cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A new technique to measure the dynamic contact pressures on the Tibial Plateau

Studies of the load transfer role of the meniscus have been limited to static experimental and analytical approaches. The objective of this study was to develop an experimental technique to allow the contact pressures on the tibial plateau of cadaveric knees to be measured under dynamic physiological loads. Accordingly, we adapted a load-controlled knee joint simulator to accept a cadaveric sheep knee, programmed the simulator with sheep gait kinematics data, and utilized a pressure sensor array to measure the contact pressure distribution on the lateral tibial plateau during gait. The technique was applied to six sheep knees that were tested intact and after meniscectomy. Meniscectomy resulted in a 267% increase in average contact pressure, a 117% increase in peak contact pressure, and an 80% decrease in contact area, all measured at the point of maximum peak contact stress in the gait cycle. It is envisaged that the experimental model herein developed will allow for the screening of candidate materials prior to more expensive and time-consuming animal models.
Therapeutic benefits in thalassemic mice transplanted with long-term-cultured bone marrow cells.

Objective Autologous bone marrow (BM) cells with a faulty gene corrected by gene targeting could provide a powerful therapeutic option for patients with genetic blood diseases. Achieving this goal is hindered by the low abundance of therapeutically useful BM cells and the difficulty maintaining them in tissue culture long enough to complete gene targeting without differentiating. Our objective was to devise a simple long-term culture system, using unfractioned BM cells, that maintains and expands therapeutically useful cells for ≥4 weeks. Materials and Methods From 2 to 60 million BM cells from wild-type (WT) mice or from mice carrying a truncated erythropoietin receptor transgene were plated with or without irradiated fetal-liver−derived AFT024 stromal cells in 25-cm 2 culture flasks. Four-week−cultured cells were analyzed and transplanted into sublethally irradiated thalassemic mice (1 million cells/mouse). Results After 4 weeks, cultures with AFT024 cells had extensive "cobblestone" areas. Optimum expansion of Sca-1−positive cells was 5.5-fold with 20 × 10 6 WT cells/flask and 27-fold with 2 × 10 6 truncated erythropoietin receptor transgene cells. More than 85% of thalassemic mice transplanted with either type of cells had almost complete reversal of their thalassemic phenotype for at least 6 months, including blood smear dysmorphology, reticulocytosis, high ferritin plasma levels, and hepatic/renal hemosiderosis. Conclusions When plated at high cell densities on irradiated fetal-liver−derived stromal cells, BM cells from WT mice maintain their therapeutic potential for 4 weeks in culture, which is sufficient time for correction of a faulty gene by targeting.
A Linear Systems Approach to Imaging Through Turbulence

In this paper we address the problem of recovering an image from a sequence of distorted versions of it, where the distortion is caused by what is commonly referred to as ground-level turbulence. In mathematical terms, such distortion can be described as the cumulative effect of a blurring kernel and a time-dependent deformation of the image domain. We introduce a statistical dynamic model for the generation of turbulence based on linear dynamical systems (LDS). We expand the model to include the unknown image as part of the unobserved state and apply Kalman filtering to estimate such state. This operation yields a blurry image where the blurring kernel is effectively isoplanatic. Applying blind nonlocal Total Variation (NL-TV) deconvolution yields a sharp final result.
Erosion of steels in liquid slurries

Abstract The erosion of steels commonly used in piping and containment vessels in coal liquefaction plants was investigated. The jet impingement type of test where coal-particle-containing liquids are directed at flat specimens was used to determine the erosion rates and mechanism of coal slurry erosion. The effects of steel heat treatments, slurry impingement angles and other slurry erosion test conditions on erosion rates are discussed. Microscopic analysis was used to determine the mechanism of erosion. Comparisons between liquid-solid particle erosion and gas-solid particle erosion are presented.
Effect of surface tension on the stress in environmental crazes

Abstract Tensile stress increases ( ΔS ) have been measured in changing the environment of a crazed specimen held at constant extension from methanol, water or their mixtures to air. It is demonstrated that these stress changes are probably due to changes in the interfacial tension between the fibrils and the environment. The observed magnitude of ΔS is in excellent agreement with the theoretical estimates of this quantity.
Demythifying Multicultural Education: Social Semiotics as a Tool of Critical Pedagogy

(1997). Demythifying Multicultural Education: Social Semiotics as a Tool of Critical Pedagogy. Teaching Education: Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 27-36.
Rhabdomyosarcoma of the lower lip.

Abstract A case of rhabdomyosarcoma of the lower lip is presented. This lesion seems to be very rare in the head and neck region, and this may be the first case reported in this specific part of the body.
Sexual dimorphism in early anthropoids.

Sexual dimorphism in canine/premolar tooth size and in body size is found among many species of living primates and has been shown to be correlated with social organization. Among extant higher primate species that normally live in nuclear families consisting of a mated pair with their offspring, adult males and females are similar in body size and in the size of canine and anterior premolar teeth. In contrast, higher primate species living in more ‘complex’ polygynous groups (either single-male harems or multi-male groups) are characterized by sexual dimorphism in the size of canine/premolar teeth and frequently by body size dimorphism as well1–4. We provide here the first evidence for sexual dimorphism in three species of primates from the Oligocene of Egypt—Aegyptopiihecus zeuxis, Propliopithecus chirobates, and Apidium phiomense. This is the earliest record of sexual dimorphism among higher primates and suggests, by analogy with living species, that the earliest known fossil Old World anthropoids lived in polygynous (either single-male harems or multi-male groups) rather than monogamous social groups.
Plasma progesterone levels during saline-induced abortion.

ABSTRACT Thirty-three normal, midtrimester patients were given injections of hypertonic saline, and 5 similar patients received injections of isotonic saline by intra-amniotic administration. During a 20 hr observation period plasma progesterone levels of patients treated with isotonic saline remained relatively constant, and no clinical progress was evident. In contrast, those patients receiving hypertonic saline showed a significant decrease in plasma progesterone to levels which averaged 53% below the initial value before abortion. 20α-Hydroxypregn-4-en-3-one (20α-OH-P) levels also decreased following hypertonic saline administration. These findings are consistent with earlier conclusions that progesterone withdrawal may be causally related to the physiological and clinical consequences of hypertonic saline treatment and that the effect may be mediated by a decrease in the placental biosynthesis of progesterone.
Ethanol–BDNF interactions: Still more questions than answers

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has emerged as a regulator of development, plasticity and, recently, addiction. Decreased neurotrophic activity may be involved in ethanol-induced neurodegeneration in the adult brain and in the etiology of alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorders. This can occur through decreased expression of BDNF or through inability of the receptor to transduce signals in the presence of ethanol. In contrast, recent studies implicate region-specific up-regulation of BDNF and associated signaling pathways in anxiety, addiction and homeostasis after ethanol exposure. Anxiety and depression are precipitating factors for substance abuse and these disorders also involve region-specific changes in BDNF in both pathogenesis and response to pharmacotherapy. Polymorphisms in the genes coding for BDNF and its receptor TrkB are linked to affective, substance abuse and appetitive disorders and therefore may play a role in the development of alcoholism. This review summarizes historical and pre-clinical data on BDNF and TrkB as it relates to ethanol toxicity and addiction. Many unresolved questions about region-specific changes in BDNF expression and the precise role of BDNF in neuropsychiatric disorders and addiction remain to be elucidated. Resolution of these questions will require significant integration of the literature on addiction and comorbid psychiatric disorders that contribute to the development of alcoholism.
The MinD membrane targeting sequence is a transplantable lipid-binding helix

MinD is a ubiquitous ATPase that plays a crucial role in selection of the division site in eubacteria, chloroplasts, and probably also Archaea. It was recently demonstrated that membrane localization of MinD is mediated by an 8-12-residue C-terminal motif termed the membrane targeting sequence or MTS. In this study we show that the MinD MTS is a transplantable lipid-binding motif that can effectively target heterologous proteins to the cell membrane. We demonstrate that eubacterial MTSs interact directly with lipid bilayers as an amphipathic helix, with a distinct preference for anionic phospholipids. Moreover, we provide evidence that the phospholipid preference of each MTS, as well as its affinity for biological membranes, has been evolutionarily "tuned" to its specific role in different bacteria. We propose a model to describe how the MTS is coupled to ATP binding to regulate the reversible membrane association of Escherichia coli MinD during its pole-to-pole oscillation cycle.
A Sampling-Based Approach to Reducing the Complexity of Continuous State Space POMDPs by Decomposition Into Coupled Perceptual and Decision Processes

In this paper, we propose a method to reduce the complexity of solving POMDPs in continuous state spaces by decomposing them into separate, coupled perceptual and decision processes which leads to a reduction of the state space size of the decision learning problem. In our method, we reduce the state space of the POMDP by handling some aspects of the state space outside of the decision POMDP. To achieve this, the whole problem state space is decomposed into separate state spaces for the decision and perceptual process. The Perceptual process just serves to estimate aspects of the belief state while the decision process estimates the remainder and determines a policy. As a result, the decision process is modeled as a reduced state space POMDP. To allow the application of this method to continuous state spaces, the decision and the perceptual processes are here both handled by a sampling method within which this separation makes it possible to represent the POMDP with a smaller state space which leads to smaller sample sets for the decision POMDP and as a result to reduced representational and decision learning complexity. The goal here is to focus decision learning on the aspects of the space that are important for decision making while the observations and attributes that are important for estimating the state of the decision process are handled separately by the perceptual process. In this way, the separation into different processes can significantly reduce the complexity of decision learning. In the proposed framework and algorithm, Monte Carlo based sampling methods and corresponding sample set representations are used for both the perceptual and decision processes to be able to deal efficiently with continuous domains. We show analytically and experimentally how much the complexity of solving a POMDP can be reduced to increase the range of decision learning tasks that can be addressed.
A new method for estimation of body composition in the live rat.

Measurement of total body electrical conductivity (TOBEC) has been used to estimate lean and fat content of meat based on the principle that electrical conductivity of lean tissue is far greater than that of fat. This approach was used to estimate body composition of live rats. An instrument designed for commercial analysis of ground meat (DjMe 100) was used to measure TOBEC in 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats (197-433 g). Individual TOBEC values were obtained in 20 seconds and repeated twice for each rat. The animals were then killed with ether, hair was shaved, lungs collapsed and body density measured hydrostatically. Carcasses were homogenized and analyzed for fat, nitrogen, and water. A high correlation was found between TOBEC and lean body mass by densitometry (r = .97) and between TOBEC and fat-free mass derived from direct carcass analysis (r = .97). Rats weighing up to 450 g could be accommodated in this particular instrument. Measurement of TOBEC should prove useful in estimating body composition and monitoring its changes in live rats and other small laboratory animals.
An Investigation of Effective Process Parameters on Phase Transformation Temperature of Nitinol Manufactured by Selective Laser Melting

It’s well accepted that the thermo-mechanical properties of Nitinol (NiTi) are strongly affected by the material processing. Additive manufacturing has been recently considered as an interesting technique to develop Nitinol devices with sophisticated geometries, which are impossible or very difficult to be produced through typical manufacturing procedures. In the present work, the effect of energy input on the phase transformation temperatures, as the most critical thermal parameters of the shape memory material, of Nitinol parts manufactured by selective laser melting is investigated and discussed.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Pyrolysis of polytrifluoroethylene- influence of gamma radiation and alkali treatment

Pyrolysis in vacuum of gamma-irradiated polytrifluoroethylene indicates increased rates of volatilization with increased dosage. At the higher radiation doses, the rate curves no longer show a maximum but resemble those previously obtained with branched polyethylenes. Studies of swelling with acetone indicate crosslinking increases with radiation dose. It is estimated that for each chain fracture caused by radiation there are approximately seven crosslinks formed. However, in addition to the crosslinks a branched structure is also being produced as evidenced by the character of the thermal degradation rate curves. Alkali treatment of the polymer sensitizes it towards dehydrofluorination and double bond formation. Subsequent rate and pyrolysis studies showed the formation of very stable residues, indicating a relatively greater thermal stability of the main chain.
Optimization of rotor blades for combined structural, dynamic, and aerodynamic properties

A helicopter is intrinsically interdisciplinary due to the close coupling among aerodynamics, dynamics, and the blade structural details. Therefore a design optimization with proper interactions among appropriate disciplines (such as structure, dynamics, and aerodynamics) can offer significant benefit to improve rotor performance. This paper studies the integration of structure, dynamics, and aerodynamics in design optimization of helicopter rotor blades. The optimization is performed to minimize the rotor power required and to satisfy design requirements from structure (minimum blade weight and safe stress margin and fatigue life) and dynamics (proper placement of blade natural frequencies and free of flutter). An effort is made to formulate an effective strategy for combining these various requirements in the optimization process. The paper also presents a way for an intelligent phasing of this interdisciplinary optimization to overcome the hurdles due to conflicting demands on the design variables which arise from different disciplines.
Symptomatic spontaneous paroxysmal AV nodal block due to localized hyperresponsiveness of the AV node to vagotonic reflexes

Two apparently healthy patients had recurrent syncope with documented paroxysmal AV block. In both patients the site of AV block was demonstrated to be in the AV node. Coronary angiography (in both patients) and sustained deep inspiration (one patient) reproducibly initiated episodes of paroxysmal AV nodal block (identical to spontaneous episodes). Atropine abolished further attempts of AV block induction. Vagal hyperresponsiveness was limited to the AV node, since the interventions provoking paroxysmal AV nodal block produced only appropriate sinus slowing. This syndrome reflects hyperresponsiveness of the AV node to vagotonic reflexes, and exists as a clinically significant entity producing recurrent syncope.
P/sup 2/EDAS: asynchronous, distributed event driven simulation algorithm with inconsistent event preemption for accurate execution of VHDL descriptions on parallel processors

The DoD's very high speed integrated circuit Hardware Description Language, VHDL, is aimed at allowing hardware designers to accurately describe, simulate, and validate combinational and sequential hardware designs on computers prior to building a prototype. Since its conception in the early 1980s, an important goal of VHDL has been to execute complex models concurrently and efficiently on parallel processors. To achieve this objective while exploiting the maximum theoretical parallelism, one requires a deadlock-free, asynchronous, distributed, discrete event simulation algorithm. The YADDES approach, proposed in the literature, achieves deadlock-free, distributed, discrete event simulation, but suffers from an important limitation. YADDES assumes that every entity is characterized by a single propagation delay. In contrast, for hardware entities such as gates, flip-flops, ALUs, and microprocessors, two or more propagation delay values are used corresponding to every path between the input and output. While the use of multiple delays aims at accurate representation of reality, often inconsistent events may be generated that must be detected and preempted. This paper describes a new asynchronous, parallel, event driven simulation algorithm with inconsistent event preemption, P/sup 2/EDAS. P/sup 2/EDAS represents a significant advancement in that it permits the use of any number of propagation delays for every path between the input and output of every hardware entity.
Adiponectin levels in obese and non-obese middle-aged African-American women

Summary Context Adiponectin levels in African–Americans are poorly described. Objective To assess predictors of serum adiponectin levels in obese and non-obese middle-aged African–American women. Methods Serum adiponectin, testosterone (T), free androgen index (FAI), estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), leptin, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), triglycerides and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured in 142 obese and 102 non-obese, community-dwelling, African–American women in St. Louis, Missouri. Medical history, physical activity, anthropometry, medications and body composition were assessed. Results Adiponectin and SHBG levels were lower and leptin and CRP were higher in obese compared to non-obese women ( P 's R =0.13) and log SHBG ( R =0.29), and inversely associated with anthropometric measures ( R 's=−0.17 to −0.36), serum androgens ( R 's=−0.21 to −0.23), log estradiol ( R =−0.21), log leptin ( R =−0.15), log triglycerides ( R =−0.33) and log CRP ( R =−0.29). Overall, multivariate modelling significantly predicted 32% of variation in adiponectin level; the most significant factors were WHR ( β =−1.33), SHBG ( β =0.23) and triglycerides ( β =−0.34). In non-obese women, the model predicted 27% of variation in adiponectin level; no individual factor was independently associated. In obese women, the model predicted 30% of variation in adiponectin level; the most significant factors were WHR ( β =−1.49), triglycerides ( β =−0.34) and history of stroke ( β =−0.71). Conclusions Adiponectin level in African–American women is predicted by WHR, SHBG, and triglycerides; stroke history adds predictive value in obese women.
Evaluation of an Online Tool for Assessing Competence in Achievement Testing

Special education teacher preparation programs typically require training in delivery of standardized achievement assessments. Appropriate administration of standardized assessments in eligibility and instructional planning process are critical. To insure production of valid assessments, pre-service teachers at Utah State University must deliver a valid checkout assessment directly to course instructors. On-campus, this process is accomplished with ease. However, when the course is offered at a distance, cost of checkouts is substantially greater. To reduce costs, checkouts were conducted over a teleconferencing system using an online support tool. In this article, authors describe online checkout procedures and an initial evaluation of the online tool to facilitate valid assessments of pre-service special education teachers' achievement test delivery skills over a distance delivery system.
e-maintenance robotics in hazardous environments

Robotic systems are used to perform maintenance functions in hazardous environments usually with the fundamental objective of reducing, or eliminating, human worker exposure to dangers. An obvious thought is how might Internet capabilities be used in such operations. This paper considers this general idea in terms of the practical needs, constraints, and concept that are associated with the notion of using the emerging Internet to reduce costs and enhance overall performance in robotic maintenance in hazardous environments.
Karst piracy: A mechanism for integrating the Colorado River across the Kaibab uplift, Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

Age, isotopic, and detrital zircon data on the Hualapai Limestone Member and Muddy Creek Formation (western United States) constrain the time of the first arrival of the Colorado River on the west side of the Grand Canyon to ca. 6–5 Ma. We propose a karst piracy mechanism, along with a 17–6 Ma western paleo–Grand Canyon, as an alternative explanation for how the Colorado River became integrated across the Kaibab uplift and for the progressive upsection decrease in δ 18 O and 87 Sr/ 86 Sr values of the Hualapai Limestone Member. An earlier Laramide paleocanyon, along which this western paleocanyon followed, can also perhaps explain why no clastic delta exists in the Grand Wash trough. Karst piracy is a type of stream piracy where a subterranean drainage connection is made under a topographic divide. The process of karst piracy proceeds through five main stages: (1) establishment of a gradient across a topographic divide due to headward erosion into the low side of the divide, (2) leakage in soluble rock along the steepest gradient, (3) expansion of the leakage route into a cave passage that is able to carry a significant volume of water under the divide, (4) stoping and collapse of rock above the underground river, eventually forming a narrow gorge, and (5) widening of the gorge into a canyon. A karst piracy model is proposed here for the Kaibab uplift area that takes into account the structure and hydrology of that area. Other examples of karst piracy operating around the world support our proposition for integrating the Colorado River across the Kaibab uplift in the Grand Canyon.
Zoning design for cross-border marine protected areas: The Red Sea Marine Peace Park case study

In marine protected areas (MPAs), zoning schemes can help balance multiple resource uses. Literature on ocean zoning design methods points out the need for analytical tools that guarantee stakeholder involvement and that address the unique spatial characteristics of the sea, especially under multiple jurisdictions. I illustrate the use of a method of spatial multi-criteria analysis (MCA) that combines data of the land and ocean environment with stakeholder preferences to identify areas most suitable for varying levels of protective zoning. To solicit preferences, I apply social science survey techniques at an early stage in the process. I synthesize the resulting preferences with physical data using a geographical information system. This comprehensive approach addresses some of the challenges of designing zoning for a cross-border, multi-jurisdictional MPA such as varying levels of information between countries, limited cooperation between managers and scientists, differing statutory regimes, and difficulties bringing stakeholders together to solicit their opinions. As a case study, I developed a zoning proposal for the Red Sea Marine Peace Park (RSMPP), a proposed MPA to be jointly managed by Jordan and Israel in the northern Gulf of Aqaba.
Expression of metabotropic glutamate receptors in rat meningeal and brain microvasculature and choroid plexus

This study investigated the distribution of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) in meningeal and parenchymal microvasculature and in choroid plexus by means of Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Western blot analysis demonstrated mGluR expression in both rat and human leptomeningeal tissues. In the rat, mGluR expression was developmentally regulated, with only mGluR2/3 showing expression at the embryonic day 19 developmental stage. In contrast, mGluR1 alpha, mGluR2/3, mGluR4a, and mGluR7 were expressed in leptomeninges from adult rats. Immunohistochemical analyses showed intense mGluR1 alpha immunoreactivity in the pia mater and blood vessels in the subarachnoid space and in the arachnoid layer of the meninges. mGluR2/3, mGluR4a, mGluR5, and mGluR7 were also expressed in meningeal microvasculature. In addition, the parenchymal microvasculature and choroid plexus were strongly immunoreactive for mGluR1 alpha, mGluR2/3, mGluR4a, mGluR5, and mGluR7. We used antibodies specific for phenotypic markers of microvascular and glial cells to characterize the cell type(s) immunopositive for mGluRs. Comparison of staining with anti-von Willebrand factor antibody and anti-mGluR antibodies revealed that mGluR immunoreactivity was present in cells that surrounded the luminal surface labeled by the endothelial cell marker. In these cells, smooth muscle actin and mGluR immunoreactivity overlapped, suggesting that, in addition to endothelial cells, pericytes within the microvasculature also express mGluRs. Furthermore, expression of mGluR1 alpha was also observed in pure pericyte cultures isolated from bovine retina. These data suggest that glutamate by means of activation of mGluRs may have a broad sphere of physiological influence in the brain which in addition to modulating synaptic transmission may also have a role in determining microvascular function and dysfunction.
Influence of experimental conditions on the liquid secondary ion mass spectra of sulfonated azo dyes

Two monosulfonated and eight disulfonated azo dyes of varying relative molecular mass were examined by liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry (LSIMS). The effects of matrix, concentration, primary beam energy, and mode of operation were addressed in order to optimize sample ionization, whilst minimizing interference from matrix ions. Seven matrices were investigated: glycerol, thioglycerol, 3-nitrobenzyl alcohol, diethanolamine, 2-hydroxyethyl disulfide, a 1:1 (v/v) mixture of 2-hydroxyethyl disulfide and thioglycerol, and a 1 : 3 (v/v) mixture of dithioerythritol and dithiothreitol. Of these matrices, 3-nitrobenzyl alcohol produced LSIMS spectra that exhibited the most intense sample ions and the least inteiference from matrix ions. Minimum concentrations of 0.4 μg/μl and 4 μg/μl (dye in matrix) were necessary to produce useful full-scan spectra for monosulfonated azo dyes and disulfonated azo dyes, respectively; maximum sample ion intensities were obtained with concentrations ranging from 20 μg/μl to 60 μg/μl. A primary ion beam (cesium) of 10 to 15 kV produced the greatest secondary ionization efficiency, and a negative-ion analysis mode produced more useful spectra than those obtained in the positive-ion mode.
A fast non-linear adaptive algorithm for video traffic prediction

To guarantee quality of service (QoS), the requirements for video transmission such as delay and cell loss rate (CLR) are very stringent. These constraints are difficult to meet if high network utilization is desired. Dynamic bandwidth allocation is thus needed. Video traffic prediction can play an important role in dynamic bandwidth allocation and traffic management in high speed networks. We propose a fast convergent algorithm to predict the variation of I frames, based on which the bandwidth is assigned. The new algorithm can achieve fast convergence and small prediction error.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Inflammation in Obesity and Diabetes

Obesity is a major problem worldwide that increases risk for a wide range of diseases, including diabetes and heart disease. As such, it is increasingly important to understand how excess adiposity can perturb normal metabolic functions. It is now clear that this disruption involves not only pathways controlling lipid and glucose homeostasis but also integration of metabolic and immune response pathways. Under conditions of nutritional excess, this integration can result in a metabolically driven, low-grade, chronic inflammatory state, referred to as "metaflammation," that targets metabolically critical organs and tissues to adversely affect systemic homeostasis. Endoplasmic reticulum dysfunction is another important feature of chronic metabolic disease that is also linked to both metabolic and immune regulation. A thorough understanding of how these pathways intersect to maintain metabolic homeostasis, as well as how this integration is altered under conditions of nutrient excess, is important to fully understand, and subsequently treat, chronic metabolic diseases.
DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Diet Is Effective Treatment for Stage 1 Isolated Systolic Hypertension

Use of the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods, significantly lowers blood pressure. Among the 459 participants in the DASH Trial, 72 had stage 1 isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) (systolic blood pressure, 140 to 159 mm Hg; diastolic blood pressure, P P
nationalizing the local past in Sri Lanka: histories of nation and development in a Sinhalese village

Focusing on a frontier settlement in southeastern Sri Lanka, this article examines how ideologies of the Sinhala Buddhist national past and local settlement history become articulated in the struggle over development. Employing an approach to cultural hegemony which departs from that generally used in social science, it shows how villagers adopt the dominant ideological frame of reference in order to enhance their claims to development resources. On the basis of this ethnographic analysis, it concludes that the villagers themselves help reproduce the general contours of a cultural hegemony inflected by the dominant ideologies of Sinhala Buddhist nationalism. [hegemony, development, nationalism, national past, dominant ideology, Sri Lanka]
An accurate method to extract specific contact resistivity using cross-bridge Kelvin resistors

The cross-bridge Kelvin resistor structure is used to extract true interfacial specific contact resistivity (ρ c ). Two-dimensional (2-D) simulations demonstrate that the sublinear behavior of the measured contact resistance versus contact area on a log-log plot is due to current crowding around the contact which results from the contact window size being smaller than the diffusion width. The effect is more pronounced for low values of ρ c . Excellent agreement has been found between the simulations and measured data of contact resistances. An accurate value of ρ c has been extracted for the case of PtSi to n+polysilicon contacts.
Inhibitory effects of dietary calcium on the initial uptake and subsequent retention of heme and nonheme iron in humans: comparisons using an intestinal lavage method

BACKGROUND Calcium is the only reported dietary inhibitor of both heme- and nonheme-iron absorption. It has been proposed that the 2 forms of iron enter a common pool in the enterocyte and that calcium inhibits the serosal transfer of iron into blood. OBJECTIVES We aimed to ascertain whether the inhibitory effect of calcium occurs during initial mucosal uptake or during serosal transfer and to compare the serosal transfer of heme and nonheme iron, which should not differ if the 2 forms have entered a common mucosal iron pool. DESIGN Whole-gut lavage and whole-body counting were used to measure the initial uptake (8 h) and retention (2 wk) of heme and nonheme iron with and without a calcium supplement (450 mg). Two experiments tested basal meals with low iron bioavailability and 360 mg Ca (n = 15) or with high iron bioavailability and 60 mg Ca (n = 12). RESULTS Added calcium reduced the initial uptake of heme iron by 20%, from 49% to approximately 40% from both meals (P = 0.02), and reduced the total iron absorbed from the low- and high-bioavailability meals by approximately 25% [from 0.033 to 0.025 mg (P = 0.06) and from 0.55 to 0.40 mg (P < 0.01), respectively]. Calcium did not affect the serosal transfer of either form of iron. CONCLUSIONS Calcium supplementation reduced heme and total iron without significantly affecting nonheme-iron absorption, regardless of meal bioavailability. Calcium inhibited the initial mucosal uptake rather than the serosal transfer of heme iron. Differences in serosal transfer indicate that heme and nonheme iron did not enter a common absorptive pool within 8 h after a meal.
Development of a fraud risk decision model for prioritizing fraud risk cases in manufacturing firms

Abstract Among the different risks a manufacturing firm faces, one of the most devastating may be caused by internal fraud. Corporate Fraud Investigation Units receive dozens of reports about possible fraud allegations annually. While all allegations should be addressed, it is not possible to investigate all cases immediately due to resource limitations. However, fraud may cause serious production and financial losses at any stage in the supply chain. Thus, it is necessary to find a method to prioritize the fraud risk of cases for the purpose of allocating resources and to determine how quickly they must be addressed. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) stands out as the most widely used prioritization methodology due to its intuitive simplicity and mathematical rigor. This study combines current SCM risk frameworks with extant fraud investigation literature and best-practices to develop an AHP ratings model for the prioritization of alleged fraud reports in a corporate setting, more specifically in the context of a large metals and mining manufacturing company.
Developing an active artificial hair cell using nonlinear feedback control

The hair cells in the mammalian cochlea convert sound-induced vibrations into electrical signals. These cells have inspired a variety of artificial hair cells (AHCs) to serve as biologically inspired sound, fluid flow, and acceleration sensors and could one day replace damaged hair cells in humans. Most of these AHCs rely on passive transduction of stimulus while it is known that the biological cochlea employs active processes to amplify sound-induced vibrations and improve sound detection. In this work, an active AHC mimics the active, nonlinear behavior of the cochlea. The AHC consists of a piezoelectric bimorph beam subjected to a base excitation. A feedback control law is used to reduce the linear damping of the beam and introduce a cubic damping term which gives the AHC the desired nonlinear behavior. Model and experimental results show the AHC amplifies the response due to small base accelerations, has a higher frequency sensitivity than the passive system, and exhibits a compressive nonlinearity like that of the mammalian cochlea. This bio-inspired accelerometer could lead to new sensors with lower thresholds of detection, improved frequency sensitivities, and wider dynamic ranges.
Fisher Information Based Analysis of Deterministic Relative Attitude Observability in Planar Vehicle Formations

This paper examines the problem of relative attitude observability for formations of three, four and five vehicle formations. The analysis is rooted in within the principles of maximum likelihood estimation insomuch as the metric for observability is the resulting Fisher information matrix for the small attitude errors. For formations of three and four vehicles it is shown that the relative attitudes are not observable by proving that the Fisher information matrix is singular for these cases. For formations of five vehicles, the observability relies on the number of LOS vector pairs available within the formation. It is shown that a minimum number of 8 LOS vector pairs is necessary for the attitudes to be observable, with all configurations of less LOS vector pairs yielding a singular Fisher information matrix.
Influence of Vitamin A Deficiency upon Intestinal Permeability for Bacteria

White rats were fed a diet of casein, cornstarch, salt mixture, dried yeast and butter. In the vitamin A deficiency series the butter was omitted. There were 18 animals in each series and the feeding experiment lasted for 9 and 10 weeks. After 24 hours fasting 3 billion B. typhi murii were administered by stomach tube. Nine animals were killed in an illuminating gas chamber after one half hour and 9 after one hour in both the normal and the avitaminosis series. Specimens of liver and lung, the spleen and one kidney were removed and macerated in broth. Subcultures were made on Endo and plain agar plates after 3, 6, 9, and 24 hours'incubation. One-tenth cubic centimeter of organ-broth suspension was used for subculture. These time intervals were chosen to obtain information upon the relative concentration of the test bacteria in the organs of the animals. The accompanying graph illustrates averages of 18 control and 18 vitamin A deficiency rats at the periods of 3 and 9 hours'incubation of the organ culture...
FDTD analysis of resonant periodic waveguides

The FDTD method is applied to analyze the spectral characteristics of resonant periodic waveguides and associated spatial field patterns. Impulse excitation yields the spectra of the various, distinct propagating waves. The standing-wave pattern of the leaky waveguide mode at resonance is clearly visualized.
Personal Blood Glucose Testing in Children

The value of blood glucose testing over urine sugar testing is emphasized, and techniques of self-monitoring of blood glucose in children are presented. Test strips and reflectance meters currently on the market are described and evaluated. Useful suggestions are made for introducing blood glucose testing to children, stressing flexibility in the frequency of testing, at least initially, and proper education in the interpretation of testing results.
Creating Youth-Supportive Communities: Outcomes from the Connect-to-Protect (C2P) Structural Change Approach to Youth HIV Prevention

Reducing HIV incidence among adolescents represents an urgent global priority. Structural change approaches to HIV prevention may reduce youth risk by addressing the economic, social, cultural, and political factors that elevate it. We assessed whether achievement of structural changes made by eight Connect-to-Protect (C2P) coalitions were associated with improvements in youth's views of their community over the first 4 years of coalitions' mobilization. We recruited annual cross-sectional samples of targeted youth from each C2P community. We sampled youth in neighborhood venues. We interviewed a total of 2461 youth over 4 years. Males (66 %) and youth of color comprised the majority (52 % Hispanic/Latinos; 41 % African Americans) of those interviewed. By year 4, youth reported greater satisfaction with their community as a youth-supportive setting. They reported their needs were better met by available community resources compared with year 1. However, these findings were moderated by risk population such that those from communities where C2P focused on young men who have sex with men (YMSM) reported no changes over time whereas those from communities focused on other at-risk youth reported significant improvements over time in satisfaction and resource needs being met. Internalized HIV stigma increased over time among those from communities serving other at-risk youth and was unchanged among those from YMSM communities. The very different results we observe over time between communities focused on YMSM versus other at-risk youth may suggest it is unreasonable to assume identical chains of structural causality across youth populations who have such different historical relationships to HIV and who encounter very different kinds of entrenched discrimination within their communities.
Publishing the (Highly) Perishable

No essay of which I am aware so accurately sums up the ethos of contemporary departments of literature as the first chapter of Jonathan Culler’s Framing the Sign: Criticism and its Institutions. If there has been any change in the discipline in the five years since the essay appeared, it has been in the nature of intensification of the situation he describes. And yet thoughtful reading of that essay is likely to induce schizophrenia. Evidently intended to set the stage for the remainder of the volume, the chapter provides a valuably concise history of the development and, especially, expansion of the study of literature in American universities in the twentieth century. A quick reading suggests that Culler is attempting to give a relatively objective account, one that does not omit cross-currents and conflicts. Nevertheless, the essay as a whole is an apologia for, even a celebration of, literary departments as they are. Are university teachers of literature as a whole so satisfied with themselves? Should they be?
Familial multiple upper gastrointestinal leiomyoma

This report describes three adult members of a family who developed leiomyomas in the muscularis propria of their upper gastrointestinal tract. When in their thirties, numerous leiomyomas were present in ileum and jejunum. In their sixties, multiple and confluent esophageal leiomyomas formed the clinical picture of esophageal leiomyomatosis. Presenting symptoms were esophageal obstruction and hemorrhage. This is the first case in the published literature describing an association of familial multiple upper gastrointestinal leiomyomas with esophageal leiomyomatosis.
Dynamic Loading Assessment at the Fifth Metatarsal in Elite Athletes with a history of Jones Fracture

Objectives:Fractures of the proximal metaphysis of the fifth metatarsal (i.e., Jones fractures) are common in the athletic population and frequently require surgical fixation to optimize healing rates and return to sport. Subtle hindfoot varus alignment, which likely results in greater forces at the fifth metatarsal, has been associated with increased risk of Jones fractures due to presumed increase in forces on the lateral foot. The goal of the present study was to dynamically assess plantar pressure loads at the fifth metatarsal in elite athletes with a history of Jones fracture. We hypothesize that athletes who have suffered Jones fractures will apply significantly higher loads at the fifth metatarsal base during athletic activities compared to matched uninjured athletes.Methods:Sixteen elite, competitive athletes were recruited to participate. Eight athletes had a history of Jones fracture and eight age, gender and position-matched athletes without a history of foot injury were recruited as controls. ...
Why Do Universities Transfer Technology

Your desktop computer can tell a laser to harden selected portions of a tank of photosensitive chemicals. This “3-dimensional printing” produces rapid prototypes of parts for manufacture.
When Does Model-Based Control Pay Off?

Many accounts of decision making and reinforcement learning posit the existence of two distinct systems that control choice: a fast, automatic system and a slow, deliberative system. Recent research formalizes this distinction by mapping these systems to “model-free” and “model-based” strategies in reinforcement learning. Model-free strategies are computationally cheap, but sometimes inaccurate, because action values can be accessed by inspecting a look-up table constructed through trial-and-error. In contrast, model-based strategies compute action values through planning in a causal model of the environment, which is more accurate but also more cognitively demanding. It is assumed that this trade-off between accuracy and computational demand plays an important role in the arbitration between the two strategies, but we show that the hallmark task for dissociating model-free and model-based strategies, as well as several related variants, do not embody such a trade-off. We describe five factors that reduce the effectiveness of the model-based strategy on these tasks by reducing its accuracy in estimating reward outcomes and decreasing the importance of its choices. Based on these observations, we describe a version of the task that formally and empirically obtains an accuracy-demand trade-off between model-free and model-based strategies. Moreover, we show that human participants spontaneously increase their reliance on model-based control on this task, compared to the original paradigm. Our novel task and our computational analyses may prove important in subsequent empirical investigations of how humans balance accuracy and demand.
Challenges in High-Assurance Runtime Verification

Safety-critical systems are growing more complex and becoming increasingly autonomous. Runtime Verification (RV) has the potential to provide protections when a system cannot be assured by conventional means, but only if the RV itself can be trusted. In this paper, we present a number of challenges to realizing high-assurance RV and illustrate how we have addressed them in our research. We argue that high-assurance RV provides a rich target for automated verification tools in hope of fostering closer collaboration among the communities.
Sustained Obesity and Depressive Symptoms over 6 Years: Race by Gender Differences in the Health and Retirement Study.

Background Although obesity and physical activity influence psychosocial well-being, these effects may vary based on race, gender, and their intersection. Using six-year follow-up data of a nationally representative sample of adults over age of 50 in the United States, this study aimed to explore race by gender differences in additive effects of sustained high body mass index (BMI) and physical activity on sustained depressive symptoms (CES-D) and self-rated health (SRH). Methods Data came from waves 7, 8, and 10 (2004 to 2010) of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), an ongoing national cohort started from 1992. The study enrolled a representative sample of Americans (n= 19,280) over the age of 50. Latent factors were used to calculate sustained high BMI and physical activity (predictors) and sustained poor SRH and high depressive symptoms (outcomes) based on measurements in 2004, 2006, and 2010. Age, education, and income were confounders. Multi-group structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the additive effects of BMI and physical activity on depressive symptoms and SRH, where the groups were defined based on race by gender. Results Group differences were apparent in the direction and significance of the association between sustained high BMI and depressive symptoms. The association between sustained high BMI and depressive symptoms was positive and significant for White women (B = 0.03, p = .007) and non-significant for White men (B = -0.03, p = .062), Black men (B = -0.02, p = .564) and Black women (B = 0.03, p = .110). No group differences were found in the paths from sustained physical activity to depressive symptoms, or from physical activity or BMI to SRH. Conclusion Sustained high BMI and high depressive symptoms after age 50 are positively associated only for White women. As the association between sustained health problems such as depression and obesity are not universal across race and gender groups, clinical and public health interventions and programs that simultaneously target multiple health problems may have differential effects across race by gender groups. □