cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A generalized rank-order method for nonparametric analysis of data from exercise science: a tutorial.

Abstract Frequent violations of the assumption that data are normally distributed occur in exercise science and other life and behavioral sciences. When this assumption is violated, parametric statistical analyses may be inappropriate for data analysis. We provide a rationale for using a generalized form of nonparametric analyses based on the Puri and Sen (1985) L treated as a χ2 approximation. If data do not meet the assumption of normality, this nonparametric approach has substantial power and is easy to use. An advantage of this generalized technique is that ranked data may be used in standard parametric statistical programs widely available on desktop and mainframe computers, for example, regression, analysis of variance (ANOVA), multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) within BioMed, SAS, SPSS. Once the data are ranked and analyzed with these programs, the only adjustment required is to use a standard formula to calculate the nonparametric test statistic, h, instead of the parametric test statistic...
A cost-based methodology for evaluating product platform commonality sourcing decisions with two examples

As more US companies source tooling development and manufacturing overseas in countries like China and Taiwan, are the need and primary drivers for product platforms diminishing? As tooling cost is reduced to a very small percentage of the total project cost, combined with availability of inexpensive purchased components and low labour rates, the need to develop product platforms can decrease substantially. Low cost outsourcing has given firms the ability to develop and manufacture products cheaply without having to spend the additional time and effort to develop product platforms and families. In this paper, two examples involving two consumer product companies and their product lines are presented. Product family components and estimated tooling costs are analyzed, as well as development timing and profit margins to demonstrate why companies are moving away from product platforms in certain types of consumer products. A novel methodology using component commonality decisions relating to major cost drive...
Distributed generation and distribution utilities

Distributed (co)generation (DG) represents an alternative paradigm of energy supply and the opportunity for significant CO2 emission reductions. This paper investigates the adoption of the DG technology of internal combustion (IC) engine cogeneration in the Netherlands and UK from 1985–1998. This detailed comparison was motivated to understand why the Netherlands installed 20 times as many units and 40 times as much DG capacity (per capita) compared to the UK. The primary finding of this study emphasizes the win–win partnerships between DG adopters and utilities. While both governments promoted DG as part of their CO2 reduction goals, only distribution utilities in the Netherlands were primed to support greater DG penetration. Crucially, Netherlands utilities offered high electricity buy-back rates which enabled innovative utilization of DG. Flexible operation modes allowed investment in larger units, benefiting from economies of scale due to fixed components in maintenance costs, and extended DG use to the much larger set of sites with limited electricity base-loads. The win–win partnerships between distribution utilities and DG adopters for cost savings also facilitated improved management of the electricity network. A final consequence was a virtuous circle of maintenance cost reductions from geographic concentration of DG units, resulting in improved returns and hence more DG unit sales.
Comparing Perceived Quality of Life in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities

Abstract Residents 65 years old and older living in nursing homes (NH) and assisted living facilities (ALFs) were matched on a scale of functional ability: The Sickness Impact Profile for Nursing Homes (SIP-NH). Of the 97 NH and 100 ALF residents who were evaluated using the SIP-NH, 43 pairs, matched by level of disability, were formed. Each member of the 43 pairs was administered two quality of life instruments: the Ferrans and Powers Quality of Life Index (QLI), as well as a single direct question regarding quality of life. Matched pair t-tests revealed no differences in quality of life scores, contrary to the hypothesis that the matched residents in nursing homes would have perceptions of a lower quality of life than residents of assisted living facilities.
Therapeutic plasma exchange: a paired comparison of Fresenius AS104 vs. COBE Spectra.

For therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), continuous flow separators are known to be efficient as exemplified by Fresenius AS104 and COBE Spectra. The AS104 uses an interface monitoring system in the centrifuge during TPE, whereas Spectra uses computer algorithms to establish the plasma-cell interface. To determine the plasma collection efficiency (PLCE), anticoagulant (AC) volumes used, and platelets (PLT) lost of the AS104 and the Spectra, we performed a prospective paired comparison of 20 TPE (each machine). The study included 17 patients, 1.3 plasma volume exchanges (without AC), equal inlet rates, and AC ratio of 13:1. Processing times did not include reinfuse mode. Platelet loss was determined by sampling the collection bags. Inlet rates were between 60-110 ml/min. Diagnosis included peripheral neuropathies, TTP and cryoglobulinemia. The AS104 had significantly (P<0.0001) lower average whole blood processed (F:6,601 vs. S:8,584 ml), AC volume (F:532 vs. S:719 ml), and processing time (F:80 vs. S:102 minutes) than Spectra. The AS104 had significantly (P<0.0001) higher average plasma flow rates (F:53 vs. S:44 ml/minute), plasma collection efficiency (F:90 vs. S:69%), and platelet loss (F:2.0 vs. S:0.14 x 10(11) plt) than Spectra. Platelet loss correlated with inlet flow rate with the AS104 but not with the Spectra. The AS104 has a significantly higher collection efficiency than Spectra allowing it to remove the same amount of plasma in significantly less time, by processing significantly less blood, using significantly less AC, but removing significantly more platelets than Spectra.
Investigation of pH at different dentinal sites after placement of calcium hydroxide dressing by two methods

Objective The dentin pH at different sites following placement of calcium hydroxide paste using 2 different methods was evaluated. Study design One hundred twenty Extracted teeth were instrumented and randomly divided into 6 different groups. Then they were dressed with calcium hydroxide by 2 different methods using paper points or Lentulo spiral, according to their respective groups, and stored. After the experimental period of time, half of the samples were cut transversally into slices and the other half split longitudinally and rinsed with distilled water. The dentin pH of cervical, middle, and apical thirds was measured from the root canal wall surface and 1 mm away from the root canal lumen in the inner dentin. The results were compared and statistically analyzed. Results The highest pH values were obtained on the root canal walls when the calcium hydroxide was placed with Lentulo spiral filler ( P > .05). There was a significant reduction in pH values in the inner dentin. When the cross sections of teeth were compared at 7 days, the Lentulo group was statistically different only in the apical third. Conclusions Placement of the calcium hydroxide paste with a Lentulo spiral with subsequent compaction with the blunt end of a sterile paper point obtained a higher pH value on the canal walls and in the inner dentin than paper points only.
Using Consultation with a Grandmother as an Adjunct to Play Therapy

This article presents a case study illustrating the use of consultation with a grandmother as an adjunct to play therapy. First, a rationale for using consultation is presented, followed by a descr...
Awareness of diabetes risks is associated with healthy lifestyle behavior in diabetes free American adults: Evidence from a nationally representative sample

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine whether diabetes free healthy non-Hispanic Whites (NHW), non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB), and Mexican-Americans (MA) who are told of their diabetes risk were more likely to adopt healthy lifestyle behavior defined as current weight control, physical activity and reduced fat/calories intake than those who were not told that they were at increased risk. Methods A nationally representative data ( n =5073) from the 2007–2008 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys were used for this investigation. Odds ratio from multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine whether diabetes free NHW, NHB, and MA who are told of their increased diabetes risk were more likely than those who are not told of their diabetes risk to adopt healthy lifestyle behavior. Results Being told of increased diabetes risk was associated with increased adoption of healthy lifestyle behaviors as indicated by odds ratio of 2.38 (95% CI=1.34–4.05) in NHW, 2.46 (95% CI=1.20–5.05) in NHB and 2.27 (95% CI=1.32–3.89) in MA who have no diabetes, after adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, hypertension, education, household income and total cholesterol. Conclusions Awareness of increased risk for diabetes is associated with implementing healthy lifestyle behaviors in diabetes free healthy American adults. Population-based programs designed to assess and communicate diabetes risk may be helpful in preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes. Programs designed along racial/ethnic line may be needed to reduce racial/ethnic differences in rates of type 2 diabetes.
Fast variable-amplitude cold gas thruster

A fast response variable amplitude cold gas thruster is described. A laboratory prototype comprised of a piezoelectric stack and an associated microprocessor-based programmable dc power source, a low-loss mechanical displacement amplifier, a high-pressure spring-loaded axial valve, an integral high-pressure valve seat; an expansion nozzle, and a high-pressure gas supply were constructed and tested. The device is designed to operate as a stand-alone unit with a dedicated onboard microcontroller system and onboard energy storage system. Minimum pulse-width resolution (base-to-base) was shown to be 0.98 ms, with a lag time of 0.37 ms relative to the initiation of the drive pulse. Linear amplitude response was achieved beyond a threshold drive voltage of 80 vdc and was maintained through the limit of testing at 240 vdc.
Effect of convective flow on the oxygen tension profile in the cornea.

The effect of convective flow on the distribution of a diffusing substance that is being consumed is analyzed. For the mammalian cornea, one of the few tissues where convection, diffusion and consumption simultaneously exist, the effect of convection on the distribution of oxygen is shown to be small.
Beyond Physical Attractiveness Interpersonal Attraction as a Function of Similarities in Personal Characteristics

An experiment assessed the simultaneous effects of two interpersonal attraction factors, physical attractiveness of a target person and similarities in personal characteristics between a target and...
Biologic, cytogenetic, and molecular factors in mesothelial proliferations.

Although mesothelioma cases may have peaked in the 1990s in developed countries, it is expected that there will be over 70,000 cases diagnosed in the United States over the next 5 decades. With the industrial expansion in Southeast Asia and China and the continued use of asbestos, an epidemic of mesothelioma cases is anticipated over the next several decades. A considerable amount has been learned about the cytogenetic and molecular genetics of mesotheliomas. However, in-depth studies are needed to further define specific factors that may provide for early diagnosis, surgical treatment, oncologic management, and gene therapy. Serologic markers for surveillance of those with asbestos exposure and at risk for mesothelioma are needed. Targeted therapy using molecular markers and gene therapy may provide a means to reverse mesothelial proliferations or stabilize tumor growth and allow for surgical resection. The future holds great promise in identifying mesothelioma gene expression profiles (genomics, gene mi...
Use of equivalency in estimating the historical size distribution of impact craters

Abstract A previous analysis of a stochastic model of lunar-type impact cratering is extended to utilize geological age data by defining a more general statistic Ω i (t) to be the number of equivalent whole craters of original diameter d i and age ≤ t in an observational area A ; each crater is taken to be equivalent to the fraction of its rim (or area) that is in A and not occluded by later craters. By integration of a new gain-loss differential equation, a generalization of the previous basic equation is obtained that relates the expected value ω i (t) = E[Ω i (t)] to the process functions specifying the size distribution and flux of craters (primary or secondary) as they form. The results are specialized to the plausible case in which the cratered body can be subdivided into geological provinces of increasing ages t 1 , t 2 , …, t i … and the size probability distribution can be approximated as constant within each of the periods t i +1 - t i . It is shown that use of the Ω i permits, in principle, a reconstruction of the historical values of the process functions and correctly compensates for the effect of overlap by removing the false bias favoring large craters that results from the usual method of crater counting. Possible generalizations of the gain-loss equation are indicated.
Absorption coefficients for water vapor in the 600–1000 cm-1 region

Abstract Experimental determinations of absorption coefficients of water vapor are presented for temperatures between 400 and 500°K and pressures of 2 and 10 atm. All measurements were made by using the technique of self-broadening, moderate resolution (≈ 25 cm -1 ), and a supply source of liquid water at variable temperatures. The observed results are consistent with the idea that hydrogen bonding contributes to the absorption coefficient of water vapor in the spectral region between 600 and 1000 cm -1 .
Forward error correction with Raptor GF(2) and GF(256) codes on GPU

Raptor Galois fields (GF(2)) code and its next generation GF(256), are members of the rateless fountain codes family. Raptor codes have been a preferred technology for the forward error correction (FEC) at the application layer for several important consumer applications like Internet Protocol TV (IPTV). Raptor GF(256) code is proposed for reducing the redundant FEC information to a minimum. However, the improved coding performance comes at the expense of increased encoding and decoding complexity. On the other hand, graphics processing units (GPUs) have become a common place in the consumer market and are finding their way beyond graphics processing into general purpose computing. This paper investigates the suitability of GPU for Raptor GF(2) and GF(256) codes to process large block and symbol sizes in FEC transmission. The serial and parallel implementations of Raptor GF(2) and GF(256) codes are explored on the CPU and GPU platforms, respectively. Our work shows that efficient parallelization on the GPU improves the decoder performance significantly. To understand the performance bottlenecks of Raptor GF(2) and GF(256) codes on both the CPU and GPU platforms, the decoding speed is evaluated for different block and symbol sizes. Furthermore, simulations are performed for the practical realtime requirement in multimedia broadcast/multicast service (MBMS) and digital video broadcasting (DVB) for the bearer speed of 21 MHz in high speed downlink packet access (HSDPA) network1.
The Effects of Supplementation of Bergamot Oil (Citrus bergamia) on Egg Production, Egg Quality, Fatty Acid Composition of Egg yolk in Laying Hens

This research was conducted to determine effects of dietary bergamot oil levels (0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75ml/kg) on performance, egg quality, blood metabolic profile and fatty acid composition of egg yolk in laying hens. Sixty four of 67 weeks old white Lohman LSL laying hens were randomly assigned to four groups equally (n=16). Each treatment was replicated four timesDietary supplementation of bergamot oil had no significant effect on feed conversion ratio, egg weight, and egg production, shell thickness, ratio of albumen and shell. But, supplementation of bergamot oil decreased feed intake. The addition of 0.50ml/kg bergamot oil to the laying hens feed led to a significant increase in the yolk ratio. It was also observed that egg shell ratio, serum cholesterol and calcium concentration reduced significantly with supplementation of bergamot oil in laying hens diets. The highest IgG concentration was obtained from hens fed 0.25ml/kg bergamot oil. Addition of bergamot oil to feeds significantly increased eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and n-3 concentration and decreased n-6/n-3 ratio in egg yolk.The results of this research indicated that the addition of bergamot oil to the laying hens feed led to a significant decrease in the feed intake and concentrations of serum cholesterol. It was also concluded that dietary supplementation of bergamot oil significantly increased egg shell strength and, the EPA, DHA and n-3 ratio of the egg yolk.
Experimental flutter boundaries with unsteady pressure distributions for the NACA 0012 Benchmark Model

The Structural Dynamics Div. at NASA-Langley has started a wind tunnel activity referred to as the Benchmark Models Program. The objective is to acquire test data that will be useful for developing and evaluating aeroelastic type Computational Fluid Dynamics codes currently in use or under development. The progress is described which was achieved in testing the first model in the Benchmark Models Program. Experimental flutter boundaries are presented for a rigid semispan model (NACA 0012 airfoil section) mounted on a flexible mount system. Also, steady and unsteady pressure measurements taken at the flutter condition are presented. The pressure data were acquired over the entire model chord located at the 60 pct. span station.
Single-frequency Yb-doped photonic crystal fiber amplifier with 800W output power

A novel acoustic and gain tailored Yb-doped photonic crystal fiber is used to demonstrate over 800 W single-frequency output power with excellent beam quality at 1064 nm. The large mode area fiber core is composed of 7 individually doped segments arranged to create three distinct acoustic regions and preferential gain overlap with the fundamental optical mode. This design leads to suppression of both stimulated Brillouin scattering and modal instability. To the best of our knowledge, the output power represents the highest power ever reported from a near diffractionlimited single-frequency fiber laser. Furthermore, we show that by using a broadband seed, 1.22 kW of output power is obtained without the onset of the modal instability.
The Role of Cell-Associated Virus in Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to contribute to the global burden of disease despite great advances in antiretroviral (ARV) treatment and prophylaxis. In this review, we discuss the proposed mechanisms of MTCT, evidence for cell-free and cell-associated transmission in different routes of MTCT, and the impact of ARVs on virus levels and transmission. Many population-based studies support a role for cell-associated virus in transmission and in vitro studies also provide some support for this mode of transmission. However, animal model studies provide proof-of-principle that cell-free virus can establish infection in infants, and studies of ARVs in HIV-infected pregnant women show a strong correlation with reduction in cell-free virus levels and protection. ARV treatment in MTCT potentially provides opportunities to better define the infectious form of virus, but these studies will require better tools to measure the infectious cell reservoir.
The loss of tumor-initiating ability in Agrobacterium tumefaciens by incubation at high temperature.

Durch Inkubation bei hohen Temperaturen (37°C) verliert dasAgrobacterium tumefaciens C-58 allmahlich die Fahigkeit zur Gallen- oder Tumorbildung in Pflanzen.
Greatly attenuated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in aquaporin-4 knockout mice.

The involvement of astrocyte water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4) in autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system has been suggested following the identification of AQP4 autoantibodies in neuromyelitis optica, an inflammatory demyelinating disease. We investigated the involvement of AQP4 in disease severity in an established mouse model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) produced by immunization with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG35–55) peptide. EAE was remarkably attenuated in AQP4 null mice compared to identically treated wildtype mice. Whereas most wildtype mice developed progressive tail and hindlimb paralysis, clinical signs were virtually absent in AQP4 null mice. Brain and spinal cords from AQP1 null mice showed greatly reduced mononuclear cell infiltration compared to wildtype mice, with relatively little myelin loss and axonal degeneration. The reduced severity of autoimmune encephalomyelitis in AQP4 deficiency suggests AQP4 as a novel determinant in autoimmune inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system and hence a potential drug target.
Police Cynicism, Job Satisfaction, and Work Relations of Police Chiefs: An Assessment of the Influence of Department Size

Abstract In this project the interrelationships among three attitudes — police cynicism, job satisfaction, and work relations — for police chiefs have been examined. Chiefs were contrasted along the dimension of department size. Data were derived from survey questionnaire responses of 574 of 771 Illinois police chiefs (74.4 percent). Our findings point to important differences with regard to these attitudes for rural and urban chiefs. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications of the findings for future research.
Conductivity fluctuations in mixed sodium/cadmium ß″-alumina

Abstract Conductivity fluctuations in mixed sodium/cadmium β″-alumina ceramics for different values of the Na/Ca ratio are observed to be similar to diffusion noise of the mobile ions seen in Na, Ag, and Pbβ′-alumina. Measured noise levels increase two orders of magnitude in changing from 100% Na to 100% Ca ions in the structure. In mixed Na/Ca ceramics the noise is greater for NaI solution current electrodes than the CaBr 2 solution current electrodes. These differences are attributed to different correlation effects between the mobile ions.
Faculty Status: Another 100 Years of Dialogue? Lessons from the Library School Closings.

Abstract In the nature and duration of this divisive debate are symptoms of potentially fatal weaknesses within academic librarianship. Library school closings offer confirmation of the devastation that results from their unchecked presence. This article discusses survival strategies employed by surviving programs and proposals for reform coming from within academic librarianship.
Intraoperative Platelet Rich Plasma Usage in Total Knee Arthroplasty: Does It Help?

Autologous platelet rich plasma preparations, commonly referred to as platelet gel, have been reported to have benefits when used in total knee replacement of less blood loss and better motion, with few reported complications. This retrospective review of 268 consecutive primary total knee arthroplasty cases compares postsurgical range of motion at 2, 8, and 12 weeks, knee manipulation rates, change in hemoglobin, and complications between one group receiving a platelet gel preparation (135 cases), and an equivalent group receiving no platelet gel preparation (133 control cases). No difference was found between groups in manipulation rates, knee range of motion, or changes in hemoglobin (P > 0.05). The use of platelet gel in this study did not have a significant effect on hemoglobin at 72 hours postoperatively, knee range of motion, or manipulation rates up to 3 months post-op in this patient cohort.
Synthesis of nerve growth factor in rat glioma cells

Abstract We have analyzed the incorporation of radioactive amino acids by rat C6 glioma cells into material precipitable with anti-β-nerve growth factor (NGF). We show that amino acids are incorporated into a protein the size of β-NGF which is immunologically related to NGF and which has peptides similar to those of mouse β-NGF. Several lines of evidence obtained in this study support the hypothesis that NGF is produced by the proteolytic cleavage of a higher molecular weight precursor. This evidence includes kinetic studies, demonstration of higher molecular weight material (24,000) immunologically related to NGF, and in vitro processing of the 24,000 MW protein to material of the approximate size of β-NGF.
Contrast induced zones as the basis of optomotor memory in the crab,Pachygrapsus

A theory that optomotor memory involves the formation of limited black- and white-sensitive zones within the retina is presented. These zones would be formed due to the presence of any black-white border within the visual field. They adjoin each border with a black-sensitive zone on its white side, and a white-sensitive one on its black side (Fig. 1). This theory is confirmed by experimental results indicating that 1) only black-white reverses occurring within 3 to 4.5° of a former border position affect the size of memory responses (Fig. 3, 7), 2) black-white reverses within zones result in memory responses even though the original borders have not been displaced, and 3) unless a black-white reversal occurs within some zone no response will occur, even though displacement of the originally present border is obvious (Fig. 7).
Investigating seed dormancy in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.): elucidating the effect of temperature regimes and plant hormones on embryo dormancy.

Abstract Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a perennial warm season grass that possesses valuable characteristics as a biofuel crop. Seed dormancy can be a barrier for commercial adoption by negatively impacting stand establishment in the first year. Seed dormancy in switchgrass is classified as non-deep physiological dormancy, where the embryo condition and seed covering tissues may prevent germination. Our lab previously demonstrated that switchgrass seed dormancy was primarily caused by the pericarp/testa, and secondarily by the lemma/palea (bracts). The focus of this research was to explore embryo physiological dormancy and its interaction with environmental cues and surrounding seed layers in five switchgrass varieties with different dormancy levels. Three main objectives were involved: (1) assessing the effect of temperature and light regimes on germination of mature seeds; (2) determining the effect of exogenously applied abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellin (GA), and fluridone (FLU) on germination under either constant or alternate temperatures; and (3) examining the response of physically altered seeds to exogenously applied ABA, GA, and FLU. Incubation of both upland and lowland dormant switchgrass varieties under alternating temperatures (15/30 °C) favored germination, while incubation under a constant, warm temperature (30 °C) resulted in low percentage germination. In contrast, the low-dormancy cultivar Expresso germinated well at both temperature regimes. Germination in the dark did not differ from an alternating light/dark regime. Exogenous ABA decreased germination in all dormant cultivars studied at both temperature regimes, but the sensitivity of the seeds to ABA was less under alternating temperatures. GA increased germination at a constant temperature in all but one dormant variety. The largest effect of both GA and ABA was observed in seeds with bracts. The promoting effect of FLU on germination was not measured in intact seeds; however, FLU promoted germination at 30 °C in seeds with bracts removed, suggesting that the seed covering layers were not permeable to FLU. Collectively, results show that the effect of exogenously applied ABA, GA, and FLU was influenced by temperature, seed covering layers, and seed lot.
Variation in Paleoindian fauna use on the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains of North America

Drawing on data from 69 zooarchaeological assemblages from Paleoindian sites in the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains, this paper explores factors underlying changes in prehistoric diet breadth. Results indicate that different site types provide different perspectives on Paleoindian faunal use. Kill assemblages can only inform on the exploitation of large game, while the full variety of prey used by foragers is represented at camps. In contrast to prior claims, however, the inclusion of kill site assemblages in zooarchaeological analyses does not appear to bias our perspective of Paleoindian subsistence. Rather, there is strong indication that Paleoindian foragers targeted different types of prey depending on which habitat they occupied. In more-diverse environments of alluvial valleys and foothill/mountains, foragers exploited large game whenever possible, but they also targeted a suite of smaller prey items. In more uniform grassland environments, subsistence strategies focused almost exclusively on hunting large prey, such as bison and mammoth. These results also provide limited support for prior studies that argue for intensified resource use and increased diet breadth in response to early Holocene environmental changes, at least in certain settings.
Education, genetic ancestry, and blood pressure in African Americans and Whites.

Objectives. We assessed the relative roles of education and genetic ancestry in predicting blood pressure (BP) within African Americans and explored the association between education and BP across racial groups.Methods. We used t tests and linear regressions to examine the associations of genetic ancestry, estimated from a genomewide set of autosomal markers, and education with BP variation among African Americans in the Family Blood Pressure Program. We also performed linear regressions in self-identified African Americans and Whites to explore the association of education with BP across racial groups.Results. Education, but not genetic ancestry, significantly predicted BP variation in the African American subsample (b = −0.51 mm Hg per year additional education; P = .001). Although education was inversely associated with BP in the total population, within-group analyses showed that education remained a significant predictor of BP only among the African Americans. We found a significant interaction (b = ...
So Many Civilizations, So Few Pages: A Review Essay*

Books reviewed in this article: Christian JoppkeSelecting by Origin: Ethnic Migration in the Liberal State Douglas S. Massey and J. Edward Taylor (EDS.) International Migration: Prospects and Policies in a Global Market United Nations Research Institute For Social DevelopmentGender Equality: Striving for Justice in an Unequal World International Organization For MigrationArab Migration in a Globalized World
Mid-infrared spatial filter fabrication using laser chemical etching

Feedhorns like those commonly used in radio-telescope and radio communication equipment couple very efficiently (>98%) to the fundamental Gaussian mode (TEM00). High order modes are not propagated through a single-mode hollow metallic waveguides. It follows that a back to back feedhorn design joined with a small length of single-mode waveguide can be used as a very high throughput spatial filter. Laser micro machining provides a mean of scaling successful waveguide and quasi-optical components to far and mid infrared wavelengths. A laser micro machining system optimized for THz and far IR applications has been in operation at Steward Observatory for several years and produced devices designed to operate at λ=60μm. A new laser micromachining system capable of producing mid-infrared devices will soon be operational. These proceedings review metallic hollow waveguide spatial filtering theory, feedhorn designs as well as laser chemical etching and the design of a new high-NA UV laser etcher capable of sub-micron resolution to fabricate spatial filters for use in the mid-infrared.
Mediator Listening, Dispute Reframing, and Mediation Outcome: A Pilot Study

Abstract This study examined the impact of mediator listening style on reframing, mediation outcome, and parties' perceptions of mediator performance. Trained mediators from the Alternative Dispute Resolution program at James Madison University served as third-party neutrals for thirty-two mediation sessions. Three experimental conditions tested critical listening, discriminative listening, and empathic listening. Significant differences were found among the listening conditions for reframing and mediation outcomes. Results suggest that mediators using empathic listening facilitate more conflict resolution and dispute settlement than mediators not using empathic listening. Analyses were done examining the subsequent effects of mediator listening style and reframing on parties' perceptions of mediator performance. Factor analysis and analysis of variance tests indicate disputants perceive empathic mediators as more fair and more objective than nonempathic mediators.
A New Fluorogenic Transformation: Development of an Optical Probe for Coenzyme Q

A new fluorogenic transformation based on a quinone reduction/lactonization sequence has been developed and evaluated as a tool for probing redox phenomena in a biochemical context. The probe presented herein is an irreversible redox probe and is reduced selectively by biologically relevant quinols such as ubiquinol but is inert to reduced nicotinamides (e.g., NADH). The ensuing cyclization is fast and quantitative and provides a measurable optical response.
Analysis of gust factors for use in assessing wind hazard

Abstract This paper presents a method of analysing wind data so that residual risks can be calculated when applying a mean wind criterion to a scenario which is sensitive to gusts. This requires an analysis of gust factor data, which has been undertaken for 10 years hourly data at a UK site. The data is shown to conform to a Fisher-Tippett type I distribution which is to be expected, since each hour's gust factor is itself an extreme value. However, it is found that the high gust factor values tend to diverge from the good fit for the lower values. Since it is these high values which dominate the residual risk, care must be taken in their extrapolation to ensure that results remain both realistic and conservative.
Merger proposals, management discretion and stockholder wealth

Abstract This paper provides evidence on the daily market reaction to the announcement and subsequent acceptance or rejection of merger proposals. There is a swift and large positive market reaction to the first public announcement of the merger proposal. Subsequently, there is a positive reaction to the approval of completed proposals and a negative reaction to cancelled proposals. Where proposals are vetoed by incumbent target management, there is a negative market reaction to the veto, but this does not eliminate the earlier positive reaction to the first announcement. In these proposals there is a permanent revaluation of the target shares. This is in contrast to cancelled proposals that incumbent managements do not veto, where the target stock price falls back, on average, to the preproposal level.
Visible light positioning: Automotive use case

The use of positioning sensors on automobiles is becoming increasingly common with the desire to facilitate utility and traffic safety by giving the driver information on the automobiles position relative to the surroundings. In this paper we introduce a positioning technique based upon automobile LED lighting — either taillights or headlights — that we believe is cost effective, low complexity, offers the promise of high accuracy while using existing automobile illumination lighting.
Older patients with diverticulitis have low recurrence rates and rarely need surgery.

Background In a cohort of older patients with newly diagnosed diverticulitis, we aimed to describe diverticulitis recurrence and need for an operation based on patient age and site of initial care. Methods This retrospective, longitudinal, cohort study used data from the 5% Medicare Provider Analysis and Review inpatient and outpatient files from January 1, 2003, through December 31, 2007. An incident cohort of patients with diverticulitis was identified. Patients undergoing left colectomy, colostomy, or ileostomy were considered to have undergone diverticulitis surgery. The primary outcomes of interest were need for operative intervention and number of recurrences. Results We included 16,048 individuals and followed them for an average of 19.2 months; their mean age was 77.8 years. Among those with initial inpatient care, 14.0% underwent operations and 82.5% had no further recurrences. Of patients initially managed nonoperatively, 97% did not go on to have surgery. Individuals treated as outpatients upon first presentation, and patients ≥80, were significantly less likely to have recurrent episodes and were less likely to require an operation. Conclusion The majority of elderly patients newly diagnosed with diverticulitis did not have an operation or experience recurrent episodes. The apparent benign course of this disease in this population suggests that a conservative approach to the management may be appropriate.
Sibling differences in divorced families.

Sibling differences in family processes and individual adjustment were examined for 133 sibling pairs (10–18 years old) in divorced families. Although all siblings differed, siblings who lived apart after their parents' divorce differed more than siblings who lived together, contradicting past research that found negligible effects of shared environment on sibling similarities. The possibility that siblings might live apart because they were initially more different was considered. This hypothesis was not supported in the limited tests permitted by the data. Differences in family processes were associated with differences in adjustment for pairs who lived together as well as pairs who lived apart.
The Intellectual Embodied in his Medium, or the Cinematic Passion of Pier Paolo Pasolini

AbstractFabio Mauri's performance Intellettuale, on May 31 1975, was an event intended to comment on Pasolini's life and work as a public intellectual. Taking this happening as a key to Pasolini's aesthetics and politics, this article discusses Pasolini's Gospel film in the light of the director's interest in the meaningful body, which he saw exemplified in the signing body of the deaf. A closer look at the film's aesthetic and its theoretical backing in Pasolini's "Il 'cinema di poesia'" reveals it as a polemical answer to the cultural project of body art.
N-Terminal Truncation of Flightin Reduces Oscillatory Power Output without Affecting Cross-Bridge Kinetics in Drosophila Indirect Flight Muscles

The asynchronous, indirect flight muscles (IFM) of Drosophila are characterized by a high passive stiffness and exceptionally fast myosin kinetics, two attributes that enhance power output to sustain flight. Flightin is an IFM-specific, 20kDa myosin rod-binding protein required for normal thick filament stiffness, sarcomere integrity, and flight. Previously, we showed that a COOH-terminal truncation of flightin (flnDeltaC44) decreased myofilament lattice order and myosin kinetics, resulting in lower oscillatory power output and flightlessness. Here, we investigate the function of the flightin N-terminal 62 amino acids by creating transgenic Drosophila (flnDeltaN62) expressing a truncated flightin. flnDeltaN62 flies were flight impaired (flight index: 2.8±0.1 vs. 4.2±0.4 for flnDeltaN62 vs. fln+ rescued null control) despite having a normal wing-beat frequency (195±4 vs. 198±2 Hz for fln+). Mechanical analysis of skinned IFM fibers showed that the flightin N-terminal truncation reduced passive, active, and rigor stiffness without affecting cross-bridge kinetics (frequency of maximum power: 205±7 vs. 217±7 Hz for fln+). flnDeltaN62 fibers produced approximately half the isometric tension (passive: 0.9±0.1 vs. 1.7±0.3 kN/m2, active: 0.8±0.1 vs. 1.5±0.2 kN/m2, rigor: 1.1±0.2 vs. 3.1±0.4 kN/m2) and maximum oscillatory power output (38.0±4.6 vs. 89.5±9.6 W/m3) as fln+ fibers. Moreover, about 60% of the flnDeltaN62 fibers tore in rigor, demonstrating mechanical failure near isometric tension values that were sustained by fln+ fibers. Fourier transform analysis of cross-sectional electron micrographs revealed that the flightin N-terminal truncation compromised myofilament lattice crystallinity and reduced inter-thick filament spacing by 10% (44.1±1.3 vs. 49.7±0.4 nm). These results indicate that the flightin N-terminal region enhances myofilament lattice order and mechanical integrity, which in turn is required for effective force transmission, normal oscillatory power output, and flight.
Model extension and refinement using pose recovery techniques

Visual measurements of modeled 3-D landmarks provide strong constraints on the location and orientation of a mobile robot. To make the landmark-based robot navigation approach widely applicable, it is necessary to automatically build the landmark models. A substantial amount of effort has been invested by computer vision researchers over the past 10 years on developing robust methods for computing 3-D structure from a sequence of 2-D images. However, robust computation of 3-D structure, with respect to even small amounts of input image noise, has remained elusive. The approach adopted in this article is one of model extension and refinement. A partial model of the environment is assumed to exist and this model is extended over a sequence of frames. As will be shown in the experiments, prior knowledge of the small partial model greatly enhances the robustness of the 3-D structure computations. The initial 3-D model may have errors and these are also refined over the sequence of frames. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Criterion Development and Validity of the CQT in Field Application

Abstract A field study of the control question test (CQT) for the detection of deception was conducted. Data from the files of 41 criminal cases were examined for confirming information and were rated by two evaluators on the strength of the confirming information. Those ratings were found to be highly reliable, r = .94. Thirty-two of the cases were found to have some independent confirmation. Numerical scores and decisions from the original examiners and an independent evaluation were analyzed. The results indicated that the CQT was a highly valid discriminator. Excluding inconclusives, the decisions of the original examiners were correct 96% of the time, and the independent evaluations were 93% correct. These results suggest that criteria other than confession can be developed and used reliably. In addition, the validity of the CQT in real-world settings was supported.
ALWAYS SINGLE AND SINGLE AGAIN WOMEN: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

What is it like to be a single woman today? Are the experiences of women who have always been single different from those who find themselves single again after having been married? How can family therapists promote the development of single women both individually and relationally? The purpose of this phenomenological, multiple-case study was to investigate perceptions of being single among heterosexual single women between the ages of 30 and 65. Nine focus group interviews and a semistructured, mailed questionnaire were used to collect the data. Constant comparative analyses were used to develop the findings. The findings were organized around the most salient theme that emerged from the analyses: single women have unresolved or unrecognized ambivalences about being single. This overarching theme was supported by three subassertions: (a) single women are aware of both the advantages and the drawbacks of being single; (b) single women are ambivalent about the reasons for their singleness; (c) although content with being single, many women simultaneously experience feelings of loss and grief. Implications for the clinical practice of family therapy and future research on single women are discussed.
Sleep/Wake Firing Patterns of Human Genioglossus Motor Units

Although studies of the principal tongue protrudor muscle genioglossus (GG) suggest that whole muscle GG electromyographic (EMG) activities are preserved in nonrapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, it i...
Reducing the Conflict between Accounting and It Brought About by ERP, Compliance and Ethical Issues

The emergence of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software applications as well as more recent compliance issues have forced many previously separate and independent Information Technology (IT) and Accounting tasks and responsibilities to become tightly coordinated. In addition, the growing emphasis on ethics and the laws created to enhance corporate responsibility, accountability, and compliance in the United States (such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Control Objectives for Information and Related Technology) are putting a strain on the relationship between accounting and IT. This paper will identify areas that have caused problems and suggest ways to reduce or lessen the resultant tension.
Optimal Control of Distributed Parallel Server Systems Under the Halfin and Whitt Regime

We consider a distributed parallel server system that consists of multiple server pools and a single customer class. We show that the minimum-expected-delay faster-server-first (MED-FSF) routing policy asymptotically minimizes the stationary distribution of the total queue length and the stationary delay probability in the Halfin and Whitt regime. We propose the minimum-expected-delay load-balancing (MED-LB) routing policy to balance the utilizations of all the servers in a distributed system with no unnecessary idling. We show that this policy balances both the long-run and finite-time average utilizations over all the server pools in the Halfin and Whitt regime. We next show that, under either the MED-FSF or the MED-LB policy, a distributed system performs as well as the corresponding inverted V-system. Finally, we show that, operating under the MED-LB policy, both the distributed system and the inverted V-system have similar performances to a corresponding M/M/n system. We illustrate the quality of our asymptotic results for several parallel server systems via simulation experiments.
Fluorescence-based evaluation of shRNA efficacy

RNA interference is a cellular mechanism regulating levels of mRNAs. It has been widely exploited to knock down specific protein targets. The selected interfering RNA sequence greatly influences its ability to knock down the target. Here we present a method for constructing multiple testing plasmids which express small hairpin RNAs (shRNA) targeting different regions of an mRNA. A simple fluorescence test in cultured cells allows convenient evaluation of mRNA knockdown by many different shRNAs on 96-well plates. We show that software predicted shRNAs have varying efficacies and only 2 of the 7 tested shRNAs significantly knocked down their targets.