cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
American Nationalism and the Future of the Trump Doctrine

Critics contend that the Trump administration is now deliberately undermining what they call rules-based liberal world order. This misunderstands both the nature of US nationalism—past and present—and the foreign policy of the 45th president. Conservative American nationalism is arguably the oldest US foreign policy tradition in existence, and is meant to preserve the very right of American citizens to self-government. Nor is a conservative US nationalism historically incompatible with certain forms of American engagement overseas. However, accumulated US foreign policy frustrations of the twenty-first century—military, political, and economic—have led to the resurgence of a distinct form of American nationalism on the right, emphasizing the need for allied burden-sharing, US sovereignty, and the promotion of material American interests. And because this resurgence is based upon domestic and international factors much larger than Donald Trump, it is probably not about to disappear simply when and because this particular president leaves the scene.
Short Communication: Genetic Variation in Human IL10 Proximal Promoter and Susceptibility to HIV-1 Infection in Mali, West Africa.

It is now recognized that to fully understand the role of host genetic variation on susceptibility to HIV-1 infection, investigations must be extended to African populations. We sought to determine...
Topic-based community search over spatial-social networks

Recently, the community search problem has attracted significant attention, due to its wide spectrum of real-world applications such as event organization, friend recommendation, advertisement in e-commence, and so on. Given a query vertex, the community search problem finds dense subgraph that contains the query vertex. In social networks, users have multiple check-in locations, influence score, and profile information (keywords). Most previous studies that solve the CS problem over social networks usually neglect such information in a community. In this paper, we propose a novel problem, named community search over spatial-social networks (TCS-SSN), which retrieves community with high social influence, small traveling time, and covering certain keywords. In order to tackle the TCS-SSN problem over the spatial-social networks, we design effective pruning techniques to reduce the problem search space. We also propose an effective indexing mechanism, namely social-spatial index, to facilitate the community query, and develop an efficient query answering algorithm via index traversal. We verify the efficiency and effectiveness of our pruning techniques, indexing mechanism, and query processing algorithm through extensive experiments on real-world and synthetic data sets under various parameter settings.
Infection prevention plan to decrease surgical site infections in bariatric surgery patients

Surgical site infections (SSI) are one of the most common complications of bariatric surgery. The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement (QI) Program (MBSAQIP) allows accredited programs to develop processes for quality improvement based on data collection. The objective of this study was to decrease SSI rates in patients undergoing bariatric surgery at an accredited MBSAQIP center. Using the MBSAQIP semiannual report, SSI rates were retrospectively reviewed. Baseline SSI rates were collected from 01/01/2014–12/31/2015. On 01/01/2016, the first infection prevention protocol (IPP-1) was created that included 4% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) showers, CHG wipes immediately prior to surgery, and routine cultures of SSIs. An updated IPP (IPP-2) was implemented on 09/01/2016, which discontinued routine surgical drain placement and broadened antibiotic coverage for penicillin allergic patients. During baseline data collection, SSI rates were 5.1%. After the implementation of IPP-1, SSI rates trended down to 2.5%. After implementation of IPP-2, SSI rates decreased significantly to 1.5%, a 66% relative risk reduction in SSIs from baseline. On multivariate regression analysis, the perioperative factors associated with an increased risk for SSIs included diabetes mellitus, intraoperative surgical drain placement, the number of hypertension medications prior to bariatric surgery, and an open approach. Our study demonstrates that the implementation of a specific protocol for reducing SSIs is safe and feasible in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. We also identified that the success of the IPP is likely centered on the elimination of routine drain placement during primary bariatric procedures.
Performance of the GHS Mixtures Equation for Predicting Acute Oral Toxicity.

Abstract Acute oral toxicity classifications are based on the estimated chemical dose causing lethality in 50 % of laboratory animals tested (LD50). Given the large number of pesticide registration applications that require acute toxicity data, an alternative to the in vivo test could greatly reduce animal testing. The United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) Mixtures Equation estimates the acute toxicity of mixtures using the toxicities of mixture components. The goal of this study was to evaluate the concordance of LD50s predicted using the GHS Mixtures Equation and LD50s from the in vivo test results. Using the EPA classification system, concordance was 55 % for the full dataset (N = 671), 52 % for agrochemical formulations (N = 620), and 84 % for antimicrobial cleaning products (N = 51). Most discordant results were from substances LD50 > 2000 mg/kg (limit test) or 2000 5000 mg/kg. A supplementary analysis combining all formulations with an LD50 > 500 mg/kg produced a concordance of 82 %. The lack of more toxic formulations in this dataset prevented a thorough evaluation of the GHS equation for such substances. Accordingly, our results suggest the GHS equation is helpful to predict the toxicity of mixtures, particularly those with lower toxicity.
Autophagy promotes growth of tumors with high mutational burden by inhibiting a T-cell immune response

Macroautophagy (hereafter autophagy) degrades and recycles intracellular components to sustain metabolism and survival during starvation. Host autophagy promotes tumor growth by providing essential tumor nutrients. Autophagy also regulates immune cell homeostasis and function and suppresses inflammation. Although host autophagy does not promote a T-cell antitumor immune response in tumors with low tumor mutational burden (TMB), whether this was the case in tumors with high TMB was not known. Here we show that autophagy, especially in the liver, promotes tumor immune tolerance by enabling regulatory T-cell function and limiting stimulator of interferon genes, T-cell response and interferon-γ, which enables growth of high-TMB tumors. We have designated this as hepatic autophagy immune tolerance. Autophagy thereby promotes tumor growth through both metabolic and immune mechanisms depending on mutational load and autophagy inhibition is an effective means to promote an antitumor T-cell response in high-TMB tumors. White and colleagues identify a role for host autophagy in restraining T-cell-dependent immune responses, specifically against tumors with high mutational burden.
The Family Law Doctrine of Equivalence

Students of patent law learn the doctrine of equivalents. According to the doctrine, a patent protects an invention that does " 'the same work in substantially the same way, and accomplish [es] substantially the same result,' " as the device described in the patent, even if it differs " 'in name, form, or shape.' "' In her new book, Nancy Polikoff2 has fashioned something like a parallel doctrine for families. Let's call it (with a slight play on words) the family law Doctrine of Equivalence. In today's world, according to Polikoff, a broad set of relationships now plays the same role as marriage and traditional families once did in people's lives. Conventional forms of family should thus receive no special legal protection. Rather, the law should extend similar privileges to the range of living arrangements that individuals choose for themselves (p. 3). Like its patent law parallel, the family law Doctrine of Equivalence is grounded in an empirical observation: for more and more people, new family structures have effectively replaced conventional forms. It follows that the law should disclaim distinctions that favor traditional families over alternatives. Although variations on Polikoff's theme find expression in the work of other academic and nonacademic commentators,3 her case for revolutionizing the legal regulation of families is particularly impassioned, learned, and clear. She wants to abolish a system grounded in formally defined relationships like biological parenthood and marriage in favor of functional incidents like actual dependency, mutual aid and affection, and voluntary association. In her ideal scheme, the category of family would be radically transformed. Entitlements and rights traditionally grounded in marriage and biological relationships will instead arise from a virtually unlimited set of self-declared affiliations (pp. 208-14).
Drench Application of Cyclanilide Promotes Shoot Development in Containerized Woody Landscape Species during Nursery Production

Abstract Cyclanilide (CYC), a plant growth regulator with cytokinin-like properties, was applied as a substrate drench to containerized woody ornamentals to determine its effects on plant growth. At 70 days after treatment (DAT) in 2005, drench applications of 50 to 1,000 ppm CYC had increased shoot development 7 to 74% for ‘Alabama Beauty’ sasanqua camellia (Camellia sasanqua ‘Alabama Beauty’), 63 to 205% for small anisetree (Illicium parviflorum), 21 to 74% for ‘Snow White’ Indian hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica ‘Snow White’), and 266 to 626% for ‘Sky Pencil’ holly (Ilex crenata ‘Sky Pencil’), when compared to control plants. Shoot counts the following spring, 270 DAT, increased from 16 to 101% for sasanqua camellia, 42 to 158% for small anisetree, 121 to 241% for Indian hawthorn, and 33 to 167% for ‘Firepower’ nandina, when compared to control plants. At 30 DAT foliar injury to sasanqua camellia, Indian hawthorn, and small anisetree increased with CYC concentration, and application of 500 or 1,000 ppm CY...
Idea management in R&D as a human information processing analog

A framework for analyzing problems associated with managing idea flows within an R&D lab is proposed. The framework is developed around concepts drawn from the hu­ man information processing literature. From this perspective, four basic stages of idea flow are suggested: idea generation, idea capturing, idea retention, and idea retrieval. Important idea processing needs are identified within each stage and some implications for R&D management action are discussed. The framework is intended to be used as a heuristic for identifying aspects of idea flow in an R&D laboratory that may need greater management attention, understanding or involvement.
Sequential magnetic resonance imaging of cervical cancer: the predictive value of absolute tumor volume and regression ratio measured before, during, and after radiation therapy.

Background To investigate outcome prediction by measuring tumor absolute volume and regression ratio using serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during radiation therapy (RT) of cervical cancer and to develop algorithms identifying patients at risk of poor therapeutic outcome.
Ganglioside GD2 as a therapeutic target for antibody-mediated therapy in patients with osteosarcoma

BACKGROUND Survival outcomes for patients with osteosarcoma have remained stagnant over the past three decades. Targeting of ganglioside GD2, a glycosphingolipid on the cell surface of some tumors, with immunotherapy has resulted in improved outcomes for patients with neuroblastoma. The expression pattern of GD2 was examined in osteosarcoma.
A monolithic CMOS VCO for wireless LAN applications

A 5.5 GHz monolithic VCO is designed in standard 0.24 /spl mu/m single-poly, 5-metal digital CMOS process. The VCO-core draws only 4.8 mW of DC power. The measured phase noise at 1 MHz offset from the center frequency is as low as -114 dBc/Hz. Tuning range of 16% covers the frequency bands for wireless LAN (IEEE802.11a and HiperLAN) standards in 5-6 GHz range. An optimal octagonal inductor structure and nMOS-pMOS complementary cross-coupled topology have enabled simultaneous achievement of low-power and low-phase-noise performance, and requisite tuning range is obtained by using nMOS-in-nwell accumulation varactor.
The Dance Teacher and the Physical Education Administrator

(1954). The Dance Teacher and the Physical Education Administrator. Journal of the American Association for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation: Vol. 25, No. 10, pp. 19-30.
Paneth cell function: phagocytosis and intracellular digestion of intestinal microorganisms. II. Spiral microorganism.

In the small intestine of the rat, spiral microorganisms (SSM) were routinely observed in the crypt of Lieberkuhn and also within digestive vacuoles in Paneth cells, but not any other cell type. Examples of normal and partially digested SSM were present in the same phagocytic vacuole and occasionally in Paneth cells containing phagocytosed trophozoites of the intestinal flagellate Hexamita muris . The resistance of axial filaments to digestion and their periodic arrangement around the protoplasmic cylinder of the SSM permitted the identification of partially digested SSM within digestive vacuoles. The results of this study strongly support the proposal ( 10 ) that Paneth cells play a role in the regulation of the intestinal flora by acting as a phagocyte in the base of the crypt of Lieberkuhn.
Improve brainstorming via the cloud

We describe a new method of using multi-sensory electronic brainstorming to encourage and enable experts to participate in brainstorming with assured attribution of their contributions. This was alpha tested using a customized cloud-based brainstorming tool implemented in Google Hangouts to support synchronous sessions of the I.D.E.A.S. brainstorming method. Participants were trained in using the system in less than ten minutes. Using real-time document sharing combined with visual and auditory inputs, we demonstrated the viability to capture ideas and then the identification of both the “direct” and “causal” ideas to correct participant. Assignment of attribution was done immediately after the brainstorming session via a group discussion with all of the participants based on the time-stamps of the contributions. A screen capture tool was used to document the experience. Managers may use this technique to evaluate the effect of training on the improvement of the benchmarking ability of their employees. The next step is to integrate the I.D.E.A.S. method more fully into an application so that it may be used for beta testing with more subjects, and then improving the causality determination algorithm and other metrics of the system.
Rigor, Transparency, Evidence, and Representation in Discourse Analysis: Challenges and Recommendations

Discourse analysis is a promising qualitative research approach across social science disciplines for analyzing the construction of reality in a variety of organizational and institutional arenas. However, conducting empirical discourse analyses remains challenging. In this paper we identify four key challenges involved in doing discourse analysis and then recommend several “tools” derived from empirical practice to address these challenges. We demonstrate these recommendations by drawing on examples from a discourse analysis study we conducted, of strategic management discourse in public education. Our tools and recommendations aim to facilitate conducting and writing up discourse analyses and may also contribute to addressing the identified challenges in other qualitative methodologies.
Parallel Least Squares Estimates of 2-D SPECT Image Reconstructions on the SGI Power Challenge

Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) has become an important diagnostic tool in nuclear medicine, because of the important clinical role that it can offer. Reconstruction methods, necessary to compensate several effects that severely degrade the quality of the image, are computationally very intensive.
Managerial problems and the experimental method: This research strategy has business applications

Abstract What is the value of experimental research as a method of studying managerial problems? To what extent can field studies, case work, and intuition produce reliable and practical knowledge? These questions are discussed as the role of experimentation in solving managerial problems is explored. The authors contend that experimental methodology is both useful and practical in clarifying managerial problems and providing guidelines for solutions. To highlight their argument, they discuss a number of important experiments dealing with managerial situations and, finally, summarize some of their own investigations into bargaining behavior and managerial decision making.
Polyclones and patterns in growing Xenopus eye.

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the development of the eye and its visual connections with the brain, in the African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis. It uses microsurgical methods to replace a bit of tissue in an embryonic eye-bud with another bit of tissue carrying a genetic marker. The chimeric eye is allowed to mature and grow, and a variety of analyses are performed to determine the patterns of genetic mosaicism in various layers and cell types of the eye, and to relate these histogenetic patterns to the patterns of connections, which the eye has developed with the midbrain. The present strategy is built around the use of two marker mutant strains. One is periodic albinism and the other is Oxford nucleolar marker. The eye of Xenopus contains two full cell layers that produce and accumulate melanin. The choroid contains a number of interspersed cell types, including melanocytes derived from the neural crest. The pigment retinal epithelium (PRE) is made up exclusively of melanotic cells and may be the only true melanocyte in the body that is not derived from the neural crest. It forms from the back wall of the eye-bud and thus is a true neural plate derivative. In addition to these two layers, the iris of the frog eye appears to produce and accumulate large amounts of melanin.
Red and processed meat, nitrite, and heme iron intakes and postmenopausal breast cancer risk in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study.

Previous studies have shown inconsistent associations between red and processed meat intake and breast cancer risk. N-nitroso compounds and heme iron have been hypothesized as contributing factors. We followed 193,742 postmenopausal women in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study and identified 9,305 incident breast cancers (1995-2006). Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire at baseline. We adjusted daily intakes of meat, nitrite and heme iron for energy intake using the nutrient density method. We estimated multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by quintiles of dietary exposures for all breast cancer, by stage (in-situ, localized, regional/distant) and by estrogen/progesterone receptor (ER/PR) status using Cox proportional hazards regression. Total red meat intake was positively associated with risk of regional/distant cancer (p-trend = 0.02). The risk was 25% higher in the highest vs. lowest intake quintile (95% CI = 1.03-1.52). Higher processed red meat intake (Q5 vs. Q1) was associated with 27% higher risk of localized breast cancer (95% CI = 1.01-1.27, p-trend = 0.03) and a 19% higher risk of regional/distant cancer (95% CI = 0.98-1.44, p-trend = 0.10). In addition, higher nitrite intake from processed red meat was positively associated with localized cancer (HR for Q5 vs. Q1 = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.09-1.39, p-trend < 0.0001). Heme iron intake was positively associated with breast cancer risk overall and all cancer stages (p-trend = 0.02-0.05). No heterogeneity was observed in risk associations by hormone receptor status. Our findings suggest that high consumption of red meat and processed meat may increase risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. Added nitrite and heme iron may partly contribute to these observed associations.
Stoichiometries and affinities of interacting proteins from concentration series of solution scattering data: decomposition by least squares and quadratic optimization.

In studying interacting proteins, complementary insights are provided by analyzing both the association model (the stoichiometry and affinity constants of the intermediate and final complexes) and the quaternary structure of the resulting complexes. Many current methods for analyzing protein interactions either give a binary answer to the question of association and no information about quaternary structure or at best provide only part of the complete picture. Presented here is a method to extract both types of information from X-ray or neutron scattering data for a series of equilibrium mixtures containing the initial components at different concentrations. The method determines the association pathway and constants, along with the scattering curves of the individual members of the mixture, so as to best explain the scattering data for the mixtures. The derived curves then enable reconstruction of the intermediate and final complexes. Using simulated solution scattering data for four hetero-oligomeric complexes with different structures, molecular weights and association models, it is demonstrated that this method accurately determines the simulated association model and scattering profiles for the initial components and complexes. Recognizing that experimental mixtures contain static contaminants and nonspecific complexes with the lowest affinities (inter-particle interference) as well as the desired specific complex(es), a new analytical method is also employed to extend this approach to evaluating the association models and scattering curves in the presence of static contaminants, testing both a nonparticipating monomer and a large homo-oligomeric aggregate. It is demonstrated that the method is robust to both random noise and systematic noise from such contaminants, and the treatment of nonspecific complexes is discussed. Finally, it is shown that this method is applicable over a large range of weak association constants typical of specific but transient protein–protein complexes.
Physical-Cyber-Social Computing: An Early 21st Century Approach

Technology plays an increasingly important role in facilitating and improving personal and social activities, engagements, decision making, interaction with physical and social worlds, insight generation, and just about anything that humans, as intelligent beings, seek to do. The term computing for human experience (CHE) captures technology's human-centric role, emphasizing the unobtrusive, supportive, and assistive part technology plays in improving human experience. Here, the authors present an emerging paradigm called physical-cyber-social (PCS) computing, supporting the CHE vision, which encompasses a holistic treatment of data, information, and knowledge from the PCS worlds to integrate, correlate, interpret, and provide contextually relevant abstractions to humans. They also outline the types of computational operators that make up PCS computing.
Traumatic brain and spinal cord injury

The management of head and spine injuries in children involves the recognition that the pediatric head and spine are significantly different from those in adults. This article reviews the epidemiology of head injuries in children and the evaluation and management of both mild and more severe head injuries; surveys the various intracranial injuries that exist in children; reviews the recognition and management of various posttraumatic syndromes of childhood including the pediatric postconcussive syndrome, posttraumatic migraines, and posttraumatic seizures; discusses the issues surrounding abusive head injuries; and reviews the evaluation and emergency management of pediatric spine and spinal cord injuries.
Genetic factors associated with the presence and progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A narrative review

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in the world. Whereas insulin resistance and obesity are considered major risk factors for the development and progression of NAFLD, the genetic underpinnings are unclear. Before 2008, candidate gene studies based on prior knowledge of pathophysiology of fatty liver yielded conflicting results. In 2008, Romeo et al. published the first genome wide association study and reported the strongest genetic signal for the presence of fatty liver (PNPLA3, patatin-like phospholipase domain containing 3; rs738409). Since then, two additional genome wide scans were published and identified 9 additional genetic variants. Whereas these results shed light into the understanding of the genetics of NAFLD, most of associations have not been replicated in independent samples and, therefore, remain undetermined the significance of these findings. This review aims to summarize the understanding of genetic epidemiology of NAFLD and highlights the gaps in knowledge.
Hydrodynamic and dynamic analysis to determine the directional stability of an underwater vehicle near a free surface

Abstract A theoretical methodology to determine the open-loop directional stability of a near-surface underwater vehicle is presented. It involves a solution of coupled sway and yaw equations of motion in a manner similar to that carried out for surface ships. The stability derivatives are obtained numerically through simulation of motions corresponding to planar motion mechanism (PMM) model tests. For the numerical simulation, a boundary-integral method based on the mixed Lagrangian–Eulerian formulation is developed. The free-surface effect on the vehicle stability is determined by comparing the results with that obtained for vehicle motion in infinite fluid. The methodology was used to determine the stability of the Florida Atlantic University’s Ocean EXplorer (OEX) AUV. The presence of the free surface, through radiation damping, is found to suppress unsteady oscillations and thereby enhance the directional stability of the vehicle. With effects of free surface, forward speed, location and geometry of rudders, location of the center of gravity etc. all being significant factors affecting stability, a general conclusion cannot be drawn on their combined effect on the vehicle stability. The present computational methodology is therefore a useful tool to determine an underwater vehicle’s stability for a given configuration and thus the viability of an intended mission a priori.
Primary cutaneous mucormycosis in infants and neonates: Case report and review of the literature

A case of angioinvasive cutaneous mucormycosis in a premature infant, eventually requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy, is described. The fungal infection began at the site of a brachial artery catheter that had been covered with an adhesive dressing in the left antecubital fossa. The infection progressed rapidly over a 5-day period, and a left arm amputation was required. Fungal hyphae were present at the margins of resection. The patient eventually had disseminated mucormycosis and died. A second case of cutaneous mucormycosis in another premature infant also is presented. This infant had the infection at an intravenous catheter site. Rapid initiation of surgical debridement of the wound and amphotericin B therapy resulted in patient survival. Eighteen reported cases of cutaneous mucormycosis in neonates were found and are reviewed. Prematurity, low birth weight, broad-spectrum antibiotics, corticosteroid therapy, and local trauma to the skin site were common risk factors. Only 7 of the 18 patients survived. Therapy consisted of local debridement and intravenous amphotericin B. High index of suspicion, early diagnosis, and rapid institution of therapy can improve survival rate. The key to prevention appears to be appropriate skin care.
Feminist Theory, Leadership, and the Spirits of States in East Asia

Feminist theory (not merely adding women to archaeological interpretations) is still needed in archaeology to eliminate earlier biases that are expressed in many ways. This paper uses the example of shamanism in early East Asia and the formation of states as a case study to demonstrate the advantage of a shift in focus from a theoretical stance that implies male leaders to one that is open to the possibility of female leaders.
Beta-arrestins 1 and 2 are associated with nicotine dependence in European American smokers.

On the basis of our previous identified linkage regions for nicotine dependence (ND), we selected seven and four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the beta-arrestins 1 (ARRB1) and 2 (ARRB2), respectively, to determine the associations of the two genes with ND in a total of 2037 subjects from 602 nuclear families of European American (EA) and African American (AA) origin. ND was assessed by Smoking Quantity (SQ), the Heaviness of Smoking Index (HSI) and the Fagerstrom Test for ND (FTND) score. Individual SNP analysis indicated that SNPs rs472112 within ARRB1 and rs4790694 within ARRB2 in the EA sample was significantly associated with HSI and FTND score, and the association of rs4790694 for ARRB2 remained significant after correction for multiple testing. Haplotype analysis revealed that haplotype C-G-C-G-G-T within ARRB1 at a frequency of 20%, formed by SNPs rs528833, rs1320709, rs480174, rs5786130, rs611908 and rs472112, was positively associated with HSI and FTND in EAs. We also found a haplotype within ARRB2, C-C-A-T at a frequency of 10.7%, formed by SNPs rs3786047, rs4522461, rs1045280 and rs4790694, that showed a significant positive association with HSI and FTND in the EA sample. No significant associations for either individual SNPs or major haplotype of both ARRB1 and ARRB2 were found in the AA sample. Further, the strength of these associations increased after removing the SQ component from HSI and FTND scores in both the EA and AA samples, suggesting that ARRB1 and ARRB2 play an important role in biological processes involved in the regulation of smoking urgency (that is time to smoke first cigarette). In summary, our results provide the first evidence of a significant association for ARRB1 and ARRB2 variants with ND in an EA sample.
A reaction progress variable modeling approach for non-ideal multiphase explosives

This study concerns the development of a mixture fraction based reaction progress variable formulation for aluminized explosives. Highlights of the formulation include a fully compressible treatment of both the gas and solid phases (both aluminum and alumina), heterogenous and homogenous reactions, and effects of group combustion. Isolated particle simulations are validated against experimental data and DNS and show good agreement of burn times over a range of pressure and oxygen environments. The new models are implemented in the CTH shock physics code using a fractional step approach to allow for efficient computation of particle dynamics. Comparisons are made to experimental pressure data for a thermobaric explosive in the Sandia Explosive Components Facility (ECF). Parametric studies are conducted to determine pressure response and impulse to charge equivalence ratio and particle size. Overall good agreement is observed between simulation predictions of pressure time history and impulse.
Communication and path planning strategies of a robotic coverage operation

In this paper, we consider the scenario where a mobile robot is tasked with visiting a number of Points Of Interest (POIs) in a workspace, gathering their generated information bits, and finding a good spot for communication, in order to successfully transmit all the collected bits to a remote station. The goal of the robot is to minimize its total energy consumption, which includes both communication and motion energy costs, while operating in a realistic communication environment and under a given time budget. We show how to find the optimum communication point and plan the optimum path to cover all the POIs by posing the problem as a Mixed Integer Linear Program (MILP) and by using probabilistic metrics to assess the link quality over the workspace. More specifically, we prove a number of properties for the optimum communication location and transmission strategy at this location, as a function of motion and communication parameters and channel prediction quality. Furthermore, we show that if the communication demand is low, the optimum path becomes the minimum-length path on the POIs asymptotically. On the other hand, if the communication demand is high, given enough time, the optimum path becomes the minimum-length path on the set of POIs and the point with the best predicted channel quality in the workspace. Finally, the performance of our framework is verified in a simulation environment.
The Influence of Individual and Family Characteristics upon Career Aspirations of Girls During Childhood and Adolescence.

The term pioneer is used for girls aspiring to male-dominated careers. This longitudinal study assesses the career choices of 68 middle-class girls during childhood (8–13 years, Phase I) and again during adolescence (13–18 years, Phase II), and investigates the relation between pioneering career choice and personal and family characteristics. Subjects were originally selected for exposure vs nonexposure to exogenous hormones during pregnancy. In childhood, pioneers were somewhat older, were more often persistent tomboys, had higher IQs, and had parents with higher educational attainment. In adolescence, paternal education was the only variable that showed the same relation to career choice. Adolescent girls who had wanted to get married at the time of the childhood assessment were now less likely to choose pioneering careers. Adolescent pioneers also had higher educational aspirations than nonpioneers and less likely anticipated being married within ten years than nonpioneers. A number of statistically borderline relationships were also observed: pioneers had somewhat fewer older brothers than nonpioneers, less often came from homes in which traditional femininity was stressed, and more frequently had mothers who had worked outside the home throughout their daughters' school years than mothers of nonpioneers. Prenatal exposure to exogenous sex hormones was not related to career choice during either childhood or adolescence.
Rainflow-on-the-Fly Methodology: Fatigue-Crack Growth under Aircraft Spectrum Loading

Crack-growth-rate tests were conducted on compact, C(T), specimens made of 7075-T7351 aluminum alloy over a wide range of constant-amplitude loading (R = Pmin/Pmax = 0.1 to 0.9) to establish the baseline crack-growth-rate curve for life-prediction analyses. Both compression precracking and load-reduction methods were used. A crack-closure analysis was used to collapse the ΔKeff-rate data into a fairly narrow band over many orders of magnitude in rates using an appropriate plane-strain constraint factor. Life predictions were made on C(T) specimens using the FASTRAN Version 5.42 life-prediction code. Some improvements had been made in the code and the predictions were made under cycle-by-cycle simulations. Life predictions under Christmas-Tree-type loading using the rainflow-on-the-fly methodology were very good. And the predicted results on three different aircraft spectrum loading histories (a modified Falstaff, modified Mini-TWIST (Level III), and a modified Wing-Gust-Maneuver spectrum), agreed to within 20% of the test data.
Logistic Distribution As A Model Of Film Characteristic Curves In Radiological Imaging

The cumulative logistic distribution function is shown to be a robust mathematical model of film characteristic curves for a variety of radiological imaging tasks. This model allows one to write analytical functions for several important metrices in film sensitometry. In practice, curve-fitting is accomplished by linear regression analysis of the logistic distribution by forming the logit of D/Dm where D is the optical density and Dm denotes the maximum optical density obtainable. This model has been used to characterize films in radioscintigraphy, conventional film/screen combination and a multiformat camera. Linearization of the characteristic curves resulted in correlation coefficients ranging from 0.980 - 0.996.© (1988) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Cumulative Forage Production, Forage Quality and Livestock Performance from an Annual Ryegrass and Cereal Rye Mixture in a Pine Walnut Silvopasture

Annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) pastures can extend the grazing season in the lower Midwest. There is little data from this region on the productivity of these forages in a silvopasture system. Our objective was to determine the forage and livestock production from annual ryegrass/cereal rye in a silvopasture versus an open (non-forested) system. This study was conducted near New Franklin, MO, USA. The treatments were (1) annual ryegrass/cereal rye planted into a 6- to 7-year-old stand of pitch pine (Pinus rigida Mill.) × loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) hybrids and black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) (TREE treatment) and (2) the same forages planted into pastures without trees (OPEN treatment). Marshall annual ryegrass and cereal rye were no-till seeded at 22 and 67 kg ha-1 of pure live seed, respectively, on 18 September 2000 and 30 August 2001. Treatments were replicated three times in a randomized complete block. In March 2001 and 2002, three beef heifers were assigned to each pasture and rotationally grazed until early June. Cumulative forage production and quality were measured for each treatment. Cumulative forage production in the TREE treatment was reduced by approximately 20% compared to the OPEN treatment. However, beef heifer average daily gain and gain ha-1 were equal for both treatments. Beef producers using a annual ryegrass/cereal rye in a silvopasture system likely would not sacrifice livestock production when hybrid pine and black walnut trees are 6- to 7-year-old when compared to an open pasture.
Correctness of a compiler for a Lisp subset

Excerpts of a proof of correctness of a running Lisp compiler for the PDP-10 computer are given. Included are the rationale for presenting this proof and a discussion of an actual extension of the proof to another compiler.
Dual angle scan protocol with Doppler optical coherence tomography for retinal blood flow measurement

To improve the scan quality of Doppler Optical coherence tomography for blood flow measurement, we investigate how to improve the Doppler signal for all vessels around optic disc. Doppler signal is depending on the Doppler angle, which is defined as angle between OCT beams and normal direction vessel. In this examination, we test the effect of different OCT beam direction on Doppler angles of all veins. We also test maximizing the Doppler angle by combining scans with different OCT beams direction. Three criteria were used to evaluate the overall quality, average Doppler angle, the percentage of vessels with Doppler angle larger than the optimize value, the percentage of vessel with Coefficient variance of Doppler angle less than the optimize value. The result showed that the best protocol is to maximize the Doppler angle from one scan with OCT beam through supranasal portion of pupil and other scan with OCT beam through infranasal portion of pupil.
Target Tissues Associated with Genital Infection of Female Guinea Pigs by the Chlamydial Agent of Guinea Pig Inclusion Conjunctivitis

Female guinea pigs were experimentally infected in the genital tract with the strain of Chlamydia psittaci that causes guinea pig inclusion conjunctivitis. Chlamydiae were found frequently in superficial squamous epithelial cells of the exocervix, along with heavy involvement at the squamocolumnar junction. In this zone chlamydiae were observed in columnar cells, but inflammation and chlamydial inclusions were not observed in true endocervical epithelium. These observations were supported by results of immunofluorescence microscopy. Electron micrographs revealed typical chlamydiae within surface epithelial cells at the squamocolumnar junction; various stages of the growth cycle (elementary, reticulate, and intermediate bodies) were also present. Cytopathologic features were not remarkable, but peripheral distribution of organelles, rarefaction of the cytoplasm, and loss of microvilli were observed. Interest in human genital infections caused by the chlamydial organism Chlamydia trachomatis has increased in recent years [1-3]. At present no convenient experimental animal model system is available for the study of genital infections caused by C. trachomatis. In our laboratory, a system has been developed using guinea pigs and the agent of guinea pig inclusion conjunctivitis (GPIC), a Chlamydia psittaci organism discovered by Murray in 1964 [4]. Experimental infection of female guinea pigs, production of conjunctivitis in newborns, and infection of males with subsequent transmission to females have been reported [5, 6]. Female-to-male infection
Heterogeneous Finite-Element Modeling of the Dynamic Complex Modulus Test of Asphalt Mixture Using X-ray Computed Tomography

Asphalt mixture is a heterogeneous, composite material consisting of aggregate, mastic, and air voids. Analysis of laboratory tests such as the dynamic complex modulus assumes that this material can be dealt with as a homogeneous material while overlooking the particulate nature of this composite. Because of the limitations of the elastic continuum theory, pavement engineers have recently paid considerable attention to the use of advanced modeling techniques for simulating the realistic behavior of asphalt mixtures. The objective of this study is to develop a three-dimensional (3D), heterogeneous model to describe the response of asphalt mixtures in the dynamic complex modulus test using an X-ray computed tomography image-based finite-element (FE)-modeling approach. Experimental testing results for two superpave mixtures, including one conventional hot-mix asphalt and one warm-mix asphalt, were used to validate and calibrate the developed FE models. Acceptable agreement between laboratory-measured and model-predicted dynamic modulus test results was achieved. Results of the developed FE models at different temperatures indicated that most of the deformations during the dynamic modulus test are derived from the mastic. In addition, the asphalt mastic had more influence than the aggregates on the results of the dynamic complex modulus test.
Probabilistic Approach for Fatigue Life Assessment Based on S-N Curve

Components in pressure vessels and pipes are usually subjected to mechanical and thermal cyclic loadings, which cause fatigue failure. The statistic and probabilistic assessment of these components based on S – N or e–N curves is of great importance for fatigue design. Recently, the standard practice, as adopted by ASTM, BS, DNV and many other standards, for statistical analysis of linear or linearized stresslife (S – N) and strain-life (e–N) fatigue data has been critically reviewed. The shortcomings of the standard procedure based only on the variation of cycles have been clearly demonstrated by examining the general trend of a large amount of S-N data. A new deterministic statistical method based on the equivalency between the changes of stress range and cycles to failure has been subsequently proposed and validated. In this paper a probabilistic approach based on the equivalency method is developed to quantify the uncertainty of engineering structures subjected to inherent randomness in material properties, and its effectiveness is also demonstrated.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Climate change threatens permafrost in soil

In the coming century, permafrost in polar regions and alpine forests in the northern hemisphere may thaw rapidly, potentially releasing carbon and nitrogen that could cause additional regional warming. Permafrost occurs in soils where ground temperatures remain below freezing for at least two consecutive years. These special types of soil, called gelisols, are large reservoirs of organic carbon and nitrogen. Thawing is likely to release the carbon and nitrogen in these soils to rivers and lakes, ecosystems, and the atmosphere; different soil types are vulnerable to different thawing processes.
New approach for measuring denitrification in the rhizosphere of vegetated marsh sediments

This study presents a new approach for measuring denitrification at depth in the marsh rhizosphere (below 5 cm). The method combines the push-pull technique and the 15N-isotope pairing technique, here referred to as the PPIPT. The PPIPT allows ambient denitrification rates to be measured in situ at depth in the marsh rhizosphere with minimal damage to roots and rhizomes and minimal disturbance of the ambient pore water composition. In this method, pore water is extracted from the sediment using micropiezometers without contact with the atmosphere. The porewater is amended with 15NO3− to trace denitrification, and Ar(g) is added to trace potential gas loss of denitrification end products. The “spiked” pore water is injected back into the sediment for incubation. Subsequently, samples are sequentially extracted from the sediment for analysis of 28N2, 29N2, 30N2, and Ar. Denitrification rates are calculated using the isotope paring technique and corrected for dilution and gaseous losses using the argon tracer. After several trials in the laboratory and in the field to optimize the method, the PPIPT was applied in the field to measure denitrification in the rhizosphere of various vegetation zones in two New England marshes in northeastern USA. The field applications verified the PPIPT method as a useful tool for measuring ambient rates of denitrification at depth in salt marsh rhizospheres. Generally, the rates measured were low (0–12 µmol m−2 h−1) and showed a high spatial variability in the marsh rhizosphere among different vegetation zones.
Weekly storage of coolness in heavy brick and adobe walls

Abstract Weekly storage of coolness in heavy walls (walls with large thermal inertia or large characteristic time constants or low Fourier numbers) was investigated numerically by considering one-dimensional heat conduction through the walls. The study consisted of first analyzing the heat flow through a single wall and considering various boundary conditions on the inside. The boundary conditions were: constant inside air tempeture throughout the day, variable inside air temperature on a 24-hour cycle, and variable inside air temperature on a 48-hour cycle. Next, the heat flow through walls was studied through a thermal network analysis of a simple building. In this case it was assumed that the ambient air temperature (following a periodic distribution) was increased suddenly and followed this new distribution for many days thereafter. It was concluded that walls with high thermal inertia or time constant can store coolness for several days. The larger the time constant of the wall (for example adobe as compared with brick) the longer it takes for the wall temperature to reach a steady periodic distribution after the change has occurred. However, because of low thermal conductivity of adobe, the retrieval of the stored coolness in these walls is slow, and the mean daily temperature of the room air in the adobe building does not change appreciably beyond seven days after the change. Increase of the wall thickness beyond 50 cm does not improve the thermal performance of the building significantly.