cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Maternal depression, child behavior, and injury

Background: Few data exist on the effect of maternal depression on child injury outcomes and mediators of this relationship. Objective: To examine the relationship between mothers’ depressive symptoms and medically attended injuries in their children and the potential mediating role of child behavior. Design/Methods: A cohort of mother–child dyads from the National Longitudinal Study of Youth followed from 1992 to1994. The primary exposure variable was maternal depressive symptoms as measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale in 1992. Child behavior was assessed by the Behavior Problems Index externalizing subscale. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between depressive symptoms, child behavior, and injury reported in the prior year in 1994. Results: 94 medically attended injuries were reported in the 1106 children (8.5%); two-thirds were sustained in the home environment. Maternal depressive symptoms significantly increased the risk of child injury; injury risk increased 4% for every 1-point increase in depressive symptoms (adjusted OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.08, p = 0.02). Increasing maternal depressive symptoms also increased the risk of externalizing behavior problems (adjusted OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.09), but externalizing behavior problems did not significantly mediate the relationship between maternal symptoms and child injury. Conclusions: Increasing depressive symptoms in mothers was associated with an increased risk of child injury. Child behavior did not significantly mediate the association between maternal depressive symptoms and child injury in this cohort. Greater recognition, referral, and treatment of depressive symptoms in mothers may have effects on child behavior and injury risk.
The influence of time on the magnetic properties of late Quaternary periglacial and alluvial surface and buried soils along the Delaware River, USA

Magnetic susceptibility of soils has been used as a proxy for rainfall, but other factors can contribute to magnetic enhancement in soils. Here we explore influence of century- to millennial-scale duration of soil formation on periglacial and alluvial soil magnetic properties by assessing three terraces with surface and buried soils ranging in exposure ages from <0.01 to ~16 kyrs along the Delaware River in northeastern USA. The A and B soil horizons have higher Xlf, Ms, and S-ratios compared to parent material, and these values increase in a non-linear fashion with increasing duration of soil formation. Magnetic remanence measurements show a mixed low- and high-coercivity mineral assemblage likely consisting of goethite, hematite and maghemite that contributes to the magnetic enhancement of the soil. Room-temperature and low-temperature field-cooled and zero field-cooled remanence curves confirm the presence of goethite and magnetite and show an increase in magnetization with increasing soil age. These data suggest that as the Delaware alluvial soils weather, the concentration of secondary ferrimagnetic minerals increase in the A and B soil horizons. We then compared the time-dependent Xlf from several age-constrained buried alluvial soils with known climate data for the region during the Quaternary. Contradictory to most studies that suggest a link between increases in magnetic susceptibility and high moisture, increased magnetic enhancement of Delaware alluvial soils coincides with dry climate intervals. Early Holocene enhanced soil Xlf (9.5 – 8.5 ka) corresponds with a well-documented cool-dry climate episode. This relationship is probably related to less frequent flooding during dry intervals allowing more time for low-coercive pedogenic magnetic minerals to form and accumulate, which resulted in increased Xlf. Middle Holocene enhanced Xlf (6.1 – 4.3 ka) corresponds with a transitional wet/dry phase and a previously documented incision event.......
Tutorials at MODELS 2007

The MODELS 2007 conference offered four high-quality tutorials from leading experts in the area of model-driven engineering. Each tutorial was presented as a half-day event that was organized during the first two days of the conference. This short overview provides an introduction to the tutorials program and a summary of each tutorial as submitted by the presenters.
Driving value through stakeholder relationships a discussion using a research-based model

Many believe that innovation offers opportunities to create wealth through innovation in the form of new services and new technologies, an aspiration often not realised in practice. Nonetheless, organisations do possess unique advantages for governing certain types of economic activity through a logic very different from that of the market. This paper suggests that governing and guiding this 'organisational economy' of many and various stakeholders is essential to creating significant value from innovation, and that governance structures should be chosen which align with the economic character of the organisation. This paper considers relationships between wealth creation through innovation, choices of governance structure and the nature of the organisation's relationships with its stakeholders. To inform the discussion, the paper draws on analysis and findings from recent applied doctoral research at Henley Management College into the creation of significant economic change in complex organisations which have a high dependence on technology.
Gut Microbiome and Multiple Sclerosis

The commensal flora that lives in the human gut is a unique ecosystem that has evolved over millennia with human beings. The importance of the microbiota in various bodily functions is gradually becoming more apparent. Besides the gut microbiome playing a role in bowel-related disorders, a role in metabolic and autoimmune disorders is becoming clearer. The gut bacteria play a role in educating the immune system and hence may be a player in the development of multiple sclerosis. We examine the different sources of information linking the gut microbiota to multiple sclerosis and examine the future avenues for utilizing the knowledge of the gut microbiome to potentially treat and prevent multiple sclerosis.
Cytokinins modulate stress response genes in isopentenyl transferase‐transfornied Nicotiana plumbaginifolia plants

The effects of transiently elevated cytokinin levels on gene expression following stress were examined in transgenic Nicotiana plumbaginifolia plants. Plants were transformed with a bacterial gene encoding isopentenyl transferase (ipt) cloned behind the heat shock (HS) protein 70 promoter from Drosophila melanogaster. Following a l-h, 45°C HS of whole plants, the ipt transcript levels in leaves increased 30- to 40-fold. Analysis of in vitro translation products of leaf messenger RNA showed rapid isopentenyl transferase-dependent changes in gene expression. A subset comprising 1 to 2% of resolvable translation products was specifically up-regulated in heat shock ipt-inducible (HS-ipt) plants. Several cDNA clones were isolated which correspond to mRNAs that are up-regulated 2- to 4-fold in HS-ipt plants. Two of the cDNAs encode stress-related polypeptides. one a member of a class of small heat shock polypeptides (HSP) and the other, a wound-inducible glycine-rich protein. Benzylaminopurine feeding experiments show that the HSP transcripts are up-regulated by other treatments including watering but that cytokinins strongly accelerate or amplify the response. These data are the first to show altered modulation of stress-induced genes in intact plants transformed with the cytokinin biosynthesis gene ipt.
Androgen-induced aggression in neonatally androgenized female mice: inhibition by progesterone.

Abstract A wide range of behaviors exhibited by paired, neonatally androgenized (NA) female mice after castration and treatment with testosterone, testosterone and progesterone, or neither steroid was compared with behaviors of similarly treated males. Behaviors shown by NA females and males in aggressive contexts were quite similar. In particular, progesterone inhibited aggressiveness in NA females as it did in males. The data provide further support for the idea that progesterone is antiandrogenic “centrally” to a greater extent than it is antiandrogenic “peripherally.”
Quantifying and manipulating species influence in positive matrix factorization

Abstract This manuscript considers the least squares regression concept of influence as applied to the measured species in pollution source apportionment studies. We propose a new, iterative method for specifying the relative influence of groups of species in positive matrix factorization (PMF) and we evaluate the relative influence of elements and speciated organic compounds on source apportionment solutions. In a sample data set containing elements, speciated organic compounds, organic carbon, elemental carbon, and secondary inorganic ions measured at the St. Louis–Midwest Supersite, a subset of 40 elements and ions has roughly 28 times the influence of the subset of 38 organic species. By manipulating the collective influence of elements and organic species in a comprehensive data set, one can mimic an “elements-only analysis,” an “organics-only analysis,” or any hybrid of these two extremes. The up- or down-weighting of species influence can be used to explore the different types of sources that can be resolved from a large data set.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Birthweight: The Role of Income and Financial Assistance*

This paper attempts to explain the differences in birthweight observed between blacks, white Anglos, Chicanos, and other racial and ethnic groups. The analysis focuses on the role of income and financial assistance from relatives and public programs. Using data from the NLS Youth Panel, I construct a causal model of birthweight containing exogenous social and demographic risk factors and intervening proximate determinants of birthweight. A substantial part of the gap in birthweight between white Anglos and other ethnic groups (especially blacks) can be explained by the unfavorable socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of the latter. On the other hand, blacks and other minorities smoke less and have other favorable proximate characteristics that depress differences in birthweight. When these proximate determinants are controlled, large ethic differences in birthweight remain unexplained by income and other sociodemographic factors.
Overlaid Mesh Topology Design and Deadlock Free Routing in Wireless Network-on-Chip

To bridge the widening gap between computation requirements of terascale application and communication efficiency faced by many-core processor chips, wireless Network-on-Chip (WiNoC) has been proposed by using the recently developed CMOS ultra wideband interconnection. In this research, we propose an unequal RF nodes overlaid mesh topology design to improve the on-chip communication performance. A network capacity model is developed for fast searching of optimal topology configuration. A high-efficient, low-cost zone-aided routing scheme is designed to facilitate deadlock freedom. The simulation study demonstrates topology modeling effectiveness, routing efficiency, and promising network performance of the overlaid mesh WiNoC over a regular 2D mesh baseline.
EVALUATION OF CURRENT WINNOWING SYSTEMS FOR MAINE WILD BLUEBERRIES

The two systems currently used to winnow (remove field debris) from Maine wild blueberries were field tested and evaluated during the 1997 field season. One system involves an offset cam vibration mechanism and an air blower combination. The other system uses two conveyors in association with an air blower to remove debris. Three testing sessions during the 1997 field season were early, mid, and late season for both irrigated and non-irrigated conditions. Weight loss, anthocyanin leakage, and berry firmness were parameters used as indicators of satisfactory system performance. There were no significant differences (p iÝ0.05) between the measured parameters in either winnowing system. Damage did not increase as a result of the winnowing operation but did increase as length of time in field (harvest date) increased.
A general QSAR for dihydrofolate reductase inhibition by 2,4-diaminotriazines based upon molecular shape analysis.

Abstract A general quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) is proposed to explain the 50% in vitro inhibition of dihydrofolate reductases from Walker 256 tumor, and/or L1210 leukemia cells, bovine liver, and rat liver by any reported 2,4-diaminotriazine. A maximum of four molecular descriptors are needed in the QSAR. Three of these descriptors characterize molecular shape and are determined from conformational analysis. The fourth descriptor is the sum of the water/octanol fragment constants for 3- and 4-substituents on the phenyl ring of a triazine molecule. The need for specific descriptors, and their corresponding linear or parabolic behavior in a correlation equation, depends upon the choice of the triazine compound data base, and the species source of the dihydrofolate reductase. Correlation coefficients, R, in the range 0.92 to 0.96 have been achieved for the QSAR equations derived from data bases containing compounds that had to be deleted in previous structure-activity studies.
The Picture-Exchange Communication System (PECS) increases functional communication of adults with intellectual disabilities

This review provides a summary and appraisal commentary on the treatment review by Conklin, C. G., & Mayer, R. G. (2011). Effects of implementing the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) with adults with developmental disabilities and severe communication deficits. Remedial and Special Education, 32, 155–166. Source of funding and disclosure of interest: No source of funding reported, and no conflicts of interest reported by the original authors of this research report.
Injections of muscimol into the median raphe nucleus produce hippocampal theta rhythm in the urethane anesthetized rat

It has previously been shown that serotonergic [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] neurons of the median raphe nucleus (MR) are critically involved in the control of the hippocampal electroencephalogram (EEG). Activation of MR 5-HT neurons desynchronizes the hippocampal EEG, whereas inhibition of MR 5-HT activity produces hippocampal theta rhythm. The MR contains an intrinsic population of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) containing neurons that synapse on 5-HT cells of the MR. The present study examined the effects on the hippocampal EEG of injections of the GABAA agonist muscimol hydrobromide into the MR. Low doses of muscimol (0.5 µg) produced hippocampal theta rhythm at a mean latency of 6.81 min and for a mean duration of 23.6 min. Higher doses (1.0 µg and 3.0 µg, respectively) produced theta at mean latencies of 2.24 min and 3.2 min and for mean durations of 31.84 min and 24.88 min. Injections of muscimol into regions adjacent to the MR generated theta at significantly longer latencies or were without effect. The present results indicate that MR injections of muscimol produce theta by inhibiting the activity of MR 5-HT neurons. It is concluded that MR GABAergic systems, via their influence on MR 5-HT cells, serve an important role in the control of the hippocampal EEG.
Quantitative microdialysis of dopamine in the striatum: effect of circadian variation.

Two quantitative microdialysis methods were used to determine the concentration of extracellular dopamine in the anterior striatum of the rat. In the first method, the slow perfusion flow rate method, perfusion was at 57 nl/min and dialysate samples were collected every 90 min for 18 h and assayed for dopamine (DA), DOPAC (3,4-dihydroxy-phenylacetic acid), homovanillic acid (HVA) and 5-hydroxy-indoleacetic acid (5-HIAA). There was a significant increase in the concentration of dopamine during the dark cycle compared with the light cycle (14.7 ± 1 nM vs. 9.3 ± 0.7 nM; mean ± SEM; P < 0.0001), indicating possible circadian variations in the extracellular concentration of DA. There was a steady decrease in the level of DOPAC and HVA, and no change in in the level of 5-HIAA. For the point of no-net-flux method, animals were perfused with 4 concentrations of DA or DOPAC, bracketing the extracellular concentrations. The extracellular concentrations of DA and DOPAC using this method were 10.2 ± 1.7 nM and 17.4 ± 2.6 μM, respectively. The in vivo recoveries for DA and DOPAC as derived from the slope of the linear regression curves were 72 ± 3% and 43 ± 5%. These values were shown to be significantly different (P < 0.001). Both methods gave similar results for the level of DA in the striatum.
Implications of Precedence and Preemption Requirements on Packet Based Transport Architectures

Over the last several years there have been various attempts to extend traditional Precedence enabled transport services to support all Command and Control (C2) applications. Traditional experience with Precedence based transport services support either circuit-switched, voice-based transport, e.g., the Defense Switched Network (DSN), or message-switched transport, e.g., the Defense Message System (DMS) and the Automated Message Handling System (AMHS). We believe these attempts to extend and define new Precedence enabled transport services have failed because of a lack of well defined requirements and an understanding of their implications. In this paper, we offer a core set of ten requirements for Precedence and Preemption enabled transport services which aim to support all C2 applications. We make no claim as to the originality of these requirements; others have proposed subsets of these in the past. Based upon these ten requirements, we then discuss and identify their implications on network architectures for packet-based transport services. In the process we hope to better clarify the implications of the requirements and the network mechanisms to be designed and developed for future military Precedence enabled communications networks. We conclude by identifying areas for future research and development in order to bring packet-based Precedence-enabled transport services to all C2 applications.
A Wt1-Dmrt1 Transgene Restores DMRT1 to Sertoli Cells of Dmrt1-/- Testes: A Novel Model of DMRT1-Deficient Germ Cells

DMRT1 is an evolutionarily conserved transcriptional factor expressed only in the postnatal testis, where it is produced in Sertoli cells and germ cells. While deletion of Dmrt1 in mice demonstrated it is required for postnatal testis development and fertility, much is still unknown about its temporal- and cell-specific functions. This study characterized a novel mouse model of DMRT1-deficient germ cells that was generated by breeding Dmrt1-null (Dmrt1(-/-)) mice with Wt1-Dmrt1 transgenic (Dmrt1(+/-;tg)) mice, which express a rat Dmrt1 cDNA in gonadal supporting cells by directing it from the Wilms tumor 1 locus in a yeast artificial chromosome transgene. Like Dmrt1(-/-) mice, male Dmrt1(-/-) transgenic mice (Dmrt1(-/-;tg)) were infertile, while female mice were fertile. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis showed transgenic DMRT1 expressed in supporting cells of the newborn gonads of both sex and in Sertoli cells of the testis afterbirth. Sertoli cells were evaluated by electron microscopy, revealing that maturation of Dmrt1(-/-;tg) Sertoli cells was incomplete. Morphological analysis of testes from 42-day-old mice showed that, compared to Dmrt1(-/-) mice, Dmrt1(-/-;tg) mice have improved seminiferous tubule structure, with lumens present in many. Immunohistochemistry of the polarity markers ESPIN and NECTIN-2 showed that DMRT1 in Sertoli cells is required for NECTIN-2 expression and influences organization of ectoplasmic specializations. Further functional analyses of the transgene on a Dmrt1(-/-) background showed that it did not rescue the decrease in Dmrt1(-/-) testis size, but when expressed on a wild-type background, exogenous DMRT1 prevented the normal age-related decline in testis size and enhanced sperm progressive motility. The studies suggest that DMRT1 in Sertoli cells regulates tubule morphology, spermatogenesis, and sperm function via its effects on Sertoli cell maturation and polarity. Furthermore, expression and function of transgenic DMRT1 in Sertoli cells establishes a novel mouse model of DMRT1-deficient germ cells generated by breeding Dmrt1-null mice with Wt1-Dmrt1 transgenic mice (rescue; Dmrt1(-/-;tg)).
Morphological classification of the yeast vacuolar protein sorting mutants: evidence for a prevacuolar compartment in class E vps mutants.

The collection of vacuolar protein sorting mutants (vps mutants) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae comprises of 41 complementation groups. The vacuoles in these mutant strains were examined using immunof...
Sub-60-nm quasi-planar FinFETs fabricated using a simplified process

N-channel double-gate metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) FinFETs with gate and fin dimensions as small as 30 nm have been fabricated using a new, simplified process. Short channel effects are effectively suppressed when the Si fin width is less than two-thirds of the gate length. The drive current for typical devices is found to be above 500 /spl mu/A//spl mu/m (or 1 mA//spl mu/m, depending on the definition of the width of the double-gate device) for V/sub g/-V/sub t/=V/sub d/=1 V. The electrical gate oxide thickness in these devices is 21 /spl Aring/, determined from the first FinFET capacitance-versus-voltage characteristics obtained to date. These results indicate that the FinFET is a promising structure for the future manufacturing of integrated circuits with sub-60-nm feature size, and that double-gate MOSFETs can meet international technology roadmap for semiconductors performance specifications without aggressive scaling of the gate-oxide thickness.
Scale invariance of morphogen-mediated patterning by flux optimization

The development of an organism from a single cell into an adult requires exquisite control of spatial patterning so that the correct tissues are formed at the correct place and at the correct time. A number of molecular factors that regulate spatial patterning of tissues during development have been identified, however, relatively little is known about how they form consistent spatial patterns of cell signaling or gene expression that scales in proportion to the size of the tissue being patterned. In the model organism Drosophila melanogaster, embryonic morphogen gradients establish the anterior/posterior (AP) and dorsal/ventral (DV) axes to establish the boundaries of gene expression that are further subdivided into distinct cell types. Both AP and DV patterning systems exhibit a high degree of scaling, however, they have evolved distinct mechanisms to achieve scaling. Our analysis herein shows that recently discovered data for Bicoid (the principle AP morphogen) embryonic patterning is consistent for a mechanism that optimizes the flux of Bcd molecules into the anterior end. This mechanism is distinct from mechanisms suggested in other systems that target biophysical properties that regulate morphogen range, thereby stretching or shrinking the morphogen distribution accordingly. Instead, flux optimization changes the morphogen peak levels to provide “approximate” scaling over a large region of space and perfect scaling at a single spatial location. While remarkably simple, this mechanism of scale-invariance is sufficient for increases and decreases in tissue size by 50% and confers less than 10% error in spatial patterning.
STUDIES OF CALCIUM AND PHOSPHORUS METABOLISM : V. A STUDY OF THE BONE TRABECULÆ AS A READILY AVAILABLE RESERVE SUPPLY OF CALCIUM.

1. Bone trabeculae are easily depleted by the prolonged administration of parathormone, long continued negative calcium balance and growth. 2. A long continued high calcium diet results in a rapid accumulation of the trabeculae. 3. Alizarin red, as has previously been shown in the literature, is deposited in newly formed bone. Its use has made clear that easily mobilizable calcium is not deposited in the shafts of adult animals, but in the trabeculae of bone. 4. The bone trabeculae therefore serve as the storehouse of readily available calcium. 5. The shafts have a slow progressive exchange of inorganic salts and are not influenced except in the case of unusual body demands. 6. It is suggested that the absence of trabeculae in premature infants and their depletion at the end of 4 months in a normal baby might well be an etiological factor in rickets. 7. In our observations, parathormone administration to growing or adult cats has been without effect. 8. Daily injections of parathormone in growing rats results in an increased number of trabeculae and smaller bones.
Effect of chromium and phosphorus on the physical properties of iron and titanium-based amorphous metallic alloy films

Amorphous iron and titanium-based alloys containing various amounts of chromium, phosphorus, and boron exhibit high corrosion resistance. We report some physical properties of Fe and Ti-based metallic alloy films deposited on a glass substrate by a dc-magnetron sputtering technique. The films were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), stress analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), electron microprobe, and potentiodynamic polarization technique.
Simulating school closure policies for cost effective pandemic decision making

Around the globe, school closures were used sporadically to mitigate the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic. However, such closures can detrimentally impact economic and social life. Here, we couple a decision analytic approach with a mathematical model of influenza transmission to estimate the impact of school closures in terms of epidemiological and cost effectiveness. Our method assumes that the transmissibility and the severity of the disease are uncertain, and evaluates several closure and reopening strategies that cover a range of thresholds in school-aged prevalence (SAP) and closure durations. Assuming a willingness to pay per quality adjusted life-year (QALY) threshold equal to the US per capita GDP ($46,000), we found that the cost effectiveness of these strategies is highly dependent on the severity and on a willingness to pay per QALY. For severe pandemics, the preferred strategy couples the earliest closure trigger (0.5% SAP) with the longest duration closure (24 weeks) considered. For milder pandemics, the preferred strategies also involve the earliest closure trigger, but are shorter duration (12 weeks for low transmission rates and variable length for high transmission rates). These findings highlight the importance of obtaining early estimates of pandemic severity and provide guidance to public health decision-makers for effectively tailoring school closures strategies in response to a newly emergent influenza pandemic.
Whole Language: The Whole Story

Whole language has often been represented, particularly in the popular press, as a method of teaching reading that contrasts with phonics, which is also represented as a method of teaching reading. It has also been equated with literature-based reading instruction and with a laissez-faire approach to written language development. It is none of those and much more than any of them. Whole language has emerged among teachers as a term for an inclusive pedagogy, a philosophy of curriculum and teaching, which puts language at the center of learning. It is whole in the sense that language is treated as an integral whole and it is whole in the sense that language is viewed as only existing in the context of its purposeful and functional use — integrated in literacy events and speech acts that are authentic within cultural practices. Whole language teachers, at all levels, build on the existing strengths of the learners, developing literacy in the context of using literacy to learn. The term has come also to be an umbrella that subsumes process writing, integrated curriculum, use of literature in reading instruction, writing across the curriculum, inquiry and problem solving curricula and the use of theme cycles, and invented spelling and punctuation.
Dynamic Access Control in a Content-based Publish/Subscribe System with Delivery Guarantees

Content-based publish/subscribe (pub/sub) is a promising paradigm for building asynchronous distributed applications. In many application scenarios, these systems are required to provide stringent service guarantees such as reliable delivery, high performance, high availability and dynamic system security. In this paper, we address the issue of dynamic access control in a content-based system that provides reliable delivery and high availability through redundant routes. We define a deterministic service model of dynamic access controls that enables precise control over event confidentiality. Under this model, the semantics of reliable delivery is clearly defined, that is, the messages delivered in response to the same subscriptions from pub/sub clients running on behalf of the same principal will be exactly the same, regardless of their connecting locations, network latency and failures. We present an algorithm that implements this service model. The algorithm is efficient and highly available in that it enables uniform enforcement of access control and enables content-based routing to choose any path from among several redundant routes without requiring consensus among the brokers.
Value chain modelling using system dynamics

We consider a new type of value chain that includes both production and service capabilities for existing product lines and that incorporates new product and service development. In this paper we model this value chain using system dynamics. The essential variables and causal relationships, which are expressed as linear differential equations among these variables, are also presented. We discuss the importance of eigenvalue analysis of the associated coefficient matrix in predicting and understanding the evolutionary behaviour of the system. A case study from the aerospace industry is introduced to validate the different developments.
A recursive algorithm for robot dynamics using Lie groups

We present, using standard ideas from Lie groups and Riemannian geometry, a computationally efficient recursive algorithm for the inverse dynamics of an open-chain manipulator. Our algorithm bears close resemblance to Featherstone's (1991) approach, but is derived entirely from Lie theoretic concepts and definitions. Our geometric approach permits a high-level view of robot dynamics that emphasizes the coordinate-free aspects of the equations of motion while preserving the computational efficiency of recursive algorithms. >
The Stock Portfolio Game

One of the objectives of the stock portfolio game is to introduce undergraduate engineering students to the application of optimization techniques for stock portfolio selection. Ideally students playing the game would have basic background in linear algebra, calculus, and statistics. The general idea of the game is to present teams of students with real historical performance data for stocks with different levels of returns and variability so that they make decisions concerning the allocation of limited funds among these stocks. The game is played in four rounds within an hour-long session. The teams, comprised of no more than four students, are provided with an initial virtual investment fund, which they have to allocate or reallocate based on the information presented. The team with the most money in its investment account at the end of the game is declared the winner. Once the results of the game are known, one or more teams are asked to share their investment strategy with the rest of the group. This discussion forms the starting point for the last part of the session when the lecturer puts the investment game in the perspective of an optimization problem. At the end of the session basic principles of Markowitz's portfolio theory are presented and applied to the data given to the students.
Perspectives On Normalization

With the proliferation of programs based on the principle of normalization, it seems appropriate to stand back and put that principle into perspective. The paper discusses normalization from the following viewpoints: (a) empirical approaches, (b) social integration, (c) specialization and congregation, (d) cultural norms, and (e) prevention. The suggestion is made that while normalization should continue to guide program development, we should not lose track of possible future pitfalls.
Engineers learn to write: Coaching the art of noticing with writing samples

Instructors often use writing samples as scaffolding to help students understand assignments and the instructor's expectations. This paper combines a close analysis of communication genres with a multivariate statistical analysis of clustering among genres. The aim is to help instructors select effective samples by highlighting genre variation and clustering within a corpus of possible text samples. By “effective” I mean samples that (1) help students with rhetorical invention by giving them a range of options for meeting the writing challenges of the assignment and (2) help students notice and model high-level expertise in “rhetorical priming” [1], a key linguistic component of expert technical writing behavior. The paper's findings and conclusions are relevant to engineering and professional communication instructors charged with meeting the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accreditation criteria [2] and with helping students understand and gain control of language differences between, for example, proposals, experimental reports, and applied case studies.
Efficient escape routing for hexagonal array of high density I/Os

The chip/package I/Os count has continuously been growing as the systems become more complicated. High density I/Os interconnection and efficient escape routing with high performance and low cost will greatly benefit the whole electronic system. We analyze the properties of the hexagonal array, which can hold about 15% more I/Os compared with the traditional square grid array. We propose three escape routing strategies for the hexagonal array: column-by-column horizontal escape routing, two-sided horizontal/vertical escape routing, and multi-direction hybrid channel escape routing. We can escape I/Os in the hexagonal array in the same or less number of routing layers compared with square grid array. The practical examples show the efficiency of our strategies. Using hexagonal array, we can reduce the number of escape routing layers as well as increase the density of I/Os.
Synthetic axial acquisition-full resolution, low-cost C-scan ultrasonic imaging

The synthetic axial acquisition (SAA) approach presented here is designed to produce C-scan images using low-cost, low bandwidth, front end electronics. We exploit plane wave transmission and shallow C-scan imaging of non-moving, or slowly moving, tissue regions. Between each transmit/receive cycle, the receive sampling trigger is offset by one sampling interval so that over a sequence of acquisitions a sufficiently long data record is synthesized to enable a high-quality approximation to conventional delay and sum beamforming. FIELD II simulations were performed to model the next generation of our sonic window C-scan imaging system using a 5 MHz center frequency, 50% bandwidth, and a 60 X 60 fully sampled two-dimensional (2-D) array with a 0.3-mm element pitch. These simulations, which include analysis of the impact of target motion both parallel and perpendicular to the acoustic beam, indicate that SAA is robust with respect to target motion no faster than 10 mm/s. The impact of electronic noise on SAA also is considered.
Processing and Characterizing RuAl Eutectics

Eutectic alloys in the Ru-Al-Mo system were directionally solidified by a cold crucible Czochralski technique. The solidification microstructures and composition of the phases were examined and used to estimate a partial liquidus projection. Preliminary results from compression and hardness testing indicate that the hardness of RuAl varies significantly with composition. The Ru-rich alloys in which RuAl is in equilibrium with the hcp (Ru,Mo) solid solution were found to have the lowest hardness values.
QUANTITATIVE GOLGI STUDY OF THE RAT CEREBELLAR MOLECULAR LAYER INTERNEURONS USING PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS

In this study, we applied for the first time a multivariate analysis to describe the anatomy of cerebellar molecular layer interneurons. Forty variables extending over a variety of morphological features (geometrical, topological, and metrical) were obtained from a three-dimensional reconstruction of 26 rat rapid Golgi-stained neurons. The subsequent principal component analysis showed that the first principal component was strongly correlated with variables related to the depth of each cell's soma in the molecular layer. The second principal component was strongly correlated with parameters describing axonal morphology. Finally, an analysis of the distribution of these anatomical features suggested that these cells cannot be classified into distinct groups but, instead, represent one continuously varying population. Thus, the classical division of molecular layer neurons into deep basket cells and superficial stellate cells is not supported by our analysis. These results have important implications for the development of the cerebellar cortex as well as for the expected patterns of Purkinje cell activity following activation of the granule cell layer.
Readmission characteristics of elective pediatric circumcisions using large-scale administrative data

Summary Introduction and background Elective circumcision is a common procedure, known to be safe and associated with minimal morbidity. There are few data reporting the rates of readmission and reoperation following elective circumcision. Objective We sought to define the rates of readmission and reoperation in the first 7 days following circumcision to accurately counsel families about the risks of this elective procedure. Study design The Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) was interrogated from 2004 to 2013 for all ambulatory, elective circumcisions (ICD-9 CM code of 640). We assessed readmission with respect to age, insurance status, race, readmission diagnosis, time to readmission, and seasonal differences (due to higher rates of all-cause hospital admissions). We performed logistical regression analysis with a dependent variable of readmission within 7 days and independent variables of age, race, month of admission, and insurance status. Results We identified 95,046 circumcisions from 2004 to 2013 performed in ambulatory surgery centers. Of those, 2906 (3.1%) of patients had an additional encounter at the same facility within 7 days. A total of 2409 (2.4%) of encounters were ER visits, and 253 (0.3%) were encounters for hospital admission or observation. One hundred and thirty-two patients (0.1%) underwent a second ambulatory procedure within the first 7 days following circumcision. Black patients (OR 1.26, p Discussion We present a descriptive study of clinical events occurring at the same tertiary children's hospital within the first 7 days following more than 95,000 elective postneonatal circumcisions. Limitations include a cohort generated from a single set of ICD-9 codes, and a follow-up of 7 days. Conclusion Elective circumcision remains a safe procedure with a readmission rate of 0.3%, and a reoperative rate of 0.1%. However, a relatively high percentage of patients (3.1%) will have a secondary encounter within the first 7 days following circumcision, most of them seeking care in an ER, although not necessarily for circumcision-related reasons. These may be useful data when counseling patients.
Adult ADHD: Associations with Personality and Other Psychopathology

The goals of this study were to explicate adult ADHD’s relations with personality at both the domain and facet levels and to examine its associations with other psychological symptoms. Community members (N = 294) completed measures assessing ADHD inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms, five-factor model personality domains and facets, and other internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Inattentiveness showed strong negative relations with conscientiousness and extraversion and strong positive relations with neuroticism; in contrast, hyperactivity/impulsivity related negatively to agreeableness, positively to extraversion, and weakly to neuroticism. Whereas inattentiveness emerged as a positive predictor of internalizing psychopathology—and depression in particular—hyperactivity/impulsivity related weakly to internalizing but more strongly to externalizing psychopathology. Thus, inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms showed differential relations with personality—at both the domain and facet levels—and with other psychological symptoms. These results demonstrate the value in examining ADHD’s relations with personality facets and with a wide range of psychopathology within the same study.
Predicting the quality of user experiences to improve productivity and wellness

College students often struggle to balance their work with personal wellness. In part, this occurs because students work when they are unable to focus. We hypothesize that we can adapt the Experience Sampling Method (ESM) to build a model of users’ efficacy and predict when they will be most likely to experience flow, a state of motivation and immersion. We also hypothesize that we can present this information effectively to users, allowing them to understand when they are most likely to achieve flow. In order to test these hypotheses, we introduce the Productivity and Wellness Pal (PaWPal), a smartphone-based application that seeks to make users aware of their efficacy at various tasks as well as which courses of action are likely to lead to immersive experiences.
Neuroglial Dysfunction in Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a vision-threatening disease that impacts many, if not all the different types of cells in the retina. This chapter reviews evidence that the dysfunction of the neuroglial cells of the retina contributes to the pathology of diabetic retinopathy. The basic histology of the neurons and glial cells of the retina is summarized, along with a discussion of the functions of these different cell types, and how they operate collectively to mediate vision. Then the effect of diabetes on retinal function is summarized, along with a discussion of how neurodegeneration, glial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation each may play a part in loss of vision. Finally, the history of research on neuroglial dysfunction in diabetic retinopathy is summarized in order to appreciate the evolution of the notion that vision loss is mediated through abnormalities in neuroglial cells.
Effect of low- and high-fat intakes on the hormonal milieu of premenopausal women

To compare the influence of low- and high-fat diets on hormone metabolism, we studied six premenopausal women over two complete menstrual cycles. After an initial 7-10 d dietary adjustment subjects were randomly assigned to either low- (25% of calories) or high-fat (46% of calories) diets. The diets were isocaloric and similar in proportions of protein, polyunsaturated:saturated fatty acid ratio, fiber, and cholesterol. All subjects completed both diets in a crossover experimental design. Fasting blood and 24-h urine samples were collected every other day. No significant differences in plasma luteinizing hormone, progesterone, prolactin, estrone (E1), and estradiol-17 beta (E2) or in urinary E1, E2, and estriol were observed. Prolactin secretion in response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation was also unchanged. Dietary fat may influence breast-cancer incidence by modulating the hormonal environment; however, an increase in short-term fat intake from 28 to 51 g/1000 kcal did not lead to substantial differences in the hormonal milieu.
Abstract A2: Validating area-level behavioral profiles for cancer research

Census-derived socioeconomic measures have wide acceptance among social science researchers both as small-area proxies for individual-level information when direct measurement is not feasible, as well as important constructs in their own right in specifically ecological models investigating the effect of the social environment and contextual resources. Many extensions of demographic data are utilized successfully in commercial areas such as marketing, including “geodemographics,” the segmentation and definition of small geographic areas based on both demographics and consumer behavior. However, the utility of commercially prepared area-level behavioral data for health research is largely unknown. The aims of this exploratory investigation are to test the utility of area-level behavioral consumer profile data in explaining geographic disparities in cancer burden, and to refine area-level behavioral data methodologies for future studies. Specifically, we will present how we 1) used commercially prepared area-level consumer profile data to build a geographic coverage for Maryland on specific cancer-related behaviors and a composite cancer risk profile, 2) tested the construct validity of these measures by statistically modeling their similarity to high-quality individually reported data from the CLUE studies of Washington County residents age 21 and older, and 3) examined the predictive validity of these measures, when added to socioeconomic and healthcare access measures, on excess cancer burden for four major cancer sites (breast, colorectal, prostate, and lung), using cases from the Maryland Cancer Registry. This methodology, if validated, offers a potential tool for moving from highly confidential and reactive methods of behavioral surveillance to less costly, widely applicable methodologies.
“Reverse Bohlman” technique for the treatment of high grade spondylolisthesis in an adult population

Background/aims Surgical techniques for effective high-grade spondylolisthesis (HGS) remain controversial. This study aims to evaluate radiographic/clinical outcomes in HGS patients treated using modified “Reverse Bohlman” (RB) technique.
State Constitutional Limits on Legislative Procedure: Legislative Compliance and Judicial Enforcement

Most state constitutions contain detailed restrictions on the legislative process. Violations of some of these restrictions (e.g., single-subject requirements) are reflected on the face of afinal enactment. Other violations (e.g., alteration of a bill to change its original purpose) are not evident in the final enactment, but require investigation of the legislative process. State courts have developed a variety of approaches to these second types of violations, from excluding all evidence beyond the enactment to permitting any evidence of constitutional violations. The Pennsylvania Abortion Control Act was passed in apparent violation of both types of constitutional restrictions. The legislative debates reflected legislators' attitudes about such restrictions, but the Pennsylvania courts refuse to enforce them. After surveying other judicial approaches, the article discusses the legislative and executive obligation to follow constitutional restrictions, regardless of judicial enforcement. The article then advocates increased judicial enforcement, while maintaining proper deference to the legislature.
Sensitivity analysis on the sound-structure-coupling system of car cab

The acoustics sensitivity analysis inside the car is an important content for the study on the Noise Vibration Harshness(NVH) of car characteristics.Utilizing the finite element method this paper established a 3D sound-structure-coupling model of car cab,the vibration characteristics of sound-structure-coupling of cab for frequencies from 20 to 200 Hz was calculated with ANSYS.Using the sensitivity analysis function of ANSYS,the sensitivity on each faceplate thickness of cab affected by the sound pressure stage of certain point inside the cab was calculated,thus provided directivity guidance for reducing effectively the noise of certain point inside the car and carrying out structural modification.