cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetics and Extracellular Vesicles of Pediatrics Sleep Disordered Breathing and Epilepsy.

Sleep remains one of the least understood phenomena in biology, and sleep disturbances are one of the most common behavioral problems in childhood. The etiology of sleep disorders is complex and involves both genetic and environmental factors. Epilepsy is the most popular childhood neurological condition and is characterized by an enduring predisposition to generate epileptic seizures, and the neurobiological, cognitive, psychological, and social consequences of this condition. Sleep and epilepsy are interrelated, and the importance of sleep in epilepsy is less known. The state of sleep also influences whether a seizure will occur at a given time, and this differs considerably for various epilepsy syndromes. The development of epilepsy has been associated with single or multiple gene variants. The genetics of epilepsy is complex and disorders exhibit significant genetic heterogeneity and variability in the expressivity of seizures. Phenobarbital (PhB) is the most widely used antiepileptic drug. With its principal mechanism of action to prolong the opening time of the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-A receptor-associated chloride channel, it enhances chloride anion influx into neurons, with subsequent hyperpolarization, thereby reducing excitability. Enzymes that metabolize pharmaceuticals including PhB are well known for having genetic polymorphisms that contribute to adverse drug–drug interactions. PhB metabolism is highly dependent upon the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) and genetic polymorphisms can lead to variability in active drug levels. The highly polymorphic CYP2C19 isozymes are responsible for metabolizing a large portion of routinely prescribed drugs and variants contribute significantly to adverse drug reactions and therapeutic failures. A limited number of CYP2C19 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are involved in drug metabolism. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are circular membrane fragments released from the endosomal compartment as exosomes are shed from the surfaces of the membranes of most cell types. Increasing evidence indicated that EVs play a pivotal role in cell-to-cell communication. Theses EVs may play an important role between sleep, epilepsy, and treatments. The discovery of exosomes provides potential strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases including neurocognitive deficit. The aim of this study is to better understand and provide further knowledge about the metabolism and interactions between phenobarbital and CYP2C19 polymorphisms in children with epilepsy, interplay between sleep, and EVs. Understanding this interplay between epilepsy and sleep is helpful in the optimal treatment of all patients with epileptic seizures. The use of genetics and extracellular vesicles as precision medicine for the diagnosis and treatment of children with sleep disorder will improve the prognosis and the quality of life in patients with epilepsy.
Perceptual cues and phonological change

Abstract: Since a phonological segment is signalled by a perceptual cue in the speech stream, a change in a perceptual cue can effect a phonological change. It is reasonable, then, to look for an explanation for a particular change by examining the perceptual cues for that segment. In particular, English has lost voiced stops after nasals within the same syllable as in lamb, but not voiceless stops in this position as in lamp, or voiced stops in other positions as in lab, ball and lobby. It is shown that the perception of the post-nasal voiced stops is dependent on the release of the stop, even though release is not crucial to the perception of stops in other environments. The stop release resembles a vowel sound acoustically, and English did in fact have vowel-initial suffixes several hundred years ago. These suffixes, then, provided the environment necessary for perception of post-nasal voiced stops. When this conditioning environment was lost, the perceptual cue for the voiced stop was also lost. The loss of the perceptual cue caused the loss of the segment.
Development of a Wireless Robotic Arm Control System Using Piezoelectric Sensors and Neural Networks

A robotic arm capable of mimicking hand gestures through data analysis of the mechanical activity of the muscles, using wearable piezoelectric sensors was developed. Piezoelectric discs were placed in the key locations of forearm and gestures from the arm were predicted by the system using an approximator neural networks. Each approximator creates a characteristic curve and event data for each sensors correlating to each finger movement. Using a segmentator, the event can be recorded, then compared to the approximated data by calculating the root mean square error (RMSE) to find the most similar, identifying the gesture. After classification, the result is transmitted wirelessly using Bluetooth low energy (BLE) to a robotic hand to mimic the gesture.
Self-Management Behaviors of Patients with Type 1 Diabetes: Comparing Two Sources of Patient-Generated Data.

Objectives This article aims to evaluate adult type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) self-management behaviors (SMBs) related to exercise and alcohol on a survey versus a smartphone app to compare self-reported and self-tracked SMBs, and examine inter- and intrapatient variability. Methods Adults with T1DM on insulin pump therapy were surveyed about their alcohol, meal, and exercise SMBs. For 4 weeks, participants self-tracked their alcohol, meal, and exercise events, and their SMBs corresponding with these events via an investigator-developed app. Descriptive statistics and generalized linear mixed-effect models were used to analyze the data Results Thirty-five participants self-tracked over 5,000 interactions using the app. Variability in how participants perceived the effects of exercise and alcohol on their blood glucose was observed. The congruity between SMBs self-reported on the survey and those self-tracked with the app was measured as mean (SD). The lowest congruity was for alcohol and exercise with 61.9% (22.7) and 66.4% (20.2), respectively. Congruity was higher for meals with 80.9% (21.0). There was significant daily intra- and interpatient variability in SMBs related to preprandial bolusing: recommended bolus, p Conclusion This study highlights the variability in intra- and interpatient SMBs obtained through the use of a survey and app. The outcomes of this study indicate that clinicians could use both one-time and every-day assessment tools to assess SMBs related to meals. For alcohol and exercise, further research is needed to understand the best assessment method for SMBs. Given this degree of patient variability, there is a need for an educational intervention that goes beyond the traditional “one-size-fits-all” approach of diabetes management to target individualized treatment barriers.
Review on the relationship between major air pollutants and related indicators of type 2 diabetes mellitus

The situation of air pollution has become increasingly serious and its relationship with diabetes becomes a new research concern, in China. After going through a large number of epidemiological studies published in recent years, this paper reviews the relationship between major air pollutants and both blood glucose and blood lipid, related to type 2 diabetes. It also summarizes the relationships among the main pollutants of the atmosphere so as to propose the research directions in this field. Hopefully, this paper can provide reference for forming policies on air pollution, prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes in the country. Key words: Air pollution; Diabetes; Glycemic index; Blood lipid index
Identification of key functionalization species in the Cp*Ir(III)-catalyzed-ortho halogenation of benzamides

Cp*Ir(III) complexes have been shown to be effective for the halogenation of N,N-diisopropylbenzamides with N-halosuccinimide as a suitable halogen source. The optimized conditions for the iodination reaction consist of 0.5 mol% [Cp*IrCl2]2 in 1,2-dichloroethane at 60 °C for 1 h to form a variety of iodinated benzamides in high yields. Increasing the catalyst loading to 6 mol% and the time to 4 h enabled the bromination reaction of the same substrates. Reactivity was not observed for the chlorination of these substrates. A variety of functional groups on the para-position of the benzamide were well tolerated. Kinetic studies showed the reaction dependence is first order in iridium, positive order in benzamide, and zero order in N-iodosuccinimide. A KIE of 2.5 was obtained from an independent H/D kinetic isotope effect study. Computational studies (DFT-BP3PW91) indicate that a CMD mechanism is more likely than an oxidative addition pathway for the C–H bond activation step. The calculated functionalization step involves an Ir(V) species that is the result of oxidative addition of acetate hypoiodite that is generated in situ from N-iodosuccinimide and acetic acid.
Loyalty and Insecurity in Charles II’s Virginia

The relationship between King Charles II and his subjects in the royal colony of Virginia rested on reciprocity. The monarch expected the colonists to remain loyal, generate customs revenue, and provide economic advantages to English merchants, mariners, and manufacturers. In return, the colonists expected the king to protect them and, when things went wrong, to redress their grievances. This chapter begins by describing the various forms of insecurity that caused Virginians to rely on the king for protection. Then it discusses their unsuccessful attempt, in 1677, to persuade Charles to use his dispensing prerogative to exempt them from a parliamentary tax statute that the colonists found unduly burdensome. The aim is to explore the colonial dimensions of the dispensing power and to examine the crown’s hostility to the use of grievance petitions as vehicles for questioning imperial policies formulated by the king and parliament.
Sorption of Hexafluoropropylene Oxide Dimer Acid to Sediments: Biogeochemical Implications and Analytical Considerations

The sedimentary fate of hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) was investigated over a 12 week time series in HFPO-DA-amended (600 ng of spike addition) freshwater and estuarine tidal sedim...
Advanced Statistics: Multiple Logistic Regression, Cox Proportional Hazards, and Propensity Scores

Background: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are generally regarded as the gold standard for demonstrating causality because they effectively mitigate bias from both known and unknown confounder...
Gentamicin-induced sensorineural auditory loss in healthy adult horses.

Background Irreversible sensorineural auditory loss has been reported in humans treated with aminoglycosides but not in horses. Objective Investigate if auditory loss occurs in horses treated using the recommended IV daily dosage of gentamicin for 7 consecutive days. Animals Ten healthy adult horses (7-15 years; females and males, 5 each). Methods Prospective study. Physical and neurological examinations and renal function tests were performed. Gentamicin sulfate was administered at a dosage of 6.6 mg/kg via the jugular vein on alternating sides for 7 days. Gentamicin peak and trough concentrations were measured. Horses were sedated using detomidine hydrochloride IV to perform brainstem auditory evoked responses (BAER) before the first dose, immediately after the last dose, and 30 days after the last dose. Peaks latencies, amplitudes, and amplitude ratios were recorded. Data from the second and last BAER were compared to results at baseline. Bone conduction was performed to rule out conduction disorders. Results Seven horses had auditory loss: complete bilateral (N = 1), complete unilateral (N = 2), and partial unilateral (N = 4). Based on physical examination and BAER results, sensorineural auditory loss was suspected. Absent bone conduction ruled out a conduction disorder and further supported sensorineural auditory loss in horses with completely absent BAER. Auditory dysfunction was reversible in 4 of 7 horses. Conclusions and clinical importance Gentamicin at recommended doses may cause sensorineural auditory loss in horses that might be irreversible. Follow-up studies are needed to investigate if other dosing protocols present a similar risk.
Identifying and Enforcing Back-End Electoral Rights in International Human Rights Law

Introduction 166 I. The Scope of the Right to Political Participation and Back-End Electoral Rights in International Human Rights Law 171 A. Traditional Impediments to the Enforcement of Participatory Rights 173 B. The Right to Genuine Elections in U.N. Human Rights Instruments 178 II. The Emergence of Back-End Electoral Rights in the European Human Rights System 182 A. The Origins of Electoral Rights in the ECHR 182 B. The ECtHR and Back-End Electoral Rights 187 1. Finding Back-End Electoral Claims Admissible Under Article 3 189 2. Tentatively Finding the First Violations of Back-End Electoral Rights 190 3. Expanding the ECtHR’s Back-End Electoral-Rights Jurisprudence 195 C. The Lack of an Effective Remedy for Violations of Electoral Rights 202 D. Safeguarding Back-End Electoral Rights Through Election Monitoring 203 III. Ukrainian Supreme Court Decision of December 3, 2004: Interpreting Back-End Electoral Rights Under International and Domestic Law 206 Conclusion 214
Xenoreactive Human Natural Antibodies

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of xenoreactive human natural antibodies. The saccharide, which is the major target of human xenoreactive natural antibodies–– Galα1-3Galβ1-4GlcNAc-R, is related structurally and biosynthetically to blood group A and blood group B. The first assays for xenoreactive natural antibodies involved hemagglutination. Lymphocytotoxicity was also used extensively to assay for xenoreactive antibodies. Xenoreactive natural antibodies and isohemagglutinins share functional properties as high functional avidity for cells, low affinity for soluble saccharides, homogeneous binding to cells, more avid binding at lower temperatures, and thermal lability. Based on agglutination levels and affinity isolation and quantitation of immunoglobulin M antibodies, the level of xenoreactive natural antibodies in human serum is similar to the level of isohemagglutinins and these levels vary similarly in the population.
Real plasma effects of microwave radiation propagating perpendicular to a magnetized plasma

Microwave absorption near electron cyclotron resonance has been investigated in a magnetized plasma over a wide range of frequencies, from 2 to 18 GHz. A network analyzer that is capable of swept frequency measurements and of measuring reflection and transmission coefficients over these frequencies with 80-dB dynamic range has been used. The classical penning discharge used to generate the plasma consists of a uniform magnetic field with a maximum value of 0.195 T. An approximately 12-cm-diameter and 118-cm-long steady-state plasma column is generated with a characteristic density of a few times 10/sup 9/ electrons/cm/sup 3/ and electron kinetic temperatures of a few tens of electron volts. Axial and radial Langmuir probes are used to measure electron number density and kinetic temperature. >
Multivariable Generalized Predictive Adaptive Control

In this paper a multivariable generalized predictive adaptive control(MGPC) scheme is presented under the multi step cost-function with the polynomial matrix weighting. A simplified MGPC adaptive algorithm and a comparison between the simplified algorithm and original one in the amount of calculation are also given.
Nate Silver and Campaign 2012: Sport, the Statistical Frame, and the Rhetoric of Electoral Forecasting

Political communication scholars have long noted the prevalence of sports metaphors in media coverage of campaigns, especially through references to the “horse race.” During the 2012 presidential election, however, a cluster of terms associated with science and math emerged as an alternative model for monitoring the campaigns' progress. This “statistical frame” was best symbolized by Nate Silver, a former baseball analyst whose attention to politics was among the most celebrated aspects of the 2012 election. This essay evaluates the rhetorical effect of the statistical frame, which helps to shift attention away from outmoded political communication practices associated with predictions and punditry. This shift has implications for political media, political campaigns, and our understanding of the relationship between politics and sport.
Anxiety Sensitivity Dimensions in the Prediction of Body Vigilance and Emotional Avoidance

The present study evaluated 2 interrelated hypotheses concerning the relation between specific anxiety sensitivity dimensions and how one responds to bodily sensations in a population with no known history of psychopathology (N = 214). Specifically, the Physical Concerns subscale of the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI; S. Reiss, R. A. Peterson, M. Gursky, & R. J. McNally, 1986) was found to be uniquely and statistically predictive of bodily vigilance, whereas the Mental Incapacitation ASI subscale was predictive of emotional avoidance. These effects were above and beyond the variance accounted for by demographic variables, treatment history for common interoceptive medical conditions, subclinical panic attack history, and trait anxiety. We discuss these findings in relation to differential predictive validity conceptualizations of anxiety sensitivity, with implications for understanding models of health functioning and panic disorder.
Isoform-level brain expression profiling of the spermidine/spermine N1-Acetyltransferase1 (SAT1) gene in major depression and suicide

Low brain expression of the spermidine/spermine N-1 acetyltransferase (SAT1) gene, the rate-limiting enzyme involved in catabolism of polyamines that mediate the polyamine stress response (PSR), has been reported in depressed suicides. However, it is unknown whether this effect is associated with depression or with suicide and whether all or only specific isoforms expressed by SAT1, such as the primary 171 amino acid protein-encoding transcript (SSAT), or an alternative splice variant (SSATX) that is involved in SAT1 regulated unproductive splicing and transcription (RUST), are involved. We applied next generation sequencing (RNA-seq) to assess gene-level, isoform-level, and exon-level SAT1 expression differences between healthy controls (HC, N = 29), DSM-IV major depressive disorder suicides (MDD-S, N = 21) and MDD non-suicides (MDD, N = 9) in the dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex (Brodmann Area 9, BA9) of medication-free individuals postmortem. Using small RNA-seq, we also examined miRNA species putatively involved in SAT1 post-transcriptional regulation. A DSM-IV diagnosis was made by structured interview. Toxicology and history ruled out recent psychotropic medication. At the gene-level, we found low SAT1 expression in both MDD-S (vs. HC, p = 0.002) and MDD (vs. HC, p = 0.002). At the isoform-level, reductions in MDD-S (vs. HC) were most pronounced in four transcripts including SSAT and SSATX, while reductions in MDD (vs. HC) were pronounced in three transcripts, one of which was reduced in MDD relative to MDD-S (all p < 0.1 FDR corrected). We did not observe evidence for differential exon-usage (i.e. splicing) nor differences in miRNA expression. Results replicate the finding of low SAT1 brain expression in depressed suicides in an independent sample and implicate low SAT1 brain expression in MDD independent of suicide. Low expressions of both SSAT and SATX isoforms suggest that shared transcriptional mechanisms involved in RUST may account for low SAT1 brain expression in depressed suicides. Future studies are required to understand the functions and regulation of SAT1 isoforms, and how they relate to the pathogenesis of MDD and suicide.
Embedded dynamic random access memory

For several decades, the 1-transistor Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) has been the dominant choice for high density and low cost semiconductor memory in computing systems. Recently, advancements in miniaturization have allowed integration of DRAM on the same die with the processor. Key advancements in memory technology, architecture and circuit design required to capitalize on the merger of DRAM and logic are described here. After reviewing the history and accomplishments in embedded DRAM over the past decade, details of three generations of embedded DRAM development at IBM are discussed. In the third generation, which is the 130nm technology, three specialized DRAM macros have been developed. The first is a general purpose growable design targeted specifically for the ASIC's environment. The second is an area optimized design which includes special features for reducing standby and data retention current. The third macro employs a novel destructive read architecture with a single-ended direct sensing scheme for enabling random cycle time as fast as 3.3ns for network applications.
Experiments on Active Vibration Control of a Coupled Flexible Structure

The control of vibration in large structures is complicated by the presence of many closely-spaced modes within the contoller bandwidh. Problem of stability robustness arise since accurate models for the entire structure are difficult to generate. This paper investigae stability issues associated with a decentralized control strategy applied to subsystem models of the entire structure. A novel coupling parameter which characterizes the degree of subsystem interaction in a 2×2 system is introduced and defined. This parameter is used to determine stability bounds and performance limitations for decentralized active vibration control of large structures. A simple cantilever beam structure with attached disk is used to experimentally confirm the theoretical development when subsystem coupling is introduced by the actuators. The stability analysis suggests that the set of coupled system can be split into two regions by a critical coupling value, c*. One region can be controlled by a diagonal controller and the other can be controlled by an off-diagonal controller. Should the degree of coupling change from one side of c* to the other during operation, no single controller is capable of maintaining stability.
Congressional dysfunction: An information processing perspective

The public's approval of Congress is at an all time low. The parties seem to have taken the legislative process hostage for their own electoral gain. Whereas traditional arguments about congressional dysfunction focus on polarized voting coalitions or outputs – particularly legislation – in this article we highlight congressional information processing and how it has changed in this highly partisan era. By coding congressional hearings according to the kind of information on which they focus, we find that members of Congress are receiving one-sided information to a greater degree and are spending less time learning about potential solutions. We use these results to make numerous recommendations for improving how Congress gathers its information.
Olanzapine treatment of psychotic and behavioral symptoms in patients with Alzheimer disease in nursing care facilities: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

Background Patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) commonly exhibit psychosis and behavioral disturbances that impair patient functioning, create caregiver distress, and lead to institutionalization. This study was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of olanzapine in treating psychosis and/or agitation/aggression in patients with AD. Methods A multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 6-week study was conducted in 206 elderly US nursing home residents with AD who exhibited psychotic and/or behavioral symptoms. Patients were randomly assigned to placebo or a fixed dose of 5, 10, or 15 mg/d of olanzapine. The primary efficacy measure was the sum of the Agitation/Aggression, Hallucinations, and Delusions items (Core Total) of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory–Nursing Home version. Results Low-dose olanzapine (5 and 10 mg/d) produced significant improvement compared with placebo on the Core Total (−7.6 vs −3.7 [ P P = .006], respectively). Core Total improvement with olanzapine, 15 mg/d, was not significantly greater than placebo. The Occupational Disruptiveness score, reflecting the impact of patients' psychosis and behavioral disturbances on the caregiver, was significantly reduced in the 5-mg/d olanzapine group compared with placebo (−2.7 vs −1.5; P = .008). Somnolence was significantly more common among patients receiving olanzapine (25.0%-35.8%), and gait disturbance occurred in those receiving 5 or 15 mg/d (19.6% and 17.0%, respectively). No significant cognitive impairment, increase in extrapyramidal symptoms, or central anticholinergic effects were found at any olanzapine dose relative to placebo. Conclusion Low-dose olanzapine (5 and 10 mg/d) was significantly superior to placebo and well tolerated in treating agitation/aggression and psychosis in this population of patients with AD.
Isolated ZVS High-Frequency-Link AC-AC Converter With a Reduced Switch Count

This paper introduces an isolated soft-switched three-phase ac-ac converter with a high-frequency link and reduced switch count for low- and medium-power applications. A small air-gapped high-frequency transformer acts as the key component by providing galvanic isolation as well as transferring power using its magnetizing inductance. Two small ac capacitors are placed on both sides of the transformer to realize zero-voltage switching for the semiconductor devices in addition to passive clamping. Therefore, the proposed topology is expected to be highly efficient and reliable due to soft-switching operation and exclusion of limited-lifetime electrolytic capacitors. Furthermore, the proposed converter has a high input power factor, step-up/down ability, and bidirectional power flow with arbitrary output voltage amplitude and frequency. The basic operation of the converter includes eight modes and is described in detail. Theoretical analysis and design are also given to illustrate its operation at various operating points. Simulation and experimental results are provided to verify the performance of the proposed power converter.
Pulmonary artery hypertension in a child with MELAS due to a point mutation of the mitochondrial tRNA (Leu) gene (m.3243A>G)

Although linked with cardiac dysfunction, the association of MELAS (mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes) and pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) has not been previously described. PAH and right ventricular heart failure were identified by echocardiography in a 3-year-old boy with a history of hypotonia, microcephaly and developmental delay. He initially presented with a 10-day history of dyspnoea, dependent oedema and reduced oral intake. Lactic acidosis was noted on serial arterial blood sampling and cerebrospinal fluid. Muscle biopsy demonstrated cytochrome-c oxidase-positive ‘ragged-red’ fibres consistent with MELAS; subsequent analyses revealed the m.3243A>G point mutation most commonly associated with MELAS. The mutation was heteroplasmic, representing 92% of the total mtDNA from a lung sample. Nitric oxide and epoprostenol were administered without significant clinical or echocardiographic improvement of his PAH. A ‘mitochondrial cocktail’ including biotin, riboflavin, carnitine and coenzyme Q10 also was provided. Five months after presentation, he developed seizures; MRI imaging of his brain demonstrated multiple focal lesions. His clinical status worsened with increasing cardiopulmonary failure. He died two months later. Although therapy for both MELAS and PAH remains limited, recent investigations suggest a beneficial role for l-arginine in both conditions, implying a possible common pathophysiology. Mitochondrial diseases such as MELAS should be considered in cases of idiopathic PAH, particularly when associated with multisystem involvement including short stature, hearing loss, renal dysfunction, retinopathy, diabetes mellitus, migraines, seizures, ophthalmoplegia, fatigability and weakness.
Secondary Teachers' Nutrition Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices.

Abstract Using the 40-item Nutrition Knowledge Test (NKT) and a questionnaire containing Likert attitude statements, semantic differential scales, demographic questions, and other questions, we assessed the nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and practices of secondary health and physical education, home economics, science, and social science teachers. We mailed instruments to 1,191 randomly chosen teachers. Forty-four percent of the teachers completed the survey. Forty-three percent of them had never taken a food or nutrition course, and 63% had no inservice or nutrition training. Home economics teachers had a significantly higher mean NKT score than other teachers. Kuder-Richardson 20 reliability coefficients ranged from .69 to .82. We used one Likert scale and one semantic differential scale to assess attitudes toward teaching nutrition. Home economics teachers had the highest mean score, and social science teachers had the lowest. All groups had positive attitudes toward their own nutrition, and we detected odifferences among the four groups. Nearly two-thirds of the teachers reported teaching something about food'or nutrition. Generally, teachers who taught something about food or nutrition had taken more food or nutrition courses, had higher knowledge scores, and had more favorable attitudes toward teaching nutrition.
Geometric Optimization of van der Pauw Structure Based MEMS Pressure Sensor

This paper characterizes a piezoresistive sensor under variations of both size and orientation with respect to the silicon crystal lattice for its application to MEMS pressure sensing. The sensor to be studied is a four-terminal piezoresistive sensor commonly referred to as a van der Pauw (VDP) structure. In a recent study, our team has determined the relation between the biaxial stress state and the piezoresistive response of a VDP structure by combining the VDP resistance equations with the equations governing silicon piezoresistivity and has proposed a novel piezoresistive pressure sensor. It is observed that the sensitivity of the VDP sensor is over three times higher than the conventional filament type Wheatstone bridge resistor. With MEMS devices being used in applications which continually necessitate smaller size, characterizing the effect of relative size and misalignment on the sensitivity of the VDP sensor is important. It is determined that the performance of the sensor is strongly dependent only on the longitudinal position of the sensor on the diaphragm, and is relatively tolerant of other errors in the manufacturing process such as transverse position, sensor depth, and orientation angle.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Effects of native and fractionated vegetable oils on lipid absorption in the rat

Abstract We investigated the hypothesis that the hypocholesterolemic activity of corn oil and other unsaturated vegetable oils is related to effects of their nontriglyceride components on intestinal lipid absorption. To test this hypothesis, corn, sunflowerseed (sun) and soybean oils (soy) were separated chromatographically into their pure triglycerides (TGs) and 4 nonTG fractions. For each native oil, a 7-membered series was prepared: native oil, pure TGs, pure TGs plus each of the 4 nonTG fractions, and pure TGs plus all 4 nonTG fractions. Three groups of lymph duct-cannulated rats received continuous (9–10 d) intraduodenal infusions of oils with added cholesterol (equivalent to a diet containing 20% fat +0.4% cholesterol) in a randomized Latin Square design. Each oil was infused for 18 h before lymph was sampled. There were no significant differences in chylomicron TG, phospholipid (PL) and cholesterol (total, unesterified or esterified) transfer rates (μmole/h) or in relative chylomicron size (molar ratio of PL/TG) within any of the 3 series. Recovery of TG and cholesterol in chylomicrons, relative to the rates of infusion, averaged 91 and 99% (corn), 77 and 72% (sun) and 90 and 79% (soy). Our results indicate that, at the level present in these 3 oils, the nonTG components do not significantly influence chylomicron lipid composition or size, or the rate of intestinal secretion of lipid components.
Identification of Pareto-efficient facets in data envelopment analysis

Abstract In Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), identification of the Pareto-efficient frontier of an empirical production possibility set is a prerequisite step toward determining rates of change of outputs with changes in inputs along its piecewise linear facets. These rates of change, which will be different on different facets, have important economic and managerial implications in trade-off analysis, forecasting and resource allocation. Accurate and complete identification of the component members of each facet remains an open question. Such identification is important in certain procedures for determining these rates of change. This paper develops three modifications to the pivoiing criteria of the simplex algorithm, commonly used to solve DEA problems, as alternative strategies for more completely identifying facet members of the Pareto-optimal frontier common to several production possibility sets in DEA. Experimental results from implementing these strategies are presented.
The Medial Amygdaloid Nucleus Modifies Social Behavior in Male Rats

Abstract STARK, C. P.; H. P. ALPERN; J. FUHRER; M. G. TROWBRIDGE; H. WIMBISH; AND T. SMOCK. The medial amygdaloid nucleus modifies social behavior in male rats. PHYSIOL BEHAV 63(2) 253–259, 1998.—Electrical stimulation of the medial amygdaloid nucleus (AME) produces a behavioral state in male rats that resembles the postejaculatory interval, but electrical recording from cells in the AME shows that they become active earlier in sexual behavior, around the time that the male first appears to become aware of estrus in the female. In an attempt to resolve which feature of sexual behavior was mediated by the AME, we stimulated the structure bilaterally in freely behaving males using voltage levels too low to produce the postejaculatory interval. We found that electrical activation of this kind facilitated sexual behavior when it would not otherwise occur (i.e., in the presence of a nonestrous female). However, the stimuli suppressed sexual behavior when it would normally occur (i.e., in the presence of a nonestrous female). We discuss alternative interpretations of the results in the context of a general model for the central organization of sexual behavior in males.
ASYMMETRY IN FREEZE-DRYING

This paper describes what is meant by asymmetric freeze-drying and reports experimental observations of the phenomenon. Current mathematical models of freeze-drying cannot account for asymmetry. This theoretical deficiency is corrected by the development and solution of a freeze-drying theory termed the asymmetrically-retreating-ice-front (ARIF) model. An extension of the well-known uniformly-re-treating-ice-front (URIF) model, the ARIF theory accounts for heat flux through the frozen region and for unequal heat fluxes to different sample faces. The ARIF theory is able to predict temperatures and moisture fractions during drying, total drying times, and degrees of ice-core asymmetry which agree reasonably well with experimental results.
The Virtual Team Challenge: Is It Time for Training?

There has been considerable growth in the use of virtual teams in the past decade, and further growth is broadly assumed as this practice is driven by globalization. Researchers investigating virtual teams describe problems these teams encounter, assert that training for virtual team assignments is necessary, and offer suggestions on the issues that such training should address. Further evidence of the need for such training is that a fortune 100 company employed one of the authors to interview their employees and develop the initial version of a virtual team training simulation for their use. The 'virtual team challenge' simulation, an updated version of that simulation, is being used in the Rose-Hulman Project Management course. Participants face problems similar to those reported as they manage a simulated project with virtual team members. Participants receive advice and are guided to adopt best practices as defined by our literature review and those offered by the client. Playing time is two to three hours. This presentation includes a literature review, an overview of the simulation (including screen shots), and reports on initial use results.
Poisson compounding of dependent random variables: A stochastic model for total claim costs

The Compound Poisson process is a useful model for describing total claim costs in the insurance industry. In this investigation, the compound Poisson model is modified to allow dependence among the compounded variables in an effort to more accurately model situations in which successive claim awards are correlated and/or form a nonstationary process. Specifically, the sequence is assumed to follow an ARIMA(p,d,q) model. This type of model is illustrated with the use of actual asbestosis claim cost data collected from Naval shipyards. Some asymptotic theory (namely a central limit theorem) is developed for the case in which the Poisson process mean approaches infinity.
EFFECTS OF MATURITY, SOAKING TREATMENT AND COOKING METHOD ON THE QUALITY AND MINERAL CONTENT OF SOUTHERN PEAS

This study was designed to determine the effects of maturity, soaking time; soaking treatment, cooking method, and cooking time on quality and macro-mineral content of quick-cook, frozen Princess Anne blackeyed peas. A lighter colored product was obtained with less mature blackeyed peas and peas soaked in pyrophosphate solutions. Bicarbonate treatments produced peas with less desirable color but with softer texture and better flavor as compared to other soaking treatments. Mature peas produced a firmer product, as well as soaking in water or pyrophosphate solutions at pH 6.0. Visible discoloration of peas increased with longer soaking time. Phosphorus content of peas increased significantly with soaking in phosphate solution. Color ratings and firmness decreased in peas subjected to longer cooking times.
The human movement factor (m) in the rorschach, motor activity, and behavior.

The relationship between the M response and one of its basic theoretical components, overt motor activity, measured by participation in varsity level sports and related activities, was determined. 114 Ss were assigned to a participant group and 108 Ss to a non-participant group. The Group Rorschach, the Group Form of Coan’s Individual Movement Cards, and the Guilford-Zimmerman Temperament Survey were administered. The results failed to confirm Rorschach’s theory that overt motor activity inhibits kinesthetic perception. Flexor movement was significantly associated with non-participation. The participant group scored significantly higher in Factors G (General Activity), A (Ascendance), S (Sociability), and E (Emotional Stability) of the Guilford-Zimmerman Temperament Survey. Intellectual functioning appeared as the most important factor in M production.
1236 INSULIN'S INTRACELLULAR MESSENGER: EFFECT ON MITOCHONDRIAL FATTY ACID OXIDATION

Recent studies have demonstrated the release from isolated crude plasma membranes of a putative undefined mediator(s) of insulin's molecular action. This messenger is generated after insulin-receptor binding. Rat liver particulate cell membranes (4 mg/ml prot) were incubated with physiologic[insulin] or saline; the mediator was prepared as described (Proc Natl Acad Sci, 1982; 79:3513). To study its effect on ketogenesis and pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), suspensions of either the crude lyophylized extract (C) or the ethanol-separated stimulatory (S)/inhibitory (I) fractions were added to freshly-prepared liver mitochondria or mitoplasts. Our mediator had similiar effects on PDH as reported previously (above ref) and was <12,000 daltons. The S fraction (ethanol nonextractable) did not modify ketogenesis; however, both the undiluted and 1:10 C (data below) and I fractions (data not shown) were inhibitory (p <.025). Results are expressed as 7. inhibition of ketogenesis by mediator prepared from insulin (10−8M) vs saline-treated membranes (mean ± S.E.; n=12); the control mitochondria ketogenic rate was 1.8 ± 0.3 nmol/min/mg prot. Preliminary data suggest that the addition of ATP with insulin may faciliate the generation of mediator (? receptor or membrane phosphorylation). We conclude that insulin's mediator suppresses fatty acid oxidation in intact mitochondria.
Brain maps on the go: functional imaging during motor challenge in animals.

Abstract Brain mapping in the freely moving animal is useful for studying motor circuits, not only because it avoids the potential confound of sedation or restraints, but because activated brain states may serve to accentuate differences that only manifest partially while a subject is in the resting state. Perfusion or metabolic mapping using autoradiography allows one to examine changes in brain function at the circuit level across the entire brain with a spatial resolution (∼100 μ) appropriate for the rat or mouse brain, and a temporal resolution (seconds–minutes) sufficient for capturing acute brain changes. Here we summarize the application of these methods to the functional brain mapping of behaviors involving locomotion of small animals, methods for the three-dimensional reconstruction of the brain from autoradiographic sections, voxel based analysis of the whole brain, and generation of maps of the flattened rat cortex. Application of these methods in animal models promises utility in improving our understanding of motor function in the normal brain, and of the effects of neuropathology and treatment interventions such as exercise have on the reorganization of motor circuits.
Non-invasive muscle force assessment apparatus for use in the intensive care unit

Muscle function assessment is important for diagnosing muscular disorders, developing treatment plans, and tracking patient progress over time. The muscle force assessment system (MFAS) can provide quantitative results versus the traditional qualitative results that are obtained from manual tests. A new MFAS was developed for measuring force in the tibialis anterior muscle in response to electrical stimulation. The system is small, portable, and can be used in an ICU setting. Preliminary experiments were conducted to compare the new system to an existing force assessment system. The results demonstrated that the new system is repeatable and reliable.
Freeze-etching and direct observation of freezing damage.

Summary Freeze-etching, as a method of preparing specimens for electron microscopy, is perhaps the best method for visualizing the fine structure of freezing damage to cells. New equipment permits the preparation of multiple specimens and double replicas, and rapid temperature changes. These make possible direct comparisons of different suspending media, different freezing rates, and apposed fracture surfaces. Also, recrystallization and condensation studies can be made. Freeze-etching is particularly useful for studies of membranes because the fracture plane often follows membrane surfaces and, even when large ice crystals destroy much of the detail within a cell, many membranes remain intact.
Some Perspectives on Ethical/Political Issues in Social Science Research

Current principles and regulations concerning the ethics of research on human participants draw on two unrelated frames of reference: informed consent and harm/benefit. Problems involved in informed consent include the inability of some classes of potential participants to give such consent, the incompatibility of some research designs with fully informed consent, and ambiguities about the meaning of "informed." Problems involved in the harm/benefit frame include the impossibility of balancing benefit to science and society against harm to an individual and the question of who is to assess harms and benefits. Two currently proposed extensions of commonly accepted principles are discussed: the possible harm of deceptive procedures to the normative order of society, and the rights of categories of individuals, and of institutions, with respect to consent and harm/benefit. The former is favored, the latter oppossed.
Introduction to the linear algebraic method for control system design

This tutorial article discusses some basic issues in the design of control systems. The concepts of well posedness and total stability are introduced to deal with noise and disturbance problems. The implementable transfer function is developed and is shown to solve completely pole-and-zero assignment and model matching problems. Two feedback configurations are introduced to realize the implementable transfer functions, and feedback compensation is obtained by solving sets of linear algebraic equations.
Men’s Gendered Constructions of Intimate Partner Violence as Predictors of Court-Mandated Batterer Treatment Drop Out

The purpose of this study was to explore the meaning men make of their violence toward intimate partners and to examine if and how these meanings and constructions of violence predicted who drops out of batterer treatment prior to program completion. We used both qualitative and quantitative data collected from 154 men court-mandated to participate in a batterer intervention program. The qualitative findings indicated that the men in this sample minimized and denied responsibility for the violence they used towards their intimate partners while simultaneously rationalizing and justifying their violent behavior. Such findings provide insight into how denial and minimization and, more broadly, men’s constructions of masculinity might predict their tendency to drop out of batterer treatment. Furthermore, building upon our qualitative findings, logistic regression analysis revealed that men who were lower income, no longer intimately involved with the women they abused, and who reported lower levels of physical violence and higher levels of hostility were more likely to drop out of the batterer treatment program.
Training parents in a preventive intervention for transfer children

Parents whose children were identified as being at-risk for academic difficulties following a transfer into a new school were involved in either a school-based tutoring program or a school-based tutoring program with a parent training component. When parents actively worked with their elementary school age children at home, the children evidenced better grades at the end of the school year. A variety of other social adjustment measures also indicated that when parents and school-based personnel worked together in the preventive effort, the outcomes were more favorable.
Uncertainty Quantification for Polynomial Systems via Bernstein Expansions

This paper presents a unifying framework to uncertainty quantification for systems having polynomial response metrics that depend on both aleatory and epistemic uncertainties. The approach proposed, which is based on the Bernstein expansions of polynomials, enables bounding the range of moments and failure probabilities of response metrics as well as finding supersets of the extreme epistemic realizations where the limits of such ranges occur. These bounds and supersets, whose analytical structure renders them free of approximation error, can be made arbitrarily tight with additional computational effort. Furthermore, this framework enables determining the importance of particular uncertain parameters according to the extent to which they affect the first two moments of response metrics and failure probabilities. This analysis enables determining the parameters that should be considered uncertain as well as those that can be assumed to be constants without incurring significant error. The analytical nature of the approach eliminates the numerical error that characterizes the sampling-based techniques commonly used to propagate aleatory uncertainties as well as the possibility of under predicting the range of the statistic of interest that may result from searching for the best- and worstcase epistemic values via nonlinear optimization or sampling.