cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using Pairwise Testing to Verify Automatically-Generated Formal Specifications

In this paper, we report on the effectiveness of the testing approach known as pairwise or orthogonal testing in verifying the correctness of the LTL specifications generated by the PROperty SPECification (Prospec) tool. This tool assists the user in generating a large number (over 34,000) of formal specifications in formal languages, including Linear Temporal Logic (LTL). Pairwise testing is a technique that aims at, significantly, reducing the amount of test cases required for testing a particular software system while providing assurance of adequate coverage of the problem space.
Management of an acquired tracheoesophageal fistula with a fascial free flap

Background Failure in the primary repair of a benign acquired tracheoesophageal fistula limits the operative options available at revision. Use of a fascial free flap to treat this condition has not been previously reported. Methods We review the case of a patient who had a tracheoesophageal fistula develop after percutaneous tracheostomy, who had failed previous primary repair with strap muscle interposition. Results A radial forearm fascial free flap was used at revision and resulted in resolution of the fistula. Conclusion Use of a fascial free flap to address a persistent acquired tracheoesophageal fistula, when an accompanying stenotic segment is not present, is a viable treatment option. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 24: 609–613, 2002
Suprarenal aortic clamping and reperfusion decreases medullary and cortical blood flow by decreased endogenous renal nitric oxide and PGE2 synthesis.

Objective This study examined the hypothesis that clamping the aorta above the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) followed by suprarenal aortic clamping and reperfusion (SRACR) decreases microvascular blood flow by loss of endogenous medullary and cortical nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin (PG) E 2 synthesis. Study Design Anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats (350 g) had either microdialysis probes or laser Doppler fibers inserted into the renal cortex to a depth of 2 mm and into the renal medulla at 4 mm. Laser Doppler blood flow was continuously monitored (data reported as percentage of change compared to basal), and the microdialysis probes were connected to a syringe pump and perfused in vivo at 3 μL/min with lactated Ringer solution. Dialysate fluid was collected at basal time zero, following 30 minutes of suprarenal aortic clamping (ischemia) followed by 60 minutes of reperfusion and compared to a sham operation. Both groups were treated with saline carrier, indomethacin (INDO) (10 mg/kg, a cyclooxygenase [COX] inhibitor), N G -nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) (20 mg/kg, a NO synthase [NOS] inhibitor), or l-arginine (200 mg/kg, an NO precursor). Dialysate was analyzed for total NO (μM) and PGE 2 (pg/mL) synthesis. The renal cortex and medulla were analyzed for inducible NOS (iNOS) and COX-2 content by Western blot. All data are reported as mean ± SEM, N > 5 and analyzed by analysis of variance. Results SRACR caused a marked decrease in medullary and cortical blood flow with a concomitant decrease in endogenous medullary and cortical NO synthesis. Treatment with l-NAME further decreased blood flow and NO synthesis in the medulla and cortex. l-Arginine restored medullary and cortical NO synthesis and blood flow in the cortex but not the medulla. SRACR did not alter renal medullary or cortical PGE 2 ; however, addition of INDO, COX inhibitor, caused a concomitant decrease in medullary and cortical PGE 2 synthesis and blood flow. Conclusions NO is an important endogenous renal vasodilator that, when maintained can help preserve cortical blood flow following SRACR. These data also suggest that avoidance of COX-2 inhibitors can help maintain endogenous renal cortical and medullary PGE 2 synthesis and thus contribute to maintaining normal blood flow. Clinical Relevance This study is the first to combine in vivo physiologic assays to simultaneously identify clinically relevant intrarenal vasodilators (cortical and medullary) that are required to maintain microvascular blood flow. Identification of endogenous renal cortical and medullary vasodilators responsible for maintaining renal microvascular blood flow will allow development of treatment strategies to preserve these vasodilators following SRACR. Successful preservation of endogenous intrarenal vasodilators will help maintain renal microvascular blood flow and renal function in the treatment of complex aortic pathology that requires SRACR.
Simultaneous measurement of metabolic and acoustic power and the efficiency of sound production in two mole cricket species (Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae)

SUMMARY We here report the first simultaneous measurement of metabolic cost of calling, acoustic power and efficiency of sound production in animals – the mole crickets Scapteriscus borellii and S. vicinus (Gryllotalpidae). We measured O2 consumption, CO2 production and acoustic power as the crickets called from their burrows in an open room. We utilized their calling burrow as the functional equivalent of a mask. Both species had a respiratory quotient near 0.85, indicative of metabolism based on a mix of carbohydrates and fats. The metabolic rate was significantly higher in S. borellii (11.6 mW g–1) than in S. vicinus (9.0 mW g–1) and averaged about eight- to fivefold greater, respectively, than resting metabolism. In some individuals, metabolic rate decreased by 20% during calling bouts. Costs of refurbishing calling burrows in S. borellii were less than calling costs, due to the behavior9s short duration (ca. 15 min) and its relatively low average metabolic rate (4 mW). Acoustic power was on average sevenfold greater in S. borellii (21.2 vs 2.9 μW) and was more variable within individuals and across species than the metabolic rate. The efficiency of sound production was significantly higher in S. borellii (0.23 vs 0.03%). These values are below published estimates for other insects even though these mole crickets construct acoustic burrows that have the potential to increase efficiency. The cricket/burrow system in both species have an apparent Qln decrement of about 6, indicative of significant internal damping caused by the airspaces in the sand that forms the burrow9s walls. Damping is therefore an important cause of the low sound production efficiency. In field conditions where burrow walls are saturated with water and there is less internal damping, calls are louder and sound production efficiency is likely higher. File tooth depths and file tooth-to-tooth distances correlated with interspecific differences in metabolism and acoustic power much better than with wing stroke rates and plectrum-to-file tooth strike rates. To further investigate these correlations, we constructed two models of energy input to the tegminal oscillator. A model based on transfer of kinetic energy based on differences in tegminal velocity and file tooth spacing showed the most promise. Related calculations suggest that if there are no elastic savings, the power costs to accelerate and decelerate the tegmina are greater than the predicted power input to the tegminal oscillator, and that they are similar in the two species even though S. vicinus has a nearly threefold higher wing stroke rate.
Comment on “Investigating Allegations of Point-shaving in NCAA Basketball Using Actual Sportsbook Betting Percentages”

A recent article by Paul and Weinbach has two objectives. The first is to reject the conventional wisdom that sports books operate by balancing the action on the games. The second objective of Paul...
Multiscale simulation of laser ablation of organic solids: evolution of the plume

A computational approach that combines the molecular dynamics (MD) breathing sphere model for simulation of the initial stage of laser ablation and the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method for simulation of the multi-component ablation plume development on the time- and length-scales of real experimental configurations is presented. The combined multiscale model addresses different processes involved in the laser ablation phenomenon with appropriate resolutions and, at the same time, accounts for the interrelations among the processes. Preliminary results demonstrate the capabilities of the model and provide new insights into complex processes occurring during the ablation plume expansion. The spatial distribution of monomers in the plume is found to be strongly affected by the presence of large clusters. Interaction between the clusters and monomers can result in splitting of the monomer distribution into faster and slower components. The overall spatial mass distribution is found to have little relation with the monomer distribution.
Technical Note-Bounding Nonconvex Programs by Conjugates

We point out that the Lagrangian dual conjugation in response space provides a stronger bound and requires less computation than conjugate convexification in decision space. A homotopy is then described to lend economic interpretation in the presence of gaps.
Partition function for a two-dimensional plasma in the random-phase approximation

The partition function for a two-dimensional plasma is evaluated within the random phase approximation. The periodic boundary conditions are fully taken into account by including the periodic image interactions. In the guiding-center limit, the negative temperature threshold energy is evaluated, and a value different from previous calculations results. When an identical random phase evaluated, and a value different from previous calculations results. When an identical random phase evaluation is applied to the finite gyroradius plasma, the Salzberg-Prager-May equation of state is recovered.
Life Satisfaction Among Elders in Senior Residences: A Pilot Study

ABSTRACTObjective: This pilot study investigated predictors of life satisfaction among elders residing in senior residences with a focus on feeling valued and important (FVI), a seldom-studied predictor that has the potential for late-life changes through occupational therapy intervention. Method: Using existing data from an intervention study (N = 47), simultaneous multiple regression analysis was employed. Results: The regression model, which included predictors of self-rated health, education level, and FVI, was significant F(3,43) = 21.16, p < 0.001. Further, FVI was a stronger predictor of life satisfaction than the well-established predictor of self-rated health. Conclusion: FVI is a significant predictor of life satisfaction in older adults residing in senior residences. Practice implications include promoting participation in occupations that provide the opportunity for meaningful contributions to family and society.
Hybrid Tagging and Browsing Approaches for Efficient Manual Image Annotation

This article proposes formal models for two commonly used methods - tagging and browsing - and investigates new approaches to improve the efficiency of manual image annotation.
The design of buildings for very low levels of vibration

Acoustic Design Consultants (ADC) is acting as noise and vibration consultant to Laing Limited in the development of the new National Physical Laboratory (NPL) to replace the existing science facility at Teddington. The state of art buildings, consisting of 16 modules, house 3600m2 of scientific laboratories, many with a requirement for very low vibration levels to cater for sensitive metrology instrumentation. Each laboratory has a central core that is structurally separate from the outer building envelope. Acoustic Design’s consultancy advice has been used in the design of the laboratory buildings themselves, in the assessment of the sensitivity of metrology equipment to vibration and in the design of vibration isolation systems for the very sensitive scientific equipment. This article will discuss the ground vibration measurements made on site before the development started, and the analysis procedures and approaches used in the design of the buildings to ensure that the best possible vibration environments are achieved in the laboratories. The facilities are currently under construction, with completion scheduled for late 2001.
Thermal Expansion of ZrC From 120 to 300 K by an X-Ray Powder Method

Thermal expansion of ZrC, which has the NaCI type structure, was determined from, 120 to 300 K by a powder X-ray diffraction method. The lattice parameter was measured precisely using a specially designed D-shaped symmetrical back-reflection-focusing camera with the specimen hanging from a cryoflask in the vacuum chamber outside the camera on the Rowland circle. The average coefficient of linear thermal expansion of ZrC in this temperature range is 6.22 x 10-6/K. The Zr/C ratio was 0.993.
Reducing disparities in health care quality: the role of health IT in underresourced settings.

Health information technology (health IT) and the Internet have tremendous potential to transform health care. The implications of the adoption of health IT within the context of underresourced health care settings have not been adequately evaluated. For this reason, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality sponsored a 2-day invitational expert meeting in October 2009. The theme of the meeting was “Reducing Disparities in Healthcare Quality in Under Resourced Settings Using HIT and Other Quality Improvement Strategies.” In preparation for the meeting, five background manuscripts were commissioned, presented, and discussed. Attendees also participated in one of three breakout sessions. Several overarching themes, key recommendations, and research topics emerged across five general categories of (a) the health care delivery setting, (b) research and evaluation methodologies, (c) patients and target populations, (d) technology applications and platforms, and (e) providers and clinicians. This article o...
Estimation of subpixel vegetation cover using red-infrared scattergrams

The bulk properties of discontinuous vegetation canopies are estimated at subpixel scales by applying the method of moments to a linear stochastic geometric model of canopy-soil reflectance and one set of multispectral observations without ground truth. The procedure involves the formulation of conditional moments for subsets of pixels that possess similar properties and can be identified through their common orientation in red-infrared scattergrams. The analysis is facilitated by assuming geometric similarity among the canopy elements and by formulating a sampling scale ratio in terms of the bulk geometric scales of the canopy and the pixel. Three versions of the method are demonstrated using two simulated scenes and an actual forested watershed for which aerial radiometric data and corresponding ground truth were obtained. >
On the benefits and feasibility of incentive based routing infrastructure

Routing on the Internet today is as much about money as it is traffic. The business relationships of an ISP largely dictate its routing policy and drive the work of its engineers. In today's routing mechanism, this leads to a number of well-known pathologies. This structure is further challenged by the emergence of user-directed routing.This paper explores these challenges and argues for the introduction of explicit incentives (prices) into the routing fabric of the Internet. We argue that doing so addresses limitations of the current system that are significant today and will only be exacerbated by user-directed routing. To support this claim, we describe the benefits and properties of incentive-based routing frameworks and demonstrate how such frameworks can be applied to a number of routing architectures, including BGP.
Crystal polymorphism in a carbamazepine derivative: Oxcarbazepine

Although crystal polymorphism of carbamazepine (CBZ), an anticonvulsant used to treat epilepsy, has been known for decades, the phenomenon has only recently been noted for its keto-derivative oxcarbazepine (OCB). Here it is demonstrated that OCB possesses at least three anhydrous polymorphs. Although all forms are morphologically similar, making differentiation between crystal modifications by optical microscopy difficult, powder X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and thermomicroscopy show distinctive differences. These techniques provide an efficient method of distinguishing between the three polymorphs. The crystal structure of form II of OCB is reported for the first time and the structure of form I has been redetermined at low temperature. Remarkably, both the molecular conformation and crystal packing of form II are in excellent agreement with the blind prediction made in 2007.
Multifunctional central pattern generator controlling walking and paw shaking

Central pattern generators (CPGs) are oscillatory neuronal networks controlling rhythmic motor tasks such as breathing and walking. A multifunctional CPG can produce multiple patterns, e.g. patterns with different periods [1-5]. Here, we investigate whether a pair of cat behaviors -- walking and paw shaking -- could be controlled by a single multifunctional CPG exhibiting multistability of oscillatory regimes. In experiments, both behaviors can be elicited in a spinalized cat, and there is evidence that the same circuitry is used for both rhythms [2,3]. We present a parsimonious model of a half-center oscillator composed of two mutually inhibitory neurons. These cells contains two slowly inactivating inward currents, a persistent Na+ current (INaP) and a low voltage activated Ca++ current (ICaLVA). The dynamics of the multifunctional CPG is based on that the ICaLVA inactivates much slower than INaP and at the more hyperpolarized membrane potentials. Here, we demonstrate the co-existence of two rhythms (Figure ​(Figure1).1). At first, the model demonstrates walking pattern. A switch from a slow, 1-2 Hz walking rhythm to fast, 7-10 Hz paw shake rhythm was elicited by a pulse of conductance of excitatory current delivered to extensor and flexor neurons. Then, a switch back to walking was triggered by a shorter pulse of conductance of inhibitory current delivered to the extensor neuron. Figure 1 Two mutually inhibitory interneurons, IntE (Extensor Interneuron) and IntF (Flexor Interneuron) produce alternating bursting activity at approximately 1.6 Hz representing walking pattern. A switch to paw shaking is executed by a pulse of excitatory conductance ... The CPG model was also incorporated into a neuromechanical model of a cat hindlimb in the AnimatLab environment [6]. The model provides a cellular mechanism of multifunctional CPG operation.
Supply-limiting mechanisms

Most results in revenue-maximizing auction design hinge on "getting the price right" --- offering goods to bidders at a price low enough to encourage a sale, but high enough to garner non-trivial revenue. Getting the price right can be hard work, especially when the seller has little or no a priori information about bidders' valuations.A simple alternative approach is to "let the market do the work", and have prices emerge from competition for scarce goods. The simplest-imaginable implementation of this idea is the following: first, if necessary, impose an artificial limit on the number of goods that can be sold; second, run the welfare-maximizing VCG mechanism subject to this limit.We prove that such "supply-limiting mechanisms" achieve near-optimal expected revenue in a range of single- and multi-parameter Bayesian settings. Indeed, despite their simplicity, we prove that they essentially match the state-of-the-art in prior-independent mechanism design.
High-level small-step operational semantics for transactions

Software transactions have received significant attention as a way to simplify shared-memory concurrent programming, but insufficient focus has been given to the precise meaning of software transactions or their interaction with other language features. This work begins to rectify that situation by presenting a family of formal languages that model a wide variety of behaviors for software transactions. These languages abstract away implementation details of transactional memory, providing high-level definitions suitable for programming languages. We use small-step semantics in order to represent explicitly the interleaved execution of threads that is necessary to investigate pertinent issues.We demonstrate the value of our core approach to modeling transactions by investigating two issues in depth. First, we consider parallel nesting, in which parallelism and transactions can nest arbitrarily. Second, we present multiple models for weak isolation, in which nontransactional code can violate the isolation of a transaction. For both, type-and-effect systems let us soundly and statically restrict what computation can occur inside or outside a transaction. We prove some key language-equivalence theorems to confirm that under sufficient static restrictions, in particular that each mutable memory location is used outside transactions or inside transactions (but not both), no program can determine whether the language implementation uses weak isolation or strong isolation.
A dormant subcircuit model for maximizing iteration latency

An approach for modeling dormant subcircuits is presented that utilizes iteration latency to provide speed improvements that are comparable to the potential speed improvements of an independent time step approach. This scheme minimizes the work required on the first iteration at a time point, which is the normal limiting factor in iteration latency schemes. However, since simulations are performed for each subcircuit at each time point, the penalty for backing up when truncation error is unacceptable is minimized. >
A high calcium diet containing nonfat dry milk reduces weight gain and associated adipose tissue inflammation in diet-induced obese mice when compared to high calcium alone.

High dietary calcium (Ca) is reported to have anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory properties. Evidence for these properties of dietary Ca in animal models of polygenic obesity have been confounded by the inclusion of dairy food components in experimental diets; thus, effect of Ca per se could not be deciphered. Furthermore, potential anti-inflammatory actions of Ca in vivo could not be dissociated from reduced adiposity. We characterized adiposity along with metabolic and inflammatory phenotypes in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice fed 1 of 3 high fat diets (45% energy) for 12 wk: control (n = 29), high-Ca (n = 30), or high-Ca + nonfat dry milk (NFDM) (n = 30). Mice fed high-Ca + NFDM had reduced body weight and adiposity compared to high-Ca mice (P < 0.001). Surprisingly, the high-Ca mice had increased adiposity compared to lower-Ca controls (P < 0.001). Hyperphagia and increased feed efficiency contributed to obesity development in high-Ca mice, in contrast to NFDM mice that displayed significantly reduced weight gain despite higher energy intake compared to controls (P < 0.001). mRNA markers of macrophages (e.g., CD68, CD11d) strongly correlated with body weight in all diet treatment groups, and most treatment differences in WAT inflammatory factor mRNA abundances were lost when controlling for body weight gain as a covariate. The results indicate that high dietary Ca is not sufficient to dampen obesity-related phenotypes in DIO mice, and in fact exacerbates weight gain and hyperphagia. The data further suggest that putative anti-obesity properties of dairy emanate from food components beyond Ca.
The Effect of a Modified Downcomer on the Hydrodynamics in an External Loop Airlift Reactor

Gas holdup and superficial liquid velocity in the downcomer and riser are studied for an external loop airlift reactor with an area ratio of 1:16. Two downcomer configurations are investigated consisting of the downcomer open or closed to the atmosphere. Experiments for these two configurations are carried out over a range of superficial gas velocities from UG = 0.5 to 20 cm/s using three aeration plates with open area ratios of 0.62, 0.99 and 2.22%. These results are compared to a bubble column operated with similar operating conditions. Experimental results show that the gas holdup in the riser does not vary significantly with a change in the downcomer configuration or bubble column operation, while a considerable variation is observed in the downcomer gas holdup. Gas holdup in both the riser and downcomer are found to increase with increasing superficial gas velocity. Test results also show that the maximum gas holdup for the three aerator plates is similar, but the gas holdup trends are different. The superficial liquid velocity is found to vary considerably for the two downcomer configurations. However, for both cases the superficial liquid velocity is a function of the superficial gas velocity and/or the flow condition in the downcomer. These observed variations are independent of the aerator plate open area ratio. When the downcomer vent is open to the atmosphere, the superficial liquid velocity is initially observed to increase with increasing superficial gas velocity until the onset of choking occurs in the downcomer. Increasing the superficial gas velocity beyond the onset of choking increases the effect of choking and decreases the superficial liquid velocity. Once maximum choking is reached, the superficial liquid velocity becomes independent of the superficial gas velocity. When the downcomer vent is closed to the atmosphere, the superficial liquid velocity is initially observed to decrease with increasing superficial gas velocity as choking in the downcomer is immediately present. Once maximum choking occurs, the superficial liquid velocity once again becomes independent of the superficial gas velocity.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
A statistical approach to comparing wheel hub forging processes

AbstractStructural components used in the automotive industry offer an attractive opportunity for exploring alternate material sources and different manufacturing routes because economic globalization continually intensifies competition and increases costs. While economic parameters are important in the choice of manufacturing process, the final decision is usually dictated by desirable component characteristics and reliability. Integrated process flows involving steel making, forging, and heat treatments can reduce the impact on forged and heat-treated hubs. However, speed differences in hot forging operations, sources, and heat treatment equipment differences still influence the ultimate manufacturing decision. The aim of this study is to demonstrate interdisciplinary effort in comparing two different wheel hub forging processes by quantifying final product characteristics that are linked to their microstructures and to understand the possible impacts on quality assurance of the final parts. Brinell har...
THE LYMPHATIC PARTICIPATION IN HUMAN CUTANEOUS PHENOMENA : A STUDY OF THE MINUTE LYMPHATICS OF THE LIVING SKIN.

A technic is described for the demonstration of lymphatic capillaries in living skin and for their study. By means of vital dyes injected intradermally these vessels can be rendered plainly visible. They form an extraordinarily abundant anastomotic web. The least scratch, one which does not penetrate through the epidermis, gives rise to such conditions that lymphatic absorption readily takes place from the abraded surface; and so close-meshed is the lymphatic web that an intradermal injection with even the finest hypodermic needle tears some of the constituent vessels open with result that they undergo direct injection. In many individuals much of the fluid introduced at an ordinary intradermal injection, like that made in the clinic, spreads through the superficial lymphatic network, whereas in others it tends to enter the deeper lymphatics at once, the difference being due to merely physical factors determined by skin texture. Normal flow along the skin lymphatics is rapid even when the body is at rest, dye introduced into the skin of the resting forearm reaching the axilla within a few minutes. The observations make plain the fact that every intradermal injection is an intralymphatic one, often preponderantly such, while furthermore every local injection into the skin becomes within a few minutes a general one, so rapidly is the introduced material transported to the blood. The normal permeability of the skin lymphatics of man is approximately the same as that of the mouse. Tests indicate that in both instances the lymphatic wall behaves like a semipermeable membrane. The permeability of the human lymphatic wall like that of the mouse is subject to rapid and great changes. A stroke on the skin with a blunt instrument to produce a wheal, causes the lymphatic capillaries to become so permeable temporarily that dyes pass through their walls as if practically no barrier existed, instead of being held back for a greater or less period. Slight inflammation due to heat, ultraviolet light or bacterial products has a similar effect. So, too, has histamine. When fluid pours rapidly into the tissue from the blood, as when a wheal is formed, the lymphatics are compressed and their efficiency as drainage channels is interfered with. These facts are briefly discussed in their bearing upon skin phenomena in general. The lymphatics cannot be disregarded in considering such phenomena, in which it is plain that they have a large share.
Anomalous rectifying properties of `diazepam-insensitive' GABAA receptors

Studies using recombinant systems indicate that 'diazepam-insensitive' GABA(A) receptors in the central nervous system contain alpha4 and alpha6 subunits while 'diazepam-sensitive' GABA(A) receptors contain alpha1, alpha2, alpha3 and alpha5 subunits. Both native and recombinant diazepam-sensitive GABA(A) receptors typically exhibit large, outwardly rectifying currents. For example, in patch clamp studies, Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK) 293 cells transfected with cDNAs encoding alpha1beta2gamma2 subunits exhibit a rectification ratio (I +60 mV/I -60 mV) of 1.95 +/- 0.21. However, anomalous rectification was observed in recombinant diazepam-insensitive GABA(A) receptors composed of either alpha4beta2gamma2 (rectification ratio, 0.74 +/- 0.09) or alpha6beta2gamma2 (rectification ratio, 0.67 +/- 0.11) subunits. Based on sequence differences between diazepam-sensitive and -insensitive GABA(A) receptor alpha subunits in the vicinity of the putative channel lining, a point mutation was introduced at His273 on the alpha4 subunit. The rectification ratio in cells expressing a mutated alpha4(Asn273)beta2gamma2 receptor increased to 1.92 +/- 0.17. Moreover, mutation of the homologous residue in the alpha1 subunit to histidine reduced the rectification ratio of alpha1(His274)beta2gamma2 to 1.02 +/- 0.12. The affinities of benzodiazepine site ligands at diazepam-sensitive and -insensitive GABA(A) receptors were unaffected by these mutations. Thus, the electrophysiological properties of diazepam-sensitive and -insensitive GABA(A) receptors may be as divergent as their pharmacological characteristics.
Liquid Flow Analysis in Porous Media for Large Vapor Chamber With Multiple Heat Sources

The increasing addition of hot components on a single module comes with the challenge to cool the module. The cooling challenges are due to the presence of hot spots and the reduce space for attaching heat sinks to each component. The proposed cooling solution for a multi-chip module is a single vapor chamber shared amongst the multiple heat sources. Designing an application-optimized vapor chamber requires detailed understanding of the different processes occurring, including heat transfer by conduction, two-phase heat transfer, and fluid mechanics in porous media. In this work, a relatively large module with many heat sources is considered. We present a case of two 100W heat sources surrounded by eight heat sources of 10W each. We explore different configurations and their capillary limitations for a vapor chamber (110 mm × 110 mm). We present the comparison of numerical results using two point flux approximation method, CFD model, and a simplified model using potential flow theory to represent flow in the porous media. Results are used to analyze the capillarity limitation of the large vapor chamber in delivering liquid flow to heat source locations for steady state.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
RFID Diffusion in Apparel Retail: How Consumer Interest and Knowledge Lead to Acceptance

This section will begin with a general state of mass customization approaches using body scanning and RFID technologies. Then, consumer interaction with these technologies will be explored by discussing selected research studies. Finally, the methods and results from the empirical study we conducted about consumer perceptions of body scanning and RFID technologies and applications will be presented and discussed.
Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition induces oxidative stress and decreases intracellular glutathione to reduce survival of human B lymphoma/leukemia cells

18522 We recently reported that inhibition of Cox-2 reduced human B-CLL proliferation and survival. Herein, we investigated the mechanisms whereby a small molecule Cox-2 selective inhibitor (SC-581...
On-chip aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) formation, consequential self-mixing, and their influence on drop-to-drop aqueous two-phase extraction kinetics

Aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) allow an advantageous aqueous two-phase extraction process (ATPE), a special type of liquid–liquid extraction. Compared with conventional liquid–liquid extraction using aqueous/organic extraction media, ATPE is known to provide relatively easy mass transfer and a gentle environment for biological separation applications. Considering the recent interest in microscale ATPE, we aimed to study (i) the potential of preparing ATPS droplets on a digital microfluidic device, and (ii) the influence of the fluidic dynamics created during the formation of ATPS, with the goal of enhancing on-chip ATPE process. On-chip ATPS formation was evaluated by preparing a series of ATPSs on electrowetting on dielectric digital microfluidic chips and comparing their characteristics with the same ATPSs prepared at macroscale using conventional procedures. An enhanced on-chip drop-to-drop ATPE process was achieved by incorporating a self-mixing condition created during ATPSformation. Results indicate a successful on-chip ATPS preparation as well as enhanced extraction performance by self-mixing in the absence of forced mixing. Findings of this research suggest an alternative, simple, yet adequate technique to provide mixing for on-chip applications, such as sample preparation in portable microfluidics, for which it is unfavorable to implement complicated mixing sequences or complex device geometries.
Relationship between submicron ash aerosol characteristics and ash deposit compositions and formation rates during air- and oxy-coal combustion

Abstract Deposition of ash on heat transfer surfaces is a major factor in determining boiler performance. Deposits so formed consist of tightly bound “inside” deposits close to the heat transfer surface and loosely bound “outer” deposits that are easily dislodged. This paper describes research focusing on both the composition of inner and outer deposits, and also on the rate of deposition of the inner deposit layer. Presented are selected results from a wide ranging study concerned with mechanisms governing the formation of fouling deposits during air and oxy-coal combustion in a 100 kW test rig. The primary focus is on establishing a relationship between the size segregated composition of the coal ash aerosol, and the spatially resolved composition of the deposit layer, and this is accomplished by experimentation that addresses the impacts of conversion from air-firing to oxy-firing. Experiments involved three different coals (Powder River Basin or PRB, Illinois and a 60/40 Blend of Illinois and PRB), each burned under air- and oxy-coal combustion conditions. Data for the PRB coal suggested that changes in the composition of the inner deposit layer were caused by variations in sub-micron aerosol compositions, but that these occurred only when there were significant changes in flame temperature. An increase of the latter also led to increasing submicron particle concentrations and deposition rates. Although both aerosol and deposit compositions depended greatly on coal compositions, rates of deposition of the inner deposit layer correlate linearly with the concentration of the submicron aerosol in the flue gas, for all three coals, and under all air- and oxy-firing conditions for which data are available. This result suggests the amount rather than the (variable) composition of the submicron aerosol is important. There was no correlation between deposition rates and total ash concentrations.
Modeling of Fracture Behaviours of Ultrasonically Welded Cu-Cu Joints Under Different Loading Conditions

A lithium-ion battery pack for electric vehicles may consist of several hundreds of battery cells joined together. Each cell contains joints of multiple thin sheets of electrodes of different conductive materials such as nickel coated copper, copper and / or aluminum. These within-cell and cell-to-cell joints must withstand static and dynamic mechanical loading. Determination of their maximum loading capacity is a very important task in order to predict the life of a battery pack. The standard procedure is to apply mechanical tests, such as lap shear and pull test to each joint. This procedure is time consuming and costly. There is a strong interest nowadays in developing validated models which can predict the actual behavior of the joints under different loadings and the associated failure modes. In this paper, two finite element models are developed to predict the strength of ultrasonically welded two-, three- and four layer joints of 0.2 mm thickness copper tabs with a 1mm thickness busbar. These models have the ability to predict three modes of failure of these joints depending on the weld quality, e.g., interfacial fracture, combined interfacial-circumferential fracture, and circumferential failure. These models are experimentally validated with very good agreement between experimental and predicted results.Copyright © 2015 by ASME and General Motors
Stress and dress: investigating the relationship between social anxiety and appearance management among gay and straight men.

Abstract This research project explores the relationship between social anxiety and appearance management behaviors (AMB), including both routine and non-routine, among gay and straight men and women. Prior research had found links between AMB and stress (Reilly & Rudd, 2002), stress and (perceived) discrimination (Lee, 1997; Savin-Williams, 1994), and sexual orientation and weight (Brand, Rothblum, & Solom, 1992). An argument is made that links stress with AMB using the foundation of Social Comparison Theory (Festinger, 1954) as a guide. Research questions investigated were: (1) Is there a correlation between stress and AMB; (2) Is there a significant difference between body mass indices of men and women of differing sexual orientations; (3) How do AMB differ between those with gay and straight orientations; and (4) How do AMB differ between men and women? Using a survey design, a questionnaire was posted on the Internet. Measures included the Rudd/Lennon Appearance Management Scale of Routine and Risky ...
The effects of dimensional parameters on sensing and energy harvesting of an embedded PZT in a total knee replacement

Total Knee Replacement (TKR), one of the most common surgeries in the United States, is performed when the patient is experiencing significant amounts of pain or when knee functionality has become substantially degraded. Despite impressive recent developments, only about 85% of patients are satisfied with the pain reduction after one year. Therefore, structural health and performance monitoring are integral for intraoperative and postoperative feedback. In extension of the author's previous work, a new configuration for implementation of piezoelectric transducers in total knee replacement bearings is proposed and FEA modeling is performed to attain appropriate sensing and energy harvesting ability. The predicted force transmission ratio to the PZT (ratio of force applied to the bearing to force transferred to the embedded piezoelectric transducer) is about 6.2% compared to about 5% found for the previous encapsulated design. Dimensional parameters of the polyethylene bearing including the diameter and depth of the PZT pocket as well as the placement geometry of the PZT transducer within the bearing are hypothesized as the most influential parameters on the performance of the designed system. The results show a small change of 1% and 2.3% in the output of the system as a result of variation in the PZT location and pocket diameter, respectively. Whereas, the output of the system is significantly sensitive to the pocket depth; a pocket 0.01 mm deeper than the PZT transducer leads to no force transmission, and a pocket 0.15 mm shallower leads to full load transmission to the PZT. In order to develop a self-powered sensor, the amount of energy harvested from tibial forces for the proposed geometry is investigated.
Attention Deficits Following Adem Relieved by Guanfacine

Neuroscientists at the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, London, UK report the case of a 38-year-old male with severe deficits in arousal and sustained attention, associated with hemispatial neglect, secondary to acute disseminated encephalomyelitis.
Videoconferencing for Teens With Diabetes: Family Matters.

Background:Adolescence is a developmental period associated with increased difficulty managing diabetes. During adolescence family functioning, including miscarried helping, family conflict, and acceptance of illness, is an important predictor of adherence to treatment recommendations. Multiple barriers exist to receiving behavioral health interventions to address suboptimal adherence. We hypothesized that behavioral family systems therapy–diabetes (BFST-D) delivered via telehealth would yield changes in family functioning that were not significantly different than changes in clinic-based treatment. Furthermore, that BFST-D would significantly improve overall family functioning.Methods:Ninety adolescent participants and their parents were randomized to receive BFST-D via telehealth or traditional (Clinic) treatment conditions. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to assess changes in mean scores across pre, post, and follow-up assessments. Mediation analyses were conducted using methods outlined by Sobel an...
Characterization of Amyloid Beta Vaccination Strategies in Mice

A beta amyloid (Aβ) peptide vaccine can decrease brain Aβ deposition as well as partially protect against memory loss in a transgenic mouse model for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) that expresses human amyloid precursor protein (APP) and presenilin-1 (PS-1). Current information indicates that antibodies elicited by this vaccine probably mediate the protective effect, although the precise mechanism of action for these antibodies has not yet been established. One of our major interests has been the more extensive characterization of the Aβ vaccine, as well as developing methods for optimizing and maximizing this vaccine strategy. Optimization is important since we have observed that at least three vaccinations with the Aβ peptide vaccine were needed to elicit a significant antibody response. Also, a less robust antibody response to the Aβ vaccine was noted in older animals (i.e., 23 months of age) than in younger animals (4 and 15 months of age).
Summarizing Multimedia Content

Today multimedia content comprising both text and images is growing at a rapid pace. There has been a body of work to summarize text content, but to the best of our knowledge, no method has been developed to summarize multimedia content. We propose two methods for summarizing multimedia content. Our novel approach explicitly recognizes two desirable, normative characteristics of a summary - good coverage and diversity of the respective text and images, and that text and images should be coherent with each other. Two methods are examined - graph based and a modification to the submodular approach. Moreover, we propose a metric to measure the quality of a multimedia summary which captures coverage and diversity of text and images as well as coherence between the text and images in the summary. We experimentally demonstrate that the proposed methods achieve good quality multimedia summaries.
Effect Size for Token Economy Use in Contemporary Classroom Settings: A Meta-Analysis of Single-Case Research

Abstract Recent meta-analyses of the effectiveness of token economies (TEs) report insufficient quality in the research or mixed effects in the results. This study examines the contemporary (post-Public Law 94-142) peer-reviewed published single-case research evaluating the effectiveness of TEs. The results are stratified across quality of demonstrated functional relationship using a nonparametric effect size (ES) that controls for undesirable baseline trends in the analysis. In addition, moderators (i.e., classroom setting, age of participant, outcomes, use of response cost, and use of verbal cueing) were analyzed. Eighty-eight AB phase contrasts were calculated from 28 studies (1980–2014) representing 90 participants and produced a weighted mean ES of 0.82 (SE = 0.03, 95% CI [0.77, 0.88]). Strong quality produced a combined weighted mean ES of 0.85 (SE = 0.642, 95% CI [0.74, 0.97]). Moderator analyses revealed that a TE was slightly more effective for youth between the ages of 6 and 15 years than for ch...
Intestinal Transplant in Children

The past decade has seen major advances in the field of transplantation; it is the treatment of choice for many with intestinal failure. One-year mortality from pediatric intestinal transplantation has significantly declined, from 30% to 10% to 15% nationally, mainly due to a multidisciplinary approach in transplant centers. Pediatric age carries special considerations along the spectrum of care that continue to cause challenges but also offers growth opportunities. Pediatric intestinal transplantation indications and timing are changing as a result of new developments in diagnostic and treatment tools. This article reviews updates on pediatric intestinal transplantation and highlights future directions.
Clinical Relevance of microRNA Expressions in Breast Cancer Validated Using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA).

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in the carcinogenesis and progression of breast cancer. MiRNA-205 has tumor suppressive properties, whereas miRNA-18a has both oncogenic and tumor suppressive roles. MiRNA-744’s role in breast cancer is unknown but is tumor-suppressive in vitro. We hypothesize that high expression of all three miRNAs is associated with a better survival based on their known functions in breast cancer. All data was obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Expression patterns of miRNA-18a, miRNA-205, and miRNA-744 were retrieved from the Genomic Data Commons (GDC) data portal for analyses. After miRNA-specific thresholds were derived and used to group the patients into a high- or low-expression group, survival data was calculated by using the Cox proportional hazard model. Further subanalyses separating the patients based on receptor status and AJCC 7th edition TNM staging were similarly compared. In total, 1,052 of 1,097 samples logged in TCGA had clinical data and miRNA-sequence datasets on the miRNAs of interest. High expression of miRNA-18a (p = 0.079), miRNA-205 (p = 0.034), and miRNA-744 (p = 0.0135) was associated with better survival. On subanalysis, estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, progesterone receptor (PR)-positive, and lymph node-negative disease had a statistically significant survival advantage with miRNA-18a, miRNA-205, and miRNA-744 high expression. By utilizing a big dataset (TCGA) with sufficient statistical power, we found that high expression of miRNA-18a, miRNA-205, and miRNA-744 in the breast tumor samples were all associated with better overall survival in ER/PR-positive, lymph node-negative disease supporting their role as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer.