cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Control Laws for Vibration Suppression Based on Energy Consumption

The research study presented here examines four conventional vibration suppression control laws and four hybrid modifications of these laws using a switching method. The motivation is to determine which of these eight controllers results in the least amount of power flow to the actuator to have the same settling time under free vibrations. The reason to look at reduced energy controllers is the idea that in some applications, very little energy is available for control, yet passive and semi-active methods cannot meet performance demands. In particular, the eventual goal is to reduce transient vibrations of smart structures using energy obtained from harvesting and/or low-power storage devices (batteries or super capacitors), as often desirable in aerospace systems. The four conventional active control systems compared in this study are Positive Position Feedback (PPF) control, Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) control, non-linear control, and Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) controls. A hybrid versio...
Future Directions of Structural Equation Modeling in Counseling Psychology

The four reactions in the May 2005 issue of The Counseling Psychologist address several considerations regarding the use of structural equation modeling (SEM) in counseling psychology research, including its appropriateness for analyzing one’s data and testing one versus multiple theoretical models. In addition, points that are not mentioned in the author’s original article were also covered, such as evaluating the fit of one’s model, item parceling, and the generalizability of findings. These four reactions are discussed in the context of raising awareness among counseling psychology researchers of considerations associated with the use of SEM.
Wound-induced phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity: factors affecting its induction and correlation with the quality of minimally processed lettuces

Abstract One of the major causes of quality loss in minimally processed lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is the browning of the cut pieces. Phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL, EC 4.3.1.5) is a key enzyme in phenolic synthesis. PAL activity increased in lettuce midrib tissue with wounding and storage in the presence or absence of ethylene. PAL activity increased 2.5 and 3-fold at 5 and 15 °C, respectively, by reducing midrib size from 2.5 × 15 to 0.5 × 1 cm. Wounding usually induced maximum levels of enzyme activity within 3 days at 5 °C and 1 day at 15 °C. Pre and postharvest factors affected the kinetics of wound-induced PAL (WI-PAL) activity and of subsequent changes in the quality of minimally processed lettuce. The rate at which WI-PAL activity increased and the maximum level attained were influenced by the duration of storage before processing. These parameters were also affected by the cultivar and type of lettuce used. Butterhead and iceberg types had the highest and lowest levels, respectively, of WI-PAL activity; romaine, green leaf and red leaf had intermediate levels. The activity of PAL 1–2 days after processing, and the slope of the induction curve between days 0 and 2, were the enzyme measurements that gave the highest correlations with processed lettuce quality attributes, including overall visual quality, leaf edge browning, and leaf surface browning.
“The Light of the Alevi Fire Was Lit in Germany and then Spread to Turkey”: A Transnational Debate on the Boundaries of Islam

Research on the transnational Alevi Muslim community in Berlin, Vienna, and Istanbul suggests that the Muslim identities and political agendas that seek recognition in Europe are largely made in Europe and hence are indigenous to Europe. Thus it is the political, legal, and social context of the post‐Cold War European Union and the unique conditions of individual European countries that shape the way Muslim communities define themselves in that sociopolitical geography. These new identities that come into being at the core of Europe transform the debates and definitions of Islam in the Muslim‐majority peripheries of Europe rather than vice versa.
Social complexity predicts transitive reasoning in prosimian primates

Transitive inference is a form of deductive reasoning that has been suggested as one cognitive mechanism by which animals could learn the many relationships within their group's dominance hierarchy. This process thus bears relevance to the social intelligence hypothesis, which posits evolutionary links between various forms of social and nonsocial cognition. Recent evidence corroborates the link between social complexity and transitive inference and indicates that highly social animals may show superior transitive reasoning even in nonsocial contexts. We examined the relationship between social complexity and transitive inference in two species of prosimians, a group of primates that diverged from the common ancestor of monkeys, apes and humans over 50 million years ago. In experiment 1, highly social ringtailed lemurs, Lemur catta, outperformed the less social mongoose lemurs, Eulemur mongoz, in tests of transitive inference and showed more robust representations of the underlying ordinal relationships between the stimuli. In experiment 2, after training under a correction procedure that emphasized the underlying linear dimension of the series, both species showed similar transitive inference. This finding suggests that the two lemur species differ not in their fundamental ability to make transitive inferences, but rather in their predisposition to mentally organize information along a common underlying dimension. Together, these results support the hypothesis that social complexity is an important selective pressure for the evolution of cognitive abilities relevant to transitive reasoning.
Sex differences in lower extremity biomechanics during single leg landings

Background. Females have an increased incident rate of anterior cruciate ligament tears compared to males. Biomechanical strategies to decelerate the body in the vertical direction have been implicated as a contributing cause. This study determined if females would exhibit single leg landing strategies characterized by decreased amounts of hip, knee, and ankle flexion resulting in greater vertical ground reaction forces and altered energy absorption patterns when compared to males. Methods. Recreationally active males (N = 14) and females (N = 14), completed five single leg landings from a 0.3 m height onto a force platform while three-dimensional kinematics and kinetics were simultaneously collected. Findings. Compared to males, females exhibited (1) less total hip and knee flexion displacements (40% and 64% of males, respectively, P < 0.05) and less time to peak hip and knee flexion (48% and 78% of males, respectively, P < 0.05), (2) 9% greater peak vertical ground reaction forces (P < 0.05), (3) less total lower body energy absorption (76% of males, P < 0.05), and (4) 11% greater relative energy absorption at the ankle (P < 0.05).
X-ray absorption spectroscopic investigation of Fe(II)-peplomycin and peplomycin derivatives: The Effect of axial ligation on Fe-pyrimidine back bonding

X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) is used to study ferrous complexes of a bleomycin (BLM) congener, peplomycin (PEP), and two of its derivatives, iso-peplomycin (ISO) and depyruvamide peplomycin (DP), in which potential axial ligands have been perturbed and removed, respectively. Application of extended X-ray absorption fine structure analysis shows an elongation of the short-distance component of the first coordination sphere in DP and ISO relative to PEP. The XAS pre-edge intensity concomitantly decreases with increased axial perturbation. The short-distance component of PEP is correlated to the Fe-pyrimidine bond and is related to the amount of π-back-bonding. Thus, the XAS analysis of these complexes provides structural information relevant to their differences in O2 reactivity.
Prescribing of proposed POM-VPM products

SIR, — Schedule 3 of the draft Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2005 provides that, in relation to the retail supply of veterinary medicinal products, a veterinary medicinal product classified as POM-VPM may only be supplied in accordance with a prescription from a veterinary surgeon, a pharmacist
Direct IR excitation in a fast ion beam: application to NO- photodetachment cross sections

Optical access to a travelling ion packet is required in many ion beam experiments that study ion-photon interactions. An approach is described for carrying out direct infrared excitation of a fast ion beam that uses an optical-quality reflective beam blocker to illuminate a counter propagating pulsed ion beam in a collinear configuration. This arrangement provides optical access along the axis of ion beam propagation by placing a mirror in the beam path at a 25 degree angle. The ion packet is bumped over the mirror, which is also used to block fast neutral particles produced during ion beam acceleration that also propagate along the beam path. The efficiency of this setup is demonstrated in a photodetachment experiment on NO- anions, where a photoinduced depletion of up to 90% of the beam is achieved in a single laser shot. To demonstrate the application of this configuration, the relative photodetachment cross section for NO- has been measured in the range of 2800 – 7200 cm-1. The measured relative cross section shows a set of sharp peaks that are identified as vibrational autodetachment resonances. The new setup paves the way for future experiments where parent anionic species are vibrationally excited via direct infrared excitation first and undergo photodetachment/photodissociation in a subsequent step. 33.15.Ry; 33.80.Eh; 33.80.-b
Enhancing the Educational Value of Business Internships

The educational value of business internships can be enhanced through academic assignments. Seven assignments are suggested that are both practical and reflective in nature. These assignments are described in terms of their ability to promote the following learning objectives: (a)understand one's self and the job context, (b) gather evidence of experience gained, (c) learn how to learn from experience, and (d) integrate theory and practice.
Computational criteria for establishing reflex from plasticity to hardwiring

The role of synaptic plasticity in associative learning has been explored extensively computationally. Yet, the computational mechanism for hardwiring of the neural circuit has only been addressed recently using a systems approach of whole-animal behavior based on an evolutionary process for survival [1,2]. In this paper, we will explore the computational criteria needed to establish the hardwiring of reflex. The traditional focus of synaptic plasticity is often placed on addressing the conditions in which the learning process occurs so as to alter the synaptic strength rather than the conditions in which the learning process should stop. This paper addresses the question of the conditions under which learning should stop and hardwiring begins. Rather than allowing the system to “over-learn” indefinitely, it is often desirable to stop the malleable process, and begin hardwiring the circuitry so that the system can respond faster and automatically as a reflex. The establishment of reflex plays an important role in animal behavior such that no learning is required in order to respond to a stimulus. Thus, the question of how such reflex stimulus-response function is established from prior experience or passed on from previous generation is the focus of this paper. We have derived a set of conditions in which synaptic plasticity would stop and when hardwiring should begin. The criteria are based on the asymptote of the learning process in errorminimization that reaches a stable state. When the error measure is used as the criteria for determining the stability of learning, it can also be used to determine whether the error has reached a minimum. This minimization criterion can then be used as the condition for hardwiring the circuitry rather than allowing plasticity to continue indefinitely. Although the system may have reached a local minimum rather than a global minimum, it can serve as a “best practice” solution for a given associative learning stimulus-response function. In fact, most biological reflexes are often best practice solution for a given stimulus-response function with a local minimum rather than a global minimum solution. Such hardwired circuitry can then be passed onto the next generation as the initial condition for further refinement. This would improve the solution search time since the knowledge from prior experience is embedded in the initial conditions of the neural circuitry passed on from the previous generation. The further refinement of the reflex by the next generation iteration can then be performed by “conditioned reflex” where the innate reflex can be modified by fine adjustment to the stimulusresponse function.
STUDY OF NON-NEWTONIAN LIQUID SHEETS FORMED BY IMPINGING JETS

A linear stability analysis which accounts for the effect of non-Newtonian viscosity is developed. This analysis is used to predict the wavelength of ligaments shed from a liquid sheet by predicting the wavelength of the fastest traveling wave on the sheet surface. The results of this analysis are compared to experiments conducted on liquid sheets formed by impinging jets. In each case, the linear stability analysis overpredicts the wavelength of shed ligaments. There are two possible reasons for this. First, shorter wavelength impact waves emanating from the point of impingement may control the process of sheet destruction. Second, the linear stability analysis fails to include the effect of viscoelasticity which is evident in these fluids.
Erv14p Directs a Transmembrane Secretory Protein into COPII-coated Transport Vesicles

Erv14p is a conserved integral membrane protein that traffics in COPII-coated vesicles and localizes to the early secretory pathway in yeast. Deletion of ERV14 causes a defect in polarized growth because Axl2p, a transmembrane secretory protein, accumulates in the endoplasmic reticulum and is not delivered to its site of function on the cell surface. Herein, we show that Erv14p is required for selection of Axl2p into COPII vesicles and for efficient formation of these vesicles. Erv14p binds to subunits of the COPII coat and binding depends on conserved residues in a cytoplasmically exposed loop domain of Erv14p. When mutations are introduced into this loop, an Erv14p-Axl2p complex accumulates in the endoplasmic reticulum, suggesting that Erv14p links Axl2p to the COPII coat. Based on these results and further genetic experiments, we propose Erv14p coordinates COPII vesicle formation with incorporation of specific secretory cargo.
Intravesical penile implant reservoir: case report, literature review, and strategies for prevention

To present a case of intravesical erosion of an infected multiple-component inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) reservoir. We retrospectively reviewed a case of complete intravesical erosion of an infected IPP reservoir. We also reviewed the prior urologic literature concerning bladder-related reservoir complications, and formulated potential strategies to prevent these complications in the future. This patient was successfully managed with complete explantation of the cylinders and pump, along with cystotomy, intravesical reservoir removal and cystorraphy. Several months later, he was successfully reimplanted with a multiple-component IPP, and, with 7 months follow-up, has had no further complications. Management of intravesical placement or erosion of an IPP reservoir should be tailored to the clinical scenario. In cases with peri-prosthetic infection and subsequent intravesical reservoir erosion, complete explantation and delayed subsequent reimplantation has been successful. Inadvertent intravesical reservoir placement has been successfully managed via immediate cystotomy, reservoir repositioning and cystorraphy. Reservoir insertion via a counter-incision, an infrapubic approach and under direct vision can avoid this complication. Bladder laceration during reservoir reinflation has been successfully managed with cystorraphy and reservoir repositioning.
Binding of Transmembrane Mucins to Galectin-3 Limits Herpesvirus 1 Infection of Human Corneal Keratinocytes

Epithelial cells lining mucosal surfaces impose multiple barriers to viral infection. At the ocular surface, the carbohydrate-binding protein galectin-3 maintains barrier function by cross-linking transmembrane mucins on the apical glycocalyx. Despite these defense mechanisms, many viruses have evolved to exploit fundamental cellular processes on host cells. Here, we use affinity assays to show that herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), but not HSV-2, binds human galectin-3. Knockdown of galectin-3 in human corneal keratinocytes by small interfering RNA significantly impaired HSV-1 infection, but not expression of nectin-1, indicating that galectin-3 is a herpesvirus entry mediator. Interestingly, exposure of epithelial cell cultures to transmembrane mucin isolates decreased viral infectivity. Moreover, HSV-1 failed to elute the biological counterreceptor MUC16 from galectin-3 affinity columns, suggesting that association of transmembrane mucins to galectin-3 provides protection against viral infection. Together, these results indicate that HSV-1 exploits galectin-3 to enhance virus attachment to host cells and support a protective role for transmembrane mucins under physiological conditions by masking viral entry mediators on the epithelial glycocalyx.
Use of a soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor as an adjunctive analgesic in a horse with laminitis.

Abstract History A 4‐year old, 500 kg Thoroughbred female horse diagnosed with bilateral forelimb laminitis and cellulitis on the left forelimb became severely painful and refractory to non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory therapy (flunixin meglumine on days 1, 2, 3 and 4; and phenylbutazone on days 5, 6 and 7) alone or in combination with gabapentin (days 6 and 7). Physical examination Pain scores assessed independently by three individuals with a visual analog scale (VAS; 0 = no pain and 10 = worst possible pain) were 8.5 on day 6, and it increased to 9.5 on day 7. Non‐invasive blood pressure monitoring revealed severe hypertension. Management As euthanasia was being considered for humane reasons, a decision was made to add an experimental new drug, trans‐4‐{4‐[3‐(4‐Trifluoromethoxy‐phenyl)‐ureido]‐cyclohexyloxy}‐benzoic acid (t‐TUCB), which is a soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibitor, to the treatment protocol. Dose and frequency of administration were selected based on the drug potency against equine sEH to produce plasma concentrations within the range of 30 nmol L−1 and 2.5 μmol L−1. Pain scores decreased sharply and remarkably following t‐TUCB administration and blood pressure progressively decreased to physiologic normal values. Plasma concentrations of t‐TUCB, measured daily, were within the expected range, whereas phenylbutazone and gabapentin plasma levels were below the suggested efficacious concentrations. Follow up No adverse effects were detected on clinical and laboratory examinations during and after t‐TUCB administration. No new episodes of laminitis have been noted up to the time of writing (120 days following treatment). Conclusions Inhibition of sEH with t‐TUCB was associated with a significant improvement in pain scores in one horse with laminitis whose pain was refractory to the standard of care therapy. No adverse effects were noticed. Future studies evaluating the analgesic and protective effects of these compounds in painful inflammatory diseases in animals are warranted.
Managing Soils for Food Security and Climate Change

Abstract Four principal issues facing developing countries, such as India, are: (i) meeting food demand of the growing population, (ii) reducing risks of soil and ecosystem degradation, (iii) minimizing risks of eutrophication and contamination of natural waters, and (iv) decreasing net emissions of C02 and other greenhouse gases. A viable solution lies in a paradigm shift of not taking soils for granted. Soils must be improved, restored and used, rather than depleted, degraded and abused. Basic principles of soil management are: (i) creating a positive nutrient balance in agro-ecosystems, (ii) using crop residue, manure and other bio-solids as components of integrated nutrient management of enhancing nutrient-use efficiency, (iii) improving water-use efficiency, and (iv) reducing or eliminating plowing. Adoption of these measures requires a radical shift in the scientific, social, ethnic and cultural fabric of a society through developing alternatives to: (i) using dung as cooking fuel, (ii) crop residue...
A methodology for assessing high intensity RF effects in aircraft

Optical components have an inherent immunity to the electromagnetic interference (EMI) associated with High Intensity Radiated Fields (HIRF). The optical technology embodied in Fly-by-Light (FBL) might therefore minimize the effects of HIRF on digitally controlled systems while providing lifetime immunity to signal EMI. This is one of the primary motivations for developing FBL systems for aircraft. FBL has the potential to greatly simplify EMI certification by enabling technically acceptable laboratory tests of subsystems, as opposed to expensive full airplane tests. The authors describe a methodology for assessing EMI effects on FBL aircraft that reduces or potentially eliminates the need for full airplane tests. This methodology is based on comparing the applied EMI stress-the level of interference signal that arrives at a unit under test-versus the EMI strength of the unit-the interference level it can withstand without upset. This approach allows one to use computer models and/or low power coupling measurements and similarity (to other previously tested aircraft) to determine the stress applied to installed subsystems, and to use benchtop cable injection tests and/or mode stirred chamber radiated tests to determine the strength of the subsystem. >
What We Learn from STEM Undergraduate Student Project Teams

Space Grant Consortia including the Indiana Space Grant Consortium (INSGC) provide funding to various project teams, primarily comprised of undergraduate students, at a variety of affiliate university institutions. A few recent examples of INSGC-supported projects include teams for the Reduced Gravity Education Flight Program, the Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Competition to design and build a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), Robotics Mining Competition, and NASA Student Launch Initiative teams. These project teams have proven to be a cost effective way to provide students with real project management experience, often on end-to-end projects. Participants gain significant experience, and based on longitudinal tracking these individuals often go on to participate in other project team settings during their educational careers and beyond. Project challenges include the fact that programs do not work everywhere for everyone, and variety is a requirement. In some instances there is a match to a faculty member with a suitable interest, but it has been proven that this is not a strict requirement for running a successful project. Reliance on externalities such as launch payloads, external funding, long development cycles, etc. can add complications. Projects with a yearly cycle have been found to be the most acceptable. Team projects give students the opportunity to learn science but not just the science, and to do so both in and outside the classroom.
A new statistical framework to assess structural alignment quality using information compression.

Motivation: Progress in protein biology depends on the reliability of results from a handful of computational techniques, structural alignments being one. Recent reviews have highlighted substantial inconsistencies and differences between alignment results generated by the ever-growing stock of structural alignment programs. The lack of consensus on how the quality of structural alignments must be assessed has been identified as the main cause for the observed differences. Current methods assess structural alignment quality by constructing a scoring function that attempts to balance conflicting criteria, mainly alignment coverage and fidelity of structures under superposition. This traditional approach to measuring alignment quality, the subject of considerable literature, has failed to solve the problem. Further development along the same lines is unlikely to rectify the current deficiencies in the field. Results: This paper proposes a new statistical framework to assess structural alignment quality and significance based on lossless information compression. This is a radical departure from the traditional approach of formulating scoring functions. It links the structural alignment problem to the general class of statistical inductive inference problems, solved using the information-theoretic criterion of minimum message length. Based on this, we developed an efficient and reliable measure of structural alignment quality, I-value. The performance of I-value is demonstrated in comparison with a number of popular scoring functions, on a large collection of competing alignments. Our analysis shows that I-value provides a rigorous and reliable quantification of structural alignment quality, addressing a major gap in the field. Availability: http://lcb.infotech.monash.edu.au/I-value Contact: ude.hsanom@uhtruganok.nura Supplementary information: Online supplementary data are available at http://lcb.infotech.monash.edu.au/I-value/suppl.html
Self-assembled monolayers of polythiophene conductive polymers improve biocompatibility and electrical impedance of neural electrodes

There is continued interest in the development of conductive polymer coatings to improve the electrical properties and biocompatibility of electrodes for neural prostheses. We present here a new type of coating, based on mixed self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of thiolated poly(alkylthiophene)s and functionalized alkanethiols. When assembled as a SAM on electrodes designed for in vitro electrophysiology, these polymers are able to significantly lower electrode impedance at 1 kHz. The same mixed formulation is able to promote the outgrowth of neurites from primary mouse cortical neurons when the alkanethiol component is functionalized with a neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) binding antibody. Atomic force microscopy of the SAMs shows that they exert their effect through the well-known mechanism of increasing electrode surface area. These new covalently bound films have the potential to be more robust and are more controllable in their composition than existing electrodeposited conductive polymer coatings.
Why Can't We All Just Get Along? The Practical Limits to International Development Cooperation

This paper seeks to explain the factors that inhibit greater collaboration between Development Assistance Committee (DAC) donors and non-DAC donors, arguing that the problem is less about divergent values than about incentives that derive from the politics of today's aid system and architecture, and from different development experiences. It argues that even among like-minded DAC members, progress on aid coordination and cooperation has been disappointing. This augurs badly for advocates of a more harmonious aid system encompassing a broader group of development partners. On this basis, the aid community would be better off defining differential and flexible standards, which permit DAC and non-DAC donors to adhere to those elements most applicable to them. We identify two areas where more collaboration may be feasible. The first is for partner countries to push for greater transparency among donors, which would allow for greater coordination at the recipient country level. The second is to formalise and build on existing triangular cooperation initiatives, which would test the potential for inter-agency trust and learning. Although these areas are narrow, they are concrete ways of taking the first steps towards broader donor collaboration. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three-month-olds show a negativity bias in their social evaluations.

Previous research has shown that 6-month-olds evaluate others on the basis of their social behaviors ‐ they are attracted to prosocial individuals, and avoid antisocial individuals (Hamlin, Wynn & Bloom, 2007). The current studies investigate these capacities prior to 6 months of age. Results from two experiments indicate that even 3-month-old infants evaluate others based on their social behavior towards third parties, and that negative social information is developmentally privileged.
Neuro-evolving maintain-station behavior for realistically simulated boats

We evolve a neural network controller for a boat that learns to maintain a given bearing and range with respect to a moving target in the Lagoon 3D game environment. Simulating realistic physics makes maneuvering boats difficult and thus makes an evolutionary approach an attractive alternative to hand coded methods. We evolve the weights of simple recurrent neural networks trained with a fitness function designed to combine multiple fitness objectives based on speed, heading, and position to create a robust maintain station behavior. Results with an enforced subpopulation neural-evolution genetic algorithm indicate that we can consistently evolve robust maintain controllers for realistically simulated boats in Lagoon.
Engineering Management—University Programs

A survey of university programs in engineering management is presented. The programs in business administration and engineering management are compared, and the efforts of promoting engineering management by engineering colleges and professional societies are described. The diverse views among engineering educators on undergraduate courses in engineering management as well as the range of such courses are considered. The rationale and some of the new thrusts for graduate programs in engineering management are examined. Among the new thrusts are: Technology Innovation, Construction Management, and Engineering and Public Policy.
The Quantitative-MFG Test: A Linear Mixed Effect Model to Detect Maternal-Offspring Gene Interactions

Maternal-offspring gene interactions, aka maternal-fetal genotype (MFG) incompatibilities, are neglected in complex diseases and quantitative trait studies. They are implicated in birth to adult onset diseases but there are limited ways to investigate their influence on quantitative traits. We present the quantitative-MFG (QMFG) test, a linear mixed model where maternal and offspring genotypes are fixed effects and residual correlations between family members are random effects. The QMFG handles families of any size, common or general scenarios of MFG incompatibility, and additional covariates. We develop likelihood ratio tests (LRTs) and rapid score tests and show they provide correct inference. In addition, the LRT's alternative model provides unbiased parameter estimates. We show that testing the association of SNPs by fitting a standard model, which only considers the offspring genotypes, has very low power or can lead to incorrect conclusions. We also show that offspring genetic effects are missed if the MFG modeling assumptions are too restrictive. With genome-wide association study data from the San Antonio Family Heart Study, we demonstrate that the QMFG score test is an effective and rapid screening tool. The QMFG test therefore has important potential to identify pathways of complex diseases for which the genetic etiology remains to be discovered.
Assessing the Success of Sarbanes-Oxley

This paper evaluates the success that the Sarbanes-Oxley Act has had in the market place. It initially assesses improvements the act has made to restore public confidence in the auditing process, and their effectiveness. It then assesses provisions made to improve the ability of boards of directors to monitor and correct abuses of power by corporate executives. Having concluded the quality of auditing processes and the boards monitoring function is still inadequate despite the enactment of Sarbanes-Oxley; it then analyzes published data on the incidents of fraud. The results of the analysis indicate that, in general, Sarbanes-Oxley has done little to stop the tidal wave of fraud occurrences, nor does it limit their consequences. This paper concludes, therefore, that Sarbanes-Oxley has not been successful.
Distributed Revisiting: An Analytic for Retention of Coherent Science Learning.

Designing learning experiences that support the development of coherent understanding of complex scientific phenomena is challenging. We sought to identify analytics that can guide such designs to also support retention of coherent understanding. Based on prior research that distributing study of material over time supports retention, we explored revisiting previously studied material as an analytic. We tested ways to operationalize revisiting: as a general propensity to revisit previously studied material; as a propensity to revisit specific curricular steps; as a general propensity to distribute study by revisiting previously studied material on different days; and as a propensity to distribute study by revisiting specific steps on different days. The specific steps identified as central to the learning design included a static illustration and a dynamic visualization. We modeled revisiting in a sample of 664 students taught by 7 different teachers using a Web-based Inquiry Science Environment unit. Analysis of log files and regression modeling revealed that a general propensity to revisit did not predict retention. Revisiting the dynamic visualization better supported retention than revisiting static material, but only for distributed revisiting. Our findings suggest that revisiting can be a useful analytic when aligned to the framework guiding learning design.
A Case Analysis of Middle Level Teacher Preparation and Long-Term Teacher Dispositions.

AbstractUnderlying all pedagogical decisions are dispositions that animate, motivate, and direct abilities evident in the patterns of one’s frequently exhibited behavior (Ritchhart, 2001). Although the research on teacher dispositions remains inconsistent, and the intensity with which dispositions are evaluated seems to be waning, middle level educators recognize the role of teacher dispositions in cultivating developmentally responsive practices and inclusive, safe learning communities. This case analysis examines one middle level teacher preparation program that embraced such practices and the dispositions that undergird them. The program intentionally focused on the cultivation of responsive dispositions, grounded in meeting the needs of a diverse group of young adolescents. If teacher preparation has standards for and works to cultivate specific dispositions, it is important to investigate what happens to these dispositions once novice teachers enter the real world of the classroom. This study examine...
Urban Voters, Racial Attitudes, and Context: A Multilevel Analysis of the 2005 Los Angeles Mayoral Election

Does context alter the impact on urban vote choice of racial attitudes and other individual-level variables? It is well understood that voting in urban mayoral elections is strongly influenced by both racial group identity and racial attitudes about group conflict or cooperation. Also, there is a wealth of research indicating that voting and racial attitudes are influenced by an individual’s contextual environment. However, because of the lack of quality exit poll survey data that includes contextual information, it is difficult to study contextual effects on the relationship between individual attitudes and urban vote choice. In this paper, I develop multilevel random intercept logistic regression models of vote choice using individual and census level contextual variables, in order to determine the effects on vote choice of individual racial attitudes and the contextual environment of race/ethnicity.
Emulsion stabilized with phytoglycogen octenyl succinate prolongs the antimicrobial efficacy of ε-poly-l-lysine against Escherichia coli O157:H7

Abstract ɛ-Poly- l -lysine (EPL) is a food-grade cationic antimicrobial compound with a wide antimicrobial spectrum against bacteria, yeasts, and molds. However, EPL can be subject to rapid depletion after initial application and lose activity quickly. To address this problem, this study used Escherichia coli O157:H7 and tryptic soy agar (TSA) deep-well depletion model to evaluate the prolonged antibacterial efficacy of EPL stabilized with emulsions formed by three types of emulsifier: (1) phytoglycogen octenyl succinate (PG-OS), an amphiphilic carbohydrate particulate; (2) waxy corn starch octenyl succinate (WCS-OS), an amphiphilic hyperbranched polysaccharide; and (3) Tween 20, a neutral small-molecule surfactant. During 20 days of storage at 4 °C, the residual antibacterial efficacy of EPL in PG-OS emulsion was the greatest. In contrast, Tween-20 and WCS-OS emulsions were not as effective as PG-OS emulsion to retain antibacterial activity. Meanwhile, equilibrium dialysis showed the greatest EPL retention with PG-OS emulsion, suggesting the impact of electrostatic and structural properties of emulsifiers at the oil-water interface on prolonged EPL efficacy against E. coli O157:H7.
A Tissue-Penetrating Double Network Restores the Mechanical Properties of Degenerated Articular Cartilage.

Incorporation of an interpenetrating polymer network into an existing single polymer network enables augmentation of the original substrate's mechanical properties, and translation of this concept from purely synthetic materials to natural-synthetic hybrid systems provides the opportunity to reinforce mechanical properties of bulk biological substrates. In many disease states, the mechanical properties of bodily tissues deteriorate rendering them prone to further material failure. Herein, a tissue-supplementing technique is described in which an interpenetrating biomimetic hydrogel is polymerized in situ throughout cartilage tissue. The treatment restores the inferior compressive properties of osteoarthritic cartilage to that of healthy cartilage, preferentially localizing to weaker regions of tissue. Furthermore, the treatment technique preserves cartilage under harsh articulation conditions, showing promise as a materials-based treatment for early-stage osteoarthritis.
Toxoplasmosis of the Spinal Cord in a Patient with AIDS: Case Report and Review

We present the case of a patient whose acute myelopathy almost completely resolved with empirical therapy for toxoplasmosis, and we review thirteen previously reported cases of myelopathy thought to have been caused by Toxoplasma gondii in patients with AIDS. The most common symptoms and abnormal physical findings were motor loss (usually paraparesis), bilateral sensory loss, urinary bladder dysfunction, and local pain. The majority of patients had magnetic resonance images that showed abnormalities of the spinal cord and brain in association with positive serology for Toxoplasma. Therapy for toxoplasmosis, when administered soon after the onset of symptoms, has resulted in clinical and radiographic improvement in the conditions of patients with toxoplasmosis.
Recreational Angler Perspectives of Nonnative Fishes

ABSTRACTAlthough fish invasions have implications for conservation and resource management, research on public attitudes toward nonnative fishes is lacking. We surveyed boat and canal bank recreational anglers in the Everglades to assess their awareness, preferences, and perspectives of native versus nonnative fishes. Our findings showed that 79% of anglers were aware of the presence of nonnative fishes, and overall awareness was positively affected by the frequency of fishing, and years of angler experience at study sites. Frequency of fishing had a stronger effect on canal bank anglers. Boat anglers had higher awareness of nonnatives, higher familiarity with “nonnative” terminology, and expressed greater preferences for native fish. Most anglers favored native species (72% preference), and targeted native fishes, particularly Florida Largemouth Bass (66%). Overall, findings show that despite the prevalence of nonnative species, anglers favored native fishes and supported native fish conservation.
TMDL DEVELOPMENT FROM THE "BOTTOM UP" - PART IV: CONNECTING TO STORM WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS

A challenge facing many local jurisdictions across the country is finding ways to connect Storm Water Management Programs (SWMPs) required by NPDES permits with TMDLs intended to address water quality problems. A “bottom up” approach towards TMDL development is one way to establish a meaningful, value-added framework which links water quality concerns to proposed solutions. Information on Best Management Practices (BMPs) related to both source control and delivery reduction methods can be incorporated into TMDL allocations. Management measure information considered in TMDL allocations can then complement benchmarks that guide implementation efforts. Basic hydrology presented in the form of duration curves supports a “bottom up” approach and offers opportunities for enhanced pollutant source targeting. Duration curves add value to the TMDL process by characterizing water quality concerns in terms of flow conditions, linking these concerns to key watershed processes, prioritizing source assessment efforts, and identifying potential solutions. Federal regulations identify a set of minimum control measures to be included in SWMPs for municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4), which are intended to reduce pollutant loads to the “maximum extent practicable” (MEP) and often directly support or advance TMDL water quality objectives. A number of these control measures are typically most effective in achieving intended benefits under specific flow conditions, depending on watershed characteristics. For example, water quality concerns experienced during low flow conditions in urban watersheds might involve eliminating illicit connections under an MS4 storm water program. Similarly, sediment problems observed during mid-range and moist conditions might be best addressed through construction site BMPs. Finally, water quality concerns associated with stream bank erosion under high flow conditions might involve post development BMPs intended to address channel protection. The natural linkage between basic hydrology and storm water makes the duration curve framework a potentially useful tool in targeting appropriate BMPs and in guiding implementation of SWMPs. Because duration curves are also used to support TMDL development, the framework is wellsuited for connecting water quality-based control efforts with SWMPs.
The Analysis and Evaluation of 262 Cases of Adverse Drug Reactions in Children

Objective To realize the incidence and damage of the adverse drug reactions(ADRs) in children and promote rational use of drugs in pediatric clinical practice.Methods We collected 262 cases of ADRs in our hospital from 2006 to 2010,and retrospectively analyzed and evaluated them.Results In the 262 cases,most of the ADRs occurred in the infants from 1 months to 3 years,accounting for 58.77%(154 cases)of the total number.Introvenous injection was with the highest incidence of ADRs,97.3%(255 cases) of the total number.Among the used drugs,antibiotics had the highest incidence of ADRs,55.34%(145 cases) of the total number.Most of the clinical symptoms were allergic reactions,skin and accessories injury.Conclusion ADRs can easily happen in infants.Antibiotics or intravenous injection is prone to causing ADRs.We should further strengthen the monitoring of ADRs in children so as to reduce or avoid the occurence of it.
Fast BVH construction on GPU

The acceleration structure construction is a key step to accelerate rendering for ray tracing.An approach was proposed for fast bounding volume hierarchy(BVH) construction on the graphics processing unit(GPU) based on tree structure feature and multi-core architecture,which adapted different construction strategies for the early,midterm and late phases.Experimental results show that the approach can effectively exploit the inherent parallelism of the GPU to accelerate computation.The processing power and memory resources provided by the GPU are effectively utilized,and construction time is significantly reduced for the same acceleration structure quality.
Biomechanical Properties and Microstructure of Heart Chambers: A Paired Comparison Study in an Ovine Model

Mechanical properties of the cardiac tissue play an important role in normal heart function. The goal of this study was to determine the passive mechanical properties of all heart chambers through a paired comparison study in an ovine model. Ovine heart was used due its physiological and anatomical similarities to human heart. A total of 189 specimens from anterior and posterior portions of the left and right ventricles, atria, and appendages underwent biaxial mechanical testing. A Fung-type strain energy function was used to fit the experimental data. Tissue behavior was quantified based on the magnitude of strain energy, as indicator of tissue stiffness, at equibiaxial strains of 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in strain energy storage between anterior and posterior portions of each chamber, except for the right ventricle where strain energy storage in the posterior specimens were higher than the anterior specimens. Additionally, all chambers from the left side of the heart had significantly higher strain energy storage than the corresponding chambers on the right side. Furthermore, the highest to lowest stored strain energy were associated with ventricles, appendages, and atria, respectively. Microstructure of tissue specimens from different chambers was also compared using histology.
Cost effectiveness of meniscal allograft for torn discoid lateral meniscus in young women.

ABSTRACTObjective: A discoid meniscus is more prone to tears than a normal meniscus. Patients with a torn discoid lateral meniscus are at increased risk for early onset osteoarthritis requiring total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Optimal management for this condition is controversial given the up-front cost difference between the two treatment options: the more expensive meniscal allograft transplantation compared with standard partial meniscectomy. We hypothesize that meniscal allograft transplantation following excision of a torn discoid lateral meniscus is more cost-effective compared with partial meniscectomy alone because allografts will extend the time to TKA.Methods: A decision analytic Markov model was created to compare the cost effectiveness of two treatments for symptomatic, torn discoid lateral meniscus: meniscal allograft and partial meniscectomy. Probability estimates and event rates were derived from the scientific literature, and costs and benefits were discounted by 3%. One-way sensitivity ana...
Global life satisfaction predicts ambulatory affect, stress, and cortisol in daily life in working adults.

Global life satisfaction has been linked with long-term health advantages, yet how life satisfaction impacts the trajectory of long-term health is unclear. This paper examines one such possible mechanism-that greater life satisfaction confers momentary benefits in daily life that accumulate over time. A community sample of working adults (n = 115) completed a measure of life satisfaction and then three subsequent days of ecological momentary assessment surveys (6 times/day) measuring affect (i.e., emotional valence, arousal), and perceived stress, and also provided salivary cortisol samples. Multilevel models indicated that people with higher (vs. lower) levels of life satisfaction reported better momentary affect, less stress, marginally lower momentary levels and significantly altered diurnal slopes of cortisol. Findings suggest individuals with high global life satisfaction have advantageous daily experiences, providing initial evidence for potential mechanisms through which global life satisfaction may help explain long-term health benefits.