cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization and Analysis of Porosities in High Pressure Die Cast Aluminum by Using Metallography, X-Ray Radiography, and Micro-Computed Tomography

Mechanical performance of cast aluminum alloys is strongly affected by the defects formed during solidification. For example, fractography studies of the fatigue specimens have shown that fatigue failure in aluminum castings containing defects is almost always initiated from defects, among which pores are most detrimental. However, elimination of these pores is neither always economically nor technically possible. This work characterizes defects in high pressure die cast aluminum alloy as an illustrative material, but the methods used can be applicable to other types of castings and defects. The defects were evaluated using metallography as well as micro-computed tomography techniques. The variability of defects between the specimens of two sizes as well as different porosity levels are studied statistically. The distributions of defects based on location within the specimens are also analyzed. Moreover, the maximum defect size within the specimens are estimated using extreme value statistics, which can be used as an input to fatigue life prediction models. Extreme value statistics is applied on both 2D and 3D defect data. The accuracy of each approach is verified by comparing the estimated maximum defect size within the specimens with the maximum observed defects on fracture surfaces of fatigue specimens.
Unilateral leg pain caused by cryptococcal myositis: An unusual presentation of disseminated cryptococcosis in a kidney transplant recipient.

Cryptococcal disease is a rare but often serious infection in solid organ transplant recipients, commonly presenting as meningitis and pneumonia but can rarely cause myositis. We report the case of a 43-year-old female kidney transplant recipient with two previous graft failures requiring re-transplantations who presented with a 1-month duration of worsening unilateral leg pain, swelling, and shortness of breath. Blood cultures isolated Cryptococcus neoformans. A calf biopsy was performed and histopathology revealed myonecrosis with yeast forms consistent with Cryptococcus spp. Liposomal amphotericin B (LamB) was administered. Her course was complicated by hypoxemic respiratory failure with development of ground glass opacities on chest imaging. Work-up revealed bacterial and C neoformans pneumonia and probable Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) She received trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and LamB and was discharged on fluconazole. Shortly thereafter she was re-admitted with confusion, septic shock, and multi-organ failure. Work-up revealed PJP with subsequent development of cryptococcal meningitis. Despite aggressive management, she expired. Disseminated cryptococcal infection may manifest as myositis. Presence of cryptococcal infection is a marker of severe net state of immunosuppression (IS), hence, presence of other opportunistic infections is likely. Early recognition of cryptococcal infection, institution of targeted therapy, and IS reduction are important to improve overall survival.
History and Progress in Cultural and Community Science

Behavior analysts have long argued that we can and should be doing more to contribute to addressing the world’s most pressing problems. A number of behavior analysts have made efforts in the application of a natural science of behavior toward these aims—particularly in the domains of cultural and community behavior science. This chapter details the evolution of behavioral perspectives on cultural and community science. That evolution begins with Skinner’s (Walden two, Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1948) Walden Two, briefly summarizes the seminal works, and offers readers an introduction to the most recent experimental, applied, and theoretical work in community and cultural-behavior science, which will be presented in detail throughout the rest of the book.
Parallel Paths to Enforcement: Private Compliance, Public Regulation, and Labor Standards in the Brazilian Sugar Sector*

In recent years, global corporations and national governments have been enacting a growing number of codes of conduct and public regulations to combat dangerous and degrading work conditions in glo...
Molecular basis of V-ATPase inhibition by bafilomycin A1.

Pharmacological inhibition of vacuolar-type H+-ATPase (V-ATPase) by its specific inhibitor can abrogate tumor metastasis, prevent autophagy, and reduce cellular signaling responses. Bafilomycin A1, a member of macrolide antibiotics and an autophagy inhibitor, serves as a specific and potent V-ATPases inhibitor. Although there are many V-ATPase structures reported, the molecular basis of specific inhibitors on V-ATPase remains unknown. Here, we report the cryo-EM structure of bafilomycin A1 bound intact bovine V-ATPase at an overall resolution of 3.6-A. The structure reveals six bafilomycin A1 molecules bound to the c-ring. One bafilomycin A1 molecule engages with two c subunits and disrupts the interactions between the c-ring and subunit a, thereby preventing proton translocation. Structural and sequence analyses demonstrate that the bafilomycin A1-binding residues are conserved in yeast and mammalian species and the 7'-hydroxyl group of bafilomycin A1 acts as a unique feature recognized by subunit c.
A Questionnaire Assessing Utilization of Delayed Cord Clamping.

Objective The study aimed to assess the practice of delayed cord clamping (DCC) and the awareness of its benefits for newborns between Obstetric (OB) and neonatal physicians. We examined if provider characteristics including years of experience, level of training, familiarity of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)/American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations, institutional policy, and the racial and ethnic background of patient population were associated with implementation of DCC. Study design This research is a cross-sectional online questionnaire study. Results 975 questionnaires were returned. Overall, the awareness of ACOG versus AAP recommendations was 94 versus 86% (p 50% of the time, respectively (p 10 years of practice were less likely to acknowledge DCC benefits. Physicians with a majority of non-White patients were less likely to practice/witness DCC (p Conclusion There continues to be room for improvement in the practice of DCC. Institutional policies and awareness of ACOG/AAP recommendations impact the understanding of the benefits of DCC and the likelihood of the practice. There is a significant difference in the practice of DCC among patients with different racial backgrounds. Hospital leadership may consider investing in the education and implementation of updated guidelines to ensure DCC is routinely practiced. Key points · Knowledge of AAP/ACOG and institutional policies improved the practice of DCC.. · There is racial disparity in the practice of DCC.. · Physicians in practice for >10 years were less likely to know the benefits of DCC to full-term neonates..
Choosing Between Mastectomy and Breast-Conserving Therapy: Is Patient Distress an Influencing Factor?

Breast-conserving therapy (BCT) offers oncologic outcomes similar to those of mastectomy, yet many patients, when provided the option, choose mastectomy. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between patient-reported distress and surgical decisions and to determine factors predictive of choosing BCT versus mastectomy. Patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer deemed candidates for BCT who completed a distress screen at their initial visit to an academic institution between 2016 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. This screening tool captures distress in emotional, social, health, and practical domains on a scale of 0 to 10. The distress scores were compared against surgical decisions using nonparametric Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Patient factors associated with surgical choice were analyzed using chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and Student’s t tests. A two-sided p value lower than 0.05 was considered significant. Of 506 patients deemed eligible for BCT, 430 (85%) chose BCT and 76 (15%) pursued mastectomy. The distress levels did not differ significantly between the surgical options. The patients who underwent mastectomy were on the average younger (50.7 vs 60.4 years; p < 0.0001), presented with palpable masses (p < 0.0001), had stage 0, 2, or 3 versus stage 1 disease (p < 0.0001), sought consultation for second opinions (19.7% vs 8.6%; p = 0.0032), received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (31.6% vs 16.3%; p = 0.0016), or had deleterious gene mutations (21.1% vs 5.1%; p < 0.0001). Distress was not associated with the pursuit of surgical treatment. Rather, younger age, search for a second opinion, and a palpable mass present at presentation were associated with more aggressive surgical decisions. Understanding factors that influence surgical decision-making is critical in guiding informed decisions that reflect patient values.
Rhetoric’s Role in Human Exceptionalism

The final part of the book addresses the dangers of human exceptionalism. In the first chapter of the section, I provide a brief history of rhetorical theory’s role in human exceptionalism, as well as its ties to various periods (treated briefly) in Western philosophy. As we reach past postmodernity to something post-postmodern, some alternatives to idealism will present themselves, which includes the so-called new materialist subdisciplines of rhetoric. Many of these new approaches are anti-hierarchical systems that treat the evolution of language in a continuist frame. Human speech did not crop up de novo, and it has many similarities to other forms of animal communication.
Florida Family Law Bounds of Advocacy: A Mandate for Collaborative Practice

I argue that the Florida Family Law Bounds of Advocacy is mandatory as to family attorneys, not merely aspirational and that given the parallel philosophies between the BoA and collaborative practice, all family attorneys should become trained in collaborative practice and offer it is as the first solution for family law dispute resolution. The paper offers public policy suggestions to help shift legal practice from litigation to collaboration.
Design and Operation of Coherent Pulse Stacking Amplification as a Deep Recurrent Neural Network

We show equivalence of coherent pulse stacking system to a deep recurrent neural network, and experimentally demonstrate real-time learning on stacking cavities and input pulses, necessary for high fidelity coherent temporal combining with ∼102 pulses.
Institutional factors affecting the electronic health information exchange by ambulatory providers

Abstract Objective Electronic exchange of health information by health entities along the care continuum can vastly improve patient health outcomes as well as reduce costs. To realize the national goal of a health information highway, it is important for a large pool of ambulatory providers to engage in health information exchange (HIE) to share clinical information with affiliated and unaffiliated providers. Applying institutional theory, this research seeks to examine the key institutional factors that influence the HIE use by ambulatory practices. Material and Methods Data was gathered through a web-based survey of 320 ambulatory providers in the US state of Illinois. Partial least squares approach to structural equation modeling was used to examine the influence of five institutional factors viz. government, patients, peers, affiliates and technology vendors on the use of HIE by ambulatory providers to share clinical information with (i) affiliated providers, and (ii) external, unaffiliated providers. Findings We found positive and significant influence of government initiatives, patients, peers and affiliates on ambulatory providers’ HIE with affiliated providers (R2 = 0.347) and unaffiliated providers (R2 = 0.328). Peer influence was positive and significant for HIE with unaffiliated providers only. No significant influence of technology vendors on HIE use by ambulatory practices was found. Conclusion Addressing a critical gap in our knowledge of how ambulatory providers engage in HIE, we provide compelling evidence for the influence of institutional factors on ambulatory providers’ electronic HIE with both affiliated and unaffiliated providers. Policy makers and healthcare leaders need to pay attention to the institutional factors and frame appropriate programs to augment and promote the use of HIE by ambulatory providers.
Induction of Leukemia by Avian Myeloblastosis Virus: A Mechanistic Hypothesis

Avian myeloblastosis virus is the prototype virus for the myb oncogene. The virus was originally purified by Hall and colleagues between 1938 and 1941 by serial passage in chicken embryos (Hall et al. 1941; Pollard and Hall 1942; Hall and Pollard 1943). In retrospect, it is clear that the original tumor tissue contained a mixture of viruses including Marek’s Disease Virus, and avian leukosis virus. This contamination of virus stocks was a common problem in most of the early work due to the widespread distribution of these viruses in chicken flocks; so that even purified stocks became contaminated with other virus types when transferred to other laboratories (Johnson 1941). The strain A virus which Hall isolated induced a characteristic leukemia leading to death of the chicken in an average of 14 days post inoculation in about 80% of birds inoculated as embryos (Hall and Pollard 1943). The virus also caused similar disease in quail, turkey, pheasant, and duck (Pollard and Hall 1942; Hall and Pollard 1943), and appears to be identical to that induced by the current BAI Strain A propagated and studied for many years by Beard and colleagues (Beard 1963).
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation with a novel chest compression device in a porcine model of cardiac arrest: improved hemodynamics and mechanisms.

Objectives The goal of this study was to determine the magnitude and mechanisms of hemodynamic improvement of an automated, load-distributing band device (AutoPulse, Revivant Corp., Sunnyvale, California) compared with conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (C-CPR). Background Improved blood flow during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) enhances survival from cardiac arrest. Methods AutoPulse CPR (A-CPR) and C-CPR were performed on 30 pigs (16 ± 4 kg) 1 min after induction of ventricular fibrillation. Aortic and right atrial pressures were measured with micromanometers. Regional flows were measured with microspheres; A-CPR and C-CPR were performed with 20% anterior-posterior chest compression, with (n = 10) and without (n = 10) epinephrine. A pressure transducer was advanced down the airways during chest compressions (n = 10), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed. Results AutoPulse CPR improved coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) (aortic − right atrial pressure) without epinephrine (A-CPR 21 ± 8 mm Hg vs. C-CPR 14 ± 6 mm Hg, mean ± SD, p Conclusions AutoPulse CPR improved hemodynamics over C-CPR in this pig model. AutoPulse CPR with epinephrine can produce pre-arrest levels of myocardial and cerebral flow. The improved hemodynamics with A-CPR appear to be mediated through airway collapse, which likely impedes airflow and helps maintain higher levels of intrathoracic pressure.
A comparative study of cross-correlation methods for alignment of DNA sequences containing repetitive patterns

In this work we consider the problem of global DNA sequence alignment. One of the best known and most efficient computational techniques used for this task is the cross-correlation method. We compare efficacy of evaluating periodic DNA sequence misalignment using the standard magnitude-and-phase cross- correlation technique with the lesser known phase-only cross-correlation method. We prove that for a periodic DNA sequence whose length is a prime number the standard approach leads to significant sidelobes in the cross-correlation, the magnitude of which increases with the length of the sequence, while the phase-only approach allows attaining a perfect cross-correlation with zero sidelobes. Numerical experiments on synthesized data are included and robustness of the phase-only method to random DNA insertions and imperfect DNA fragment matches is discussed.
A Test Bed for Operating Systems Performance Evaluation

A description is given of the design, implementation and operating experience of a test bed for operating systems which permits very detailed observation and measurements. The hardware is simulated with the help of the Virtual Machine Emulator. By selecting processor and I/O device timing characteristics a wide range of /370 compatible systems can be simulated. A special trace facility allows tracing and activity measurements at any desired level of granularity. An artificial workload simulates the activity of a DB/DC System.
Characterization of the G Protein-coupled Receptor Kinase GRK4 IDENTIFICATION OF FOUR SPLICE VARIANTS

A novel human G protein-coupled receptor kinase was recently identified by positional cloning in the search for the Huntington's disease locus (Ambrose, C., James, M., Barnes, G., Lin, C., Bates, G., Altherr, M., Duyao, M., Groot, N., Church, D., Wasmuth, J. J., Lehrach, H., Housman, D., Buckler, A., Gusella, J. F., and MacDonald, M. E. (1993) Hum. Mol. Genet. 1, 697-703). Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence of GRK4 with those of the closely related GRK5 and GRK6 suggested the apparent loss of 32 codons in the amino-terminal domain and 46 codons in the carboxyl-terminal domain of GRK4. These two regions undergo alternative splicing in the GRK4 mRNA, resulting from the presence or absence of exons filling one or both of these apparent gaps. Each inserted sequence maintains the open reading frame, and the deduced amino acid sequences are similar to corresponding regions of GRK5 and GRK6. Thus, the GRK4 mRNA and the GRK4 protein can exist as four distinct variant forms. The human GRK4 gene is composed of 16 exons extending over 75 kilobase pairs of DNA. The two alternatively spliced exons correspond to exons II and XV. The genomic organization of the GRK4 gene is completely distinct from that of the human GRK2 gene, highlighting the evolutionary distance since the divergence of these two genes. Human GRK4 mRNA is expressed highly only in testis, and both alternative exons are abundant in testis mRNA. The four GRK4 proteins have been expressed, and all incorporate [3H]palmitate. GRK4 is capable of augmenting the desensitization of the rat luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor upon coexpression in HEK293 cells and of phosphorylating the agonist-occupied, purified beta2-adrenergic receptor, indicating that GRK4 is a functional protein kinase.
Random Walks on Digraphs, the Generalized Digraph Laplacian and the Degree of Asymmetry

In this paper we extend and generalize the standard random walk theory (or spectral graph theory) on undirected graphs to digraphs. In particular, we introduce and define a (normalized) digraph Laplacian matrix, and prove that 1) its Moore-Penrose pseudo-inverse is the (discrete) Green’s function of the digraph Laplacian matrix (as an operator on digraphs), and 2) it is the normalized fundamental matrix of the Markov chain governing random walks on digraphs. Using these results, we derive new formula for computing hitting and commute times in terms of the Moore-Penrose pseudo-inverse of the digraph Laplacian, or equivalently, the singular values and vectors of the digraph Laplacian. Furthermore, we show that the Cheeger constant defined in [6] is intrinsically a quantity associated with undirected graphs. This motivates us to introduce a metric – the largest singular value of \(\Delta:=(\tilde{\cal L}-\tilde{\cal L}^T)/2\) – to quantify and measure the degree of asymmetry in a digraph. Using this measure, we establish several new results, such as a tighter bound (than that of Fill’s in [9] and Chung’s in [6]) on the Markov chain mixing rate, and a bound on the second smallest singular value of \(\tilde{\cal L}\).
Integrating Models of Collaborative Consultation and Systems Change to Implement Forgiveness-Focused Bullying Interventions.

Through collaborative consultation with school staff, school psychologists have increasingly helped schools add bullying prevention and intervention programming to their service delivery systems. As schools search for ways to lessen the impact of bullying on the social-emotional health and academic achievement of students, forgiveness education is an area that may offer another perspective to bullying prevention and intervention. In order to infuse forgiveness education into schools' current tiered-service delivery systems, school psychologists and their district partners can use the frameworks of collaborative strategic planning (CSP) and the concerns-based adoption model (CBAM) in tandem to guide the development and implementation of forgiveness-focused bullying interventions at the core, supplementary, and intensive levels of a multitiered system of service delivery.
Human immunodeficiency virus arteriopathy of the adult cerebral circulation.

ABSTRACT Arteriopathy associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection and clinical acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is well-documented. The pathophysiology of this arteriopathy may vary in different vascular beds. Although arteriopathy of central nervous system (CNS) circulation has been recognized in pediatric patients since the late 1980s, there are no reported cases of CNS arteriopathy in adults. We present the first reported case of adult CNS arteriopathy in a human immunodeficiency virus-positive patient who succumbed to complications secondary to diffuse aneurysmal disease of the Circle of Willis.
Steady-State Equivalent Circuit Modeling, Losses, and Efficiency

Let us now consider the basic functions performed by a switching converter, and attempt to represent these functions by a simple equivalent circuit. The designer of a converter power stage must calculate the network voltages and currents, and specify the power components accordingly. Losses and efficiency are of prime importance. The use of equivalent circuits is a physical and intuitive approach which allows the well-known techniques of circuit analysis to be employed. As noted in the previous chapter, it is desirable to ignore the small but complicated switching ripple, and model only the important dc components of the waveforms.
Couplings of vector mesons to tensor mesons and the Pomeron

We saturate the matrix elements of the stress tensor between vector-meson states with f, f', and the Pomeron, assuming that the coupling constants go like 1/m/sub V/ /sup 2/ (m/sub V/ = vector-meson mass) within the symmetry-group (SU/sub 3/, SU/sub 4/, etc.) multiplet apart from the Clebsch-Gordan coefficients. It is found that (i) nonet (mass)/sup 2/ formulas are obtained, (ii) vector-meson--nucleon total cross sections are determined, with a 1/m/sub V/ /sup 2/ dependence, and (iii) tensor-vector-vector couplings are obtained. All of these are in agreement with the experiments.
Learning to control heart rate: Binary vs analogue feedback.

Twenty-two male volunteers participated in an experiment designed to test the efficiency of two procedures, one emphasizing analogue and the other binary feedback, in training human subjects (Ss) to change their heart rate. Ss were seen for 7 separate sessions, which included 2 training sessions in speeding heart rate and 2 devoted to slowing. Both heart rate and respiration cycle length were recorded. The timing of the experiment, presentation of instructions, feedback, data acquisition, and primary data reduction were all accomplished in real-time by a computer. The feedback mediated acquisition of directional changes in heart rate was demonstrated, and these changes were sustained on instruction with feedback removed. No differences between the binary and analogue procedures were noted for slowing. However, the analogue display prompted significantly greater instructed acceleration than the binary method. An important distinction was made between organ feedback (heart activity) and task performance feedback (relative success or failure). It was noted that the acquisition of heart rate speeding and slowing appear to involve different psychophysiological mechanisms.
Induction of cytogenetic damage in rodents after short‐term inhalation of benzene

Experiments were designed to investigate both the induction of sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and micronuclei (MN) in bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs) of mice and rats after inhalation of benzene (BZ). Male DBA/2 mice (17-19 weeks old) were exposed to target concentrations of either 0, 10, 100, or 1,000 ppm BZ for 6 hr. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (11-14 weeks old) were exposed to target concentrations of either 0, 0.1, 0.3, 1, 3, 10, or 30 ppm BZ for 6 hr. Blood was obtained by cardiac puncture 18 hr after exposure, and PBLs were cultured in the presence of lipopolysaccharide (mouse B cells, 60 micrograms/ml) or concanavalin A (rat T cells, 30 micrograms/ml) to stimulate blastogenesis for SCE analysis. Femoral bone marrow smears from both species were analyzed for MN in PCEs 18 hr after BZ exposure. Mouse PBLs revealed a significant concentration-related increase in the SCE frequency over controls at 10, 100, or 1,000 ppm BZ. Mouse bone marrow showed a significant concentration-dependent increase in MN over controls after exposure to 10, 100, or 1,000 ppm BZ. Rat PBLs showed a significant increase in the SCE frequency after exposure to 3, 10, or 30 ppm BZ. The statistical significance of the 1 ppm BZ result was borderline and dependent on the statistical test chosen. Rat cells revealed a significant concentration-related increase in MN after inhalation of either 1, 3, 10, or 30 ppm BZ. PBLs from treated mice showed significant concentration-dependent decreases in mitotic indices; however, cell cycle kinetics and leucocyte counts remained unaffected. Rat PBLs showed significant decreases in mitotic activity only after exposure to 3 and 30 ppm BZ, whereas cell cycle kinetics and leucocyte counts were unaffected. These results show that BZ can induce statistically significant cytogenetic effects in PBLs and PCEs of both mice and rats after a 6-hr inhalation of BZ at low concentrations.
A Critical Review: 2,3,7,8 –Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) Effects on Gonad Development in Bivalve Mollusks

Bivalve mollusks are equally sensitive to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin's (2,3,7,8-TCDD) effect on gonad development, embryonic development, and epithelial lesion occurrence as higher vertebrates. 2,3,7,8-TCDD alters normal development of reproductive organs and early development in bivalve mollusks at 2 to 20 pg/g wet weight. In both Crassostria virginica and Mya arenaria, 2,3,7,8-TCDD preferentially accumulates into the gonads. The sensitivity of gonad maturation is likely due to disruption of cross-talk between highly conserved steroid, insulin, and metabolic pathways involved in gonad differentiation. The altered gonad development and decreased veliger larval survival can partially explain the lack of self-sustaining bivalve populations in 2,3,7,8-TCDD contaminated estuaries.
Modeling the impacts of traffic emissions on air toxics concentrations near roadways

Abstract The dispersion formulation incorporated in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's AERMOD regulatory dispersion model is used to estimate the contribution of traffic-generated emissions of select VOCs – benzene, 1,3-butadiene, toluene – to ambient air concentrations at downwind receptors ranging from 10-m to 100-m from the edge of a major highway in Raleigh, North Carolina. The contributions are computed using the following steps: 1) Evaluate dispersion model estimates with 10-min averaged NO data measured at 7 m and 17 m from the edge of the road during a field study conducted in August, 2006; this step determines the uncertainty in model estimates. 2) Use dispersion model estimates and their uncertainties, determined in step 1, to construct pseudo-observations. 3) Fit pseudo-observations to actual observations of VOC concentrations measured during five periods of the field study. This provides estimates of the contributions of traffic emissions to the VOC concentrations at the receptors located from 10 m to 100 m from the road. In addition, it provides estimates of emission factors and background concentrations of the VOCs, which are supported by independent estimates from motor vehicle emissions models and regional air quality measurements. The results presented in the paper demonstrate the suitability of the formulation in AERMOD for estimating concentrations associated with mobile source emissions near roadways. This paper also presents an evaluation of the key emissions and dispersion modeling inputs necessary for conducting assessments of local-scale impacts from traffic emissions.
Force sensing micro-forceps with integrated fiber Bragg grating for vitreoretinal surgery

ABSTRACT Vitreoretinal surgery is a technically demanding ophthalmologic discipline. One of the main technical challenges in vitreoretinal surgery is the lack of force sensing since the surgical maneuvers fall below the human sensory threshold. Previously, a 2-degree-of-freedom (DOF) force sensing instrument with a surgical pick was developed and tested. However, a more commonly used instrument for vitreoretinal surgery is the forceps, with which a surgeon can easily grasp and delaminate the scar tissue. We have designed, fabricated and calibrated a novel 20-gauge (Ga) microsurgical instrument with a 2-DOF force sensing forceps. Three fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors are integrated into the customized Alcon TM forceps tip. The redundant sensor configuration provides good compensation for temperature-related drift. The calibration data show that the tool can provide a force resolution of 0.25 mN. In order to test the functionality and performance, the forceps was evaluated in inner shell membrane peeling experiments with chicken embryos as well as in in-vivo rabbit experiments. The instrument has demonstrated the capability of being applied in the clinical environment, with consistent force measurements . The force exerted in inner shell membrane peeling is from 6.07 to 34.65 mN. The development of the 2-DOF force sensing micro-forceps has shown that the fabrication process is feasible and reliable, and it can be used to develop a future 3-DOF force sensing tool. Keywords: Force sensing, micro-forceps, smart instruments, fiber Bragg grating, vitreoretinal surgery, microsurgery, membrane peeling
Effect of interfacial carbon on adhesion and toughness of gold–sapphire interfaces

Abstract The effect of carbon on the interfacial fracture of gold–sapphire bonds is quantified by partitioning the measured fracture energy into the works of adhesion and plastic dissipation. The variation in each quantity with interfacial carbon is independently measured. The strong correlation between interfacial adhesion and plastic dissipation suggests synergistic coupling between crack-tip bond rupture and the surrounding plastic deformation in the metal. Possible origins of the observed sensitivity of adhesion to carbon heat treatment are discussed.
THE FREQUENCY OF DEGLUTITION IN MAN.

Abstract Two new methods of recording the occurrence of human deglutition are reported. Both systems are suitable for prolonged observations and each allows the subject considerable freedom of bodily movement. Studies of swallowing incidence over 24-hr periods in twenty subjects with apparently satisfactory general health and dental occlusion showed a mean deglutition frequency of 585 per day (range 203–1008) which is appreciably less than current estimates. Swallowing frequency was greatest during eating, least during sleep, with other activities occupying an intermediate place. Records made during sleep invariably showed periods of 20 min or more during which deglutition was absent. In many subjects, deglutition occurred most often during falling asleep and awakening periods, with groups of swallows taking place during the night, but these patterns were not universal. In waking subjects, no significant difference in swallowing incidence was observed between supine and sitting postures. The hypothesis is advanced that over a 24-hr period, swallowing makes only a minor contribution to the total lateral force falling on the palatal surfaces of the teeth.
Review of structures in low-energy bremsstrahlung: Classical and quantum descriptions

Abstract A brief review of recent advances in studying structures in energy dependence of the bremsstrahlung cross sections for low incident electron energies is presented. Examples of structures are given in both classical and quantum formalisms. It is shown that the origin of the structures can be formulated as a lack of contribution to the radiation from electrons with certain angular momenta at certain energies. In quantum mechanics the lack of contribution to the total cross section from certain electron angular momenta is due to zeroes in corresponding dipole matrix elements. In classical mechanics summation over angular momentum is replaced by integration and structures are due to suppressed or enhanced contribution from certain intervals of angular momentum. A survey of the known properties of the matrix elements’ zeroes is given.
Effects of Gibberellic Acid, Calcium, Kinetic, and Ethylene on Growth and Cell Wall Composition of Pea Epicotyls

The influence of gibberellic acid (GA), calcium, kinetin, and ethylene on growth and cell-wall composition of decapitated pea epicotyls (Pisum sativum L. var. Alaska) was investigated. Calcium, kinetin, and ethylene each caused an inhibition of GA-induced elongation of pea stems. Gibberellic acid did not reverse the induction of swelling by Ca2+, kinetin, or ethylene. Both Ca2+ and ethylene significantly inhibited the stimulatory effects of GA on the formation of residual wall material. Although GA promoted the development of walls relatively low in pectic substances and pectic uronic acid, Ca2+, kinetin, and ethylene favored the formation of walls rich in these constituents. Calcium, kinetin, and GA, alone or in combination, had no effect on the production of ethylene by pea epicotyls.
PREDICTION OF PEROMYSCUS MANICULATUS (DEER MOUSE) POPULATION DYNAMICS IN MONTANA, USA, USING SATELLITE-DRIVEN VEGETATION PRODUCTIVITY AND WEATHER DATA

Deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) are the main reservoir host for Sin Nombre virus, the primary etiologic agent of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in North America. Sequential changes in weather and plant productivity (trophic cascades) have been noted as likely catalysts of deer mouse population irruptions, and monitoring and modeling of these phenomena may allow for development of early-warning systems for disease risk. Relationships among weather variables, satellite-derived vegetation productivity, and deer mouse populations were examined for a grassland site east of the Continental Divide and a sage-steppe site west of the Continental Divide in Montana, USA. We acquired monthly deer mouse population data for mid-1994 through 2007 from long-term study sites maintained for monitoring changes in hantavirus reservoir populations, and we compared these with monthly bioclimatology data from the same period and gross primary productivity data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer sensor for ...
Direct observation of temperature-dependent Fermi surface nesting vectors in a quasi-one-dimensional conductor

We present the first direct observation of temperature-dependent Fermi wave vectors in the quasi-one-dimensional conductor K0.3 MoO3 . By monitoring the position of these vectors through the Peierls transition using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we demonstrate that the temperature dependence of the charge-density-wave vector observed in earlier experiments is actually that of the Fermi wave vectors.
A More Parsimonious Approach to Estimating Signal Detection Theory Measures

Signal Detection Theory (SDT) has proven to be an effective tool for analyzing perceptual and decision-making performance in many different areas. The main contribution of SDT is its capability to separate the discrimination process from the decision process by distinguishing between measures of sensitivity and measures of response bias. However, the usefulness of the traditional SDT measures of sensitivity, d', and response bias, c, is questionable in applied settings where observers do not make decisions based on an underlying psychophysical continuum. The purpose of our research was to derive alternative measures of sensitivity and response bias, overcoming the limitations of the traditional SDT model. Results from a Monte Carlo simulation showed support for our more parsimonious model.
(Re)presentations of (hetero)sexualized gender in Two and a Half Men: a content analysis

This paper seeks to highlight gender enactment and desire as it relates to Butler's ‘heterosexual matrix’ within a nationally syndicated television show. By focusing on gender performativity – the impression of gender through repetitive stylized manners of interaction grounded in cultural norms – and discourse, this paper scrutinizes heteronormativity in a popular situation-based comedy in the US. Content analysis was utilized as a way of examining how gender transgression and gender performance are linked to (hetero)sexuality, and how they are constructed, in the sitcom Two and a Half Men created by Lee Aronsohn and Chuck Lorre. Two and a Half Men premiered on 22 September 2003 for the United States network, CBS.
Effect of lipophilic ion-exchanger leaching on the detection limit of carrier-based ion-selective electrodes.

The equilibrium partitioning of lipophilic ion-exchanger salts from ion-selective polymeric membrane electrodes (ISEs) and its possible effect on the lower detection limit of these sensors is described. Predictions are made on the basis of various parameters, including the knowledge of tetraphenylborate potassium salt partitioning constants, the selectivity of ionophore-free ion-exchanger membranes, and ionophore stability constants in the membrane. Ion-exchanger lipophilicities are significantly increased if the membrane contains an ionophore that strongly binds the primary ion. Predicted detection limits are on the order of 10-5−10-8 M for ionophore-free membranes, and may reach levels as low as 10-18 M with adequate ionophores in the membrane. Experiments are performed for well-described lead-selective membranes containing different tetraphenylborate derivatives, and detection limits appear to be independent of the ion-exchanger used. However, they are much higher if a more hydrophilic carborane cation...
Effects of forward velocity on sound radiation from convecting monopole and dipole sources in jet flow

A theoretical model is presented of the effects of forward velocity of an aircraft at arbitrary subsonic speed on sound radiated from convecting monopole and dipole sources embedded in the jet flow. It is found that with increasing forward velocity there is a steadily increasing amplification (over the static case) of the sound radiated into the forward arc and a large reduction of the sound which is radiated into the rearward arc. The same trend is also shown to result when there is a reduction in the exhaust velocity, with, however, a further rise in amplification in the forward quadrant and a drop in attenuation in the aft quadrant.
The interplay between integrins αmβ2 and α5β1 during cell migration to fibronectin

A directed migration of leukocytes through the extracellular matrix requires the regulated engagement of integrin cell adhesion receptors. The integrin alpha(M)beta(2) (CD11b/CD18, Mac-1) is progressively upregulated to high levels on migrating phagocytic leukocytes in response to inflammatory stimuli and is able to bind numerous ligands in the interstitial matrix. The role of alpha(M)beta(2) in migration of leukocytes through the extracellular matrix and its cooperation with other leukocyte integrins during migration are not understood. Using a model system consisting of cells that express different levels of alpha(M)beta(2) and an invariable level of endogenous integrin alpha(5)beta(1), we have explored a situation relevant to migrating neutrophils when alpha(M)beta(2) and alpha(5)beta(1) engage the same ligand, fibronectin. We show that fibronectin is a ligand for alpha(M)beta(2) and that both alpha(M)beta(2) and alpha(5)beta(1) on the alpha(M)beta(2)-expressing cells contribute to adhesion to fibronectin. However, migration of these cells to fibronectin is mediated by alpha(5)beta(1), whereas alpha(M)beta(2) retards migration. The decrease in migration correlates directly with the increased alpha(M)beta(2) density. Ligation of alpha(M)beta(2) with function-blocking antibodies can reverse this effect. The restorative effects of antibodies are caused by the removal of restraint imposed by the excess of alpha(M)beta(2)-fibronectin adhesive bonds. These findings indicate that alpha(M)beta(2) can increase general cell adhesiveness which results in braking of cell migration mediated by integrin alpha(5)beta(1). Because alpha(M)beta(2) binds numerous proteins in the extracellular matrix with a specificity overlapping that of the beta(1) integrins, the results suggest that alpha(M)beta(2) can affect the beta(1) integrin-mediated cell migration.
Ideal polarization capacitance in an ionic solid

Abstract The a.c. polarization capacitance of the solid-solid interface AgBr|Pt was found to be frequency-independent over a broad range, is the same for liquid and solid AgBr, and is constant over a wide solid-state temperature range. Such “ideal” polarization behavior has been predicted but not previously observed in an ionic solid
Measurement of participation: Intersecting person, task, and environment

The goals of this article are to describe participation as a transaction and issues involved in measuring and intervening using this transactional approach; describe ecologic and systems-based theoretic approaches for conceptualizing person-task-environment transactions; and illustrate examples of an exploratory strategy, radar plots, as a clinical tool for rehabilitation professionals to show this interaction and use it to inform participation-focused interventions with people with disabilities in rehabilitation settings. Participation necessarily occurs at the intersection of what the person can do, wants to do, has the opportunity to do, and is not prevented from doing. It is a transaction that occurs at the nexus of the person-task-environment. Measurement of participation should capture this transactive nature. Radar plots are part of a group of graphic displays frequently referred to as exploratory data analysis. In situations in which theory is not well developed, exploratory techniques such as radar plots may hold promise as ways to explore better the relationship among variables. This article describes strengths and limitations of radar plots and presents an example with data from the Community Participation Database.
Phylogeny of Lamiidae

• Premise of the study: The Lamiidae, a clade composed of approximately 15% of all flowering plants, consists of five orders: Boraginales, Gentianales, Garryales, Lamiales, and Solanales; and four families unplaced in an order: Icacinaceae, Metteniusiaceae, Oncothecaceae, and Vahliaceae. Our understanding of the phylogenetic relationships of Lamiidae has improved significantly in recent years, however, relationships among the orders and unplaced families of the clade remain partly unresolved. Here, we present a phylogenetic analysis of the Lamiidae based on an expanded sampling, including all families together, for the first time, in a single phylogenetic analyses.• Methods: Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian approaches. Analyses included nine plastid regions (atpB, matK, ndhF, psbBTNH, rbcL, rps4, rps16, trnL-F, and trnV-atpE) and the mitochondrial rps3 region, and 129 samples representing all orders and unplaced families of Lamiidae.• Key results: Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian trees provide good support for Boraginales sister to Lamiales, with successive outgroups (Solanales + Vahlia) and Gentianales, together comprising the core Lamiidae. Early branching patterns are less well supported, with Garryales only poorly supported as sister to the above ‘core’ and a weakly supported clade composed of Icacinaceae, Metteniusaceae, and Oncothecaceae sister to all other Lamiidae.• Conclusions: Our phylogeny of Lamiidae reveals increased resolution and support for internal relationships that have remained elusive. Within Lamiales, greater resolution also is obtained, but some family interrelationships remain a challenge.
EXP for Windows, version 5.1

The latest version of EXP is finally available. For those of you unfamiliar with EXP, it is the best WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) scientific software program on the market. It allows one to easily type and modify scientific documents without having to compile and recompile over and over for final output. This is an update from the last release back in 2001 from Brooks/Cole. EXP is now distributed by Symbol Dynamics, LLC (www.expswp.com). This is not a major update but does make revisions to quite a few areas, namely, graphics. The main environment of the program looks and functions the same as version 5.0 and 5.02.
Morphology-Based Segmentation Combination for Arabic Mention Detection

The Arabic language has a very rich/complex morphology. Each Arabic word is composed of zero or more prefixes, one stem and zero or more suffixes. Consequently, the Arabic data is sparse compared to other languages such as English, and it is necessary to conduct word segmentation before any natural language processing task. Therefore, the word-segmentation step is worth a deeper study since it is a preprocessing step which shall have a significant impact on all the steps coming afterward. In this article, we present an Arabic mention detection system that has very competitive results in the recent Automatic Content Extraction (ACE) evaluation campaign. We investigate the impact of different segmentation schemes on Arabic mention detection systems and we show how these systems may benefit from more than one segmentation scheme. We report the performance of several mention detection models using different kinds of possible and known segmentation schemes for Arabic text: punctuation separation, Arabic Treebank, and morphological and character-level segmentations. We show that the combination of competitive segmentation styles leads to a better performance. Results indicate a statistically significant improvement when Arabic Treebank and morphological segmentations are combined.
Model of magnetically guided fetal cardiac intervention: potential to avoid direct cardiac puncture

AbstractObjective: Fetal cardiac interventions are performed via direct cardiac puncture and are associated with significant fetal morbidity. The feasibility of utilizing magnetic navigation to maneuver a guide wire and balloon across a fetal aortic valve without direct cardiac puncture is tested.Methods: A fetal heart model was manufactured and placed in a catheterization laboratory equipped with magnetic navigation. Magnetically steerable guide wires along with commercially available coronary balloons were inserted into the model at a site mimicking a hepatic vein.Results: Passage of the wire and balloon was achieved on every attempt. The model was suitable for testing although the structural characteristics of the model made wire passage from the right to the left atrium the most challenging aspect. Once the wire was positioned in the left ventricle, it was easily maneuvered 180 degrees towards the left ventricular outflow tract and then the descending aorta. Advancement of a coronary balloon over this...