cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association between higher rates of cardioprotective drug use and survival in patients on dialysis.

Abstract Background While cardiovascular (CV) disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients on chronic dialysis, utilization rates of cardioprotective drugs for dialysis patients remain low. This study sought to determine whether higher rates of cardioprotective drug use among dialysis patients might increase survival. Methods A retrospective cohort of incident dialysis patients ( n = 50,468) with dual eligibility for U.S. Medicare and Medicaid was constructed using USRDS data linked with billing claims. Medication exposures included angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEIs/ARBs), β-blockers, calcium channel blockers (CCBs), and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) prescribed within 90 days of dialysis initiation. The outcomes were one- and two-year survival and CV event-free survival. Variation in treatment rates based on local area practice styles were used as instruments in instrumental variable (IV) estimation, yielding average treatment effect estimates for patients whose treatment choices were affected by local area practice styles. Results Patients aged 65 years and older comprised 47.4% of the sample, while 59.5% were female and 35.0% were white. The utilization rate was 40.7% for ACEIs/ARBs, 43.0% for β-blockers, 50.7% for CCBs and 26.4% for statins. The local area practice style instruments were highly significantly related to cardioprotective drug use in dialysis patients (Chow-F values > 10). IV estimates showed only that higher rates of β-blockers increased one-year survival ( β = 0.161, P -value = 0.020) and CV event-free survival ( β = 0.189, P -value = 0.033), but that higher rates of CCBs decreased two-year CV event-free survival ( β = −0.520, P -value = 0.009). Conclusions This study suggests that higher utilization rates of β-blockers might yield higher survival rates for dialysis patients. However, higher rates of the other drugs studied had no correlations with survival, and higher CCB rates might actually reduce CV-event free survival. Since the benefits of cardioprotective drugs may vary across dialysis patients, the study findings should be interpreted only with respect to changes of utilization rates around the rates observed in this study.
Note on the gyromagnetic ratio of Co++ and on the Jahn-teller effect in Fe++

Abstract By the method of pseudo-angular momentum is meant the utilization of the fact that in a triply degenerate level in a cubic field, the orbital angular momentum obeys the same commutation rules as for a p state, except for a proportionality factor. This method is used to calculate the gyromagnetic ratio of a Co++ ion in a cubic field. The value thus obtained is 1.65, in better agreement with Sucksmith's experimental measurements on CoSO4 and CoCl2 than is the spin-only value g = 2, even though these materials do not have cubic symmetry. The other application is to the Jahn- Teller effect in Fe++. An explanation is given why Low finds no evidence of this effect in his magnetic resonance measurements on Fe++, and at the same time this mechanism plays an important role in the Abragam-Pryce theory of the magnetic susceptibility of copper fluosilicate. At first sight, one would expect the Fe++ ion to show a large J-T effect, as its lowest level is triply degenerate even when spin-orbit interaction is included; however, the linear terms in the distortional coordinates have very small coefficients and so are ineffective.
Effectiveness of the habitual offender act: An assessment of criminal histories

Habitual offender acts have been adopted by 43 states and are under consideration in the legislatures of others. These acts have been adopted with relatively little evaluation of the costs involved in the implementation of this legislation. This study seeks to evaluate the extent to which Alabama’s habitual offender statute captures serious career criminals. The results indicate that the differences between those in the prison population sentenced under habitual offender statutes and those sentenced under other statutes is not significant. There does appear to be support for the contention that the majority of prisoners have substantial criminal histories; however, it is noted that many have not committed a severe crime.
The role of community involvement and number/type of visitors on tourism impacts: A controlled comparison of Annapurna, Nepal and Northwest Yunnan, China

Tourism development in mountain regions is reported to bring economic growth to host communities. However, the literature reveals that the economic, environmental and cultural impacts of tourism development in these regions vary greatly and that a number of critical factors may explain that variability. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to explore the role of community involvement and number/type of visitors on tourism impacts in mountain destinations. The study followed a controlled comparison method [Eggan, F. (1954). Social anthropology and the method of controlled comparison. American Anthropologist, 56(5), 743–763] including field observations and individual and group interviews in two popular mountain destinations in Asia: Annapurna, Nepal, and Northwest Yunnan, China. The findings suggested that level of host involvement in management and number/type of tourists helped explain these destinations’ varying degrees of economic leakage, local control, and socio-economic inequity. Moreover, both destinations appeared to cope with their challenges through cooperative community efforts supported by non-governmental agencies.
In vivo RNAi screens: concepts and applications

Functional genomics approaches that leverage the RNAi pathway have been applied in vivo to examine the roles of hundreds or thousands of genes; mainly in the context of cancer. Here, we discuss principles guiding the design of RNAi screens, parameters that determine success and recent developments that have improved accuracy and expanded the applicability of these approaches to other in vivo settings, including the immune system. We review recent studies that have applied in vivo RNAi screens in T cells to examine genes that regulate T cell differentiation during viral infection, and that control their accumulation in tumors in a model of adoptive T cell therapy. In this context, we put forward an argument as to why RNAi approaches in vivo are likely to provide particularly salient insight into immunology.
Introduction to the special issue on quantum imaging

Advances in both quantum optics and in quantum information science that took place through the 1990’s opened the possibility of entirely new methods for forming (and even storing) images, some with unprecedented sensitivity and resolution. This new field of research, known as Quantum Imaging, led to other conceptual breakthroughs as well, such as the possibility of imaging without interaction. Moreover, quantum imaging exploits quantum parallelism in ways intrinsic to image-bearing beams, leading to large information capacity. Significant progress in the conceptual understanding of both image formation and of quantum protocols has resulted from recent research in quantum imaging. Quantum imaging also holds great promise for addressing practical, real-world problems. In view of this potential, a major research initiative was proposed in 2003 at the Army Research Office to create a so-called MURI—a Center (delocalized, but nevertheless logistically a Center)—to explore further this emerging field of Quantum Imaging. The initiative was successful, and a competition was launched in 2004. The winning Center was chosen to be at the University of Rochester, with
Mutation spectrum in Escherichia coli DNA mismatch repair deficient ( mutH ) strain

The Dam-directed post-replicative mismatch repair system of Escherichia coli removes base pair mismatches from DNA. The products of the mutH, mutL and mutS genes, among others, are required for efficient mismatch repair. Absence of any of these gene products leads to persistence of mismatches in DNA with a resultant increase in spontaneous mutation rate. To determine the specificity of the mismatch repair system in vivo we have isolated and characterized 47 independent mutations from a mutH strain in the plasmid borne mnt repressor gene. The major class of mutations comprises AT to GC transitions that occur within six base pairs of the only two 5'-GATC-3' sequences in the mnt gene. In the wild type control strain, insertion of the IS1 element was the major spontaneous mutational event. A prediction of the Dam-directed mismatch repair model, that the mutation spectra of dam and mutH strains should be the same, was confirmed.
Fault Detection in Synchrotron Magnet Coils

Curves have been developed which show the currents in the shorted turns, the voltages across a faulted coil, and the heat losses developed, all as a function of the fault resistance. These show that with decreasing fault resistance, all faults will damage the conductor by melting the copper at the point of fault. Existing relays cannot prevent the damage. Impedance measurements, which can detect turn faults at an incipient stage, have been suggested.
Expedient Electromagnetic Analysis of the Impact of Statistical Disorder in Periodic Waveguides

A methodology is presented for the fast electromagnetic analysis of the impact of statistical disorder on the transmission properties of periodic waveguides. The proposed methodology makes use of ideas from the Anderson localization theory to derive closed-form expressions for the calculation of an effective exponential decay ratio that quantifies the impact of periodicity disorder on the transmission properties of the waveguide. With regard to the quantification of the statistics of periodicity disorder from data obtained from a limited number of manufactured devices, a nonparametric probability density estimation process is examined and found to be satisfactory for our purposes. The computational efficiency of the proposed method over brute-force Monte-Carlo-based alternatives is demonstrated through specific examples involving a periodically loaded parallel-plate waveguide. Furthermore, this numerical study is used to examine the accuracy of calculating the overall change in the propagation constant of the structure due to several sources of disorder as the sum of the changes calculated with each one of the sources of disorder considered individually.
Creating Offline MANET IDS Network Traces

A number of Intrusion Detection System (IDS) techniques for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs) have been proposed in the research literature. These techniques include trust building and cluster-based voting schemes, statistical anomaly detection, host-based watchdogs, and finite state machines for specifying correct routing behavior. Comparing and evaluating the effectiveness of these IDS techniques has been hindered by the limited number of large-scale MANET deployments, the lack of publicly available network traces of actual MANET traffic, and the difficulty in defining typical application and mobility scenarios. Network simulation tools have allowed researchers to study MANET IDSs without purchasing mobile nodes or conducting costly and time-consuming field trial tests. These simulations, however, have been conducted using widely varying assumptions on background network traffic, mobility, previous security associations, and the type of malicious network activity. This paper describes how we use our mLab testbed to create publicly available MANET network traces. These network traces allow researchers to compare the effectiveness of different MANET IDS techniques on the same data set, and conduct offline experiments with new IDS techniques without requiring expensive hardware.
A Comparison of Three Decision Models for Adapting the Length of Computer-Based Mastery Tests

Three extant methods of adapting the length of computer-based mastery tests are described and compared: 1) the sequential probability ratio test (SPRT), 2) Bayesian use of the beta distribution, and 3) adaptive mastery testing based on item response theory (IRT). The utility of the SPRT has been empirically demonstrated by Frick [1]. Research has also demonstrated the effectiveness of use of the beta function in the Minnesota Adaptive Instructional System by Tennyson et al. [2]. Considerably more empirical research has been conducted on IRT-based approaches [3]. No empirical studies were found in which these three approaches have been directly compared. As a first step, computer simulations were undertaken to compare the accuracy and efficiency of these approaches in making mastery and nonmastery decisions. Results indicated that the IRT-based approach was more accurate when simulated examinee ability levels were clustered near the cut-off. On the other hand, when ability levels were more widely dispersed...
Thermal characterization and sensor applications of one-dimensional nanostructures employing microelectromechanical systems

We review the recent progress in thermal characterization and sensor applications of one-dimensional nanostructures employing microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices. It was found by thermal measurements that the thermal conductance of a single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) was very close to the ballistic thermal conductance of a 1-nm-diameter SWCNT without signatures of phonon−phonon Umklapp scattering, a high thermoelectric figure of merit can potentially be obtained in bismuth telluride (BixTe1-x) nanowires with an optimized atomic ratio of x, and the thermal conductivity of metal oxide nanobelts was suppressed by increased phonon-boundary scattering. We further suggest that dielectrophoresis and other directed-assembly methods can be used for the large-scale integration of nanowires with MEMS to obtain ultrasensitive, stable, and selective sensor systems.
(Re)Production zones: Mixing Religion, Development and Desire in Rural Ecuadorian Households

RESUMEN Entre los espacios mas privados, hogares ecuatorianos rurales son aun asi puntos de enfoque de varios debates publicos. Empleados de organizaciones religiosas y de desarrollos seculares trabajan en cocinas propagando mensajes sobre limpieza, nutricion y la puridad. En dormitorios, doctrinas cristianas y agendas de desarrollo secular ambas tratan el comportamiento sexual. Este articulo explora esta interseccion entre la religion y el desarrollo en las zonas de contacto en espacios domesticos con una perspectiva formada en estudios religiosos. Da enfasis a los papeles que las construcciones de la realidad eclesiastica, misionera, y laica han tenido, y siguen teniendo, en la produccion y reproduccion de sexualidad, hogares y familias. Enfocando especialmente en las maneras en que estas construcciones emplean un discurso de deseo y su control, la autora afirma que el desarrollo sigue desplegando una orientacion religiosa implicita a pesar de su retorica secular; que agentes motivadas por religion usan el desarrollo en una manera estrategica; y que los “clientes” ecuatorianos mezclan y separan la religion y el desarrollo en maneras no intentas por agentes de religion y desarrollo. Among the most private of spaces, rural Ecuadorian households are nevertheless the focus of several public debates. Personnel in both religious and development organizations work in kitchens, propagating messages about cleanliness, nutrition, and purity. In bedrooms, Christian doctrines and secular development agendas both address sexual behavior. This article explores this interplay of religion and development in the contact zones of domestic spaces from a religious studies perspective. It emphasizes the roles ecclesiastical, missionary, and lay religious constructions of reality have and do play in the production and reproduction of sexuality, households and families. Focusing especially on the ways in which these constructions employ a discourse of desire and its control, the author argues that development continues to deploy an implicit religious orientation despite its overtly secular rhetoric; that religiously motivated agents use development strategically; and that Ecuadorian “clients” mix and separate religion and development in ways unintended by religious and development agents.
Effects of Strontium on Bone Strength, Density, Volume, and Microarchitecture in Laying Hens†

Strontium has been reported to have beneficial effects on bone. Treatment of laying hens, which are susceptible to osteoporosis and bone fracture, with strontium increased DXA measurements of BMD and BMC and μCT measurements of bone volume and microarchitecture and improved the mechanical performance of whole bone, but had no effect on the estimated material properties of the bone tissue. Introduction: Strontium (Sr) has been reported to dissociate bone remodeling and have positive influences on bone formation. We supplemented the diet of laying hens, which are susceptible to osteoporosis and bone fracture, with Sr to study the capacity of the element to improve bone mechanical integrity and resistance to fracture. Materials and Methods: Increasing dosages of Sr (0, 3000, 4500, and 6000 ppm) were fed to 196 13-week-old pullets for 11 months. BMD and BMC, as measured by conventional and DXA methods, microarchitectural parameters derived from μCT, and structural and material properties as determined by three-point bending test, were studied. Calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and Sr levels in plasma and bone, as well as egg output, shell quality, and composition, were assessed. Results: Sr concentrations in plasma and bone increased in a dose-dependent manner without affecting Ca and P. Treatment with Sr increased BMD and BMC as measured by DXA, increased cortical and medullary bone volume, trabecular thickness, number, and surface, and improved whole bone ultimate load, but had no effect on the estimated material properties of diaphyseal bone. Sr also increased the ash content of eggshells and did not affect egg output and shell quality. Conclusions: Sr supplementation induced large positive effects on bone density, volume, and microarchitecture as measured by radiographic methods. Sr treatment also improved the structural strength of diaphyseal bone but had no effect on the estimated material properties of the bone tissue.
HOOK DIFFERENCES AND LATTICE PATHS

Abstract Relationships among partitions, lattice paths and the Rogers-Ramanujan identities are developed. New partition-theoretic parameters called anti-hook differences are introduced and applied to give new interpretations to four identities of L.J. Rogers
The multipole-extracted adiabatic-nuclei approximation for electron-molecule collisions

An extension of the adiabatic-nuclei approximation appropriate for electron collisions with polar molecules is discussed. The method will find a most useful application, but is not restricted, to molecules with large permanent dipole moments. Treatment of molecules with small or negligible dipole moments but significant quadrupole moments and/or dipole polarizabilities is also within its purview. The essence of the method consists of extracting the effects of the long-range interactions from the usual adiabatic-nuclei expressions, and reintroducing them in the laboratory frame in a self-consistent manner. The first Born approximation is the simplest, but not the only possible, vehicle for this approach. The method is closely related to the angular-frame transportation method. Illustrative applications are presented.
Production and Characterization of a Monoclonal Antibody against the β-Adrenergic Agonist Ractopamine

A monoclonal antibody was generated toward the β-adrenergic agonist ractopamine hydrochloride {(1R*,3R*),(1R*,3S*)-4-hydroxy-α-[[[3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-methylpropyl]amino]methyl]benzenemethanol hydrochloride}. Ractopamine−glutarate−keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) was used as the antigen for antibody generation in mice. Clone 5G10, secreted antibody with isotype IgG1κ, was used for the development of an immunoassay. The selected antibody was specific for racemic ractopamine with an IC50 of 2.69 ± 0.36 ng/mL (n = 15). Antibody binding toward ractopamine was stereoselective with (1R,3R)-ractopamine having an IC50 of 0.55 ± 0.09 ng/mL (n = 3). IC50 values for the (1S,3R)-, (1S,3S)-, and (1R,3S)-ractopamine stereoisomers were 2.00 ± 0.37, 140 ± 23, and 291± 32 ng/mL (n = 3), respectively. Phenethanolamine β-agonists showed low cross-reactivity. Studies using a series of ractopamine metabolites and ractopamine analogues demonstrated structural requirements for the antibody binding. A free phenolic group on the ...
High prevalence of Cryptosporidium bovis and the deer-like genotype in calves compared to mature cows in beef cow-calf operations

Recent studies have identified the novel, host adapted Cryptosporidium bovis and the deer-like genotype in dairy cattle from farms in the United States, China, India and Europe. This novel species and genotype appear to be more prevalent in older, post-weaned dairy cattle than previously thought. However, little information is available on their prevalence in beef cow-calf operations. In the present study, we determined the prevalence of Cryptosporidium species in 98 calves (6-8 months old) and 114 cows (>2 years old) in seven beef cow-calf herds in western North Dakota. DNA was extracted from fecal samples and Cryptosporidium spp. were identified by amplification of the 18S rRNA gene followed by sequencing or RFLP analysis. All seven herds tested positive for Cryptosporidium. Overall, 43/212 (20.3%) animals were positive. Only five of these positives were from cows. C. bovis, the deer-like genotype and C. andersoni were identified in 9.4, 6.6 and 1.4% of animals sampled, respectively. C. parvum was not identified in any of the positive samples. C. bovis, the deer-like genotype and C. andersoni were detected in 6/7, 5/7 and 2/7 herds, respectively. C. bovis and the deer-like genotype were primarily detected in calves, while C. andersoni was only detected in cows. Six isolates could not be typed. These results show a relatively high prevalence of C. bovis and the deer-like genotype in 6-8-month-old beef calves compared to cows older than 2 years in the seven herds studied.
A CMOS 10-bit D/A converter

A fast monolithic 10-bit, one, two or four-quadrant multiplying D/A converter has been developed. Using CMOS, thin film, low-power technology, the major error sources of earlier monolithic designs have been found to be avoided.
Temporal deductive databases and infinite objects

We discuss deductive databases with one fixed occurrence of a monadic function symbol(successor) per predicate Databases of this kind can be used in a natural way to model simple patterns of events repeated in time, and this is why we term them temporal. Temporal deductive databases are also interesting from a theoretical point of view, because they give rise to infinite least fix-points and infinite query answers. We study complexity properties of finite query answers and define the notion of infinite objects which makes some infinite least fixpoints computable in finite time
Night-Shining White: Traces of a T'ang Dynasty Horse in Two Media

(1986). Night-Shining White: Traces of a T'ang Dynasty Horse in Two Media. Tang Studies: Vol. 1986, No. 4, pp. 91-94.
Recovery during stress relaxation testing of aluminum at 298K

Abstract Measurable substructural recovery has been found in pure aluminum following a 21 hr. stress relaxation test at 298K. The recovery was estimated to lower the internal stress 1.35MPa, or approximately 5% of the applied stress at the beginning of stress relaxation. This could significantly effect the shape of the 1n σ vs. lnϵ curve when the effective stress is small at the beginning of the stress relaxation test.
Contingencies of Self-Worth

We argue that the importance of self-esteem lies in what people believe they need to be or do to have worth as a person. These contingencies of self-worth are both sources of motivation and areas of psychological vulnerability. In domains of contingent self-worth, people pursue self-esteem by attempting to validate their abilities and qualities. This pursuit of self-esteem, we argue, has costs to learning, relationships, autonomy, self-regulation, and mental and physical health. We suggest alternatives to this costly pursuit of self-esteem.
Integrated Optics Implementation Of A Fiber Optic Rotation Sensor: Analysis And Development

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is developing a fiber optic rotation sensor (FORS) for use on the Mariner Mark II series of planetary explorer craft and in other space applications. FORS is a closed-loop phase-nulling device and embodies a number of interesting innovations. Chief among these are the incorporation of the device's couplers, phase modulators, and polarizer on a single lithium niobate (LinbO3) integrate optics chip and a novel means of reading out angular position and rotation rate based on optical beat detection. Various aspects of the FORS design and operation are described and discussed. Particular attention is paid to analyzing errors attributable to polarizer imperfection and the so-called residual Michelson effect.
Semi-supervised Learning of Geospatial Objects through Multi-modal Data Integration

We investigate how overhead imagery can be integrated with non-image geographic data to learn appearance models for geographic objects with minimal user supervision. While multi-modal data integration has been successfully applied in other domains, such as multimedia analysis, significant opportunity remains for similar treatment of geographic data due to location being a simple yet powerful key for associating varying data modalities, and the growing availability of data annotated with location information either explicitly or implicitly. We present a specific instantiation of the framework in which overhead imagery is combined with gazetteers to compensate for a recognized deficiency: most gazetteers are incomplete in that the same latitude/longitude point serves as the bounding coordinates of the spatial extent of the indexed objects. We use a hierarchical object appearance model to estimate the spatial extents of these known object instances. The estimated extents can then be used to revise the gazetteers. A particularly novel contribution of our work is a semi-supervised learning regime which incorporates weakly labelled training data, in the form of incomplete gazetteer entries, to improve the learned models and thus the spatial extent estimation.
Comparative study of shark and beef brain microtubules

Abstract Shark and beef brain tubulins were prepared by a common temperature-dependent centrifugation procedure and compared on the basis of assembly properties. The data show that: (a) the conditions for spontaneous assembly without microtubule associated proteins; (b) initial rates of assembly between 20°C and 37°C; and (c) types of polymers formed in the presence of Ca 2+ are different for the two types of tubulins. The number of protofilaments, on the other hand, is the same for microtubules reconstituted from the two species of tubulins. These data are interpreted to suggest that tubulins from different species have unique properties, but the tubulin sites affecting the structure of microtubules have been highly conserved.
The Second-Order Diffraction Loads and Associated Motions of a Freely Floating Cylindrical Body in Regular Waves: An Eigenfunction Expansion Approach

Abstract A solution, exact to the second-order in wave steepness, is presented for the hydrodynamic loads and associated wave-induced motions of a freely floating circular cylindrical body in regular waves. Due to the circular cylindrical geometry considered, a computationally efficient eigenfunction expansion technique may be utilized to obtain the linearized solution. Furthermore, the present geometry allows the complex free-surface integral which appears in the second-order loading formulation to be integrated analytically in the angular coordinate. An accurate and efficient methods is developed to evaluate the remaining integral in the radial direction. In the near field this integral is evaluated numerically, while in the far field an analytical solution based upon the asymptotic forms of the linearized potential components is utilized. Numerical results are presented which illustrate the first- and second-order hydrodynamic loads on and associated wave-induced motions an several example cylindrical structures. As well as providing information on the second-order hydrodynamics of a freely floating cylindrical body, the present solution serves as an important, independent benchmark for the numerical solution for the second-order hydrodynamic loads and associated motions of arbitrary floating structures in waves currently under development at the University of Houston and elsewhere.
Corporation as college

The Ph.D. program of the RAND Graduate School is one of the more innovative programs in America. The dynamics of innovation, e.g., environmental press as the engine of change and creativity as the wellspring of innovative programming, are illustrated vividly in the beginnings of the RAND corporation and its establishment of the RAND Graduate School to operate a free-standing Ph.D. program in policy analysis. Colleges and universities have much to learn-and nothing to fear-from this corporate newcomer to graduate education. Their own innovative efforts in graduate education can be enhanced through careful study of the RAND experience.
Hadza Bone Assemblages and Hyena Attrition: An Ethnographic Example of the Influence of Cooking and Mode of Discard on the Intensity of Scavenger Ravaging

Abstract Recent research has shown that spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) selectively scavenge bone assemblages produced by humans, in part, as a function of the amounts and types of nutrients associated with the bone. But the amounts and types of nutrients associated with bone in human produced assemblages depend on how the bone was originally processed and subsequently discarded. Modern human populations often expose bones to heat and flames during food processing and trash disposal activities. The resulting bone assemblages contain very little nutritional residues and may be less attractive to scavengers with other options. This paper examines the influence of cooking and burning on subsequent scavenger behavior. Data derived from bone assemblages created by contemporary East African Hadza hunter-gatherers suggest that hyena scavenging behavior is modified when bones are cooked or exposed to fire. These data show that bones that have been intensively exposed to heat or flames display low levels of hyena-induced surface damage. In some of the Hadza bone assemblages described here, low-density bones survive hyena ravaging in higher frequencies than might be expected from prior experimental research.
High Performance Dirichlet Parametrization Through Triangular Be´zier Surface Interpolation for Deformation of CAE Meshes

We present a method that extends the physics-based Dirichlet parametrization for applications concerning deformation of CAE meshes. Developed for a geometric surface feature framework called Direct Surface Manipulation, Dirichlet parametrization offers a number of operational flexibilities, such as its ability to use a single polynomial blending function to control deformation of a surface region subject to multiple user-specified displacement conditions. Dirichlet parametrization considers the domain of deformation as 2D steady-state conductive heat flow and solves for unique temperature distribution over the deformation domain using the finite element analysis (FEA) method. The result is used for evaluation of the polynomial blending function during surface deformation. The original Dirichlet parametrization, however, suffers from two limitations. First, because the 2D FEA mesh required for solving the steady-state heat transfer problem is obtained by directly projecting the affected 3D mesh onto a plane (deformation domain), both parameterization quality and performance depend on the structural characteristics of the projected 2D mesh (type of elements, node density, etc.) rather than geometrical characteristics of the deformation domain. Second, projecting a 3D mesh to create a 2D FEA mesh can be problematic when multiple areas of a 3D mesh are projected on the plane and overlap each other. Improvement techniques are presented in this paper. Instead of projecting the 3D mesh onto the plane to form the 2D FEA mesh, an auxiliary mesh is created based on geometric characteristics of the deformation domain, such as its size and boundary shape. Delaunay triangulation with an area constraint is applied in meshing the deformation region. The result is used as the 2D FEA mesh for solving the steady-state heat flow problem using the finite element method. Temperature of an affected node of the 3D mesh is obtained by interpolation in two steps. First, the node is projected onto the 2D FEA mesh, and the intersecting triangle is found. Second, the temperature at the intersection is obtained by interpolating the temperatures at the three vertices of the triangle using the cubic, triangular Bezier interpolant. The result is equated to the temperature of the node. The use of an auxiliary mesh eliminated mesh-dependency for Dirichlet parametrization. The use of triangular cubic Bezier interpolant results in better continuity condition of the interpolating surface between adjacent elements than linear interpolation. This allows us to employ a moderate size FEA mesh for computational efficiency. Implementation of the method is discussed and results are demonstrated.Copyright © 2007 by Ford Motor Company
Bootstrap Elasticity II: Corrections and Extensions

The purpose of this paper is to correct misconceptions in a previous paper and to construct correspondingly correct minimal constitutive representations for trigonal 32, tetragonal, and hexagonal symmetries. These results emphasize the strong interplay between shearing and secondary twofold axes of symmetry.
Selectivity of retinal photoisomerization in proteorhodopsin is controlled by aspartic acid 227.

Similarly to bacteriorhodopsin, proteorhodopsin that normally contains all-trans and 13-cis retinal is transformed at low pH to a species containing 9-cis retinal under continuous illumination at λ > 530 nm. This species, absorbing around 430 nm, returns thermally in tens of minutes to initial pigment and can be reconverted also with blue-light illumination. The yield of the 9-cis species is negligibly small at neutral pH but increases manyfold (>100) at acid pH with a pKa of 2.6. This indicates that protonation of acidic group(s) alters the photoreaction pathway that leads normally to all-trans → 13-cis isomerization. In the D97N mutant, in which one of the two acidic groups in the vicinity of the retinal Schiff base is not ionizable, the yield of 9-cis species at low pH shows a pH dependence similar to that in the wild-type but with a somewhat increased pKa of 3.3. In contrast to this relatively minor effect, replacement of the other acidic group, Asp227, with Asn results in a remarkable, more than 50-f...
The effect of subcutaneous fat on electrical impedance myography when using a handheld electrode array: the case for measuring reactance.

Abstract Objective Recent developments in electrical impedance myography (EIM) have led to the use of handheld electrode arrays (HEAs) for data acquisition. Although preferable for several reasons, this approach tends to be more affected by subcutaneous fat (SF) than the original approach in which the impedance-measuring electrodes are widely spaced. In this study, we seek to identify the EIM parameter least impacted by subcutaneous fat (SF) when using an HEA. Methods 18 normal subjects underwent 50kHz EIM and ultrasound of the medial gastrocnemius muscles on the dominant side. Coefficients of determination ( R 2 values) were calculated for each of the three major EIM variables (reactance, resistance, and phase) and SF thickness. Results For both resistance and phase, a strong relationship to SF thickness was observed ( R 2 =0.64 and R 2 =0.70, respectively, p R 2 =0.07, p =0.30. Conclusions Unlike resistance and phase, both of which are highly impacted by SF thickness, the reactance shows no significant relationship. Significance Future clinical studies employing HEA's to perform EIM should evaluate alterations in reactance in addition to those in resistance and phase.
The Use of Functional Assessment and Self-Management with a First Grader

ABSTRACT The effects of a self-management intervention on the disruptive behavior of a first-grade student were evaluated. First, hypotheses as to what environmental variables set the occasion for disruptive behavior were generated. Next, a structural analysis (Carr & Durand, 1985) was conducted across three curricular areas (story time, art, and seat work) to test each hypothesis directly. The structural analysis indicates that low adult attention sets the occasion for disruptive behavior. Based on this finding, a self-management intervention was implemented in which the child was provided with adult attention contingent on appropriate behavior on a VI schedule. The package was implemented across the three curricular areas to form a multiple-baseline design. As the study progressed, the VI schedule increased so as to fade the schedule of reinforcement. The results show that the self-management intervention was effective in reducing disruptive behavior in all three curricular areas. These findings are sig...
Bloggers and Readers Blogging Together: Collaborative Co-creation of Political Blogs

A significant amount of research has focused on blogs, bloggers, and blogging. However, relatively little work has examined blog readers, their interactions with bloggers, or their impact on blogging. This paper presents a qualitative study focusing specifically on readers of political blogs to develop a better understanding of readers' interactions with blogs and bloggers. This is the first such study to examine the same blogging activity from both readers' and bloggers' perspectives. Readers' significance and contributions to blogs are examined through a number of themes, including: community membership and participation; the relationship between political ideology, reading habits, and political participation; and differences and similarities between mainstream media (MSM) and blogs. Based on these analyses, this paper argues that blogging is not only a social activity, but is a collaborative process of co-creation in which both bloggers and readers engage. Implications of this finding contribute to the study and understanding of reader participation, to the design of technologies for bloggers and blog readers, and to the development of theoretical understandings of social media.
BEYOND ATTENTIONAL STRATEGIES : A COGNITIVE-PERCEPTUAL MODEL OF SOMATIC INTERPRETATION

The meaning people assign to physical sensations can have profound implications for their physical and psychological health. A predominant research question in somatic interpretation asks if it is more adaptive to distract one's attention away from a potentially unpleasant sensation or to focus one's attention on it. This question, however, has yielded equivocal answers. Many apparent ambiguities in this research can be traced to a failure to distinguish the content of a person's attention from its mere direction or degree. A model of somatic interpretation is discussed, incorporating not only perceptual focus but also the attributions, goals, coping strategies, and prior hypotheses of the perceiver, thus delineating the psychobiological conditions under which various attentional strategies should be adaptive. In contrast to the prevailing concern with when and why somatic distraction doesn't "work," this conceptual analysis also considers when and why somatic attention does. Theoretical and methodological issues are discussed, as is the potential utility of somatic attention in cardiac rehabilitation and multiple sclerosis.
Kinetics of spindle pole body separation in budding yeast.

Abstract In the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the spindle pole body (SPB) serves as the microtubule-organizing center and is the functional analog of the centrosome of higher organisms. By expressing a fusion of a yeast SPB-associated protein to the Aequorea victoria green fluorescent protein, the movement of the SPBs in living yeast cells undergoing mitosis was observed by fluorescence microscopy. The ability to visualize SPBs in vivo has revealed previously unidentified mitotic events. During anaphase, the mitotic spindle has four sequential activities: alignment at the mother-daughter junction, fast elongation, translocation into the bud, and slow elongation. These results indicate that distinct forces act upon the spindle at different times during anaphase.
MODEL FOR TYPES OF PRIVACY BY PRIVACY FUNCTIONS

Abstract Various types of privacy behaviours are engaged in to achieve a desired level of access by others to one's self or group. Six types of privacy have been identified empirically—solitude, isolation, anonymity, reserve, intimacy with friends, and intimacy with family (Pedersen, 1979, 1982 a). Factors representing the basic psychological functions or needs met by each of these types of privacy have also been obtained (Pedersen, 1997). This study presents a consolidated 6×5 model for the attainment of five privacy needs for each of the six types of privacy. The five privacy functions were autonomy, confiding, rejuvenation, contemplation, and creativity. In accordance with the model, privacy need profiles were obtained from 123 participants. These profiles described the degree to which the five privacy needs were met through the six types of privacy. The patterns of the privacy needs met by the various types of privacy were unique and meaningful.
Permeability studies with crosslinked cellophane

Evidence for the crosslinking of cellulose by chemical treatment has been discussed by numerous authors. In the present investigation an effort is made to determine whether such a structural change in cellulose may be inferred from a change in permeability. The effect of a dialdehyde starch crosslinking treatment on the permeability of cellophone, to potassium chloride ions from dilute solution is studied. Diffusion coefficients are calculated and compared. To account for sensitivity of diffusion results to the microstructure of the cellophane, it is assumed that under the experimental conditions a significant portion of the transport of ions across the membrane may take place by a process of activated diffusion directly through the polymer network. It is suggested that the crosslinking treatment blinds adjacent cellulose chains together creating a more rigid network structure which should resist penetration by diffusing ions.
Hydrodechlorination kinetics and reaction mechanisms

Abstract The reactions of cis- and trans-dichloroethylenes with H2 over platinum-on-alumina catalysts have been characterized. Both cis- and trans-dichloroethylenes react at identical rates, zero order in olefinic chlorides, according to the following scheme: The reactions were fitted to an activation energy of 27 500 cal/mole. Frequency factors (gm mole/cc sec) at 1 atm H2, and reaction order in H2 are noted on each arrow for the zero order reactions. Above 1% conversion, the reactions commence a shift to first order pore-diffusion-controlled kinetics; and the fraction of vinyl chloride produced per mole of reactant converted falls from 50% to zero at complete conversion. To explain the reactions, a mechanism has been proposed in which it is assumed that olefinic chlorides are adsorbed on the catalyst as stabilized tautomers, best represented as structures containing either CC or bonds. Hydrogenation proceeds by molecular hydrogen addition to the carbon-carbon double bond of the one tautomeric form; hydrodechlorination by proton addition to the carbon-chlorine double bond of the other form. The catalyst is regarded as a device which stabilizes the charge distribution of a resonating molecule into its possible canonical forms.
Laparoscopic staging for hepatobiliary carcinoma.

For gallbladder carcinoma and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, staging laparoscopy is high yield and should be performed routinely. For HCC and metastatic colon cancer, a more selective approach is warranted, reserving staging laparoscopy for patients in whom unresectable disease is more likely to be identified.The exact role of LUS in these patients is not yet determined but likely extends the advantages of staging laparoscopy.Staging laparoscopy spares patients with unresectable disease from nontherapeutic laparotomy, decreasing their recovery time and, it is hoped, allowing earlier initiation of nonsurgical therapy.
Yucca linearifolia (Agavaceae): A new, indehiscent, fleshy-fruited, linear-leaved species endemic to the Chihuahuan Desert, Mexico

Yucca linearifolia is described, illustrated, and distinguished from other yucca species. Its distinctive combination of fleshy fruit and narrow, linear, denticulate leaves sets it apart from all other yuccas.
Pop through mouse button interactions

We present a range of novel interactions enabled by a simple modification in the design of a computer mouse. By converting each mouse button to pop through tactile push-buttons, similar to the focus/shutter-release buttons used in many cameras, users can feel, and the computer can sense, two distinct "clicks" corresponding to pressing lightly and pressing firmly to pop through. Despite the prototypical status of our hardware and software implementations, our current pop through mouse interactions are compelling and warrant further investigation. In particular, we demonstrate that pop through buttons not only yield an additional button activation state that is composable with, or even preferable to, techniques such as double-clicking, but also can endow a qualitatively novel user experience when meaningfully and consistently applied. We propose a number of software guidelines that may provide a consistent, systemic benefit; for example, light pressure may invoke default interaction (short menu), and firm pressure may supply more detail (long menu).
Potential errors caused by roots in analyses of rhizosphere soil

Roots contain high concentrations of many elements, and have the potential to interfere with measurements of chemical change in rhizosphere soil. To assess potential interferences, maize (Zea mays L.) roots (free of soil) and soil (free of roots) were extracted separately with several extractants commonly used to assess the status of soil nutrients. The maize roots were grown within filter envelopes which prevented direct contact with soil, but permitted passage of mineral nutrients and water from the adjacent soil. Water, ammonium acetate (pH 7), DTPA (pH 7.3), Morgan's solution (pH 4.8), and dilute HCl were used as extractants. Most elements were released readily into soluble forms from roots killed by freezing to lyse the cells. Significantly lower amounts were extracted from fresh roots, with the greatest differences between fresh and killed roots for the extractants H2O and DTPA, which were the mildest in terms of acidity and salt concentration. Extraction of P from the fresh roots by H2O and HCL was particularly low. Contamination of rhizosphere samples with root materials would almost certainly prevent the accurate measurement of water-soluble P, K, Mn, Zn, Cu, and Na in the slightly alkaline soil used in this experiment. Large errors would be likely also for P, Mn, and Cu extracted by ammonium acetate. The DTPA extractant is normally used only for micronutrient metals or heavy metals, and the small amounts of these elements released by roots should not contribute to significant error. With Morgan's solution, errors would likely be large only for P. Dilute HCl is a reasonably strong extractant for many elements in soil, and major errors from roots contained in rhizosphere samples are unlikely. The relatively high probability of errors in extractions of soluble elements from rhizosphere soil is unfortunate, because these elements are among the most readily available to plants and the most likely to be altered by the normal activities of roots.