cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Teaching Experimental Method Using the Feature-Present/Feature-Absent Effect.

To determine whether a classroom experiment improved the learning of experimental method, at the start of the semester 2 introductory psychology classes took a 10-question multiple-choice pretest on experimental method. Two days later, before the instructor covered the relevant material in the course, 1 class took part in a classroom experiment on the feature-present/feature-absent effect followed by a debriefing. The other class heard only a comparable lecture. Then each class took a posttest identical to the pretest. On the posttest, but not on the pretest, the classroom experiment class significantly outperformed the lecture-only class. The results suggest that, for teaching experimental method, the feature-present/feature-absent experiment is an effective supplement to lecturing.
Immune recognition of porin and lipopolysaccharide epitopes of Salmonella typhimurium in mice

Abstract We investigated the antigenic specificity of the humoral immune response to infection by Salmonella typhimurium, by competitive inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western immunoblots. A panel of eight murine monoclonal antibodies, raised to OmpC and OmpD porins and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-O antigens, was used to define the specificity of the polyclonal immune response in mice. The monoclonal antibody panel recognized five distinct epitopes; these were localized to surface-exposed loops of OmpC and OmpD porin, to the “eye-let” forming loop L3 of OmpC/OmpD, and to LPS-O4 and O5 factors. The immune mouse serum raised to infections with S. typhimurium LT-2 strain WB600 (wild-type) competitively inhibited the binding of biotin-labelled monoclonal antibodies to the epitopes that they recognize, indicating that all five epitopes were targets of the host immune response to natural infection. However, only two epitopes, one within a surface-exposed loop of OmpC porin, and the other in the LPS-O4 factor, were immunodominant. Furthermore, the bacterial LPS core and O-antigen structure influenced the immune response to the porins. Surface epitopes of porins were dominant in the rough strain SH5014 (rfa), whereas the immune recognition of LPS epitopes was predominant in mice infected with the smooth, wild-type strain (WB600). Finally, the immune response to LPS epitopes O4 and O5 was more pronounced in mice immunized with heat-killed cells than those infected with live S. typhimurium.
ADSORPTION AND MATURATION OF POLIOVIRUS IN SINGLY AND MULTIPLY INFECTED HELA CELLS

Studies with polio-infected HeLa cells using cell disruption techniques during the early stages of infection have shown that: The inoculum of poliovirus adsorbed on HeLa cells is largely inactivated. Infective virus accumulates in a monolayer sheet of cells in advance of release into the medium. The eclipse period is shorter in multiply infected cells than in those infected with a single particle.
Interaction Studies of Cationic Drugs with Anionic Polyelectrolytes I: Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose

A study of the interaction of sodium carboxymethylcellulose with a number of cationic drugs indicated that even prior to the formation of visible reaction products, binding of the drug ions on the dissolved polyelectrolyte occurs. It has been shown that CMC forms complexes in this manner with the cationic drugs quinine, Benadryl®, procaine, and Pyribenzamine®. With amphetamine and ephedrine only the Donnan effect appears to be operative. Sodium chloride will to a great extent displace the bound cations from the CMC. A method utilizing a dialysis technique and Donnan equilibrium concepts has been presented.
Electric-Field-Dependent Magnetoresistance in Ferromagnetic Semiconductors

Changes in the sign of the longitudinal magnetoresistance as a function of applied magnetic and electric fields are observed in single crystals of $p$-type Cd${\mathrm{Cr}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Se}}_{4}$. A phenomenological theory for the non-Ohmic behavior associated with spin-wave-carrier interaction is developed, and its comparison with the experimental results indicates the existence of spin-wave amplification by the drifting carriers. All the experimental results can be explained in terms of spin-wave-carrier interaction and spin-disorder scattering.
Fructoaldolase activity in non-inflamed attached gingiva of rhesus monkeys

Ultramicrochemical methods were used to assay fructoaldolase activity under optimum substrate mixture concentrations in clinically non-inflamed attached gingival tissue of Rhesus monkeys. Precautions were taken to assure the clinical non-inflamed status of the gingivectomy specimens. Frozen dried sections were dissected under a stereomicroscope into representative morphologically distinct fragments which ranged in weight from 14 to 240 nanograms (10−9 grams). Optimum assay conditions for the microassay of freeze dried fragments were determined in fresh gingival homo-genates. Quantitative results for the various strata of epithelium, connective tissue and whole epithelium were calculated. The mean fructoaldolase activity was reported in micromoles of converted substrate per gram of dry tissue weight per minute at 37°C: surface layer 4·04, granular layer 15·57, spinous layer 23·58, basal layer 28·10, connective tissue 12·99 and whole epithelium 26·75. These results are higher than fructoaldolase activity reported in the literature for other epithelial tissue, such as skin of the parietal region of the scalp and the plantar surface of the foot. However, the results of the present investigation are compatible with the activity assayed for mucous membrane of the lip, a tissue less commonly involved in chronic inflammatory processes than is the gingival tissue assayed in this study.
Electrode characterization for use in a Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface

The Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface (RPNI) has the capacity to provide fine motor control and sensory feedback to advanced robotic limbs by interfacing directly with the residual extremity of an amputee. RPNI electrodes must provide high fidelity stimulation and recording capability without compromising biological integrity at the electrode-tissue interface. To identify an optimal electrode for utilization with the RPNI, multiple electrode types were characterized in vitro and in vivo. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and in vivo electromyography (EMG) were performed. All electrodes demonstrated favorable performance. The platinum (Pt) needle and pacemaker lead exhibited lower impedance and higher charge storage capacity values during in vitro testing. Electrophysiological testing revealed that at threshold stimulation, the Pt needle and stainless steel (SS) pad electrodes recorded a larger signal of interest relative to the other experimental electrodes, while the SS pad, flexible microwire, and pacemaker lead demonstrated a larger relative signal at maximal stimulation. Several electrodes which exhibited favorable performance were identified for use in the RPNI.
The Impact of Cyclooxygenase-2 Mediated Inflammation on Scarless Fetal Wound Healing

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and the prostaglandin products generated as a result of COX-2 activity mediate a variety of biological and pathological processes. Scarless healing occurs in fetal skin in the first and second trimesters of development. This scarless healing process is known to proceed without a significant inflammatory response, which appears to be important for the lack of scarring. Because the COX-2 pathway is an integral component of inflammation, we investigated its role in the fetal repair process using a mouse model of scarless fetal wound healing. COX-2 expression in scarless and fibrotic fetal wounds was examined. In addition, the ability of exogenous prostaglandin E 2 to alter scarless fetal healing was evaluated. The results suggest that the COX-2 pathway is involved in scar production in fetal skin and that targeting COX-2 may be useful for limiting scar formation in adult skin.
Clinical evaluation of substance abuse.

1. Paritosh Kaul, MD* 2. Susan M. Coupey, MD† 1. *Postdoctoral Fellow in Adolescent Medicine 2. †Professor of Pediatrics, Associate Director, Adolescent Medicine, Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Identify the percentage of United States high school seniors who have used an illicit drug and name the most common drug used. 2. Discuss coexisting mental health disorders and other findings that are prevalent among adolescents who have substance use disorders. 3. Describe the steps in diagnosing substance use disorder or dependence. 4. Characterize the effects of frequent prolonged use of most illicit drugs. 5. Describe the usefulness of laboratory testing for drugs of abuse. An 18-year-old man was admitted to the adolescent inpatient unit with a history of 2 days of abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. He was dehydrated and was treated with intravenous fluids. Over the following 2 days, the diarrhea and vomiting resolved, but the abdominal pain persisted. Approximately 48 hours after admission, the patient became irritable, complained of palpitations, and expressed a strong desire to leave the hospital. On the third day, his irritability increased, he developed chills but no fever, and he complained of aching all over his body. A detailed psychosocial history revealed that both of the young man’s parents were dead, and he felt responsible for his two younger brothers. He admitted to smoking between 5 and 10 “blunts” (large marijuana cigars) a day for “at least” the past year. He admitted that he sold drugs to finance his habit and help support his brothers, although he had never been arrested. His treating physicians agreed that the admitting diagnosis was gastroenteritis with dehydration, but a secondary diagnosis of cannabis dependence with acute withdrawal syndrome was made on the third hospital day, based on the psychosocial history and the timing of the “flu-like” symptoms. Substance use and abuse continue to threaten the health and well-being of adolescents and young adults. Whether sporadic intoxication leads to unintentional trauma or frequent …
Diagnosis of laser produced plasma with charge collectors

Abstract Laser produced expanding plasmas exhibit appreciable spatial charge separations as measured by a low impedance Faraday cup. This can result from energetic electrons drifting with the positive ions. A Faraday cup collector with a magnetic filter in front is shown to measure the correct ion component as compared to other charge collector configurations.
18 POST-HEMORRHAGIC HYDROCEPHALUS: NINE YEAR EXPERIENCE WITH THE USE OF AN INTRAVENOUS CATHETER FOR EXTERNAL VENTRICULAR DRAINAGE OF CSF

Post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) is an acute sequel to large IVH in preterm infants. We have used standard criteria for the diagnosis and treatment of PHH over the past nine years. PHH is defined as an increase in head circumference of >2cm/week with a confirming cranial ultrasound scan. Treatment consists of external ventricular drainage (EVD) using a standard intravenous catheter placed in the lateral ventricle through the anterior fontanelle and attached to a closed drainage system. EVD is attempted for 7 days, then removed. Recurrence of PHH is followed by repeated episodes of EVD until resolution or the infant reaches 2Kg mass, at which point a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is placed. 24 infants with PHH were seen over the period. During 70 episodes of EVD in this group only a single infection occurred. All episodes of EVD were associated with a decrease in ventricular size and head circumference. Of 21 infants who survived, 9 were discharged without a VP shunt. This method of treatment of PHH is safe and compares favorably with other methods of avoiding VP shunt.
Effect of thiourea on development of the sea urchin, Arbacia punctulata.

SummarySea urchin eggs which were subjected to varying concentrations of thiourea showed a number of pronounced effects. Concentrations of 1% or more resulted in a complete inhibition of cleavage. In 0.5% solutions of thiourea, the eggs developed normally until the blastula stage was reached. For as long as 72 hours, the eggs did not differentiate beyond the gas-trula stage. When the arrested gastrulae were returned to sea water, the inhibitory effects were reversible.In the lowest concentrations used, which ranged from 0.1% to 0.3%, early cleavage was not affected. There was, however, a retardation in the rate at which the plutei developed, which was observed to be proportional to the concentration of the drug.
Different Methods- Contradictory Results? Research On Development and Democracy1

During the past three decades, research on the conditions of democracy and its relation to capitalist development has proceeded in two different methodological modes: quantitative cross-national research stands side by side with qualitative comparative historical studies. The results of these two modes of research diverge as much as their methods. This paper describes the two research traditions, reflects on their methodological choices, and proposes ways in which to reconcile them.
Purification and characterization of hemolysin from Porphyromonas gingivalis A7436

Porphyromonas gingivalis, a periodontal pathogen, has the ability to lyse erythrocytes. The hemolytic activity of P. gingivalis A7436 was purified as a 45-kDa protein from the culture supernatant of a 3-days old culture using nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid chromatography. Erythrocytes treated with purified P. gingivalis hemolysin showed the presence of pores and extracellular debris by scanning electron microscopy. Active immunization of mice with 15 micrograms hemolysin induced neutralizing antibodies to hemolysin. Heating at 60 degrees C and treatment with trypsin and dithiothreitol abolished hemolytic activity, while incubation with the protease inhibitor Na-p-tosyl-L-lysine chloromethyl ketone caused no effect. We report here for the first time purification of a hemolysin from P. gingivalis A7436. The amino acid sequence of an internal peptide of hemolysin showed sequence similarity with fimbrillin from P. gingivalis HG564. However, the amino acid composition of purified hemolysin was different from that of P. gingivalis fimbrillin. Also, the ability to lyse but not agglutinate erythrocytes and to bind to nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid differentiates P. gingivalis hemolysin from fimbrillin.
RHIC polarized proton status and plan

The Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) as the first high energy polarized proton collider has been providing collisions at a beam energy of 100 GeV since 2001. Equipped with two full Siberian snakes in each ring, polarization is preserved during the acceleration from injection to 100 GeV with careful control of the betatron tunes and the vertical orbit distortions. In the latest RHIC polarized proton run in 2006, a peak luminosity of 28 × 1030cm−2 s−1 with 60% average polarization at store was achieved. During the run, RHIC also demonstrated its capability in providing a combination of polarized proton collisions with longitudinal polarization and radial polarization were provided to the STAR experiment and PHENIX experiment with the local spin rotators installed on either side of the STAR detector and PHENIX detector. Polarized protons were also first accelerated to 250 GeV at the end of RHIC 2006 run with a 46% polarization measured at this new store energy in one of the RHIC accelerators. Currently, the luminosity in RHIC is limited by the beam-beam effect. The plan is to triple the luminosity. Plans to achieve polarized proton collision at 250 GeV are also reported.
Molecular characterization and expression of an alternate proliferating cell nuclear antigen homologue, PfPCNA2, in Plasmodium falciparum

The malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum genome sequencing has revealed the existence of a second gene for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), a key factor in a variety of DNA metabolic events. The alternate copy of PCNA (PfPCNA2) shows only 23% identity to an earlier reported P. falciparum PCNA homologue (PfPCNA1). Our analysis indicated structural conservation of PfPCNA2 compared to eukaryotic PCNAs. PfPCNA1 and 2 polypeptides showed differential expression in the intraerythrocytic cell cycle of the malaria parasite. PfPCNA1 expression slowly increases about threefold from the ring to the late schizont stage. In contrast PfPCNA2 showed robust expression in trophozoites and early schizonts with a sudden drop in expression in the late schizont stage, suggesting that the two PfPCNAs may function under different physiological conditions. Chemical cross-linking indicated the presence of a trimeric PfPCNA2 protein, indicating the possible existence of a functional ring-like PfPCNA2 structure.
Financial credit-risk evaluation with neural and neurofuzzy systems

Credit-risk evaluation decisions are important for the financial institutions involved due to the high level of risk associated with wrong decisions. The process of making credit-risk evaluation decision is complex and unstructured. Neural networks are known to perform reasonably well compared to alternate methods for this problem. However, a drawback of using neural networks for credit-risk evaluation decision is that once a decision is made, it is extremely difficult to explain the rationale behind that decision. Researchers have developed methods using neural network to extract rules, which are then used to explain the reasoning behind a given neural network output. These rules do not capture the learned knowledge well enough. Neurofuzzy systems have been recently developed utilizing the desirable properties of both fuzzy systems as well as neural networks. These neurofuzzy systems can be used to develop fuzzy rules naturally. In this study, we analyze the beneficial aspects of using both neurofuzzy systems as well as neural networks for credit-risk evaluation decisions.
Evaluation and Nonsurgical Management of Rotator Cuff Calcific Tendinopathy

Rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy is a common finding that accounts for about 7% of patients with shoulder pain. There are numerous theories on the pathogenesis of rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy. The diagnosis is confirmed with radiography, MRI or ultrasound. There are numerous conservative treatment options available and most patients can be managed successfully without surgical intervention. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and multiple modalities are often used to manage pain and inflammation; physical therapy can help improve scapular mechanics and decrease dynamic impingement; ultrasound-guided needle aspiration and lavage techniques can provide long-term improvement in pain and function in these patients.
Hemagglutinin-33 in the neurotoxin complex of type A Clostridium botulinum is a Heat Shock Protein

The response of Clostridium botulinum type A strain to elevated temperature was investigated with respect to its growth pattern, and qualitative and quantitative alterations in the protein profile. Transfer of the mid log phase cells from 37°C to 45°C repressed the synthesis of several cellular proteins and concomitantly, synthesis of some proteins including a 33 kDa polypeptide, was markedly enhanced. The induction and synthesis of 33 kDa protein was also observed in 2-D gel analysis of the cells grown at 37°C and 45°C. Immunoblot analysis revealed that 33 kDa protein is a hemagglutinin component of the neurotoxin complex of type A Clostridium botulinum. From these findings we conclude that the 33 kDa protein component of type A neurotoxin complex, known to protect and stabilise neurotoxins from a hostile environment, is a Heat Shock Protein (HSP).
Alcohol-related injury among Greek-letter college students: defining a target population for secondary prevention

Members of Greek-letter societies are the heaviest drinkers on college campuses, and experience more alcohol-related problems than their peers. This study reports the results of a web-based survey administered to stratified random samples of college students from 10 North Carolina universities. Greek-letter status was a significant independent risk factor for increased injury (both experienced and caused to others), even after adjusting for drinking behaviors. Prevention, screening, and intervention strategies are discussed in the context of these results.
Toward user patterns for online security: Observation time and online user identification

Research in biometrics suggests that the time period a specific trait is monitored over (i.e. observing speech or handwriting ''long enough'') is useful for identification. Focusing on this aspect, this paper presents a data mining analysis of the effect of observation time period on user identification based on online user behavior. We show that online identification accuracies improve with pooling user data over sessions and present results that quantify the number of sessions needed to identify users at desired accuracy thresholds. We discuss potential applications of this for verification of online user identity, particularly as part of multi-factor authentication methods.
Time, life… and mass spectrometry New techniques to address biological questions

Within the last ten years, startling new developments in two ionization methods--matrix-assisted laser desorption (MALDI) and electrospray (ESI)--have been described by Karas et al. [M. Karas, D. Bachmann, U. Bahr, F. Hillenkamp, Int. J. Mass Spectrom. Ion Proc., 78 (1987) 53.] and by Fenn et al. [J.B. Fenn, M. Mann, C.K. Meng, S.F. Wong, C.M. Whitehouse, Science, 246 (1989) 64.], respectively. Their work demonstrated that these techniques, under appropriate experimental conditions, have high sensitivity and wide mass range, extending to hundreds of thousands of daltons and beyond, and thus can be extremely effective for the study of biopolymers. The result has been a revolution in the way that mass spectrometry experiments are carried out, a widening of the range of investigators who employ mass spectrometry in their own laboratories and a penetration of mass spectrometry into the investigation of biological phenomena that exceeds any previous expectations. Progress in improving mass spectral ionization and mass analysis methods and in interpreting and understanding the spectra is actively being pursued and exploited in many laboratories, to capitalize even further upon these advances. The results should facilitate understanding of structure-activity relationships pertinent to biology and medicine. In our laboratory, the focus of research is on oligosaccharide and glycoconjugate structural determinations, and on the improvement of methods for these important classes of compounds that relate to development, immune response, signalling, lipid and protein transport and disease. Representative examples of applications of MALDI and ESI mass spectrometry to these and other biological questions are provided herein.
Locale theory and fuzzy topology

Abstract For a lattice L which is a spatial frame, it is shown that every L -fuzzy topology T on a set X is isomorphic (as a frame) to a topology on the set X × pt( L ) where pt( L ) is the set of points of L . When T is topological the topology on X × pt( L ) is the product topology, thus providing a simple test of goodness.
Priorities of legislatively active veteran services organizations: a content analysis and review for health promotion initiatives.

ABSTRACT Military and Veterans Service Organizations (MVSOs) have a unique opportunity to influence legislation and advocate for the interests of their members. However, little is known about what legislative priorities MVSOs see as important. Understanding the legislative priorities of MVSOs can inform efforts by health scientists to promote policy and laws designed to improve the health of our nation's veterans. Using a mixed methods approach, we conducted a thematic analysis of legislative priorities MVSOs promote with their legislative agendas. Most commonly, MVSOs addressed issues related to disability evaluations and ratings with the Veterans Administration and access to Veterans Administration services. Other common themes identified as priorities include benefits such as retirement, education, housing assistance for veterans, and TRICARE benefits. Findings highlight the broad range of topics MVSOs identify as legislative priorities as well as some health issues that receive relatively limited atte...
Impaired monocyte-macrophage cytotoxicity in patients with Hodgkin's disease

Since patients with Hodgkin's disease are unusually susceptible to herpes virus infections, monocyte-macrophages (MP) and lymphocytes (L) from five children with Hodgkin's disease were studied in a prospective longitudinal fashion for their ability to destroy Herpes simplex virus-infected target cells in the presence (ADCC, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity) and absence (NKC, natural killer cell cytotoxicity) of antiviral antibody. MP-ADCC was low at diagnosis, rose after splenectomy and fell to lowest levels (lower than normal controls, P < 0.05) after chemotherapy. MP-NKC was low at all times (P < 0.025). In contrast, there was no impairment in patients' L-ADCC or L-NKC although L-ADCC rose after radiotherapy and chemotherapy. These macrophage defects are consistent with the time of highest risk for severe viral infections in these patients, and animal experimentation demonstrating the role of the macrophage in antiviral immunity.
Muscle activity during chest wall restriction and positive pressure breathing in man.

Abstract The effects of sustained constriction of the rib cage (RCC), constriction of the abdomen (AC) and of breathing against a positive pressure of 10 cms of water (PPB) were studied in four normal subjects with moderate constant hypercapnia. Intercostal electrical activity (Eic) was measured by implanted wire electrodes and diaphragmatic electrical activity (Edia) by oesophageal electrodes. There was no fixed relation between Edia and V t . V t was unaltered during AC and RCC: Edia was unaltered during AC but increased during RCC. The response to PPB without constriction varied: three subjects increased end-expiratory V l with increase in Edia inspiratory Eic. One subject initially, and one subject after training, maintained end-expiratory V l constant with no change in Edia and an increase in expiratory Eic. When PPB was applied during AC and RCC there was an increase in Edia proportional to end-expiratory lung volume. The overall response to distortion was determined by voluntary choice, but muscle electrical activity reflected chest wall configuration: when the diaphragm was shorter and at a mechanical disadvantage its electrical activity increased. This was compatible with a reflex with afferent information from diaphragm tendon organ and muscle spindle receptors.
Mesoscopic thermal and thermoelectric measurements of individual carbon nanotubes

We discuss the mesoscopic experimental measurements of electron energy dissipation, phonon thermal transport, and thermoelectric phenomena in individual carbon nanotubes. The temperature distributions in electrically heated individual multiwalled carbon nanotubes have been measured with a scanning thermal microscope. The temperature profiles along the tube axis in nanotubes indicate the bulk dissipation of electronic energy to phonons. In addition, thermal conductivity of an individual multiwalled nanotube has been measured using a microfabricated suspended device. The observed thermal conductivity is two orders of magnitude higher than the estimation from previous experiments that used macroscopic mat samples. Finally, we present thermoelectric power (TEP) of individual single walled carbon nanotubes using a novel mesoscopic device. A strong modulation of TEP as a function of the gate electrode was observed. q 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Some practical turbulence modeling options for Reynolds-averaged full Navier-Stokes calculations of three-dimensional flows

New turbulence modeling options recently implemented for the 3-D version of Proteus, a Reynolds-averaged compressible Navier-Stokes code, are described. The implemented turbulence models include: the Baldwin-Lomax algebraic model, the Baldwin-Barth one-equation model, the Chien k-epsilon model, and the Launder-Sharma k-epsilon model. Features of this turbulence modeling package include: well documented and easy to use turbulence modeling options, uniform integration of turbulence models from different classes, automatic initialization of turbulence variables for calculations using one- or two-equation turbulence models, multiple solid boundaries treatment, and fully vectorized L-U solver for one- and two-equation models. Validation test cases include the incompressible and compressible flat plate turbulent boundary layers, turbulent developing S-duct flow, and glancing shock wave/turbulent boundary layer interaction. Good agreement is obtained between the computational results and experimental data. Sensitivity of the compressible turbulent solutions with the method of y(sup +) computation, the turbulent length scale correction, and some compressibility corrections are examined in detail. The test cases show that the highly optimized one-and two-equation turbulence models can be used in routine 3-D Navier-Stokes computations with no significant increase in CPU time as compared with the Baldwin-Lomax algebraic model.
Toward an Inquiry of Discomfort: Guiding Transformation in “Emancipatory” Narrative Research

This article argues for conducting emancipatory narrative research with the explicit intent of transforming participants’ lives by opening up new subjective possibilities. Drawing from Megan Boler’s pedagogy of discomfort and Gubrium and Holstein’s active interviewing, a narrative research method called an inquiry of discomfort is proposed. An inquiry of discomfort emphasizes the proactive and transformative potential of research projects for both researcher and participant. The aim of an inquiry of discomfort is to identify and promote a beneficial shift from dualistic, categorical, and entrenched subjective positionality to a more ambiguous engagement with social reality. The argument is considered in light of preliminary empirical findings from a narrative pilot study of masculine heterosexual subjectivity in graduate education, conducted in the fall of 2003. Based on theoretical and empirical evidence, the general features of an inquiry of discomfort within an emancipatory narrative study are presented.
A randomized trial comparing prednisone with antithymocyte globulin/prednisone as an initial systemic therapy for moderately severe acute graft-versus-host disease.

Abstract Glucocorticoids remain the standard approach to initial systemic management of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD). For patients refractory to steroids, antithymocyte globulin (ATG) is frequently used as salvage therapy. We decided to test whether the combination of corticosteroids and equine ATG would improve the outcome of initial management of aGVHD, especially in high-risk patients such as recipients of unrelated donor (URD) transplants. One hundred patients with grade II to IV aGVHD having undergone a related or URD marrow transplant were enrolled in the study. Of the patients, 46 were randomly assigned to therapy with prednisone (60 mg/m2 per day x 7 days) and 50 received ATG/prednisone (15 mg/kg ATG bid plus 20 mg/m2 prednisone bid x 5 days, each followed by an 8-week prednisone taper). An intent-to-treat analysis of the overall response at day 42 revealed equivalent complete plus partial response rates of 76% in both the prednisone and ATG/prednisone therapy groups (P > .80). In univariate analysis, patient age, donor type, site of involvement, or aGVHD stage did not influence overall response to therapy (all P > .2). When treatment arms were studied separately, no single clinical feature predicted outcome in either group. Complications were more frequent in the ATG/prednisone arm; patients experienced more infections with cytomegalovirus (44% versus 22%; P=.02) and more frequent pneumonitis, both infectious and noninfectious (50% versus 24%; P Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2000;6(4A):441-7.
Heterotopic salivary tissue

Salivary tissue can be present in the head and neck outside the usual locations of the major and minor salivary glands. This can be in the form of accessory salivary glands, in association with branchial cleft anomalies, or, less commonly, as heterotopic salivary gland tissue (HSGT). Heterotopic salivary gland tissue is defined as salivary tissue outside of the expected locations of major, minor, and accessory salivary glands with absence of clinical or histologic features of branchial cleft anomalies. Here we present the case of a 13-year-old girl who presented with a draining sinus of the lower neck, which was excised and, on histologic analysis, was consistent with HSGT. We include photographs and histologic images. A review of the literature on heterotopic salivary tissue in the neck is then presented including discussion of the presentation, clinical features, important considerations, and recommendations for management.
Analysis of hp discontinuous Galerkin methods for incompressible two-phase flow

In this paper, we prove the convergence of a class of discontinuous Galerkin methods for solving the fully coupled incompressible two-phase flow problem in the non-degenerate case. Estimates in both the mesh size and the polynomial degrees are obtained. Numerical convergence rates confirm the theoretical results.
Spirituality in management education

This paper suggests themes and specific questions that may be used as a foundation for discussion about the role of spirituality in management education. The discussion should both explore basic questions such as “What is workplace spirituality?” and examine current educational practices and the emerging literature about workplace spirituality which provides a framework for pedagogy.
Using kriging for 3d medical imaging

Abstract We describe our implementation of kriging for interpolation of scalar values in three-dimensional medical image surface rendering and for slice interpolation. Kriging is an interpolation technique developed in the geosciences for estimating ore deposit spatial distributions. Kriging has been mathematically proven to be the best (statistically optimal) linear unbiased estimation technique for spatially distributed data. As a byproduct of the kriging technique, kriging can calculate the estimation error for the interslice interpolated values. Kriging also offers the potential for quantifying the interpolation error in slices computed by the estimation technique. This paper presents the initial results obtained using kriging for the pre-processing operations of slice interpolation by slice-value interpolation and interpolating voxel values during iso-surface extraction. We found that kriging is an accurate interpolation technique for surface rendering and for slice interpolation. Our results indicate that kriging can duplicate the rendering results obtained with other interpolation techniques and it offers the potential for providing visually “better” images than are obtained using the other interpolation techniques we tested.
Anterior thoracotomy wound complications in minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass.

Abstract Background . The minimally invasive anterior thoracotomy for beating heart coronary bypass offers a modest 10-cm incision and avoids the morbidity of extracorporeal circulation. This study examines minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) wound complications and contributing comorbid factors. Methods . A retrospective, single-institution review of 165 consecutive MIDCAB cases performed between March 1996 and August 1999 examined all wound abnormalities. Two surgeons performed all cases. Results . Wound complications occurred in 15 patients (9.1%), including three (1.8%) incisional hernias, four (2.4%) superficial dehiscences, three (1.8%) wound infections, three (1.8%) chronic pain syndromes, and two (1.2%) seromas. Two patients with incisional hernias required operative repair. The remaining wound abnormalities responded to conservative therapy. Two chronic pain syndrome cases resolved spontaneously, but the third required advanced pain management. In contrast to MIDCAB, the sternotomy wound complications proved significantly less prevalent (n = 5259, 1.1% vs 9.1%, p Conclusions . Although MIDCAB offers several advantages over standard approaches, these data suggest that anterior thoracotomy wound complications are not insignificant and may be underestimated by those exploring minimally invasive options.
Wave propagation in a moving plasma

This letter comments on previous work by Scarf on wave propagation in a moving plasma and also adds new results.
On modeling of microstresses and microcracking generated by cooling of polycrystalline porous ceramics

Abstract Motivated by experimental observations on the temperature dependence of the effective Young's modulus and thermal expansion of porous polycrystalline ceramics, we model microstresses generated by cooling, and resulting microcracking. These microstresses are due to the mismatch in the thermal expansion and elastic properties between anisotropic randomly oriented grains. In the example of cordierite, the thermal expansion anisotropy is very strong, and one of the three principal values of the thermal expansion tensor is even negative. This necessitates tensor treatment of the problem. Model results shed light on the strength of interfaces, by relating the onset of microcracking observed at certain temperature (identified by the onset of stiffness reduction) to maximal tensile stresses at this temperature. The model also provides a possible explanation of the fact that, at a certain temperature drop, microcracking stops (as indirectly implied by thermal expansion data).
On the Olkhovsky-Recami approach to the ``tunneling time problem''

Abstract There has been renewed interest during the past decade in characteristic times associated with the elastic scattering of an incident electron by a one-dimensional barrier. In a recent critical review, Olkhovsky and Recami reject the average dwell time τD as a worthwhile concept and propose new expressions for the average transmission and reflection times τT and τR. In this paper their reason for rejecting τD is criticized and numerical results for τT calculated with their expression are presented and discussed.
Designing ethical phishing experiments: a study of (ROT13) rOnl query features

We study how to design experiments to measure the success rates of phishing attacks that are ethical and accurate, which are two requirements of contradictory forces. Namely, an ethical experiment must not expose the participants to any risk; it should be possible to locally verify by the participants or representatives thereof that this was the case. At the same time, an experiment is accurate if it is possible to argue why its success rate is not an upper or lower bound of that of a real attack -- this may be difficult if the ethics considerations make the user perception of the experiment different from the user perception of the attack. We introduce several experimental techniques allowing us to achieve a balance between these two requirements, and demonstrate how to apply these, using a context aware phishing experiment on a popular online auction site which we call "rOnl". Our experiments exhibit a measured average yield of 11% per collection of unique users. This study was authorized by the Human Subjects Committee at Indiana University (Study #05-10306).
Effect of boundaries on waves in a thermoelastic solid: Reflexion of plane waves from a plane boundary☆

Abstract I nvestigated are some of the phenomena, resulting from the incidence of plane thermoelastic waves on a plane, traction-free, thermally radiating boundary.
Time related changes in the free amino acid pool of the sea anemone, Bunodosoma cavernata, during salinity stress

Abstract 1. 1. The sea anemone, Bunodosoma cavernata , is a relatively eurybaline cnidarian tolerating salinities from 12 to 40%. 2. 2. Taurine, glutamic acid and aspartic acid all showed some increases with increased salinity. 3. 3. The amino acid showing the greatest accumulation under high salinity conditions was β-alanine which increased 28-fold from 1.5 to 41.9 μmol/g dry weight when salinity was raised from 26 to 40%. 4. 4. When B. cavernata was subjected to increased salinity, β-alanine was rapidly accumulated and reached maximum levels within 4 days. 5. 5. When salinity was dropped from 36 to 26%0, β-alanine concentrations dropped from 15 to 2 μmol/g dry weight in 2 days.
Automatic Realignment of Data Structures to Improve MPI Performance

Programs that use the Message Passing Interface (MPI) standard to communicate with other processes often use MPI data structures that are modeled after native data structures. In some cases, a subset of the fields in the native data structure do not need to be transmitted. Users will sometimes explicitly omit those fields in the MPI data structure but align the MPI data structure to match the logical layout of the native data structure, leaving gaps in alignment for the missing fields. Because the data is non-contiguous, time is spent analyzing where the data needs to be placed rather than simply sending the received data into an appropriate buffer byte for byte upon data packing. We present a compile-time transformation that recognizes this scenario within Single Program Multiple Data programs; our transformation reorders the fields of the native data structure by placing the non-transmitted fields after the transmitted fields and adjusting the user’s logical layout of the MPI data structure accordingly. This transformation makes the transmitted data contiguous, which eliminates both the need to copy data during packing and the need to carefully analyze where to place the data once it has been transmitted. This transformation significantly improves data packing in many performance environments.
Does Vocabulary Decline Qualitatively in Old Age

It has been asserted that standard scoring criteria of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) vocabulary subtest may be insufficiently sensitive to differentiate between qualitatively superior and inferior responses of younger and older adults (Botwinick & Storandt, 1974). Alternative “qualitative” criteria, based upon the premise that a synonym response is superior to other forms of definition such as an explanation or illustration of word use, have been used in several previous studies which demonstrated apparent decline in vocabulary skills of older adults. The present research uses the proposed new qualitative criteria, testing both superior and average‐ability subjects from contrasting educational settings: a selective private university and a two‐year public college with an “open‐door” admissions policy. Within both educationally balanced groups of subjects older adults performed significantly better than the young, judged by either standard or qualitative criteria. Variables such as lifestyle...
Development and application of CAE technology for the gas‐assisted injection molding process

Gas-assisted injection molding is an innovative process that can provide tremendous flexibility in design and manufacturing of plastics parts once it is fully understood and matured. The research effort presented in this article is aimed at development of Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) technology for gas-assisted injection molding. To achieve the goal, efforts have been made in developing a numerical analysis for predicting the filling and post-filling behavior and verifying the predictions through collaboration with the industry and universities. This article firstly describes the physics of this process, which leads to the various advantages and the inherent difficulties associated with the design and processing. Secondly, it discusses the methodology of numerically modeling and simulating gas-assisted injection molding filling dynamics together with experimental comparison. At the end of this article, it presents the various advantages of applying the CAE technology for the gas-assisted injection molding process, such as evaluating the various gas-assisted injection molding processes and establishing preliminary design guidelines. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Master Concepts in the Field of Death, Dying, and Bereavement: Coping Versus Adaptive Strategies

This article proposes that thanatological studies attempt to develop broad master concepts that integrate knowledge both within the field and in relation to other disciplines. The authors then deba...
Graph segmentation and support vector machines for bare earth classification from lidar

A novel approach using a support vector machine (SVM) is proposed to classify bare earth points in LiDAR point clouds. Using graph based segmentation, the LiDAR point cloud is segmented into a set of topological components. Several features establishing relationships from those components to their neighboring components are formulated. The SVM is then trained on the segment features to establish a model for the classification of bare earth and non bare earth points. Quantitative results are presented for training and testing the proposed SVM classifier on the ISPRS data set. Using the ISPRS data set as a training set, qualitative results are presented by testing the proposed SVM classifier on data downloaded from Open Topography; which covers a variety of different landscapes and building structures in Frazier Park, California. Despite the data being captured from different sensors, and collected from scenes with different terrain types and building structures, the results shown were processed with no parameter changes. Furthermore, a confidence value is returned indicating how well the unforeseen data fits the SVM’s trained model for bare earth recognition.
Synthesis of copolyimides based on room temperature ionic liquid diamines

Block copolyimides based on aromatic dianhydrides and diamines copolymerized with diamino room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) monomers were synthesized over a range of compositions. Specifically, two diamino RTILs, 1,3-di(3-aminopropyl) imidazolium bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl] imide ([DAPIM] [NTf2]) and 1,12-di[3-(3-aminopropyl) imidazolium] dodecane bis[(trifluoromethyl) sulfonyl] imide ([C12 (DAPIM)2] [NTf2]2) were synthesized using a Boc protection method. The two RTILs were reacted with 2,2-bis(3,4-carboxylphenyl) hexafluoropropane dianhydride (6FDA) to produce 6FDA-RTILs oligomers that formed the RTIL component for the block copolyimides. The oligomers were reacted with 6FDA and m-phenylenediamine (MDA) at oligomer concentration from 6.5 to 25.8 mol % to form block copolyimides. Increasing the concentration of the 6FDA-RTIL oligomer in the block copolyimides resulted in a decrease in the thermal degradation temperature, glass transition temperature and an increase in the density. The gas permeability of the RTIL based block copolyimide decreased but the ideal permeability selectivity for CO2/CH4 gas pair increased relative to the pure 6FDA-MDA. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 4036–4046, 2010
Improving Productivity and Quality Through Collaboration

This study examines the impact of joint labor-management activities on perceived changes in productivity and quality, while controlling for the exercise of relative power options. Ordered probit estimates yield general support for the central proposition that the greater the intensity of joint activities, the greater the productivity and quality improvements. Mixed results are obtained regarding the impact of capital substitution, subcontracting, and concession bargaining on performance in collaborative settings.