cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bio-inspired shape memory alloy actuated hexapod robot

This work presents the design and testing of a shape memory alloy and spring steel flexure actuator for use in a meso-scale, 18 degree of freedom hexapod. The paper discusses the general hexapod body design as well as a detailed design of the joints, actuators, and control methods of the individual hexapod legs. The performances of the control methods and of the hexapod legs are presented and discussed. Based on this measured performance, the expected rates of movement for different gaits are given. Other work on SMA actuated walking robots differs in scale or environment. In the field of walking robots the use of SMA as an actuator is mainly limited to micro-scale applications, in which we consider robots measuring less than 5 cm in any dimension micro-scale. This work seeks to demonstrate that actuation with SMA is also possible and worthwhile at the meso-scale of robotics, the proposed robot measuring roughly 45 centimeters. A notable meso-scale SMA actuated walking robot, the RoboLobster, differs from this work in intended environment. The RoboLobster, designed to operate in shallow ocean water, benefits from its environment through cooling for the SMA actuators which improves cycle time (Ayers [1]). This robot also differs in leg number, possessing eight legs over the six of a hexapod. A final group of meso-scale walking robots, hexapods and otherwise, are actuated by smart materials other than shape memory alloys, including piezoelectric actuators (Goldfarb [2], Yumayanto [3]).
Microinjector for use in the autoradiographic neuroanatomical tracing method.

Abstract A simple microinjector is described for use in making stereotaxic placements of minute quantities of labeled precursor in the CNS. The instrument is used in conjunction with a Hamilton microsyringe and standard stereotaxic electrode carriers. It is capable of delivering volumes as small as 0.05 μl with a high degree of accuracy and repeatability.
Trickle-Down Technology? The Use of Computing and Network Technology in State Legislative Campaigns

Does a lag effect exist in the integration of technology into state legislative campaigns? Have state legislative campaigns followed the example of congressional campaigns and become users of voter files, web sites, and other forms of electronic voter communication? Using a survey of state legislative candidates in two states from the 2006 election cycle, the author probes candidates on their use of 18 technological elements. Legislative professionalism, party affiliation, professionalism of a campaign, and money raised were not significantly related to technology use in campaigns. And technology is not in widespread use for elections to state houses. Campaign success is strongly related to the use of online fund-raising, suggesting an incentive for candidates in the future to become more aggressive users of technology.
Cytochrome P450 2E1 expression induces hepatocyte resistance to cell death from oxidative stress.

Increased expression of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) occurs in alcoholic liver disease, and leads to the hepatocellular generation of toxic reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI). Oxidative stress created by CYP2E1 overexpression may promote liver cell injury by sensitizing hepatocytes to oxidant-induced damage from Kupffer cell-produced ROI or cytokines. To determine the effect of CYP2E1 expression on the hepatocellular response to injury, stably transfected hepatocytes expressing increased (S-CYP15) and decreased (AN-CYP10) levels of CYP2E1 were generated from the rat hepatocyte line RALA255-10G. S-CYP15 cells had increased levels of CYP2E1 as demonstrated by Northern blot analysis, immunoblotting, catalytic activity, and increased cell sensitivity to death from acetaminophen. Death in S-CYP15 cells was significantly decreased relative to that in AN-CYP10 cells following treatment with hydrogen peroxide and the superoxide generator menadione. S-CYP15 cells underwent apoptosis in response to these ROI, wher...
Needle localization of small pediatric tumors for surgical biopsy.

Background. Small pediatric tumors may be difficult to biopsy or resect. Objective. To examine the benefits of needle localization of a variety of small pediatric tumors before surgical biopsy or excision. Materials and methods. Seven patients aged 1–19 years underwent 12 procedures for needle localization of suspected tumor. Two patients had undergone previous biopsies without needle localization with negative results. Computed tomography (four patients) or ultrasonography (three patients) guided needle placement. Each patient had suspected tumor(s) in 1–3 anatomical sites, including thigh (7), lung (2), parasacral region (2), and iliac bone (1). Results. All 12 lesions (9 less than 1 cm3 in volume) were successfully localized for excision or biopsy. Three small (<1 cm3) soft-tissue lesions (two ganglioneuroblastomas and one ganglioneuroma) were excised from one patient, a 0.65-cm3 residual soft-tissue sarcoma from another; and recurrent bilateral teratomas from a third. Two peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors were excised with positive margins from a fourth patient. Two lesions contained only fibrosis, as determined by histopathology. Two other patients underwent thoracoscopic removal of lung metastases that were less than 0.1 cm3. Conclusion. Needle localization allows effective and less invasive excision or biopsy of a variety of small pediatric soft-tissue lesions.
Growth and Growth Hormone. III. Growth Hormone Release in Children with Primary Hypothyroidism and Thyrotoxicosis1

ABSTRACT Growth hormone release was assessed utilizing insulin-induced hypoglycemia and arginine infusion in 13 children with primary hypothyroidism and in 10 patients with thyrotoxicosis. In the hypothyroid group there were 6 blunted and 7 normal responses, with a mean peak concentration of serum growth hormone (SGH) of 7.9 ng/ml which differed significantly from the controls (p<.02). The hypothyroid patients also exhibited a delayed peak in SGH compared to normal subjects. There was no correlation between the severity or duration of the hypothyroidism and growth hormone response. It was shown that thyroid deficiency is inconstantly associated with an abnormal growth hormone response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia and arginine infusion which was reversible after treatment with thyroid hormone. The impaired growth hormone release found in some patients with primary hypothyroidism may be indistinguishable from that observed in hypo pituitary subjects. The growth hormone response in the group of children w...
Rediscovering Froebel: A Call to Re-examine his Life & Gifts

This article examines the life of Friedrich Froebel, the founder of the kindergarten movement and his first 10 “gifts to children.” The author suggests that Froebel’s philosophy of German Romanticism caused the waning use of his methods. He continues to state that Froebel’s development of instructional material and structured play-based curricula is worth re-examining during this time for greater accountability and expectation for the early academic success of children.
Managerial risk factors for intramammary coagulase-positive staphylococci in Ohio dairy herds

Abstract A stratified random sample of Ohio dairy herds was studied to relate herd management and environmental conditions to intramammary infection with coagulase-positive staphylococci. Management and environmental conditions were assessed by investigator observation and by interview with the diary producers. Separate analyses for each of 70 management and environmental independent variables identified many potential disease determinants. A logistic regression model used five model degrees of freedom to predict the prevalence of coagulase-positive staphylococci in more than 1% of quarters. Increased risk of infection with coagulase-positive staphylococci was associated with dirty udders, high-line milking systems, and less crowded housing conditions. Decreased risk of infection was associated with a herd size of 50–100 cows.
Nitrosamine formation from interaction of isosorbide dinitrate and hydroxyzine HCl, a tertiary amine.

Abstract The interaction of two drugs—isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) and hydroxyzine hydrochloride (HZ), a tertiary amine—was studied in vitro, under conditions simulating those found in the stomach, to determine if nitrosamines are formed. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to monitor the latter compounds. We found that, in the presence of sodium nitrite, HZ undergoes oxidative cleavage and nitrosation, forming three nitrosamine compounds, N-(4-chlorophenyl)benzyl]-N′-nitro-sopiperazine (A), N′-[2-(2′-hydroxyethoxy)ethyl]-N′-nitrosopiperazine (B), and N, N′-dinitrosopiperazine (C). However, when ISDN (0.8 g) and HZ (2.0 g) were incubated together for 1 hr, only N-[α-(4-chlorophenyl)benzyl]-N′-nitrosopiperazine (A) was recovered. Although preparations of HZ contain (A) as an impurity, the quantity is trivial (0.5 ng/mg drug), and the bulk of the material detected is formed by interaction of ISDN with HZ. Because some individuals may ingest isosorbide dinitrate and hydroxyzine HCl, or analogous combinations, over a period of years, the risk posed by this type of drug interaction should be determined.
Scientific support for space interferometry

In the two years since the last SPIE meeting on this topic there has been much activity in both ground and space based interferometry. I review those developments, I also summarize the Strawman Science Proposal prepared by the Space Interferometry Science Working Group as a gauge for evaluating the AIM instrument proposals. I then review the recent discovery of the disk structure in M106 using radio interferometry. As an example of where we want to go with optical interferometry, the M106 case argues for infrared capabilities, significant fields of view, and the availability of auxiliary instruments, e.g. spectrographs, in the imaging focal plane.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Synthesis of Carboxylic Acid Monolayers by Ozonolysis of 10-Undecenyltrichlorosilane SAMs

A high-yield method has been developed for the production of carboxyl-terminated alkylsiloxane monolayers on silicon using the ozonolysis and hydrolysis of 10-undecenyltrichlorosilane self-assemble...
Use of an axisymmetric finite element method to compare maxillary bone variables for a loaded implant.

Purpose This study determined the effect of various bone models on the stresses and strains generated under occlusal loading of a dental implant. Materials and Methods A two-dimensional finite-element model was created for stress analysis. The geometric and elastic properties of a 3.8 × 10-mm Steri-Oss implant embedded in a segment of premaxilla were modeled. Computed tomography scanning of a dried maxilla half was used to determine representative geometry and density of this region. Material properties for bone were varied to simulate the following: all-cancellous bone, cancellous bone with a thin (1.5-mm) crestal isotropic cortical layer, cancellous bone with a thick (3-mm) crestal isotropic cortical layer, and cancellous bone with a thick (3-mm) layer of transversely isotropic (orthotropic) cortical bone. Results Low stresses and high strains surrounded the fixture apex for the all-cancellous bone model. When a layer of cortical bone was added, higher crestal stresses and lower apical strains were observed. The thicker layer of isotropic cortical bone produced stresses at least 50% less than the thinner layer. The assumption of transverse isotropy (orthotropy) increased stresses and strains by approximately 25% compared with isotropic bone. Conclusions Crestal cortical layer thickness and bone isotropy have a substantial impact on resultant stresses and strains. Clinical assessment of these parameters is recommended.
Optic-mode coupling in ferroelectric gadolinium molybdate☆

Abstract Separate measurements of the A1(TO) and A1(LO) Raman spectra of ferroelectric gadolinium molybdate at 80°K and above have elucidated the origin of the anomalous temperature dependence of the two lowest frequency lines in the A1(TO) spectrum. The observed behavior is postulated to be the result of coupling among modes at 44.5, 51.5, and 83 cm−1 (at 80°K). The 44.5 and 83 cm−1 modes become the degenerate, soft zone-boundary modes of the paraelectric phase while the 51.5 cm−1 mode changes to B2 symmetry. The two lowest frequency lines are the same as those observed previously in i.r. absorption.
Receptor-mediated enhancement of beta adrenergic drug activity by ascorbate in vitro and in vivo.

Rationale Previous in vitro research demonstrated that ascorbate enhances potency and duration of activity of agonists binding to alpha 1 adrenergic and histamine receptors.
Management of Mild Aortic Stenosis at the Time of Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: Should the Valve Be Replaced?

Background General consensus favors aortic valve replacement (AVR) for patients with moderate aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG); however, the management of similar patients with mild AS is controversial. We therefore investigated such patients to determine incremental risk of concomitant AVR, progression of AS among those undergoing CABG alone, and operative risk of AVR after prior CABG. Methods Between January 1993 and December 2003, 316 consecutive patients with mild AS (mean gradient >15, Results The operative mortality was 3.7% for CABG only and 4.3% for CABG plus AVR ( p = 1). Survival at a mean of 5.4 ± 3.6 years was similar. Multivariate predictors of late mortality included comorbid illnesses (Charlson comorbidity score and age-weighted summary of diseases; p = 0.001), small body surface area ( p = 0.001), low ejection fraction ( p = 0.007), preoperative permanent pacemaker ( p = 0.04), and congestive heart failure ( p = 0.046), but not AVR. Twenty-three CABG-only patients (21%) underwent subsequent AVR (mean 5.6 ± 1.8 years) without mortality. Aortic valve replacement at the time of initial CABG ( p p = 0.02) were multivariate predictors of freedom from reoperation. Conclusions Prophylactic AVR for mild AS at CABG does not confer a survival benefit, and the likelihood of requiring AVR after CABG alone is low in the first 5 years. The decision to intervene on the valve is critically dependent upon the incremental operative risk imposed by concomitant AVR and late survival.
Presynaptic and Postsynaptic Effects of Lead at the Frog Neuromuscular Junction

LEAD has long been known to be toxic to animals and humans, with some of its effects being attributable to actions on the neuromuscular system1,2. Since several other polyvalent cations have potent effects on neuromuscular transmission3–19, the question arose as to whether one of the manifestations of lead toxicity might be an interference with neuromuscular transmission. Answers to this question might elucidate some mechanisms of lead toxicity and, at the same time, improve our understanding of junctional transmission. This report shows that lead influences both pre and postsynaptic events in neuromuscular transmission with the presynaptic ones being most sensitive.
The influence of commercial energy shots on response time and power output in recreational cyclists

Caffeine based energy shot products accounted for $1.3 billion in sales in 2011. Caffeine has been shown to confer numerous benefits during exercise and is oftentimes combined with ingredients such as carbohydrates and taurine in the hope of further performance improvement. The purpose of this project was to compare auditory response time, power output, and physiological responses between the ingestion of a CHO, PRO, caffeine supplement (CPC), a caffeine-taurine-niacin based supplement (CTN), and a placebo (PL) in commercially formulated products that make claims as to improving performance. Fourteen subjects cycled an interval exercise of 70% VO2max for 13 minutes and 90% of VO2max for two minutes for a total of 120 minutes which was then followed by a six-minute power output (PO) task. Subjects ingested a total of 45 g CHO, 7.5 g PRO, and 375 mg caffeine for CPC while 512 mg caffeine and 1200 mg taurine were ingested for CTN throughout the exercise. The treatments were administered in a double blind, randomly assigned protocol. Response time was assessed by auditory response. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Average PO was significantly greater for CPC: 309 ± 60 W than CTN: 290 ± 57 W and PL: 282 ± 63 W. Response time was significantly faster for the CPC: 0.219 ± .049 s than CTN: 0.232 ± .060 s and PL: 0.228 ± .047 s. HR was significantly greater for CTN: 143 ± 16 bpm than CPC: 139 ± 16 bpm. RPE was significantly lower for CPC: 13.0 ± 1.7 than CTN: 13.5 ± 1.2 and PL: 13.8 ± 1.9. Blood glucose was greater for CPC: 5.5 ± 0.8 mM/L than CTN: 4.9 ± 0.7 mM/L and PL: 4.6 ± 1.1 mM/L. No significant differences were observed for RER. The co-ingestion of CPC improved both cycling power output and auditory response time following 2 hours of moderate and high intensity interval cycling compared to CTN and PL. It is possible that the CPC treatment conferred not only a positive peripheral effect, but also a central effect. Even with a large caffeine dose, the combination of caffeine, taurine, niacin led to an inhibitory pattern which did not improve power output or response time performances over a PL.
The Centrality of Engagement in Higher Education

The centrality of engagement is critical to the success of higher education in the future. Engagement is essential to most effec tively achieving the overall purpose of the university, which is focused on the knowledge enterprise. Today’s engagement is scholarly, is an aspect of learning and discovery, and enhances society and higher education. Undergirding today’s approach to community engagement is the understanding that not all knowledge and expertise resides in the academy, and that both expertise and great learning opportunities in teaching and schol arship also reside in non-academic settings. By recommitting to their societal contract, public and land-grant universities can fulfill their promise as institutions that produce knowledge that benefits society and prepares students for productive citizenship in a democratic society. This new engagement also posits a new framework for scholarship that moves away from emphasizing products to emphasizing impact.
INCREASED SIZE EXCLUSION LIMIT2 Encodes a Putative DEVH Box RNA Helicase Involved in Plasmodesmata Function during Arabidopsis Embryogenesis

Here, we characterize the Arabidopsis thaliana embryo-defective mutant increased size exclusion limit2 (ise2). In contrast with wild-type embryos, ise2 mutants continue to traffic 10-kD fluorescent dextran in the mid-torpedo stage of development. ise2 embryos contain branched as well as simple plasmodesmata (PD) compared with wild-type embryos, which only contain simple PD. Positional cloning reveals that the ISE2 gene encodes a putative DEVH box RNA helicase that shares sequence homology with RNA helicases involved in RNA degradation pathways in other organisms. ISE2 localizes to granule-like structures in the cytoplasm. These granules increase in number when plant cells are stressed. These features are characteristic of stress granules (SGs) in mammalian cells, suggesting that ISE2 granules represent plant-specific SGs. Genetic data demonstrate that the ISE2 helicase is involved in posttranscriptional gene silencing and the determination of cell fate. These data together suggest that ISE2 function affects PD structure and function through the regulation of RNA metabolism and consequent gene expression.
The influence of ethical attitudes on the demand for environmental recreation: incorporating lexicographic preferences

Abstract This article examines the relationships between different ethical attitudes toward environmental quality and the ‘use’ values obtained from the environment. In particular, we consider individuals who have duty-based ethical attitudes that lead to lexicographic preferences for environmental quality. We show that individuals with duty-based ethical attitudes have recreation demand functions that are ‘kinked,’ exhibiting perfectly inelastic behavior over some range of income. However, the kinks cannot be identified from typical cross-sectional data, and to the extent that observed recreation demand for these individuals differs from those with neoclassical preferences, such differences could be captured empirically through a proxy variable that measures ethical attitudes. A more fundamental issue is that changes in welfare for duty-based individuals cannot be determined from their estimated demand function: while an exogenous rise in environmental quality is likely to increase the demand for recreation by these individuals, additional recreation is not the reason for an improvement in well-being. An empirical model to identify the effect of ethical attitudes on recreation is illustrated using survey data on stated preferences for visits to urban parks.
Sustained cardiac remodeling after a short-term very low calorie diet in type 2 diabetes mellitus

A very low calorie diet (VLCD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) results in cardiac remodeling and improved diastolic function. It is unknown how long these effects sustain after reintroduction of a regular diet.
PAK–PIX interactions regulate adhesion dynamics and membrane protrusion to control neurite outgrowth

The roles of P21-activated kinase (PAK) in the regulation of axon outgrowth downstream of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins are poorly understood. Here we show that PAK1–3 and PIX are expressed in the developing spinal cord and differentially localize to point contacts and filopodial tips within motile growth cones. Using a specific interfering peptide called PAK18, we found that axon outgrowth is robustly stimulated on laminin by partial inhibition of PAK–PIX interactions and PAK function, whereas complete inhibition of PAK function stalls axon outgrowth. Furthermore, modest inhibition of PAK–PIX stimulates the assembly and turnover of growth cone point contacts, whereas strong inhibition over-stabilizes adhesions. Point mutations within PAK confirm the importance of PIX binding. Together our data suggest that regulation of PAK–PIX interactions in growth cones controls neurite outgrowth by influencing the activity of several important mediators of actin filament polymerization and retrograde flow, as well as integrin-dependent adhesion to laminin.
Robust Face Landmark Estimation under Occlusion

Human faces captured in real-world conditions present large variations in shape and occlusions due to differences in pose, expression, use of accessories such as sunglasses and hats and interactions with objects (e.g. food). Current face landmark estimation approaches struggle under such conditions since they fail to provide a principled way of handling outliers. We propose a novel method, called Robust Cascaded Pose Regression (RCPR) which reduces exposure to outliers by detecting occlusions explicitly and using robust shape-indexed features. We show that RCPR improves on previous landmark estimation methods on three popular face datasets (LFPW, LFW and HELEN). We further explore RCPR's performance by introducing a novel face dataset focused on occlusion, composed of 1,007 faces presenting a wide range of occlusion patterns. RCPR reduces failure cases by half on all four datasets, at the same time as it detects face occlusions with a 80/40% precision/recall.
Dynamic key management for secure routing in LCMRMG MANET

We present a secure key management scheme for the locality caching multi-root multi-generation (LCMRMG) MANET routing algorithm (W. Peng et al., 2003). The proposed scheme is fully distributed, flexible in secure share distribution, and scalable well to large MANET. The scheme takes advantage of the multi-root nature of LCMRMG and successfully integrates public key, certification and threshold technologies. Our simulation has proven that the proposed scheme is indeed secure, robust, efficient, and scalable
Plasma and energetic particle observations in Jupiter's deep tail near the magnetopause

Jupiter's nightside magnetosphere stretches out into an extensive magnetotail. New Horizons observed continuously over 1 AU down Jupiter's tail, far more than any other spacecraft. Previously, Voyager 2 showed signatures of the tail as far as 4 AU distance from Jupiter. We combine data from New Horizons' charged particle instruments: Solar Wind Around Pluto, measuring plasma ions (21–7800 eV/Q), and Pluto Energetic Particle Spectrometer Science Investigation, measuring energetic ions and electrons (0.03–1.6 MeV). The magnetosheath is clearly distinguished from the magnetotail, owing to more plasma ions. They are often separated by a boundary layer with intermediate properties at plasma energies but resemblance to the magnetotail at higher energies. Compared to the tail, the sheath contains on average more energetic protons and helium ions (potential solar wind origin) and fewer energetic electrons, oxygen, and sulfur ions (latter two of magnetospheric origin). The difference between tail and sheath for energetic ions and electrons is less pronounced than for plasma ions, which may result from particle exchange. We have ruled out that this is due to gyroradius. Energetic ion count rate enhancements with velocity dispersion cross between tail, boundary layer, and sheath. This indicates occasional magnetic connections since the enhancements are interpreted as particles following magnetic flux tubes. The deep tail magnetic field is therefore not entirely separated from the solar wind. Brief magnetic connection will mostly allow the fastest particles to cross, in agreement with the observations. Most dispersed enhancements include sulfur ions consistent with an origin near Jupiter's X line. We found one event of mostly protons, indicating an origin at larger distances.
Efficiency wages and classical wage theory

In The General Theory, John Maynard Keynes lumped together the marginalist and neoclassical economics of the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries and the more narrowly defined “classical” econom...
A simulation model for homogeneous dispersions in stirred tanks

Abstract A simulation model has been developed to model the drop size distribution of a homogeneous dispersion sustained by turbulent agitation. From a fundamental point of view, the four drop rate processes of drop coalescence, drop breakage, drop movement into, and drop movement out of a control volume were recognized. This simulation algorithm deals with the interactions of the four drop rate processes by following representative drops and using Monte Carlo techniques to simulate the processes. Thus, the shortcomings of previous simulation techniques have been eliminated. Compatibility of this simulation model with the population balance equation is also illustrated. The model is corroborated with experimental data of drop size probability and coalescence frequencies. This simulation model has the potential to model more complicated systems with further modification, and may then be used as a scale-up tool.
A multi-electrode continuous flow microbial fuel cell with separator electrode assembly design

Scaling up microbial fuel cells (MFCs) requires the development of compact reactors with multiple electrodes. A scalable single chamber MFC (130 mL), with multiple graphite fiber brush anodes and a single air-cathode cathode chamber (27 m2/m3), was designed with a separator electrode assembly (SEA) to minimize electrode spacing. The maximum voltage produced in fed-batch operation was 0.65 V (1,000 Ω) with a textile separator, compared to only 0.18 V with a glass fiber separator due to short-circuiting by anode bristles through this separator with the cathode. The maximum power density was 975 mW/m2, with an overall chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal of >90% and a maximum coulombic efficiency (CE) of 53% (50 Ω resistor). When the reactor was switched to continuous flow operation at a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 8 h, the cell voltage was 0.21 ± 0.04 V, with a very high CE = 85%. Voltage was reduced to 0.13 ± 0.03 V at a longer HRT = 16 h due to a lower average COD concentration, and the CE (80%) decreased slightly with increased oxygen intrusion into the reactor per amount of COD removed. Total internal resistance was 33 Ω, with a solution resistance of 2 Ω. These results show that the SEA type MFC can produce stable power and a high CE, making it useful for future continuous flow treatment using actual wastewaters.
Enabling dual-core mode in BlueGene/L: challenges and solutions

BlueGene/L is a massively parallel computer system with 65536 dual-processor compute nodes. The peak performance of BlueGene/L is in excess of 360 TFLOP/s if both processor cores in a node are used for computation. The main challenge of deploying this dual-core mode of operation is that the L1 caches in each core are not hardware coherent. This forces a software-based approach to cache coherence and guides our design of a programming model for dual-core mode. We describe the design, implementation, and performance evaluation of system software for enabling the use of dual-core mode on BlueGene/L. Our preliminary performance results show that our approach to dual-core mode is effective for key numerical kernels.
A pain in her arm: Romantic attachment orientations and the tourniquet task

Prior research has linked attachment anxiety to heightened perceptions of chronic pain. However, few studies have examined attachment and acute pain, and none of these to our knowledge have included partner attachment effects in a dyadic context. Sixty-five healthy undergraduate women to an ischemic pain task in the presence of their romantic partners were exposed. As expected, women’s higher attachment anxiety predicted lower pain thresholds, greater subjective pain, and greater catastrophizing. Higher avoidance was associated with longer pain tolerances and, unexpectedly, lower physiological arousal. More avoidant and more anxious women responded negatively to pain when accompanied by a high anxiety romantic partner. Implications exist for attachment insecurity and hyperactivating emotion regulation strategies as vulnerability factors in coping with pain.
Occupy Public Education: A Community's Struggle for Educational Resources in the Era of Privatization

This case study investigates globalization and its growing impact on public school services to disenfranchised urban communities. Using a combination of periodicals, internal documents, and observations from the author, the research provides a narrative analysis of relations between community leaders of a low-income, Mexican immigrant community and the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) during an act of civil disobedience that brought attention to social justice and public education. The research results stress the importance for social justice advocates to support local leadership development and grassroots activism in marginalized communities. U.S. public educational policy has been guided by corporate interests that have divested from community public schools in favor of opening semi-private, charter schools. For seven years, parents advocated for an expansion of space and resources at a local public school. The failure to reach a compromise between parents and Chicago Public Schools representatives led to t...
Some Results on Reaction Diffusion Equations with Initial Time Difference

In the qualitative study of initial value problems as well as initial boundary value problems, we have been partial to the independent variable in the sense that we only perturb the dependent variable or the space variable and keep the initial time unchanged [1, 2, 3]. However, it is important to vary the initial time as well because it is impossible not to make errors in the starting time. For example, the solutions of the perturbed and unperturbed system may start at different initial time. Also, there are several ways of comparing any two solutions which differ in time. To each choise of measuring the difference, we will end up with different results. Recently, some results are developed for first order ordinary differential equations with initial time difference [4, 5].
Temporal relationship of peripheral vasodilatation, plasma volume expansion and the hyperdynamic circulatory state in portal-hypertensive rats.

Peripheral vasodilatation and plasma volume expansion are required to generate the hyperdynamic circulatory state observed in portal hypertension. To determine which of these factors is the initial event and to assess their temporal relationship with the development of hyperdynamic circulation, we sequentially measured plasma volume (by 125I-albumin dilution), cardiac index (by thermodilution), mean arterial pressure (by catheterization), superior mesenteric and iliac arterial flows (by Doppler flowmetry) and calculated total and regional peripheral resistances in portal-hypertensive rats. Experimental groups were studied from day 1 through day 4 after portial portal-vein ligation (n = 110) or sham operation (n = 111). Decreased total peripheral resistance was detected within a day of portal-vein ligation (4.18 ± 0.21 mm Hg · min · ml−1. ·100 gm vs. 5.19 ± 0.16 mm Hg · min · ml−1 100 gm; p <0.01). Plasma volume increased significantly on day 2 (4.31 ± 0.07 ml · 100 gm−1 vs. 3.86 ± 0.04 ml · 100 gm−1; p <0.05). Cardiac index and regional blood flows increased in parallel with plasma volume elevation. On day 4, maximum values of plasma volume (4.49 ± 0.08 ml · 100 gm−1 vs. 3.73 ± 0.03 ml · 100 gm−1) coincided with fully developed hyperdynamic circulation, as shown by a significant elevation in cardiac index (32.3 ± 0.6 ml · min−1. 100 gm−1 vs. 25.5 ± 1.2 ml · min−1 · 100 gm−1), iliac and mesenteric blood flow. On day 1, vasodilatation was present in the iliac arterial circulation. In contrast, the superior mesenteric artery vascular bed showed vasoconstriction in response to the portal outflow block. Vasodilatation of the superior mesenteric artery bed was delayed until day 4, the time point at which plasma volume is maximally expanded. In portal hypertension, peripheral vasodilatation is the first hemodynamic event in the development of hyperdynamic circulation. Vasodilatation is detectedfirst in the nonsplanchnic circulatory bed and precedes plasma volume expansion, which is then required for the development of the hyperdynamic circulatory state.
Shear strain elastography

In the breast, prostate and other organs increased tissue stiffness is often associated with the presence of disease. While palpation remains widely used, it has limited sensitivity which is highly dependent upon the skill of the clinician. To overcome this and other limitations a variety of automated approaches have been developed in recent years. These techniques generate tissue deformation by applying acoustic radiation force internally, shear waves superficially, or axial compression. In this paper we propose an alternate approach for elasticity imaging. A shear deformation is applied to the tissue surface. Ultrasound images obtained before and after shear application are processed to yield images of shear strain. We tested this method experimentally on custom acrylamide gel phantoms using a Philips SONOS 5500 imaging system. The phantoms consisted of a 5% acrylamide background with 15% acrylamide inclusions. 50 /spl mu/m sephadex spheres were used in the background and inclusion to introduce ultrasonic scattering. 4% shear rates were generated by translating the upper surface of the 5 cm thick phantoms by 2.0 mm. The shear strains observed within the inclusions of each phantom were roughly one third those seen in the background region. As anticipated, little axial deformation was observed. Experimentally obtained shear strain images clearly delineate the inclusions with few artifacts, although some noise is visible. This noise undoubtedly arises from jitter in the lateral displacement estimates. Theoretical analysis suggests that signal decorrelation under lateral shear will be very small. This, coupled with the minimal artifacts visible in the shear strain images may make shear elastography an attractive alternative to techniques.
Postoperative use of continuous passive motion, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and continuous cooling pad following total knee arthroplasty.

Three rehabilitation modalities relating to in-hospital postoperative care following unilateral total knee arthroplasty (UTKA) were studied regarding their effect on pain management and UTKA outcome: (1) continuous passive motion (CPM); (2) CPM with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS); and (3) CPM with continuous cooling pad (CCP). Phase I: CPM. Twenty-two UTKA patients were randomized into two postoperative care groups: (1) 12 with CPM; and (2) 10 with no CPM. Total hospitalization pain medication consumption was significantly less for the CPM group (P less than .05). Phase II: CPM With TENS. Forty-eight UTKA patients were randomized into three postoperative care groups: (1) 18 with an ipsilateral thigh TENS unit delivering sensory threshold stimulation; (2) 18 with a subthreshold TENS unit; and (3) 12 with no TENS unit. All groups used CPM. No significant difference was found regarding pain medication consumption. Phase III: CPM With CCP. Thirty consecutive UTKA patients were divided into two postoperative care groups: (1) 15 with a CCP unit; and (2) 15 with no CCP unit. Both groups used CPM. No significant difference was found regarding total or intramuscular hospitalization pain medication consumption. However, oral hospitalization pain medication consumption was significantly less for the CCP group (P less than .01). This postoperative UTKA study demonstrates significantly decreased total in-hospital pain medication consumption when comparing CPM vs no CPM, significantly decreased oral in-hospital pain medication consumption when comparing CPM with CCP vs CPM without CCP, but no difference when comparing CPM with TENS vs CPM without TENS.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Magnetic resonance imaging of perianal and perineal crohn disease in children and adolescents.

Abstract Noninvasive, nonionizing, multiparametric magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the pelvis using a field strength of 3 T now provides a comprehensive assessment of perineal involvement in pediatric Crohn disease. MR imaging accurately evaluates inflammatory disease activity, and allows determination of the number and course of fistula tracts as well as their relationships to vital perianal structures, including the external anal sphincter, helping to guide surgical management and improve outcomes. This article provides an up-to-date review of perineal MR imaging findings of Crohn disease in the pediatric population, including fistulous disease, abscesses, and skin manifestations. Imaging technique is also discussed.
Application of neural networks to the classification of giant cell arteritis

Objective. Neural networks are a group of computer-based pattern recognition methods that have recently been applied to clinical diagnosis and classification. In this study, we applied one type of neural network, the backpropagation network, to the diagnostic classification of giant cell arteritis (GCA). Methods. The analysis was performed on the 807 cases in the vasculitis database of the American College of Rheumatology. Classification was based on the 8 clinical criteria previously used for classification of this data set: 1) age ≥50 years, 2) new localized headache, 3) temporal artery tenderness or decrease in temporal artery pulse, 4) polymyalgia rheumatica, 5) abnormal result on artery biopsy, 6) erythrocyte sedimentation rate ≥50 mm/hour, 7) scalp tenderness or nodules, and 8) claudication of the jaw, of the tongue, or on swallowing. To avoid overtraining, network training was terminated when the generalization error reached a minimum. True cross-validation classification rates were obtained. Results. Neural networks correctly classified 94.4% of the GCA cases (n = 214) and 91.9% of the other vasculitis cases (n = 593). In comparison, classification trees correctly classified 91.6% of the GCA cases and 93.4% of the other vasculitis cases. Neural nets and classification trees were compared by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The ROC curves for the two methods crossed, indicating that the better classification method depended on the choice of decision threshold. At a decision threshold that gave equal costs to percentage increases in false-positive and false-negative results, the methods were not significantly different in their performance (P = 0.45). Conclusion. Neural networks are a potentially useful method for developing diagnostic classification rules from clinical data.
Spouse abuse and child abuse by army soldiers

This study analyzed data collected by the U.S. Army’s Family Advocacy Program, the group primarily responsible for family violence prevention, identification, evaluation, treatment, and follow-up on Army installations. Patterns of spouse abuse and child abuse perpetrated within a five year period (2000–2004) were examined in a sample of 10,864 Army Soldiers who were substantiated for family violence offenses. Three groups of family violence offenders were compared: (1) those who perpetrated spouse offenses only; (2) those who perpetrated child offenses only; and (3) those who perpetrated both spouse and child offenses. Results showed that the majority of substantiated family violence offenders were spouse offenders who had not committed child abuse (61%), followed by child offenders who had not committed spouse abuse (27%), and finally those who committed both spouse and child offenses (12%). The three groups of family violence offenders differed in terms of the types of abuse they perpetrated (neglect of children, emotional abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse), their experiences of being a spouse abuse victim, and sociodemographic characteristics. Twelve percent of all spouse abusers committed multiple spouse abuse incidents, and 10% of all child abusers committed multiple child abuse incidents.
Simple three-layer channel routing algorithms

In this paper we present a simple three-layer assignment algorithm for planar layouts generated by a class of layout algorithms. This class of algorithms includes simple variations of the currently best algorithms for the three layer channel routing problem (CRP). More specifically, this class includes algorithms "equivalent" to the following algorithms (i–iii) developed by Mehlhorn, Preparata and Sarrafzadeh [7].
Estimation of genetic parameters and gains for color traits of strawberry

An investigation of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) fruit and juice color dimensions (L* a* b*) was conducted to estimate genetic parameters and determine breeding strategies for improving fruit color in the University of Florida strawberry breeding population. The genetic analysis was conducted using clonally replicated seedlings from a factorial mating design with additional biparental crosses and was evaluated in two locations. Substantial additive and non-additive genetic variation was described for most traits. Low genotype by environment interactions indicate that color evaluations may be conducted in either of the two test locations. Consistent with previous reports, genetic correlations indicated that internal and external fruit colors are under separate genetic control. Colorimeter a* and L* values described the same information for internal color in that internal flesh that was darker in color also appeared more red. A method was developed to reliably measure a* and L* for small (2 ml) samples of strawberry juice. Juice a* had significant genetic correlations with internal a* and may be used as a correlated trait to improve the internal redness of the fruit. However, pigments from the external tissues of the fruit appear to also impact the L* value of strawberry juice, complicating the effects of selection on juice color traits.
Autoradiographic Differentiation of Free, Bound, Pure, and Impure Thymidine-3H

Intestinal tissue from animals injected with tritium-labeled thymidine were examined by two autoradiographic methods. Conventional autoradiograms using fixed, solvent-dehydrated, paraffin-embedded tissues, and wet mounted, were compared with an autoradiographic method designed for localizing diffusible substances utilizing dry-mounted, freeze-dried frozen sections. The autoradiograms prepared by conventional methods show more than 95% of the activity located over the nucleus while, autoradiograms of intestinal tissue from the same animal prepared by the freeze-dried method shows only 88% of the activity over the nucleus. Animals injected with impure thymidine-3H, containing self-radiolysis decomposition products due to storage, led to significant alteration in the autoradiographic pattern, particularly those prepared by the freeze-dried method which show only 52% of the activity over the nucleus. Thus, conventional treatment of tissue extracted free unincorporated thymidine, metabolic products of thymidin...
Forecasting For Publicly Traded Companies

This project is intended to teach students to apply the material covered in their first graduate accounting course. This is accomplished by applying the material to an actual company selected by each team. The project is described as follows: The project includes a computerized spreadsheet preparation of a master budget forecast for an actual publicly traded company for one year into the future. The dates depend upon when the annual reports are prepared for your company. The forecast begins the day following the last available published annual report. The forecast does not comprise any actual numbers regardless of when the actual annual or quarterly statements are prepared for the company selected. The actual balance sheet, income statement and statement of cash flow from the preceding year are included with the forecasted balance sheet, income statement and statement of cash flow. The company must have a physical inventory, and accounts receivable from sales. The company may not be one in which any team member(s) are employed. The forecast will include the following items: Introduction, including the history of the company and a description of the company plan and policies as given in the project, Sales budget (twelve months), Schedule of purchases (twelve months), Schedule of collection of credit sales (accounts receivable) and cash sales (twelve months), Cash budget (twelve months), An Income statement (for the current year and the projected year), A Balance sheet (for the current year and the projected year), A Statement of cash flow (for the current year and the projected year), Cost-profit-volume analysis (twelve months), and Conclusion and recommendations.
Reflections on identifying the real ΔKeffective in the threshold region and beyond

Abstract The use of the crack tip stress intensity factor, K, has survived almost 50 years as the key parameter correlating fatigue crack growth. As time past the range of the stress intensity, ΔK, was recognized as causing alternating plasticity at the crack tip. The threshold level for ΔK was discovered. Further, the occurrence of crack closure was noted which affected the ΔK for different load ratios, R of cyclic loading. The ASTM method of counting the linear part of the load displacement for determining ΔKopen was found to understate the ΔKeffective, which correlates data for different load ratios. One approach to adjust for this problem is the “Partial Closure Model”, where the closure only occurs away from the crack tip. Here it will be discussed that such a model leads to a universal growth law. Moreover, this law shows application in estimating the order of magnitude of crack growth life ( 109 cycles). Some advances in this application will also be cited.