cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Congestion Pricing for Patent Applications

In recent years a great deal of attention has been paid to patent reform. This debate is exemplified by recent popular publications (Jaffe and Lerner, 2004; Bessen and Meurer, 2008), as well as publicized patent litigation such as the NTP v. Research-in-Motion patent litigation (the Blackberry patents). At the same time, scholars point to the over-burdened patent offices, the growth in patent applications, and the proliferation of low-quality or overlapping patents. In this paper, we take a novel approach to dealing with the flood of applications at the patenting authorities in the US and Europe and the resulting delay and issuance of low quality patents. We explore the magnitude of the congestion externality and seek to determine the optimal balance of the direct costs of applying for a patent with the indirect cost caused by regulatory delay. Our proposed theoretical and empirical framework enable explicit measurement of the cost of delay and the implications of changing patent application fees. The results have implications for a variety of policy questions involving optimal fees, patent quality, and competition policy. We include in this submission a basic theoretical model that can be extended to examine a number of policy implications, including the relationship between examination time and patent quality. We also describe an empirical approach that enables quantification of the cost of delay. Both the model and the empirical work enable us to discuss additional policy questions such as the importance of application versus renewal fees, the consequence of the self-funding constraint on patent offices, and the impact of higher quality patents on rent-seeking activities. Preliminary results show that the patent office revenue maximizing fee exceeds the optimal fee for patent holders, but that the optimal fee for patent holders is positive.This research benefited from a Tilburg Law and Economics Center (TILEC) IIPC grant.
The World at the End of the Last Ice Age

Since hominids began producing archeologically recognizable stone tools about 2.5 million years ago in tropical Africa, the world has undergone some two dozen transitions between glacial and interglacial conditions. (Shackleton and Opdyke 1973). Each time, there were major increases in global temperature, whole-scale shrinkage of continental and montane glaciers, rises in sea level of more than 100 m, significant changes in weather patterns and precipitation, and massive shifts in vegetation types and faunas. With each glacialinterglacial transition, the world was in effect remodeled, with the most striking changes occurring in the middle latitudes.
Predictors of Recurrent Aortic Insufficiency in Type I Bicuspid Aortic Valve Repair.

Background Annular stabilization techniques in bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) repair include valve-sparing root reimplantation (VSRR), external subannular aortic ring (ESAR), and subcommissural annuloplasty (SCA). Unlike VSRR that offers neoroot creation, ESAR and SCA offer annular reduction only. We compared long-term functional outcomes to understand BAV repair durability. Methods From 2004 to 2017, 137 patients underwent Sievers type I BAV repair (VSRR, n = 54; ESAR, n = 22; SCA, n = 51). Prospectively maintained BAV repair database was queried for clinical and functional outcomes. Data were analyzed by logistic regression, threshold regression, multistate survival, and transition models for BAV repair durability. Results VSRR patients had larger preoperative sinus dimensions (p By logistic regression, important predictors of recurrent AI (1+ and ≥2+) were preoperative annulus of 30 mm or more for SCA. Threshold regression confirmed annulus of 30 mm or more as risk factor for recurrent AI of 1+ or greater for SCA. Risk to relapse from no AI to AI 1+ was equal between the groups; however, once AI 1+ was reached, there was a 2.5-fold increased risk for patients with annulus of 30 mm or more who underwent SCA to progress to recurrent AI of 2+ or greater. Conclusions VSRR is associated with improved longitudinal BAV durability compared with SCA. Preoperative annulus diameter of 30 mm or more is associated with increased recurrent AI, especially for SCA patients. For annular indications, ESAR might offer comparable functional outcomes with VSRR; however, further follow-up is critical.
From Resistances to Rewards: Social Worked Experiences and Attitudes toward AIDS:

As the incidence of HIV/AIDS increases, in-service training and professional education must prepare human service professionals to work with this growing population. A questionnaire was sent to a r...
Improving Coarse-Grained Protein Force Fields with Small-Angle X-ray Scattering Data.

Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments provide valuable structural data for biomolecules in solution. We develop a highly efficient maximum entropy approach to fit SAXS data by introducing minimal biases to a coarse-grained protein force field, the associative memory, water mediated, structure, and energy model (AWSEM). We demonstrate that the resulting force field, AWSEM-SAXS, succeeds in reproducing scattering profiles and models protein structures with shapes that are in much better agreement with experimental results. Quantitative metrics further reveal a modest, but consistent, improvement in the accuracy of modeled structures when SAXS data are incorporated into the force field. Additionally, when applied to a multiconformational protein, we find that AWSEM-SAXS is able to recover the population of different protein conformations from SAXS data alone. We, therefore, conclude that the maximum entropy approach is effective in fine-tuning the force field to better characterize both protein str...
Readability of online patient education materials for parents after a failed newborn hearing screen.

Abstract Objective A cross-sectional study design was utilized to evaluate the readability of patient education materials on the newborn hearing screen from Google and major institutions. Methods The top 55 websites from the Google search “failed newborn hearing screen” and websites from major institutions (the U.S. News & World Report ranked top 10 children's hospitals, the top 5 pediatric otolaryngology fellowships as ranked by Doximity Residency Navigator, the Centers for Disease and Control, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery) were compiled. Text from each website was edited to remove extraneous text. Readability grade was calculated using the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), Flesch Reading Ease Score, Gunning-Fog Index (GFI), Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), Coleman-Liau Index, and Automated Readability Index. Intra- and inter-observer reliability were assessed. Results 26 websites from Google and 29 websites from major institutions were evaluated. From Google, provider-oriented websites (n = 2) were more difficult to read than patient-oriented websites (n = 24) with statistical significance for FKGL (p Conclusion Online patient education materials about the newborn hearing screen may be too difficult for the average reader. Revisions to these materials and redirection to more readable online resources may be necessary to benefit a more inclusive patient population.
Effect of targeted therapy on renal cell carcinoma with rapid progression.

e15578 Background: Seven targeted agents so far have been approved for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, it is not clear whether these agents are effective in patients ...
Gaussian process as complement to test functions for surrogate modeling

It is common for papers on surrogate fitting to select test functions for testing algorithms. This raises the issue of how well the algorithms generalize to other functions. This editorial proposes as a possible complement to use a Gaussian process (GP) for generating test functions. The GP is defined by spatial decay rates of correlation between function values at different locations. The selection of these decay rates is tantamount to selection of the wave lengths of the functions that can be approximated by the surrogate. A possible complement to a given test function is a GP with similar decay rates to those of the test function, which would generate random functions with similar waviness. Two approaches are considered. In the simpler one, the GP is used to generate random test functions at a predetermined set of points. The more elaborate scheme targets situations where some samples are already available, and the GP is restricted to generate random functions that interpolate the samples. The process is illustrated for a one-dimensional case, where we seek to measure the correlation between the 95% confidence interval of the GP fit and the actual error. It is hoped that the editorial will stimulate discussion of the problem of algorithms customized to particular test functions and other options besides the one proposed here.
Efficient goal attainment and engagement in a care manager system using unstructured notes.

Objective To improve efficient goal attainment of patients by analyzing the unstructured text in care manager (CM) notes (CMNs). Our task is to determine whether the goal assigned by the CM can be achieved in a timely manner. Materials and methods Our data consists of CM structured and unstructured records from a private firm in Orlando, FL. The CM data is based on phone interactions between the CM and the patient. A portion of the data has been manually annotated to indicate engagement. We present 2 machine learning classifiers: an engagement model and a goal attainment model. Results We can successfully distinguish automatically between engagement and lack of engagement. Subsequently, incorporating engagement and features from textual information from the unstructured notes significantly improves goal attainment classification. Discussion Two key challenges in this task were the time-consuming annotation effort for engagement classification and the limited amount of data for the more difficult goal attainment class (specifically, for people who take a long time to achieve their goals). We successfully explore domain adaptation and transfer learning techniques to improve performance on the under-represented classes. We also explore the value of using features from unstructured notes to improve the model and interpretability. Conclusions Unstructured CMNs can be used to improve accuracy of our classification models for predicting patient self-management goal attainment. This work can be used to help identify patients who may require special attention from CMs to improve engagement in self-management.
IMPACT OF DESIGN FEATURES OF CONTEMPORARY DRUG-ELUTING STENTS ON CLINICAL OUTCOMES: A COMPARATIVE META-ANALYSIS

Limited data exist on comparative efficacy and safety of drug-eluting stents (DES) with newer design features. We conducted a systematic review & network meta-analysis of randomized trials comparing two or more of the following 5 categories: 1) ultrathin-strut biodegradable polymer (BP) DES (strut
Review of experimental observations on the gradient-enhanced continuum plasticity

Abstract The conventional plasticity theory cannot predict the size effects, in particular, when materials in nano- or microscales are subjected to the heterogeneous plastic deformation during short time period. In addition, higher-order continuum theories need to be used when addressing material instabilities due to shear bands and necking. Under this condition, one main mechanism to cause the size effects is strain gradient strengthening due to inhomogeneous plastic deformation. Following the experimental works on torsion of the copper thin wires by Fleck et al., numerous researchers have developed the strain gradient plasticity models targeting the size effects in the theoretical as well as the experimental contexts. This chapter reviews the experimental studies in terms of uniaxial tests, bending tests, torsion tests, indentation tests, bulge tests, and shear tests.
Downshifting Yeast Dominance: Cell Physiology and Phospholipid Composition Are Altered With Establishment of the [GAR+] Prion in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Establishment of the [GAR +] prion in Saccharomyces cerevisiae reduces both transcriptional expression of the HXT3 hexose transporter gene and fermentation capacity in high sugar conditions. We evaluated the impact of deletion of the HXT3 gene on the expression of [GAR +] prion phenotype in a vineyard isolate, UCD932, and found that changes in fermentation capacity were observable even with complete loss of the Hxt3 transporter, suggesting other cellular functions affecting fermentation rate may be impacted in [GAR +] strains. In a comparison of isogenic [GAR +] and [gar -] strains, localization of the Pma1 plasma membrane ATPase showed differences in distribution within the membrane. In addition, plasma membrane lipid composition varied between the two cell types. Oxygen uptake was decreased in prion induced cells suggesting membrane changes affect plasma membrane functionality beyond glucose transport. Thus, multiple cell surface properties are altered upon induction of the [GAR +] prion in addition to changes in expression of the HXT3 gene. We propose a model wherein [GAR +] prion establishment within a yeast population is associated with modulation of plasma membrane functionality, fermentation capacity, niche dominance, and cell physiology to facilitate growth and mitigate cytotoxicity under certain environmental conditions. Down-regulation of expression of the HXT3 hexose transporter gene is only one component of a suite of physiological differences. Our data show the [GAR +] prion state is accompanied by multiple changes in the yeast cell surface that prioritize population survivability over maximizing metabolic capacity and enable progeny to establish an alternative adaptive state while maintaining reversibility.
Amelanotic melanoma of the head and neck: analysis of tumor characteristics from the National Cancer Database

Background Amelanotic melanoma is an extremely rare subtype of cutaneous melanoma. The tumor characteristics are still not well understood, especially for those located in the head and neck. Methods Tumor characteristics of patients diagnosed with amelanotic melanoma of the head and neck (AMHN) from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2015, were analyzed by querying the National Cancer Database. Characteristics of AMHN were subsequently compared with common malignant melanoma of the head and neck (CMMHN). Results Three hundred and sixty-eight patients were diagnosed with AMHN, and 69,267 were diagnosed with CMMHN. Of those with AMHN, 128 (34.8%) had melanoma located on the scalp and neck, and 172 (46.7%) were diagnosed with an early disease stage (i.e., 0, I, or II). When compared with CMMHN, patients with AMHN were more likely to be diagnosed after 80 years of age (25.3% vs. 18.2%; odds ratio [OR], 3.28; 95% CI, 1.09-9.84; P = 0.03), when Breslow depth was between 2.01 and 4.00 mm (28.5% vs. 6.5%; OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.15-3.19; P = 0.01), when ulceration was present (36.7% vs. 9.0%; OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.34-2.97; P = 0.001), and when mitotic count was 1 or more/mm2 (40.5% vs. 12.8%; OR; 2.53; 95% CI, 1.09-5.89; P = 0.03). No statistical difference was found for sex, specific location, stage, or lymph node involvement. Conclusion Our study determined that AMHN is associated with older age, increased Breslow depth, presence of ulceration, and greater mitotic count when compared with CMMHN.
Welcome and Introduction to Conference 11628A

Welcome and Introduction to SPIE Photonics West BiOS conference 11628: Optical Methods for Tumor Treatment and Detection: Mechanisms and Techniques in Photodynamic Therapy XXX
WHY LIBERALISM NEEDS AUTONOMY: ACHIEVING A MAINSTREAM SOCIETY WITHOUT INTERGROUP CAREGIVING EXPLOITATION

Book Symposium on "Dealing with Diversity: A Study in Contemporary Liberalism" by D. Melidoro: comments and replies.
Trends in opioid misuse by cigarette smoking status among US adolescents: Results from National Survey on Drug Use and Health 2015-2018.

Abstract Increasing rates of opioid-related emergency department visits and deaths among adolescents in the United States are a public health concern. Adolescent cigarette smoking may be a risk factor for opioid misuse; though, there is a paucity of research on adolescents' cigarette smoking and opioid misuse. This study investigates current trends and the association between cigarette smoking and opioid misuse among US adolescents. Using pooled youth samples (ages 12–17) from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) 2015–2018 (N = 54,866), we calculated weighted estimates of past-year opioid misuse by cigarette smoking status across years. We further estimated a multivariable logistic regression model to examine the past-year opioid misuse by ever-cigarette-smoking, controlling for sociodemographics and other substance use. While there was a significant reduction in opioid misuse among the entire sample and among never-smokers over time (2.5% in 2015 to 1.9% in 2018), this trend was not significant among ever-smokers (14.2% in 2015 to 11.1% in 2018). Multivariable logistic regression showed ever-smokers (vs. never-smokers) had higher odds of past-year opioid misuse (aOR = 2.01; 95% CI = 1.66, 2.43). Findings suggest that comprehensive tobacco control policies and opioid misuse prevention programs are warranted to curb opioid misuse among adolescents.
Introduction: From Clear Speaking to Misunderstanding

The work begins by discussing the 2016 election and comments concerning “post-truth,” “fake news,” and “alternative facts” to bring to the fore the central problem regarding truth and consensus that this project addresses. The introduction presents the current state of debate on the causes of the post-truth era, with scholars such as Lee McIntyre and popular writers like Michiko Kakutani faulting postmodern philosophy for creating a climate of relativism. Following the works of philosophers like Charles Taylor and Donald Davidson, I conversely suggest that “post-truth” is rooted in the belief that “reality” is located inside a subject’s mind and suggest this belief has been sustainable because of growing distrust in conventional sources of shared social meaning. I argue that this radically subjective model of truth can be successfully combatted by using a pragmatic model of intersubjectivity based on Davidson’s work. To illustrate these theories in action, I examine detective fiction of the last century. This approach proves fruitful, for, in each period analyzed (modern, postmodern, contemporary), the reader observes shifting assumptions about truth, world, and ontology.
Differentiation on a p-Adic Or p-Series Field

In this paper we give a definition for differentiation of complex-valued functions defined on a field IK of p-adic or p-series numbers, both in the pointwise and in the strong sense. We show that the characters of IK are eigenvectors of the differentiation operator and that the strong differentiation operator on L1(IK) is a closed operator. Finally we present saturation and non-optimal approximation results for the operators which define the strong L1(IK) derivative.
Sensor and Actuator Selection for Optimal Closed-Loop Performance in the Presence of Correlated Noise

A method is presented for the selection of sensors and actuators whose outputs may contain correlated noise. A generalization of the earlier results of Closed-Loop Input/Output Cost Analysis (CIOCA) is provided which utilizes decompositions of the closed-loop quadratic cost function into contributions from each stochastic noise input and each weighted output. It is shown that under certain circumstances the elimination of a correlated noise input may degrade performance. Application to a flexible space structure demonstrates the generalized method for sensor and actuator selection.
Episodic Ataxia Mutations in Kv1.1 Alter Potassium Channel Function by Dominant Negative Effects or Haploinsufficiency

Subunits of the voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.1 containing mutations responsible for episodic ataxia (EA), a human inherited neurological disease, were expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Five EA subunits formed functional homomeric channels with lower current amplitudes and altered gating properties compared with wild type. Two EA mutations located in the first cytoplasmic loop, R239S and F249I, yielded minimal or no detectable current, and Western blot analysis showed reduced protein levels. Coinjection of equal amounts of EA and wild-type mRNAs, mimicking the heterozygous condition, resulted in current amplitudes and gating properties that were intermediate between wild-type and EA homomeric channels, suggesting that heteromeric channels are formed with a mixed stoichiometry of EA and wild-type subunits. To examine the relative contribution of EA subunits in forming heteromeric EA and wild-type channels, each EA subunit was made insensitive to TEA, TEA-tagged, and coexpressed with wild-type subunits. TEA-tagged R239S and F249I induced the smallest shift in TEA sensitivity compared with homomeric wild-type channels, whereas the other TEA-tagged EA subunits yielded TEA sensitivities similar to coexpression of wild-type and TEA-tagged wild-type subunits. Taken together, these results show that the different mutations in Kv1.1 affect channel function and indicate that both dominant negative effects and haplotype insufficiency may result in the symptoms of EA.
Intramitochondrial Metabolism of Phosphoenolpyruvate

Abstract Phosphoenolpyruvate was formed by rabbit liver mitochondria during incubations in the presence of dinitrophenol with α-ketoglutarate and with other Krebs cycle intermediates as substrates. These intermediates, as indicated by experiments with labeled compounds, served as precursors for the carbon skeleton of the synthesized phosphoenolpyruvate. The phosphate, in the absence of exogenous supply, was derived from multiple endogenous sources; 70 to 90% was contributed by adenosine triphosphate, adenosine diphosphate, and inorganic phosphate. When α-ketoglutarate was the substrate, the synthesis of phosphoenolpyruvate was stimulated with addition of exogenous phosphate and was inhibited by arsenite and by arsenosophenylbutyrate. A portion of the phosphate, presumably, was activated by the succinic thiokinase reaction. On the other hand, when malate was the substrate, exogenous phosphate was not utilized, and the reaction was relatively insensitive to the arsenicals. In this case, phosphate was provided from endogenous sources by different, and as yet unidentified, reactions. In the presence of citrate, or in the presence of citrate and dinitrophenol, phosphoenolpyruvate was displaced from the mitochondria with inorganic phosphate but with only small losses of other organic phosphate compounds.
History of respiratory mechanics prior to World War II.

The history of respiratory mechanics is reviewed over a period of some 2,500 years from the ancient Greeks to World War II. A cardinal early figure was Galen (130-199 AD) who made remarkably perceptive statements on the diaphragm and the anatomy of the phrenic nerves. The polymath Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) contributed observations on pulmonary mechanics including the pleural space and bronchial airflow that still make good reading. Vesalius (1514-1564) produced magnificent illustrations of the lung, ribcage, and diaphragm. In the 17th century, the Oxford School including Boyle, Hooke, Lower, and Mayow were responsible for many contributions on mechanical functions including the intercostal muscles and the pleura. Hales (1677-1761) calculated the size and surface area of the alveoli, the time spent by the blood in the pulmonary capillaries, and intrathoracic pressures. Poiseuille (1799-1869) carried out classical studies of fluid mechanics including one of the first demonstrations of flow limitation in collapsible vessels. The culmination of the pre-World War II period was the outstanding contributions of Rohrer (1888-1926) and his two Swiss countrymen, Wirz (1896-1978) and von Neergaard (1887-1947). Rohrer developed the first comprehensive, quantitative treatment of respiratory mechanics in the space of 10 years including an analysis of flow in airways, and the pressure-volume behavior of the respiratory system. von Neergaard performed landmark studies on the effects of surface tension on pressure-volume behavior. Progress over the 2,500 years was slow and erratic at times, but by 1940 the stage was set for the spectacular developments of the next 70 years. © 2012 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 2:609-619, 2012.
Lectin-Mediated Induction of Human Neutrophil Chemotaxis, Chemokinesis, and Cap Formation

Six lectins, including concanavalin A, phytohemagglutinin P, castor bean I, wheat germ agglutinin, peanut agglutinin, and pokeweed mitogen, were studied for their ability to stimulate human neutrophil locomotion and cap formation. Five of these lectins with known monosaccharide specificities, including concanavalin A, phytohemagglutinin, P, castor bean I, wheat germ agglutinin, and peanut agglutinin, were found to stimulate human neutrophil migration in a modified Boyden assay. Pokeweed mitogen showed negligible activity in the locomotion assay as compared with other lectins. Tests were performed to determine if the observed neutrophil migration in response to lectins was directional, and it was found that concanavalin A, phytohemagglutinin P, and peanut agglutinin were both chemokinetic and chemotactic, whereas castor bean I was only chemokinetic. Wheat germ agglutinin could not be declared chemotactic or chemokinetic due to its tendency to agglutinate neutrophils. Studies with fluoresceinated lectins demonstrated that lectins which stimulate neutrophil migration also bind to neutrophil surfaces. Preincubation with specific monosaccharide ligands blocked both stimulated locomotion and fluorescence, suggesting that an available lectin-binding site was required both for lectin binding and the stimulation of migration. Additional experiments indicated that fluoresceinated concanavalin A, phytohemagglutinin P, castor bean I, wheat germ agglutinin, and peanut agglutinin all induce cap formation on the neutrophil.
The effect of post-resistance exercise alcohol ingestion on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated cytokines

To examine the effect of post-resistance exercise alcohol ingestion on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated production of IFNγ, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10. Recreationally resistance-trained men (n = 10, 25 ± 3 year, 177 ± 7 cm, 83.8 ± 15.7 kg, 14.8 ± 8.5 % body fat) and women (n = 8, 23 ± 2 year, 161 ± 3 cm, 59.5 ± 6.0 kg, 26.5 ± 3.0 % body fat) completed two identical heavy back squat sessions (6 × 10 at 80 % 1 repetition maximum) followed by ingestion of either an alcohol (ALC; 1.09 g ethanol · kg fat-free mass−1) or water (PLA) drink. Blood samples were collected before exercise (PRE), and at 3 h (3 h), and 5 h (5 h) after exercise, stimulated with LPS, and analyzed for IFNγ, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 concentrations. There were no drink conditions by time effects for IFNγ, TNF-α, IL-1β, or IL-10. Regardless of condition, resistance exercise induce an increase in IFNγ, TNF-α, and IL-1β at 5 h compared to PRE but a decrease in IL-10 at 3 and 5 h compared to PRE. For ALC, IL-8 was reduced at 5 h compared to PLA. From PRE to 3 h, IL-6 was reduced for ALC but increased for PLA; resistance exercise induced an increase in IL-6 for both conditions at 5 h. Heavy resistance exercise increased production of IFNγ, TNF-α, IL-1β, and Il-6 and decreased production of IL-10. Alcohol ingestion after resistance exercise affected aspects of inflammatory capacity (IL-6 and IL-8 production). It appears that some of the effects previously observed for alcohol ingestion alone on the LPS-stimulated cytokine production were overwhelmed by the response to resistance exercise.
Constructing Equations of Motion for A Vehicle Rigid Body Model

This paper focuses on generating equations of motion for a Vehicle model. The generated equations can be used for rigid body analysis such as vibration analysis, frequency domain analysis, and time domain analysis. The paper starts with the equations of motion of a 6- degree-of-freedom (DOF) system and demonstrates detailed approach in building the equations. Next, the equations of motion are built for a 12-DOF vehicle model, which can be used as an approximated Vehicle model in most cases. Finally, the rigid body of an accurate Vehicle model is created and the equations of motion are constructed following the presented method. Nomenclature efficient rigid body models and used them for perturbation analysis and simulation of systems with frictional contacts. Hegazy et. al. (2) presented a complicated vehicle model for nonlinear rigid body analysis. This model had 94 degrees of freedom and comprised front/rear suspensions, steering system, wheels/tires, and vehicle inertia. The model was successfully used for the vehicle handling analysis. Zhang et. al. (3) used flexible and rigid beams to create a vehicle model which was used for road surface analyses in order to find dynamic properties of the vehicle chassis/suspension system. Pereira et. al.(4) presented a multibody dynamic model for train vehicles and constructed formulations based on it. The model and the formulations were used for crashworthiness analysis and design of the train vehicles. Mousseau et. al. (5) successfully developed a comprehensive vehicle dynamics model for simulating the dynamics response of ground vehicles on different road surfaces. In their research, the multibody system simulations (MSS) program was used to simulate the vehicle and a nonlinear finite element model was used for the tires. Lee et. al. (6) created a computer model for a vehicle system and used it for frequency response analyses. The computer model consisted of vehicle body, suspension systems, and tires. A coupled formulation is also obtained for the vehicle model by using the modal synthesis technique. Hunt (7) devised a method of creating a multi-axle vehicle model and used this model to represent all vehicles on the road for vibration analysis. The effects of vehicle mass, speed, and wheelbase on its ground vibration were discussed. Ibrahim et. al. (8) applied finite element method to create a truck frame model in order to analyze the vehicle dynamic responses. The effects of the frame flexibility on the ride vibration behavior of trucks were investigated through the FE model.
Pre-service Teachers’ Humanistic vs. Custodial Beliefs: Before and After the Student Teaching Experience

The student teaching experience is cited as one of the most critical facets of teachers’ professional development. However, teachers’ beliefs about pedagogical practices and disciplinary procedures, as well as their perceptions of students, also influence the approaches they use in the classroom. This study uses a humanistic and custodial orientation theoretical framework to compare the beliefs of pre-service teachers immediately after having completed their core didactic coursework – but prior to the student teaching experience – with their beliefs immediately after the student teaching experience. Findings from this study reveal that upon completion of their didactic coursework, pre-service-teachers’ espouse humanistic beliefs, in contrast to a custodial orientation. Furthermore, although the use of external rewards to shape student behavior as well as other specific management and pedagogical practices were more highly prioritized after immersion in the field, student teaching did not appear to alter pre-service teachers’ core beliefs.
Progressive Damage of Solder Joints: Modeling, Implementation and Verification

This paper presents a damage mechanics-based methodology for the progressive damage and virtual qualification of advanced electronic packages such as BGAs, DCAs, CSPs, and Flip-chips. The key technique is to implement the material nonlinearity into commercially available software tools. A unified viscoplastic constitutive framework with the damage evolution and failure criteria has been successfully implemented into the ABAQUS® code to model time-rate-temperature dependent material properties. The framework has been successfully applied to solder alloys, polymer films, and underfill encapsulants. The mathematical structure and numerical algorithm development of the unified constitutive framework as well as the key implementation techniques for commercial FEA codes have been summarized in this paper. Both crack initiation and propagation of a solder joint with damage evolution under mechanical cyclic loading have been demonstrated. Virtual simulations of TSOP component failure under mechanical cyclic loading and BGA package under thermal cyclic loading have also been presented.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Cogeneration via Magneto-Hydro-Dynamic (MHD) Power Generator

By passing the combustion gases through magnetic field, magneto generator converts heat directly to electricity power without moving parts. The inherent characteristic of high efficiency and low emission makes Coal fired electric power generation technology attractive to be a potential alternative power generation method in the future. This article presents the working principle of MHD generator and describes the coal fired MHD power plant systems and the key components in these systems. It also reviews the batch research of Department of Energy on coal fired MHD electric power generation—Proof of Concept Program from 1987 to 1993 and states some challenges remained on the way to commercial use.
Treatment of Ventricular Dysphonia With Botulinum Toxin

Ventricular dysphonia, traditionally known as dysphonia plica ventricularis, is a voicing disorder in which the false vocal folds are used as a vibratory source in addition to or instead of the true vocal folds. Traditional treatment of ventricular dysphonia has been voice therapy, which may be slow to produce results if the false fold activity masks an underlying problem of the true folds, is long standing, or has produced hypertrophy of the supraglottic structures. We present seven cases of ventricular dysphonia treated with botulinum toxin injection into the false vocal folds followed by speech therapy. The addition of botulinum toxin to the treatment regimen speeds recovery of normal voicing and allows immediate evaluation of dynamic true vocal fold function by the treating professional.
Proper timing of blood cardioplegia in infant lambs: superiority of a multiple-dose regimen

Abstract Background . In the pediatric and infant age groups, it is unclear whether repeated infusions of blood cardioplegia solution during ischemic arrest are beneficial or detrimental when compared with a single-dose regimen. Methods . Twenty lambs (aged 6 to 7 weeks) were placed on cardiopulmonary bypass. A miniature glass-tip electrode measured myocardial pH and hydrogen ion concentration, [H + ], in the anterior wall. The aorta was clamped for 2 hours. Group S (n = 10) received a single dose of blood cardioplegia solution. Group M (n = 10) received multiple doses of blood cardioplegia solution at 20-minute intervals. Results . The amount of [H + ] generated during the cross-clamp period was greater in group S than in group M (39.2 ± 10.1 nmol/L versus 0.4 ± 1.4 nmol/L, p p p Conclusions . In this infant lamb model, multiple doses of blood cardioplegia solution provided superior metabolic preservation and hemodynamic support after 2 hours of aortic clamping when compared with a single-dose regimen.
Effect of grain size and temperature on the yield stress of the intermetallic compound TiAl

Abstract It is shown that there is a strong dependence of yield stress on the grain size of polycrystalline TiAl; the value for the Hall-Petch parameter, ky, has been determined, and is given by ky=1.37MN.m0.5. This fact has been used to show that there is no discrepancy between the results of Lipsitt, et al. (1) and those of Kawabata, et al. (2). This research has been supported in part by the University of Illinois.
Comparison of the effect of pressure loading on left ventricular size, systolic and diastolic function in canines with left ventricular dysfunction with preserved and reduced ejection fraction

Decompensated heart failure may present with severe hypertension in patients with preserved (PreEF) or reduced left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (RedEF) and is clinically indistinguishable. Previously, we demonstrated that arterial pressure elevation increases LV filling pressures in a canine model of chronic LV dysfunction with PreEF or RedEF. It is not clear whether any differences in hemodynamics, LV volume or performance, or diastolic function can be demonstrated between canines with PreEF or RedEF in response to arterial pressure elevation. We hypothesized that the LV systolic, diastolic, and hemodynamic response to pressure loading would be similar in RedEF or PreEF. We studied 25 dogs with chronic LV dysfunction due to coronary microsphere embolization with RedEF (35 ± 4%) and 20 dogs with PreEF (50 ± 3%). Arterial pressure was increased with methoxamine infusion and hemodynamics and echo-Doppler parameters of LV size, function, transaortic and transmitral pulsed Doppler prior to and with methoxamine infusion was obtained. Though LV filling pressures were similar at baseline, LV size was larger (p < 0.01) and ejection fraction lower in dogs with RedEF (p < 0.001). With methoxamine, there were similar increases in LV size, LV pressures, and index of myocardial performance with the ejection fraction reduced similarly. Diastolic parameters demonstrated similar tau increases, E/A reduction, and diastolic filling shortening in RedEF and PreEF dogs. A similar extent of isovolumic contraction and relaxation times and index of myocardial performance prolongation occurred with pressure loading. Pressure loading in a canine model of LV dysfunction with PreEF and RedEF resulted in similar degrees of LV dilatation, increased filling pressures, and increased index of myocardial performance.
PERINATAL MORTALITY AND BIRTH-WEIGHT IN RELATION TO ASPIRIN TAKEN DURING PREGNANCY

In a cohort of 41 337 gravidas and their offspring in the U.S.A. there was no evidence that aspirin taken in pregnancy is a cause of stillbirth, neonatal death, or reduced birth-weight. The women were divided into those who were not exposed to aspirin (14 956), those with intermediate exposure (24 866), and those who were heavily exposed (1515). Stillbirth-rates were similar for all three groups. Differences in neonatal death-rates and mean birth-weights were slight and none were statistically significant. Trends were opposite among approximately equal numbers of White and Black children.
Higher-order CO(2) laser beam spot size and depth of focus determined.

Measurements of higher-order CO2 laser beam spot size have been made and found in good agreement with a Hermite-Gaussian rectangular beam propagation model. A modified working definition of spot size is introduced, and a useful depth of focus relationship is presented. It is shown that a single measurement of spot size for any higher-order mode is all that is required to reasonably predict spot size for the same laser operating in different modes. Alternatively, beam size can be predicted theoretically on the basis of the optical cavity parameters.
901 HYPERCALCEMIA RESPONSIVE TO ASPIRIN

Hypercalcemia presents difficult problems of diagnosis and therapy. Recent studies in adults and animal tumor models have established that prostaglandin excess can be etiologic. The resultant hypercalcemia is responsive to inhibitors of prostaglandin synthetase. A 6 week old female with subcutaneous fat necrosis and hypercalcemia was unresponsive to treatment with furosemide-saline diuresis, corticosteroids, low calcium feedings, and vitamin D elimination. Rather than using more toxic therapy, a trial of aspirin (ASA) at 100 mg/kg/d was initiated. Serum calcium fell in 2 days to 10 mg/dl from a high value of 15. It remained in the normal range thereafter except during attempts to lower ASA dosage at 14 days. A similar effect was noted in a second infant with subcutaneous fat necrosis. Calcium fell only to 13 mg/dl from 18, however, and diuretic therapy was successfully added. In both patients, elevated serum triglyceride levels also responded rapidly. A third infant with hypercalcemia, nephrocalcinosis and trisomy 21-22 mosaicism was treated. ASA rapidly lowered serum calcium to normal. ASA was discontinued after 13 days without exacerbation. Despite extensive clinical studies in each case, no definitive mechanism for hypercalcemia was found. These preliminary case studies suggest a role for prostaglandins in certain hypercalcemic states as well as a potentially safe form of therapy.
Kinetic mechanism of end-to-end annealing of actin filaments.

Abstract We investigated the effect of actin filament length and capping protein on the rate of end-to-end annealing of actin filaments. Long filaments were fragmented by shearing and allowed to recover. Stabilizing filaments with phalloidin in most experiments eliminated any contribution of subunit dissociation and association to the redistribution of lengths but did not affect the results. Two different assays, fluorescence microscopy to measure filament lengths and polymerization to measure concentration of barbed filament ends, gave the same time-course of annealing. The rate of annealing declines with time as the average filament length increases. Longer filaments also anneal slower than short filaments. The second-order annealing rate constant is inversely proportional to mean polymer length with a value of 1.1 mM−1 s−1/length in subunits. Capping protein slows but does not prevent annealing. Annealing is a highly favorable reaction with a strong influence on the length of polymers produced by spontaneous polymerization and should be considered in thinking about polymer dynamics in cells.
Packaging of microfabricated devices and systems

All devices and systems need to be packaged for applications. For microfabricated devices or systems the packaging is an essential part of the design, not an after-thought. The functions of packaging are: (i) to protect the devices from the environment, and (ii) to protect the environment from the device operation. At present, there is no generally applicable packaging method for all microdevices, but there are basic principles useful in packaging design. This article outlines the fundamental requirements, design considerations, and packaging techniques for sensors and microsystems, with selected examples, and suggested references. The protection of the device includes: (i) electrical isolation and passivation of leads and device structures from the penetration of moisture and ions; sealing techniques and hermeticity measurements are important aspects; (ii) mechanical protection to ensure structural integrity and dimensional stability; (iii) thermal and optical isolation, and (iv) chemical and biological isolation and protection. It is also necessary to protect the environment from the device materials and device operation, so that no undesirable reaction with or contamination of the environment occurs. This is especially important for devices used in biomedical, pharmaceutical and food processing. Biocompatibility and contamination must be considered as factors in the design. Successful packaging design requires the integration of knowledge of materials, device characteristics, packaging and evaluation techniques. It remains as a challenge in the MEMS field for engineers.
The Variational Iteration Method for Solving New Fourth-Order Emden–Fowler Type Equations

In this paper, we develop three new fourth-order Emden–Fowler type equations. We present a framework for studying these singular equations, with prescribed initial conditions, by using the systematic variational iteration method. We corroborate this work by investigating several fourth-order Emden–Fowler type examples with distinct shape factors.
An Information Model to Present Proposals to Increase Taxes: Two Examples in the Context of American Values

This article offers an information model for educating the public on the rationale for a tax increase. It argues that citizens exposed to two types of information—a need narrative and an anchor value—are more willing to support a tax increase. The applicability of the model is illustrated with two examples in which the model was used to structure the presentation of information. In both situations, exposure to the specific types of information suggested by the model is associated with support for a tax increase. The conclusion relates the model to the findings of previous research on the attributes of successful referenda campaigns for tax increases.
Pregnancy after kidney and kidney-pancreas transplantation under tacrolimus: A single center's experience

Background Chronic renal failure leads to amenorrhea, and successful pregnancy is rare. The aim of the present report is to examine the outcome of pregnancies under tacrolimus after kidney transplantation (KTx) and simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplantation (SPKTx). Method All pregnancies under tacrolimus after KTx or SPKTx from 1993 to April 2002 were retrospectively examined. Renal function and the mother's survival were followed until December 2002. Results Thirteen mothers after KTx delivered 19 babies, and 2 mothers after SPKTx delivered 3 babies. All mothers survived the pregnancy and retained allograft function. One mother had a stillborn baby from an unrecognized amniotic fluid leak and a small ischemic placenta. The mean gestational period was 34.4 +/- 5.1 weeks. Mean birth weight was 2373 +/- 1001 g. Birth-weight percentile to gestational period was 40 +/- 28. None of the mothers experienced rejection during the pregnancy. Three pregnancies in mothers with KTx experienced toxemia of pregnancy, and one mother with SPKTx developed pre-eclampsia during both pregnancies. Five mothers (6 deliveries, 27.3%) required caesarian section. During the follow-up period, one mother died from a cerebrovascular accident. Another five mothers returned to dialysis 55.6 +/- 32.4 months after the last delivery and 99.4+28.5 months after the last KTx. Both SPKTx mothers have maintained normal renal and pancreatic allograft function 42 and 62 months postdelivery. Conclusion All mothers survived the pregnancy. One baby was stillborn. Forty-one percent of babies were either preterm or premature, and 27% of babies were delivered by caesarean section. Toxemia of pregnancy or pre-eclampsia was observed in 23% of pregnancies postKTx and SPKTx. None of the mothers experienced rejection during their pregnancy.
Multispectral phase-contrast diffuse optical tomography for breast cancer imaging

We present a multispectral phase-contrast diffuse optical tomography method that is able to simultaneously reconstruct tissue refractive index and functional parameters such as hemoglobin concentration and oxygen saturation. We validate the method using numerical simulations.