cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Who will Guard the Guardians? The Social Responsibility of NGOs

Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) comprise the sector of society that attempts to hold business and other institutions accountable for their social responsibility. Yet NGOs rarely have established governance mechanisms whereby their members and supporters can hold them accountable for their activities. In contrast, other major actors in the society – notably governments, corporations, and unions – maintain long established albeit imperfect instruments of governance and responsibility. This article presents a variety of ways in which NGOs could voluntarily strengthen their internal governance and thus become more accountable to their members and supporters as well as society at large. In the process, these important civil society organizations would enhance their effectiveness in achieving improvements in key areas of public policy.
Herniation of the patellar fat pad through the patellar tendon defect after autologous bone-patellar tendon-bone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. A case report.

The most commonly used autogenous tissue for intraarticular ACL reconstruction is the bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) graft. The use of BPTB autografts has been indirectly associated with or directly implicated in many postoperative complications : patellar fracture, patellar ligament rupture, patellar tendinitis, quadriceps muscle weakness, infrapatellar contracture syndrome, and arthrofibrosis. We report an interesting finding of herniation of the patellar fat pad through the donor site defect in the patellar tendon after autologous ACL reconstruction. To our knowledge, this is a previously unreported occurrence.
Nutrient dynamics during the first three years of an alleycropping agroecosystem in southern USA

An alleycropping system (AC), usingAlbizia julibrissin as the tree species, was compared to an annual legume-based cropping system (NA) over a three-year period. In both AC and NA, a crop rotation was implemented with the following sequence:Mucuna deering iana, Trifolium incarnatum, Sorghum bicolor, Triticale aestivum, andSorghum bicolor.
Quantitative Aspects of Mating Behavior in Drosophila

Individual Samarkand wildtype D. melanogaster males were permitted the choice between either two white-eyed or two red-eyed females or between a red-eyed and a white-eyed female. Observations of the flies were made over a period of about two hours and premating periods, intermating periods and the durations of copulations were recorded. Approximately 82% of the males copulated first with white-eyed females and the premating and intermating periods before copulations with white-eyed females were significantly shorter than before the copulations with red-eyed females. The red-eyed females tended to resist the courtship of the males while the white-eyed females were more passive. The type of the second female present had little influence on whether or not the males would copulate a second time. However the red-eyed females were stimulated to mate sooner than the white-eyed females when a previous copulation had occurred in the vials. With each type of female, the average durations of the second copulations were longer than the first. The durations of the second copulations were positively correlated with the durations of the first. The correlations were low but very significant.
CORBA-Based Task Requirement Driven Design System

Today’s design environment has become more distributed and professional. Efficient design management can greatly improve the ability of a company’s competition. To increase efficiency of a design process coordination of Computer-Aided Design and Analysis tools are very important, especially for large complicated systems. In this paper, we introduce the concept of a requirement driven system. Design process usually involves fulfillment of requirements from top-end customer. Adopting requirement driven mechanisms will provide more convenience for design coordination automation and help us find the most resource saving solutions for specific product design. A CORBA framework is discussed to facilitate the implementation of methodologies for requirement driven design coordination. System architecture and modules for the framework are introduced to support a requirement publishing and responding service. Distribution of the tasks is determined by “stigmergy” algorithm, which makes the decision using the performance history of each team and designers. An example of a coffeemaker product design based on the framework, is presented to demonstrate the application of new design system.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Meta-analysis, meta-regression, and meta-physics.

Παντɛςανθρωποιτοv ɛιδɛναιορɛγονταιφvσɛι. σημɛιονδɛητωναισθησɛωναγαπησις. Kαιγαρχωριςτηςχρɛιαςαγαπωνταιδι' αvτας, καιμαλλιστατωναλλωνηδιατωνομματων. By nature humans thirst for knowledge. A sign of this is our love of the senses. Because irrespective of our needs we love our senses in themselves and most of all vision (eyesight).1
Comparing Women's Roles in Two Faith-Based Communities with Implications for Value-Based Practice

This qualitative study compares Evangelical Christian (EC) and ultra Orthodox Jewish (OJ) women, both from conservative, faith-based communities. The findings are clustered around three primary themes-complementary (traditional) gender roles, distrust of outsiders, and the authority of religious leaders. Nine EC women and thirteen ultra OJ women were interviewed for this study, using a modified grounded-theory method. Based on the findings, guidelines for value-based practice with women from these communities are discussed.
Properties of Chemically Derivatized Nickel Electrodes: The Synthesis of an Electrocatalytic Interface

Nickel electrodes yield poor charge transfer characteristics for the oxidation and reduction of the ferrocene couple, as well as for a number of other electrochemically interesting reactions. In this respect, nickel is typical of a variety of inexpensive metals which are potential electrode materials, however, which are not useful due to oxidative instability. In the case of nickel with the ferrocene redox couple, this problem can be overcome by chemical modification of the nickel electrode interface. Surface silylation techniques can be used to covalently bond various moieties to an anodized nickel electrode surface, although, these surfaces appear less reactive with respect to silylation than previously reported platinum or gold surfaces. Attachment of 1,1'ferrocendiyldichlorosilane or serves to stabilize the nickel interface and to electrocatalyze the ferrocene redox reaction. This effect is obtained by a combination of electron mediation by the surface attached material and inhibition of surface oxidation. The latter is in part due to a physical effect creating an environment in which oxidation is not favorable.
Use of an oncolytic virus secreting GM-CSF as combined oncolytic and immunotherapy for treatment of colorectal and hepatic adenocarcinomas.

Background Oncolytic cancer therapy using herpes simplex viruses (HSV) that have direct tumoricidal effects and cancer immunotherapy using the cytokine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) have each been effective in preclinical testing. NV1034 is a multimutated oncolytic HSV carrying the gene for murine GM-CSF that attempts to combine these 2 anticancer strategies. The purpose of this study was to compare NV1034 to NV1023, the parent HSV mutants lacking GM-CSF, to determine if such combined oncolytic and immunotherapy using a single vector has advantages over oncolytic therapy alone. Methods Expression GM-CSF in vitro did not alter the infectivity, cytotoxicity, or replication of NV1034 compared to the noncytokine-secreting control. Tumors infected with NV1034 produced GM-CSF in picogram quantities. In vivo efficacy of the viruses against murine colorectal carcinoma CT26 and murine hepatoma Hepa l-6 was then tested in subcutaneous tumors in syngeneic Balb/c and C57 L/J mice, respectively. In these immune-competent models, NV1034 and NV1023 each demonstrated potent antitumor activity. Results Treatment with NV1034 had significantly better antitumor effect compared to treatment with NV1023. Furthermore, there was no difference in the antitumor efficacy of these viruses in mice depleted of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes. Conclusions Viral vectors combining oncolytic and immunotherapy are promising agents in treatment of colorectal carcinoma and hepatoma.
Effect of conserving habitat for biodiversity on optimal management of non-industrial private forests in Florida

Abstract Healthy forests and enhanced habitat for wildlife is a growing concern among public and policy makers. These concerns have led to substantial interest in promoting various regulatory and voluntary compliance policies to further biodiversity on private forests. These policies, however, might result in additional cost to forestland owners. In this paper, we estimate the opportunity cost of adopting various biodiversity-friendly forest practices. We do this in the context of slash pine, a dominant commercial tree plantation species in Florida. Results suggest that prescribed burning, invasive species control, maintaining streamside buffer zones, and extending timber harvest beyond the optimal rotation age would significantly decrease the profitability of slash pine forestry. If the major objective of landowners is to maximize profits, results indicate that they are less likely to adopt these practices at socially desirable levels without a policy support. More specifically, results suggest that an annual payment of $38–83 per hectare is required for landowners to adopt these practices. The paper further argues that application of mere command-and-control approaches to implement these practices may result in conversion of private forests to other competitive land uses.
Intracrystalline rare earth element distributions in apatite: Surface structural influences on incorporation during growth

Intracrystalline REE distributions in fluorapatite have been studied using cathodoluminescence and synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microanalysis (SXRFMA). In the apatite samples studied the [101¯0] face grows by the spiral mechanism. As a result, polygonized growth hillocks with three vicinal faces occur on [101¯0]; Face symmetry, m, constrains the [011] and [011¯] growth steps to be equivalent. However, [001] steps are not symmetry related. REE and Mn cathodoluminescence qualitatively indicates a differential distribution of Mn 2+ Sm 3+, Eu 3+, Dy 3+, and Eu 2+ between subsectors associated with symmetrically nonequivalent vicinal faces (intrasectoral zoning). SXRFMA shows that the concentrations of all the REEs analyzed (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, and Y), except Eu, exhibit a sharp step function, with the change in concentration correlated directly to the boundary between nonequivalent vicinal faces and associated subsectors. Lanthanum, cerium, and praseodymium are enriched in the [001] vicinal subsector, and REEs heavier than Pr, except Eu, are enriched in the 〈011〉 vicinal subsectors. The distribution trend observed for Eu may be due to its presence in both the 2+ and 3+ oxidation states. The absence of evidence for anisotropies in step velocity that could influence incorporation supports the proposal of Rakovan and Reeder (1994) that differences in the atomic structure between [001] and 〈011〉 steps lead to differential incorporation in apatite. Atomic scale models of the structure of these steps show qualitative differences that are consistent with this proposal. The reversal in the REE partitioning trend between Pr and Nd suggests an ion size effect on the partitioning between nonequivalent steps. The differential distribution of REEs indicates nonequilibrium partitioning. Site specific controls on the partitioning of REEs indicate that partition coefficients can be a function of surface structure and dependent on the spatial segregation of nonequivalent surface sites. Hence, different REE partition coefficients can exist for incorporation at structurally different growth steps.
Forcing Many Positive Polarized Partition Relations between a Cardinal and Its Powerset

A fairly quotable special, but still representative, case of our main result is that for 2 < n < co, there is a natural number m(n) such that, the following holds. Assume GCH: If A < u are regular, there is a cofinality preserving forcing extension in which 21 = ju and, for all a < 2 < n < q such that
Query based model learning and stable tracking of a robot arm using radial basis function network

Abstract In the context of a robot manipulator, a generalized neural emulator over the complete workspace is very difficult to obtain because of dimensionally insufficient training data. A query based learning algorithm is proposed in this paper that can generate new examples where control inputs are independent of states of the system. This algorithm is centered around the concept of network inversion using an extended Kalman filtering based algorithm. This is a novel idea since robot manipulator is an open loop unstable system and generation of control input independent of state is a research issue for neural model identification. Two trajectory independent stable control schemes have been designed using the neural emulator. One of the control schemes uses forward-inverse-modeling approach to update the controller parameters adaptively following Lyapunov function synthesis technique. The proposed scheme is trajectory independent unlike the back-propagation scheme. The second type of controller predicts the minimum variance estimate of control action using recall process (network inversion) and the control law is derived following a Lyapunov function synthesis approach so that the closed loop system consisting of controller and neural emulator remains stable. The simulation experiments show that the model validation approach is efficient and the proposed control schemes guarantee stable accurate tracking.
Single Molecule Spectroscopy of Poly 3-octyl-thiophene (P3OT)

We report on the spectroscopy of isolated chains of P3OT, in a highly dilute solution in the inert polymer host poly(methyl–methacrylate) (PMMA). This environment permits a detailed analysis of emission transitions in the 1.9–2.2 eV range by suppressing the formation of the lowest emitting-energy aggregated form of P3OT. Herein it is observed that the 1.9–2.2 eV band is in fact split into low (red) and high (blue) energy forms in a highly analogous situation to that found for the conjugated polymer MEH-PPV. Another focus of this work is an investigation of the interaction of singlet and triplet excitons in P3OT. The results indicate that, like in MEH-PPV, triplet excitons are highly efficient fluorescence quenchers for P3OT, strongly quenching the fluorescence of P3OT under even relatively low excitation intensities.
Selective radiation coatings. Preparation and high temperature stability

Abstract Selective radiation coatings suitable for operation at high temperatures with focused sunlight are described. Coatings of CuO and Co3O4 on polished nickel, silver, and platinum have high absorptivity for solar radiation and low emissivity in the infrared when heated. They are stable at at high temperatures.
Obtaining contingent bounds for non-contingent equivalent variations

Abstract Government policies often distort the price distribution, rather than stabilize or unstabilize prices; recent examples are trade reforms. Previous contingent bounds of noncontingent equivalent variations are still valid, however, additional assumptions are required. A byproduct is a generalized risk premium.
InAsSb-based mid-infrared lasers (3.8 to 3.9 um) and light-emitting diodes with AlAsSb claddings and semimetal electron injection grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition

Mid-infrared (3--5 {micro}m) lasers and LED`s are being developed for use in chemical sensor systems. As-rich, InAsSb heterostructures display unique electronic properties that are beneficial to the performance of these midwave infrared emitters. The metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) growth of AlAs{sub 1{minus}x}Sb{sub x} cladding layers and InAsSb/InAsP superlattice active regions are described. A regrowth technique has been used to fabricate gain-guided, injection lasers using undoped (p-type) AlAs{sub 0.16}Sb{sub 0.84} for optical confinement. In device studies, the authors demonstrate lasers and LEDs utilizing the semi-metal properties of a p-GaAsSb/n-InAs heterojunction as a source for injection of electrons into the active region of emitters. This avoids the difficulties associated with n-type doping of AlAsSb cladding layers required for conventional p-n junction lasers and also provides a means for construction of active regions with multiple gain stages. Gain guided injected lasers employing a strained InAsSb/InAs multi-quantum well active region operated up to 210 K in pulsed mode, with an emission wavelength of 3.8--3.9 {micro}m. A characteristic temperature of 40 K was observed to 140 K and 29 K from 140 K to 210 K. An optically pumped laser with an InAsSb/InAsP superlattice active region is also described. The maximum operating temperature of this 3.7 {micro}m laser was 240 K.
Non-granulomatous spinal epidural abscess: a rehabilitation perspective.

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) as a cause of back pain, fever, and neurological deficits has been recognised. Reports of this entity have increased in recent years, possibly likely secondary to increasing intravenous drug abuse. Most patients recover without neurological sequalae. Recent reports in fact indicate that those with persistent deficit have a much poorer prognosis for survival. As a result, few patients with SEA are seen in spinal injury rehabilitation programmes. Our 5 years experience with SEA was reviewed. Thirteen patients were admitted with residual neurological deficits following a course of prolonged antibiotic therapy. Of these most had progressive neurological improvement with only 3 of 4 remaining Frankel class A and 3 of 7 Frankel class C. The only mortalities (2) were secondary to the underlying medical problems. Most patients were discharged home.
Dynamic Integration of α-Adrenergic and Cholinergic Signals in the Atria: ROLE OF G PROTEIN-REGULATED INWARDLY RECTIFYING K+ CHANNELS *

Abstract Numerous heptahelical receptors use activation of heterotrimeric G proteins to convey a multitude of extracellular signals to appropriate effector molecules in the cell. Both high specificity and correct integration of these signals are required for reliable cell function. Yet the molecular machineries that allow each cell to merge information flowing across different receptors are not well understood. Here we demonstrate that G protein-regulated inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK) channels can operate as dynamic integrators of α-adrenergic and cholinergic signals in atrial myocytes. Acting at the last step of the cholinergic signaling cascade, these channels are activated by direct interactions with βγ subunits of the inhibitory G proteins (Gβγ), and efficiently translate M2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M2R) activation into membrane hyperpolarization. The parallel activation of α-adrenergic receptors imposed a distinctive “signature” on the function of M2R-activated GIRK1/4 channels, affecting both the probability of Gβγ binding to the channel and its desensitization. This modulation of channel function was correlated with a parallel depletion of Gβ and protein phosphatase 1 from the oligomeric GIRK1 complexes. Such plasticity of the immediate GIRK signaling environment suggests that multireceptor integration involves large protein networks undergoing dynamic changes upon receptor activation.
Detailed experimental study on intermediate-energy Coulomb excitation of 46 Ar

Intermediate-energy Coulomb excitation is a key method to investigate collectivity in exotic nuclei far from $\ensuremath{\beta}$ stability. We report on the measurement of the absolute ${B(E2;0}_{1}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{2}_{1}^{+})$ excitation strength in ${}^{46}\mathrm{Ar}$ for five different minimum impact parameters. Our findings underline the validity, feasibility, and perspective of this technique for the study of exotic nuclei also in the regime of higher beam energy.
Ostwald Ripening in Two Phase Mixtures With Application to Rapid Solidification

Rapid solidification invariably results in fine-scale microstructures with concomitant fine-scale segregation. These microstructures, which are produced relatively far from equilibrium, have large. specific surface energies and tend to coarsen rapidly. Experiments were carried out on highly supercooled bulk specimens of elemental P 4 in which the average temperature of rapidly solidified 2-phase mixtures was accurately monitored over time. A continuous rise in temperature toward the bulk melting point is always measured, independent of the volume fraction of solid produced at recalescence. New theoretical work outlined here shows that this temperature rise can be associated with the Ostwald ripening of the as-solidified solid-plusliquid mixture. The new theory permits calculation of coarsening rates after recalescence and the distribution of dendritic particle sizes as a function of time. Implications for establishing limiting dendritic particle sizes are discussed.
The Influence of Item Composition on RAN Letter Performance in First-Grade Children

This study investigated whether changing the letter composition of the Denckla and Rudel (1976) RAN task influenced task performance (speed and accuracy) and the RAN-word identification skill relationship in first-grade children. To accomplish this, 383 first-grade children were administered four different RAN tasks in October, and performance on these measures was used to predict word identification skill in April. The various RAN tasks consisted of the Denckla and Rudel RAN letter-naming task and three alternative RAN tasks constructed by making a letter substitution that replaced the letter o within the Denckla and Rudel letter matrix (a, d, o, p, s) with another letter. The three alternative RAN tasks were designed to increase visual confusion (q for o), phonological confusion (v for o), or the combination of visual and phonological confusion (b for o). The results suggest that (a) substituting a letter that was visually similar to other letters within the Denckla and Rudel letter matrix had the greatest influence on RAN speed and accuracy performance, (b) substitutions that increased the phonological similarity of letters in the matrix predicted more unique variance in future word identification skill, (c) RAN accuracy performance as a predictor of future word identification skill provided little unique variance beyond that associated with RAN speed performance, and (d) RAN predicted significant variance in future word identification skill beyond that associated with the autoregressor in children who were at the earliest stages of reading development.
The mole theory: primary function of melanocytes and melanin may be antimicrobial defense and immunomodulation (not solar protection).

Physician: “No one has the foggiest notion why God gave us moles on our skin ... and that’s the honest truth.” Melanocytes are derived from melanoblasts that arise from the neural crest. Melanocyte numbers vary little between human populations, although they differ in size, number, and the structure of melanosomes. 1 In the human epidermis, they have a close association with keratinocytes via dendrites. Although well known for their role in skin pigmentation, this is probably not the only function of these cells. Indeed, melanocytes have numerous enzymes with capabilities in antimicrobial defense, as well as genetic, biochemical, and functional links to the immune system. 2 Melanin, endogenously produced by melanocytes, is able to interact with enzymes and modulate their behavior, is a powerful cation chelator, and can bind and neutralize oxidants, microbicidal peptides, and antimicrobial drugs. 3–6 A better appreciation of the biological effects of melanocytes may assist in all aspects of the evaluation, understanding, and treatment of diseases associated with this cell line, such as vitiligo and melanoma. There are definite flaws in the media dogma that melanin’s main role is in protection against ultraviolet light. To begin with, it fails to explain the increase in the prevalence of melanin and melanocytes in skin not normally exposed to the sun, such as the genitalia, 1 and other body tissues, such as the epithelium of the inner ear, uveal tract of the eye, brain tissue, and the peritoneum. 7 Moreover, many nocturnal animals, such as bats, are highly melanized on their exterior surface. In addition, African albinos, despite the absence of melanin’s sun protection, do not have an increased incidence of melanoma. 2
A Basis for SUMO Protease Specificity Provided by Analysis of Human Senp2 and a Senp2-SUMO Complex

Modification of cellular proteins by the ubiquitin-like protein SUMO is essential for nuclear metabolism and cell cycle progression in yeast. X-ray structures of the human Senp2 catalytic protease domain and of a covalent thiohemiacetal transition-state complex obtained between the Senp2 catalytic domain and SUMO-1 revealed details of the respective protease and substrate surfaces utilized in interactions between these two proteins. Comparative biochemical and structural analysis between Senp2 and the yeast SUMO protease Ulp1 revealed differential abilities to process SUMO-1, SUMO-2, and SUMO-3 in maturation and deconjugation reactions. Further biochemical characterization of the three SUMO isoforms into which an additional Gly-Gly di-peptide was inserted, or whereby the respective SUMO tails from the three isoforms were swapped, suggests a strict dependence for SUMO isopeptidase activity on residues C-terminal to the conserved Gly-Gly motif and preferred cleavage site for SUMO proteases.
Projections of the subnucleus caudalis of the trigeminal nucleus in the sheep.

A study has been made of the efferent connections of the trigeminal sibnucleus caudalis in 12 shep. Lesions were placed in this nucleus either surgically or by means of an electrical cautery device. Resulting degeneration was determined by staining serially prepared frozen sections according to the silver techniques of Nauta and Fink-Heimer. Ipsilateral connections are desribed with the fifth, seventh eleventh and twelfth cranial nerve motor nuclei, and ascending ipsilateral connections with all of the more rostral portions of the trigeminal nuclear complex. Evidence of widespread bilateral trigemino-reticular connections is reported. By contrast, only a small number of fibers from the subnucleus caudalis were found to ascend in the mdial lemniscus; few of these lemniscal fibers appear to ascend beyond mesencephalic levels.
Soil-Structure System Identification of Millikan Library North–South Response during Four Earthquakes (1970–2002): What Caused the Observed Wandering of the System Frequencies?

Abstract An application is presented of a recently proposed system identification method for buildings that takes into account the effects of soil-structure interaction and the coupling of the horizontal and rocking motions of the foundation. The method gives the uncoupled structural fixed-base frequency f 1 and rigid-body rocking frequency f R using data only from two horizontal sensors (at base and roof). The fixed-base frequency is estimated from the wave travel time through the structure, the apparent system frequency from Fourier analysis, and the rocking frequency from a relation between these three. The case study is Millikan Library in Pasadena, California. Results are shown for four earthquakes between 1970 and 2002. The method makes it possible to quantify the degree to which the observed changes (wandering) of its resonant frequencies have been due to changes in the structure alone. The results show that (1) both f 1 and f R are amplitude dependent, (2) significant permanent reduction of frequency occurred over the years, ∼22% for f 1 and 11% for the apparent frequency f 1,app , mostly caused by the San Fernando earthquake of 1971, while (3) the changes of f R have been amplitude dependent and recoverable. (4) During the San Fernando earthquake, both f 1 and f R dropped, respectively, by ∼24% and ∼18%, resulting in 21% drop of f 1,app . (5) After this earthquake, the changes in the observed resonant frequencies, which are those of the system, have been due to a much larger degree (4–5 times) to changes of f R than to changes of f 1 . (6) The small permanent changes in f 1 that appear to have occurred after the San Fernando earthquake cannot be deciphered with certainty because of the small number of earthquake records available for this analysis since 1971. Records from the period 1988 to 2002, when released, can be used in future to refine and verify these trends.
Teaching empathy to first year medical students: evaluation of an elective literature and medicine course.

Background: Empathy is critical to the development of professionalism in medical students, and the humanities-particularly literature-have been touted as an effective tool for increasing student empathy. This quantitative/qualitative study was undertaken to assess whether reading and discussing poetry and prose related to patients and doctors could significantly increase medical student empathy and appreciation of the relevance of the humanities for their own professional development. Method: In 2000-2001, first year students (n = 22) volunteered for an eight-session literature and medicine elective and were randomly assigned to either immediate participation in the class or a wait-list group, who participated in the same class 6 months later. Complete pre- and post-intervention data for 16 students from both groups were obtained for two quantitative measures of empathy and an attitudes-toward-the- humanities scale. Students also participated in a qualitative group interview pre- and post-intervention. Results: Empathy and attitudes toward the humanities improved significantly (p 5 0.01) after participation in the class when both groups of students were combined. The scaled treatment effect size was in the moderate range ( 5 0.60 standard deviation units) for both measures that had statistically significant pre-to-post changes. Furthermore, student understanding of the patient's perspective became more detailed and complex after the intervention. Students were also more likely post-intervention to note ways reading literature could help them cope with training-related stress. Conclusion: A brief literature-based course can contribute to greater student empathy and appreciation for the value of humanities in medical education.
Kernel Specialization for Improved Adaptability and Performance on Graphics Processing Units (GPUs)

Graphics processing units (GPUs) offer significant speedups over CPUs for certain classes of applications. However, programming for GPUs is challenging. There are many parameters that affect performance and their values may change depending on both problem instance and GPU hardware specifics. In addition, most GPU kernels are compiled once; performance optimizations are applied at application compile time. As a result, many GPU libraries and programs have limited adaptability to variations among problem instances and hardware configurations. These factors limit code reuse and the applicability of GPU computing to a wider variety of problems. This paper introduces GPGPU kernel specialization, a technique used to describe highly adaptable kernels that exhibit high performance across a wide range of programmer variables as well as different generations of GPUs. We also introduce our GPU Prototyping Framework (GPU-PF) for dynamic runtime generation of customized GPU kernels incorporating both problem and implementation-specific parameters. GPU-PF fully separates the GPU and CPU code so the GPU code can be compiled during program execution once all the parameters are known. This work explores the implementation and parameterization of two real world applications targeting two generations of NVIDIA CUDA-enabled GPUs using kernel specialization and GPU-PF: large template matching and cone-beam image reconstruction via backprojection. Starting with high performance GPU kernels that compare favorably to multi-threaded reference implementations, kernel specialization is shown to increase adaptability while providing performance improvements including improved run time and reduction in resource usage. Kernel specialization offers productivity benefits, improved library code, and a means to increase the parameterizability of GPGPU implementations.
A framework of integrating gene relations from heterogeneous data sources: an experiment on Arabidopsis thaliana

One of the most important goals of biological investigation is to uncover gene functional relations. In this study we propose a framework for extraction and integration of gene functional relations from diverse biological data sources, including gene expression data, biological literature and genomic sequence information. We introduce a two-layered Bayesian network approach to integrate relations from multiple sources into a genome-wide functional network. An experimental study was conducted on a test-bed of Arabidopsis thaliana. Evaluation of the integrated network demonstrated that relation integration could improve the reliability of relations by combining evidence from different data sources. Domain expert judgments on the gene functional clusters in the network confirmed the validity of our approach for relation integration and network inference. Contact: jiexun@eller.arizona.edu
Improving the accuracy of ontology alignment through ensemble fuzzy clustering

Automatic ontology alignment tools perform matching between the concepts of two ontologies and provide a similarity measure for each pair of aligned concepts. However, none of the existing tools are perfect and multiple alignment tools produce varying similarity measures for a certain alignment. Also, the similarity measures provided by an alignment may not be helpful enough for indicating the degree of reliability. While using a random alignment tool we noticed that some quality alignments are given medium or even low similarity measures, and that causes the user ignoring those alignments. In this study we have proposed an ensemble model of ontology alignment that aggregates multiple alignment tools with the help of Fuzzy C Means clustering and Type 2 Fuzzy Membership Functions. We have shown that our approach helps the user to choose the best alignment results which has not been obtained by any other alignment tools we experimented with.
Explicit solution to the exact Riemann problem and application in nonlinear shallow‐water equations

The Riemann solver is the fundamental building block in the Godunov-type formulation of many nonlinear fluid-flow problems involving discontinuities. While existing solvers are obtained either iteratively or through approximations of the Riemann problem, this paper reports an explicit analytical solution to the exact Riemann problem. The present approach uses the homotopy analysis method to solve the nonlinear algebraic equations resulting from the Riemann problem. A deformation equation defines a continuous variation from an initial approximation to the exact solution through an embedding parameter. A Taylor series expansion of the exact solution about the embedding parameter provides a series solution in recursive form with the initial approximation as the zeroth-order term. For the nonlinear shallow-water equations, a sensitivity analysis shows fast convergence of the series solution and the first three terms provide highly accurate results. The proposed Riemann solver is implemented in an existing finite-volume model with a Godunov-type scheme. The model correctly describes the formation of shocks and rarefaction fans for both one and two-dimensional dam-break problems, thereby verifying the proposed Riemann solver for general implementation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Targeting Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus with Short Salt-Resistant Synthetic Peptides

The seriousness of microbial resistance combined with the lack of new antimicrobials has increased interest in the development of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as novel therapeutics. In this study, we evaluated the antimicrobial activities of two short synthetic peptides, namely, RRIKA and RR. These peptides exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, and their antimicrobial effects were significantly enhanced by addition of three amino acids in the C terminus, which consequently increased the amphipathicity, hydrophobicity, and net charge. Moreover, RRIKA and RR demonstrated a significant and rapid bactericidal effect against clinical and drug-resistant Staphylococcus isolates, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (VISA), vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA), linezolid-resistant S. aureus, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis. In contrast to many natural AMPs, RRIKA and RR retained their activity in the presence of physiological concentrations of NaCl and MgCl2. Both RRIKA and RR enhanced the killing of lysostaphin more than 1,000-fold and eradicated MRSA and VRSA isolates within 20 min. Furthermore, the peptides presented were superior in reducing adherent biofilms of S. aureus and S. epidermidis compared to results with conventional antibiotics. Our findings indicate that the staphylocidal effects of our peptides were through permeabilization of the bacterial membrane, leading to leakage of cytoplasmic contents and cell death. Furthermore, peptides were not toxic to HeLa cells at 4- to 8-fold their antimicrobial concentrations. The potent and salt-insensitive antimicrobial activities of these peptides present an attractive therapeutic candidate for treatment of multidrug-resistant S. aureus infections.
Heat waves imposed during early pod development in soybean (Glycine max) cause significant yield loss despite a rapid recovery from oxidative stress

Heat waves already have a large impact on crops and are predicted to become more intense and more frequent in the future. In this study, heat waves were imposed on soybean using infrared heating technology in a fully open-air field experiment. Five separate heat waves were applied to field-grown soybean (Glycine max) in central Illinois, three in 2010 and two in 2011. Thirty years of historical weather data from Illinois were analyzed to determine the length and intensity of a regionally realistic heat wave resulting in experimental heat wave treatments during which day and night canopy temperatures were elevated 6 °C above ambient for 3 days. Heat waves were applied during early or late reproductive stages to determine whether and when heat waves had an impact on carbon metabolism and seed yield. By the third day of each heat wave, net photosynthesis (A), specific leaf weight (SLW), and leaf total nonstructural carbohydrate concentration (TNC) were decreased, while leaf oxidative stress was increased. However, A, SLW, TNC, and measures of oxidative stress were no different than the control ca. 12 h after the heat waves ended, indicating rapid physiological recovery from the high-temperature stress. That end of season seed yield was reduced (~10%) only when heat waves were applied during early pod developmental stages indicates the yield loss had more to do with direct impacts of the heat waves on reproductive process than on photosynthesis. Soybean was unable to mitigate yield loss after heat waves given during late reproductive stages. This study shows that short high-temperature stress events that reduce photosynthesis and increase oxidative stress resulted in significant losses to soybean production in the Midwest, U.S. The study also suggests that to mitigate heat wave-induced yield loss, soybean needs improved reproductive and photosynthetic tolerance to high but increasingly common temperatures.
Sensory Pain Qualities in Neuropathic Pain

Abstract The qualities of chronic neuropathic pain (NeP) may be informative about the different mechanisms of pain. We previously developed a 2-factor model of NeP that described an underlying structure among sensory descriptors on the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire. The goal of this study was to confirm the correlated 2-factor model of NeP. Individual descriptive scores from the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire were analyzed. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test a correlated 2-factor model. Factor 1 (stabbing pain) was characterized by high loadings on stabbing, sharp, and shooting sensory items; factor 2 (heavy pain) was characterized by high loadings on heavy, gnawing, and aching items. Results of the confirmatory factor analysis strongly supported the correlated 2-factor model. Perspective This article validates a model that describes the qualities of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia. These data suggest that specific pain qualities may be associated with pain mechanisms or may be useful for predicting treatment response.
The Impact of Real-Time Information on Choices During the Commute Trip: Evidence from a Travel Simulator

In the area of travel behavior, route choice when facing congestion has been widely researched. However, there are other behavioral alternatives based on people's activities and adaptive decision-making strategies that have been overlooked. This paper focuses on how and what kind of information is used when considering a subset of these alternatives. Alternatives examined are the final choice of people's decision-making process when faced with unexpected events during the commute trip in the presence of real-time information collected using GABRIEL (Gis Activity-Based tRavel sImuLator) in Columbus, OH. An empirical analysis of the data set, which includes a limited set of alternatives (six in total) is presented. Bivariate analysis and multinomial logit models are used to identify variables that influence the choice. Results show that people are willing to experiment with other alternatives if provided the information to support their choice.
Autoregulation of Cerebral Blood Flow Electromagnetic Flow Measurements During Acute Hypertension in the Monkey

Changes in blood flow through the internal carotid, vertebral and external carotid arteries were measured by electromagnetic flowmeters during and after acute hypertension induced by closing a clamp around the thoracic aorta in anesthetized monkeys. The internal carotid and vertebral arterial system showed both rapid and delayed autoregulatory responses to rapid increases in blood pressure; the rapid (primary) responses occurred within seconds, the progressive (delayed) within 3 to 4 minutes. In contrast, the flow response within the external carotid system appeared to be passive. Cervical sympathetic innervation and myogenic reflexes (Bayliss reflex) both appear to play a part in the rapidly occurring (primary) regulation of cerebral blood flow. The mechanism responsible for delayed and progressive (secondary) autoregulation in the cerebral vasculature appeared to be metabolic, since it was predominantly influenced by changes in blood Pco2. Changes in intracranial pressure did not seem to be involved in autoregulation.
Work in progress - commonsense probability: Preconceptions of entering engineering students

We asked students to answer a question about the probability of a sequence of events - a soccer team winning at least seven games in an eight-game season, given that the probability of winning each game is one half. While relatively few of the answers were totally correct, nearly all showed understanding of some of the aspects of combining event probabilities. Additionally, the answers illustrated which aspects of the problem the students understood (or did not understand): independence, combining probabilities of independent events, the difference between exactly seven and at least seven, how to determine the outcome space, and so forth. Some of these partial understandings correspond to misconceptions reported in the statistics education literature. As the goal of this work is to characterize incoming engineering students' understanding of probability, we will be collecting data using these and other questions at multiple institutions.
An observational prospective cohort study of incidence and characteristics of failed spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section

Abstract Background A prospective cohort study was performed in 800 parturients undergoing elective caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia from May 2005 to April 2006 in a large maternity hospital in Singapore, in order to determine the incidence of and risk factors for total and partial failure of spinal anaesthesia. Methods A routine single-shot spinal technique using intrathecal 0.5% heavy bupivacaine 2.0mL (10mg) and morphine 100μg was administered with a 27-gauge Whitacre spinal needle via a 20-gauge introducer. Demographic, surgical and anaesthetic data were collected to determine risk factors for failure of spinal anaesthesia. Results Incidence of total failure requiring conversion to general anaesthesia was 0.5% (4 cases) in which three cases had inadequate block (loss of sensation to cold less than T6) and one case had no sensory block. Thirty-three parturients (4.1%) required intravenous fentanyl and seven (0.9%) required Entonox for intraoperative analgesic supplementation. Postpartum sterilization ( P Conclusion Spinal anaesthesia using bupivacaine 10mg with morphine 100μg produces reliable anaesthesia for elective caesarean section. Postpartum sterilization involves exteriorisation of the uterus with additional surgical manipulation and hence may necessitate analgesic supplementation. The initial use of a combined spinal-epidural technique or the addition of intrathecal fentanyl or clonidine or an increased dose of local anaesthetic may be considered to decrease the incidence of intraoperative pain.
From Here to There; or, If Cooperative Ownership Is So Desirable, Why are There So Few Cooperatives?

In this paper I want to discuss a well-known but poorly understood problem: how can socialists reconcile the observed paucity of cooperatives in capitalist societies with their alleged superiority on normative grounds? If cooperatives are so desirable, why don't workers desire them? If one's ideal of socialism is central planning, it is clear enough that it cannot emerge gradually within the womb of the capitalist economy. If instead it is something like market socialism, it is not clear that a discontinuous transformation of society is required. If workers want (market) socialism, they can start up here and now. If they don't, doesn't it prove that they do not want it?I shall proceed as follows. Section I argues that the usual explanation - that cooperatives are not economically viable or that workers prefer working in capitalist firms – is not necessarily correct. The explanation may lie elsewhere, in endogenous preference formation, adverse selection, discrimination, or externalities.Section II is concerned with the variety of cooperative arrangements. Only rarely do we find cooperatives in their pure form, with all workers and only workers having equal ownership rights. Non-working owners, non-owning workers and unequal distribution of shares are frequent. When the deviations become sufficiently large, the firms cease to become cooperatives in any meaningful sense.Section III extends the argument of Section I by surveying the causes of cooperative failure. Some fail by success: profitable cooperatives often attract or turn into private ownership. Others fail outright, partly because they tend to be established under unfavorable circumstances and partly because of intrinsic difficulties of management.