievement changes as students are assigned to teachers of different races/ethnicities from grades 3 through 10 utilizing a large administrative dataset provided by the Florida Department of Education that follows the universe of test-taking students in Florida public schools from 2001–2002 through 2008–2009. We find small but significant positive effects when black and white students are assigned to race-congruent teachers in reading (.004–.005 standard deviations) and for black, white and Asian/Pacific Island students in math (.007–.041 standard deviations). We also examine the effects of race matching by students’ prior performance level, finding that lower-performing black and white students appear to particularly benefit from being assigned to a race-congruent teacher.
Game Forms, Rights, and the Efficiency of Social Outcomes*

Abstract We consider Sen's familiar paradox of the Paretian liberal in a framework where individual rights are represented as a game form. We distinguish the different senses in which one can think of the problem of an inconsistency between the Pareto criterion and the existence of individual rights. Conditions, in terms of properties of the relevant game form, are given for such inconsistency to arise under different notions of game theoretic equilibria.Journal of Economic LiteratureClassification Number: D71.
The taphonomy of deep-sea benthic foraminifera: comparisons of living and dead assemblages from ☐ and gravity cores taken in the Sulu Sea

Abstract Comparisons between Soutar ☐ core faunal data and gravity core-top data from about 500 m to 4000 m in the Sulu Sea show that living (stained) benthic foraminiferal assemblages have similar faunal patterns to those observed in living + dead assemblages. For both assemblages, faunal abundances and diversities decrease with increasing water depth to 4000 m, and ☐ core samples and gravity core-top sediments taken from the same water depth yield similar dominant taxa. The similarity of living and living + dead assemblage data indicates that at least most of these faunal patterns are independent of seasonal variations, and that neither seasonality nor post-depositional effects can account for the absence of significant numbers of Bolivina, Bulimina, Globobulimina, Chilostomella , and Uvigerina below about 1500 m in the Sulu Sea. The distribution of these taxa are similar in both ☐ cores and gravity core-top sediments, reconfirming the conclusion that the distributions of living representatives of these taxa are not due to bottom-water oxygen concentrations. Differences which exist between living assemblages and combined living and dead assemblages of deep-sea benthic foraminifera from about 500 m to 4000 m in the Sulu Sea result primarily from surficial material loss in gravity core samples, mixing of older material from subsurface sediments, and postdepositional destruction of some taxa. Based on the additional examination of the living + dead assemblages found in 0.5 and 1 cm intervals of the top 10 cm in two ☐ cores (1980 m and 3000 m), differences in abundance and percentage patterns for fauna found at 2000 and 3000 m in the Sulu Sea are not correlated with sedimentation rate, but appear to be more strongly influenced by mixing from older material and postdepositional processes in the sediments. Increasing the interval of sediments examined does not necessarily improve the similarity between living assemblage faunal patterns and those of the dead or combined living and dead assemblage.
Rearranged gene order between pig and human in a quantitative trait loci region on SSC3.

Summary A quantitative trait locus (QTL) for ovulation rate on chromosome 3 that peaks at 36 cM has been identified in a Meishan-White composite resource population with an additive effect of 2.2 corpora lutea. As part of an effort to identify the responsible gene(s), typing of additional genes on the INRA-University of Minnesota porcine radiation hybrid (IMpRH) map of SSC3 and comparative analysis of gene order was conducted. We placed 52 known genes and expressed sequence tags, two BAC-end sequences and one microsatellite (SB42) on a framework map that fills gaps on previous RH maps. Data were analysed for two-point and multipoint linkage with the IMpRH mapping tool and were submitted to the IMpRH database (http://imprh.toulouse.inra.fr/). Gene order was confirmed for 42 loci residing in the QTL region (spanning c. 17 Mb of human sequence) by using the high-resolution IMpRH2 panel. Carthagene (http://www.inra.fr/internet/departments/MIA/T/CarthaGene) was used to estimate multipoint marker distance and order using all public markers on SSC3 in the IMpRH database and those typed in this study. For the high-resolution map, only data for markers typed in both panels were used. Comparative analysis of human and porcine maps identified conservation of gene order for SSC3q and multiple blocks of conserved segments for SSC3p, which included six distinct segments of HSA7 and two segments of HSA16. The results of this study allow significant refinement of the SSC3p region that contains an ovulation rate QTL.
Termination of resuscitation of nontraumatic cardiopulmonary arrest: Resource document for the national association of ems physicians position statement

In the development of an emergency medical services (EMS) system, medical directors should consider the implementation of protocols for the termination of resuscitation (TOR) of nontraumatic cardiopulmonary arrest. Such protocols have the potential to decrease unnecessary use of warning lights and sirens and save valuable public health resources. Termination-of-resuscitation protocols for nontraumatic cardiopulmonary arrest should be based on the determination that an EMS provider did not witness the arrest, there is no shockable rhythm identified, and there is no return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) prior to EMS transport. Further research is needed to determine the need for direct medical oversight in TOR protocols and the duration of resuscitation prior to EMS providers' determining that ROSC will not be achieved. This paper is the resource document to the National Association of EMS Physicians position statement on the termination of resuscitation for nontraumatic cardiopulmonary arrest.
NOTE ON GALL FORMATION IN DECAPITATED YOUNG BEAN PLANTS

In the course of a series of experiments with young bean plants under continuous irradiation previously described in this journal (1), an accessory set of trials was carried out in the greenhouse. Although the results obtained appeared to have little significance in relation to quality of light, an unexpected and somewhat striking development of galls took place. Subsequently a modified second series of similar greenhouse experiments was carried out. The results obtained in the two sets of experiments seemed sufficiently interesting and suggestive to warrant record.
Recessive X-linked ichthyosis: lack of immunologically detectable steroid sulfatase enzyme protein.

Patients with recessive X-linked ichthyosis Patients with recessive X-linked ichthyosis (RXLI), one hereditary form of scaly skin, lack activity of the enzyme steroid sulfatase in all tissues studied. To investigate the molecular defect underlying the lack of enzyme activity, we prepared antisera against normal enzyme by injecting normal placental microsomal suspensions or partially purified steroid sulfatase into rabbits. Antibody activity was assessed by immunoprecipitation of detergent solubilized steroid sulfatase. In addition, we prepared rabbit antisera against RXLI placental microsomal suspensions. To detect immunologically cross-reactive material in patients' placentas, extracts were studied by immunoblot techniques and by competition with normal enzyme for antibody binding. Patients' extracts did not contain immunoreactive material co-migrating on electrophoresis with purified enzyme nor did they inhibit immunoprecipitation of normal enzyme. Sera from rabbits immunized with RXLI placental microsomes contain no antibodies to normal steroid sulfatase, as judged by their failure to immunoprecipitate normal enzyme or to react with normal steroid sulfatase on immunoblot. Thus the mutation in RXLI appears to reduce steroid sulfatase enzyme protein as well as enzyme activity.
Repopulation of the polychaete fauna of an intertidal habitat following natural defaunation: Species equilibrium.

During summer, 1971, a massive outbreak of red tide resulted in defaunation of a previously characterized sandy, intertidal habitat in upper Old Tampa Bay, Tampa, Florida. Repopulation of the polychaete fauna was studied from August, 1971, to July, 1973. A transect composed of 4 stations running from just below mean high water to just below mean low water was quantitatively sampled each month for species composition, densities of individual populations, biomass, and distribution of age classes.
Commentary to accompany 'Cost and effectiveness of laser with phlebectomies compared with foam sclerotherapy in superficial venous insufficiency. Early results of a randomised controlled trial'.

Dr. Lattimer and colleagues have presented the results of what appears to be a well designed randomized study comparing ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy to endovenous laser ablation of the great saphenous vein and stab phlebectomy, adequately powered based on precedent estimates. The analysis and presentation are clear. However, I am struck by the high rate of persistent and/or recurrent reflux in the axial great saphenous vein in the EVLA. Their observation that 26% of subjects in the laser arm of the study had reflux at 3 months is much greater than any previous study. In general the rate of reflux in those precedent studies is 10% or less even at two years and the authors cite a metaanalysis with a figure of 4.6% at 5 years. Their results with foam sclerotherapy seem consistent with the precedent literature. Indeed power calculations at the time of study acknowledged these precedents. On further consideration of this study compared to the precedent articles it occurs to me that it is possible that this may reflect a stricter definition of hemodynamic success than was the case in the precedent articles. As Dr. Lattimer points out he and colleagues define failure as the presence of reflux in any segment of the above knee great saphenous vein, whereas the precedent articles may have graded a procedure as a success if refluxwas no longer present in the saphenofemoral junction and adjacent upper great saphenous vein. If indeed the precedents used amore forgiving definition for hemodynamic treatment failure then readers must decide whether reflux in a segment of the great saphenous vein despite occlusion (and no reflux) in the saphenofemoral junction and
Sweated Labor Then and Now

From the first usage in nineteenth-century America of the term “sweatshop,” the definition of this emotive term has “reflected social anxiety about global flows and exchange of people, goods, culture, and capital,” Bender and Greenwald write in their useful edited volume, Sweatshops USA. And if the term sweatshop today connotes a race to the bottom in which a market structure of intense competition reflects the absence, or lack of the enforcement of, effective protective legislation across the relevant market, then there is little basically new in the organization of garment production and the unrelenting pressures on its workers. Essential characteristics of sweated labor in the industry result from structural characteristics which have remained and are only ameliorated by strong unions, public concern for the conditions of labor, and enforced social regulation. While it has often seemed to be an outlier in its exploitative norms, the idea that garment work is totally unique in the flexibility it demands, the excesses and abuses inherent in the contracting system with its pressures to respond to unpredictable and rapidly changing fashion, its production of a labor-intensive product not easily mechanized, and its ability to seek out and control a vulnerable labor force is a misjudgment. It is rather an industry which represents an extreme but not a different form of the way labor markets operate. It is not a vanishing past but a worrisome globalized future of just-in-time production and multisourced internationalized commodity chain organization of production which should be worrying.
Efficient Method for Estimating the Characteristics of Radiation-Induced Current Transients

An efficient method for estimating the characteristics of ion-induced current pulse transients is presented and related to the corresponding mechanisms of single-event charge collection. The method is focused on characterizing the prompt response of a reverse biased p-n junction under relatively low level conditions (LET <; 10 MeV-cm2/mg). This method is shown to be accurate when compared to 3D finite element simulations, while reducing solution time such that current pulse calculations can be run in series with both energy deposition and circuit simulations.
The anatomic and electrical location of the left ventricular lead predicts ventricular arrhythmia in cardiac resynchronization therapy

Background Both anatomic and electrical locations of the left ventricular (LV) lead have been identified as important predictors of clinical outcomes in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The impact of LV lead location on incident device-treated ventricular arrhythmia (VA), however, is not well understood. Objective To assess the relationship between electrical and anatomic LV lead location and device treated VAs in CRT. Methods Sixty-nine patients undergoing CRT implantation for standard indications were evaluated. Anatomic LV lead location was assessed by means of coronary venography and chest radiography and categorized as apical or nonapical. Electrical LV lead location was assessed by LV electrical delay (LVLED) and was calculated as the time between the onset of the native QRS on the surface electrocardiogram and sensed signal on the LV lead during implantation and corrected for native QRS. Incident appropriate device-treated VA was assessed via device interrogation. Results Apical lead placement was an independent predictor of VAs (hazard ratio 5.29; 95% confidence interval 1.69–16.5; P = .004). Among patients with a nonapical lead, LVLED P = .012). Those with a nonapical lead and LVLED≥50% native QRS were at substantially lower risk for first incident and recurrent VAs when compared to all other patients. Conclusions The apical lead position is associated with an increased risk of VAs in CRT patients. Among patients with a nonapical lead position, an LVLED of
Taking Care of My Baby: Mexican-American Mothers in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Objectives: The admission of an infant to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can produce significant stress for mothers and may contribute to a difficult transition following discharge. Past research has primarily focused on Caucasian women. Mexican-Americans are the fastest growing ethnic population in the U.S. with the highest fertility rate; therefore, the purpose of this grounded theory study was to gain a better understanding of the NICU experience for Mexican-American mothers. Methods: Fifteen women were recruited and data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Results: A theoretical model, taking care of my baby, was developed. The mothers’ experiences began with the unexpected event of having an infant admitted to the NICU and played out in a context that fluctuated between being supportive (making meaningful connections) or inhibitive (struggling to mother). The women developed strategies to help them take care of their babies during the NICU stay: balancing responsibilities, lea...
Transient stress intensity factors for edge and corner cracks in quench-test specimens

The transient temperature and stress fields in a quenched rectangular bar were computed and used to determine the stress intensity factors for midside and corner-edge cracks. The stress intensity factors, KI, are presented as a function of time, flaw size, and aspect ratio. The variations of KI along the crack edge are given and the self-limiting growth of the crack depth is discussed in relation to the nonlimited surface growth.
“Luther King was a Good Ole Boy”: The Southern rock movement and White Male identity in the post‐civil rights South

(1999). “Luther King was a Good Ole Boy”: The Southern rock movement and White Male identity in the post‐civil rights South. Popular Music and Society: Vol. 23, No. 2, pp. 41-62.
Addressing generalization and maintenance of stuttering treatment in the schools: a critical look

Abstract Generalization and maintenance are a widely recognized challenge for stuttering treatment. There are many reasons why this is the case. First, there is no accepted model of recovery, though self-efficacy may be a helpful construct and, secondly, the client’s age, stuttering severity, and negative attitudes may be complicating factors. Three strategies for promoting generalization and maintenance in school settings are suggested based on current research evidence. They include probing and training for generalization, incorporating real-life elements into therapy, and training clients to self-regulate their behavior. These strategies appear to be viable and practical, but further research is needed to fully evaluate their effectiveness for school settings. Learning outcomes Readers will learn about (1) typical approaches to managing stuttering in the school setting, (2) barriers to generalization and maintenance of stuttering treatment gains, and (3) three strategies for promoting generalization and maintenance.
Perturbations associated with hypergeometric cauchy problems

Two types of perturbation theorems are proved for Cauchy problem thta involve abstract generalized hypergeometric equations of the form in some Banach Space X. One of these involves a perturbation on a β type factor while the other trats an α type Factor. Under appropriate boundeness and continuity assumptions, the pertubed solutions are shown to degenerate regularly in norm to the solution of the unperturbed problems.
Theorizing About Social Support and Health Communication in a Prostate Cancer Support Group

This article inquires into whether and how uncertainty reduction theory and problematic integration theory, two theories relevant to social support as enacted within a chapter of the Man-to-Man prostate cancer support group, inform us of how such groups can assist group members most effectively. Interview data from members of a prostate cancer support group shed light on theoretical assumptions about uncertainty. Although the group applies elements of both theories, prostate cancer survivors likely would benefit from a more comprehensive and flexible treatment of social support theory.
EMPIRICAL EQUIVALENCE IN THE QUINE-CARNAP DEBATE

Abstract: Alexander George has put forward a novel interpretation of the Quine-Carnap debate over analyticity. George argues that Carnap's claim that there exists an analytic-synthetic distinction was held by Carnap to be empty of empirical consequences. As a result, Carnap understood his position to be empirically indistinguishable from Quine's. Although George defends his interpretation only briefly, I show that it withstands further examination and ought to be accepted. The consequences of accepting it undermine a common understanding of Quine's criticism of Carnap, and I argue that it is difficult to find a perspective from which Quine can criticize Carnap in a non-question-begging way.
Captured Moments: Defining a Communicative Framework for Social Photography

As photography takes center stage on today's social media platforms, given the ease of modern capture devices (i.e. mobile phones, point and shoot cameras, tablets, etc.), the ability to produce and publish images occurs at a much quicker rate than the humble Kodak Brownie camera afforded the masses when introduced in January 1900. This enhanced ease has generated an opportunity for the everyday photographer to creatively communicate through the distribution of their images.This paper applies research results from a qualitative visual ethnographic study focusing on the non-verbal posts of a select group of Facebook users. The Dell Hymes' SPEAKING framework was used to structure the visual data; analysis leveraged Gerry Philipsen's Speech Codes Theory and James W. Carey's Ritual Communication Theory contributes to the creation of a communicative framework for the non-verbal social media postings.In conclusion, what emerges through the data is a visual speech code that tacitly leverages traditional photographic genres while at the same time supporting a system of meanings and symbols that enhance the instantaneous posts and communications of the day-to-day ebb and flow of life.
Preplanning Considerations in Teaching Group Counseling Courses: Applying a General Framework for Conceptualizing PEDAGOGY

Preplanning for teaching group counseling courses requires a systematic approach that incorporates group work process, practice, and research. The PEDAGOGY model represents one framework for considering components of a well-designed group counseling course.
Minimax and interlacing thoerems for matrices

Abstract An exposition is given of some recent and important work by E. Marques de Sa and R. C. Thompson, which characterized the relationship between the similarity invariants of a square matrix over a field and those of a principal submatrix of that matrix. This work is then related to results on eigenvalues of complex hermitian matrices (the Courant-Fischer minimax theorem and the Cauchy interlacing theorem), on singular values of rectangular complex matrices (due to Thompson), and on invariant factors of rectangular matrices over a principal ideal domain (due to Sa and Thompson). A partial unification of these theories is presented, and several open questions stated.
An animal model for altering the irritability threshold of normal skin

Theory behind conditioned hyperirritability (autoeczematization) predicts the lowering of the irritation threshold in the presence of a pre-existing dermatitis. We have attempted to develop an animal model that parallels the syndrome seen in man. Groups of 10 guinea pigs were shaved and depilated; irritation thresholds to benzalkonium chloride and trichloroacetic acid were determined using 1 cm diameter open patches. Reactions were scored 24 h later on the basis of erythema and induration. Animals having as little as 1.56 cm2 of skin acutely inflamed with a known irritant had lowered irritation thresholds to the same irritant on normal skin at remote sites (p less than 0.01). Mild irritation of a much larger surface area produced the same effect (p less than 0.01). More extensive, severe dermatitis did not lower the irritation threshold further. Acute dermatitis induced by a contact allergen (DNCB) lowered the irritation threshold of normal skin to the same level as that obtained with irritants (p less than 0.01). Induction of chronic cutaneous ulcers 3-4 cm in diameter lowered the irritation threshold of normal skin to the same point defined by the acute studies (p less than 0.01). These results indicate that an acute irritant or contact dermatitis, as well as chronic skin ulceration, may alter the reactivity of unaffected normal skin to exhibit a heightened response to irritation. This model appears to differ from that seen in humans, in that a more extensive or chronic dermatitis did not further heighten the susceptibility to irritation.
A study of asymmetric reconnection scaling in the Lyon‐Fedder‐Mobarry code

Using a three-dimensional magnetospheric simulation code we have studied the properties of magnetic reconnection at the subsolar point on solar wind parameters for southward interplanetary magnetic field conditions and compared the results with the predictions of the Cassak-Shay theory. We find that this theory predicts reconnection rates on the order of our observations and produces reasonable predictions of the reconnection outflow speed. We have quantified the contributions that differences between the assumed and measured mass, energy, and outflow density scalings make to predictions of the reconnection rate and outflow speed. In general, the theory makes reasonable assumptions about the mass and energy flux into the reconnection layer, but their outflowing counterparts are overestimated due to the narrowness of the reconnection outflow jet. Lastly, we find that newly reconnected flux tubes exit the merging region before their mass density can equilibrate, requiring a correction to the predicted outflow density.
A Standardized Method for Obtaining a Spoken Language Sample

The stimulus picture from the Picture Story Language Test was used to elicit a spoken language sample from 40 subjects ranging in age from three to seventeen years. Our results showed the stimulus ...
Involvement of water in electron transport in complexes III and IV of the mitochondrial electron transport chain

In this communication we present some preliminary findings on the “cross-over points” which we observed when isolated electron transport complexes III and IV from beef heart mitochondria were studied in 90% glycerol. Three considerations led us to study electron transport in a medium of low water activity: 1) Such studies might allow the resolution of those segments of the electron transport chain which take place in a non-aqueous environment. 2) Any electron transfer where protons from the medium were reactants might be inhibited. 3) Any energy conserving transitions taking place within the isolated complexes and which would be very short lived in aqueous dispersion might be stabilized in a relatively non-aqueous medium. Further evidence relating to the involvement of protons was obtained by parallel studies where D2O was used as the solvent. We conclude from our findings that water is required for electrons to flow between cytochromes band c1 in complex III and between cytochromes a and a3 in complex IV. We further conclude that this water requirement relates to a specific proton involvement in electron transport at these “crossover” points.
RF Performance and Avalanche Breakdown Analysis of InN Tunnel FETs

This paper reports radio frequency (RF) performance and channel breakdown analysis in an n-type tunneling field-effect transistor based on InN. The tunneling current is evaluated from the fundamental principles of quantum mechanical tunneling. We investigate the RF performance of the device. High transconductance of 2.18 mS/μm and current gain cutoff frequency of 460 GHz makes the device suitable for terahertz applications. A significant reduction in gate-to-drain capacitance is observed under a relatively higher drain bias (V ds = 1 V). Impact ionization coefficient in the channel is evaluated quantitatively considering semiclassical carrier transport and avalanche breakdown is found to be unlikely at V ds = 1.0 V.
SOT: compact representation for tetrahedral meshes

The Corner Table (CT) promoted by Rossignac et al. provides a simple and efficient representation of triangle meshes, storing 6 integer references per triangle (3 vertex references in the V table and 3 references to opposite corners in the O table that accelerate access to adjacent triangles). The Compact Half Face (CHF) proposed by Lage et al. extends CT to tetrahedral meshes, storing 8 references per tetrahedron (4 in the V table and 4 in the O table). We call it the Vertex Opposite Table (VOT) and propose a sorted variation, SVOT, which does not require any additional storage and yet provides, for each vertex, a reference to an incident corner from which an incident tetrahedron may be recovered and the star of the vertex may be traversed at a constant cost per visited element. We use a set of powerful wedge-based operators for querying and traversing the mesh. Finally, inspired by tetrahedral mesh encoding techniques used by Weiler et al. and by Szymczak and Rossignac, we propose our Sorted O Table (SOT) variation, which eliminates the V table completely and hence reduces storage requirements by 50% to only 4 references and 9 bits per tetrahedron, while preserving the vertex-to-incident-corner references and supporting our wedge operators with a linear average cost.
Crystal structure and magnetic properties of [Co(py)2(H2O)2Br2]

The crystal structure and magnetic properties of [Co(py)2(H2O)2Br2] are reported. The space group is P1, with one molecule in the unit cell. The cell dimensions are a=6.400(1) A, b=6.789(2) A, and c=8.638(1) A; the angle α=109.06(2), β=103.01(2), and γ=97.50(3) deg. The magnetic susceptibilities of both the polycrystalline powder and single crystals have been measured. The data are quite anisotropic and may be analyzed by the Ising model with g∥=5.99(2) and J/kB=−0.99(2) K. The data show that the substance undergoes magnetic ordering at Tc=3.43(3) K, with the easy axis of spin alignment lying nearly parallel to the a axis. The likely superexchange paths are described.
Dissociation of Carbon Dioxide Using a Microdischarge Plasma Reactor

This paper reports an experimental study on dissociation of carbon dioxide using a microdischarge plasma reactor at ambient conditions. Carbon dioxide contributes to more than 80% of the greenhouse gas emissions in United States. The microdischarge plasmas can be a very promising method in dissociating gases, including carbon dioxide, due to their lack of need for catalysts, operating at temperatures lower than conventional thermochemical dissociation processes and ease of operation. A microhollow cathode discharge plasma reactor was designed and prototyped for CO2 dissociation. The reactor included metal electrodes that were attached to both sides of a dielectric material with a micro-size through hole. The electrodes and the dielectric material were placed perpendicular to flow direction for dissociation to occur as carbon dioxide passed through the hole. A set of experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of flow rate and applied voltage on the composition of the products, energy conversion efficiency and CO2-to-CO conversion yield of the microdischarge plasma reactor. Temperature of reactants and products were continuously measured; applied voltage was set using a high-voltage power supply; and molar composition of products for each case was analyzed using gas chromatography. Results showed that CO2 dissociation rate, energy conversion efficiency and CO2-to-CO conversion yield increased with applied voltage. Moreover, CO2 dissociation rate and conversion yield decreased while energy conversion efficiency increased with increasing flow rate.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Finite-element simulation of moving induction heat treatment

An efficient finite-element procedure with a remesh scheme has been developed for the analysis of the moving induction heat treatment process, wherein relative motion occurs between the coil and the workpiece. In this procedure, the magnetic field is first simulated by using an updated mesh that tracks the moving coil position; the moving heat source within the workpiece material is derived from the magnetic field. The heat equation is then solved to obtain the temperature field created by the heat source. The procedure has been applied to calculate the temperature distributions in 1080 carbon steel cylinders during induction heating. The calculations have been validated by comparison with analytical solutions for the temperature distribution obtained using Green’s function methods. Finally, the temperature, residual stress, and microstructure distributions in quenched 1080 steel cylinders have been obtained using the finite-element procedure. Quenching of the heated cylinders, by both a moving cooling ring and a stationary liquid bath, has been analyzed. The finite-element procedure presented incorporates temperature-dependent material properties, phase transformations occurring in the 1080 steel, the change in magnetic permeability of the 1080 steel at the Curie temperature, and an elastoplastic stress model based on a mixed hardening rule. The simulation results demonstrate that the finite-element procedure could be applied to a variety of moving induction heat treatment problems to determine the residual stress and microstructure distributions in the heat-treated component. It also could be used in the design of process parameters and coils.
How quickly does phonological-syntactic information decay?

An experiment is reported that investigates the kinds of information people remember about sentences. During an acquisition phase, subjects processed sentences semantically in order to perform a rating task. Later, when tested for recognition, subjects false alarmed to novel sentences that shared semantic content with the acquisition sentences. They retained, however, significant amounts of detail about the surface form in which the semantic content was first encountered. The discrepancies between this experiment and earlier work is discussed in terms of different memory stores for different kinds of sentence information.
Pre-diabetes is a disease associated with significant cerebro and cardiovascular structural and functional abnormalities

Purpose: To examine whether pre-diabetes is a risk factor for cerebro and cardiovascular structural and functional abnormalities (abn.), i.e. abn. small artery stiffness (C2) and abn. Carotid Intima Media Thickness (CIMT). Methods: We screened 2236 asymptomatic subjects, age 23-80, for CVD risk using Early CVD Risk Score (ECVDRS). ECVDRS consists of 10 tests: C1 and C2, BP at rest and post mild exercise (PME), CIMT, abdominal aorta and left ventricle ultrasound, retinal photography, microalbuminuria, ECG, and pro-BNP. Euglycemia (EG), pre-diabetes (PD), and diabetes (DM) were defined according to the ADA criteria. Comorbidities (CM) were defined as elevated cholestrol, BP, waist circumference. Results: Among the subjects screened, 73% (1642 of 2236) had EG, 27% (444 of 1642) of which had no CM; 22% (485 of 2236) had PD, 13% (63 of 485) of which had no CM; and 3% (74 of 2236) were diabetic, 3% (2 of 74) of which had no CM. 93% (450 of 485) of subjects with PD and 28% of the subjects with DM (21 of 74) were not taking antidiabetic medications. The presence of CVD abnormalities among the groups with EG and PD without CM is shown on table 1. ![Figure][1] Table 1 Conclusions: 1. PD is a disease associated with substantially greater structural and functional abnormalities than EG, particularly abn.C2. The relationship between increased glucose levels and abn. C2 holds even when controlling for CM. 2. The difference in the prevalence of abn. C2 between EG and PD subjects is statistically significant (p = 0.0350). 3. PD is prevalent in the asymptomatic subjects (22%) screened. 4. The presence of abn. CIMT in PD subjects, as compared to EG subjects, is greater in males than females (4% difference). Whether this is due to the protective, hormonal effects in female or other factors may be subject for future studies. [1]: pending:yes