cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimization of the Geometry of the MEMS Electrothermal Actuator to Maximize In-Plane Tip Deflection

Several microactuator technologies have been investigated for positioning individual elements in large-scale microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Electrostatic, magnetostatic, piezoelectric and thermal expansion represent the most common modes of microactuator operation. This investigation optimized the geometry of the asymmetrical electrothermal actuator to maximize its in-plane deflection characteristics. The MEMS polysilicon surface micromachined electrothermal actuator uses resistive (Joule) heating to generate differential thermal expansion and movement. In this investigation, a 3-D model of the electrothermal actuator was designed, and its geometry was optimized using the finite-element analysis (FEA) capabilities of the ANSYS computer program. The electrothermal actuator’s geometry was systematically varied to establish optimum values of several critical geometrical ratios that maximize tip deflection. The value of the ratio of the length of the flexure component relative to the length of the hot arm was discovered to be the most sensitive geometrical parameter ratio that maximizes tip deflection.
The Realised Eschatology and Sweet Style of Jacob Bauthumley

In The Light and Dark Sides of God (1650), the Ranter Jacob Bauthumley presents his version of a realised eschatology in a generous style. His eschatology centres on God as the animating force in humanity. Bauthumley believes in sin but denies its true being. For him, most people live in the hell of their self-being without recognising the divine being within them. At the end of the world, personal existence will end as God will return to being all in all within himself. In a style matching his theology, Bauthumley presents a self-effacing persona, openly defines his theology, judges no person, and prefers a vocabulary of sweetness and joy to the harsher language so common in the theological discourse of his times.
Crawford Howell Toy

“The earliest trace of the Toy family is found in England in the person of Robert Toy, bookseller in Saint Paul's Churchyard in 1640. Members of the family came to America about 1720, and settled first in New Jersey and then in Baltimore, whence Professor Toy's grandfather moved to Virginia about the beginning of this century” [19th]. This grandfather died in 1814 leaving an infant son, Thomas Dallam Toy, 1814–1879.
Space-variant Fourier analysis: the exponential chirp transform

Space-variant (or foveating) vision architectures are of importance in both machine and biological vision. In this paper, we focus on a particular space-variant map, the log-polar map, which approximates the primate visual map, and which has been applied in machine vision by a number of investigators during the past two decades. Associated with the log-polar map, we define a new linear integral transform, which we call the exponential chirp transform. This transform provides frequency domain image processing for space-variant image formats, while preserving the major aspects of the shift-invariant properties of the usual Fourier transform. We then show that a log-polar coordinate transform in frequency provides a fast exponential chirp transform. This provides size and rotation, in addition to shift, invariant properties in the transformed space. Finally, we demonstrate the use of the fast exponential chirp algorithm on a database of images in a template matching task, and also demonstrate its uses for spatial filtering.
In Education We All Want to Be Nice: Lessons Learned from a Multidisciplinary Design Studio

The purpose of this investigation was to identify factors that might foster and sustain innovative design thinking through a qualitative examination of a multidisciplinary student team charged with the design of an immersive museum experience. Survey, focus group, and observational data were collected from students of industrial design, architecture, computer science, mechanical engineering, and education. Using the factors identified in the literature on group creativity as a guide to data analysis, the analyses revealed how multidisciplinary design projects can foster innovation. In addition, the data revealed differences in the cultures through which the various design disciplines are educated. Whether the goal is to develop an aesthetically pleasing product or to solve a challenging problem, the development of creative design solutions is an iterative process, involving idea refinement as well as idea generation. The results suggest ways to create a classroom culture that supports both the creativity needed to generate innovative ideas and the resilience that is needed to refine them.
Interpersonal Control and Courtship Aggression

This research examines the relationship between aggression and the interpersonal process of control during courtship. A sample of white heterosexual college dating relationships is examined. Data are collected on men and women inflicting and sustaining minor and severe aggression during courtship. The results show that across relationships, men are no more likely than women to control. This challenges the notion that men are more likely to control interpersonally because of their control in the wider society. Furthermore, control predicts inflicting and sustaining minor but not severe aggression. This suggests that the causal factors influencing minor aggression are different from those affecting severe aggression.
Lunchtime school water availability and water consumption among California adolescents.

Abstract Purpose To examine the potential impact of California SB 1413, which required school districts to provide free, fresh drinking water during mealtimes in food service areas by July 1, 2011, on greater water consumption among California adolescents. Methods Data were drawn from the 2012 and 2013 state-representative California Health Interview Survey. A total of 2,665 adolescents aged 12–17 years were interviewed regarding their water consumption and availability of free water during lunchtime at their school. Results Three-fourths reported that their school provided free water at lunchtime, mainly via fountains. In a multivariate model that controlled for age, gender, income, race/ethnicity, body mass index, and school type, adolescents in schools that provided free water consumed significantly more water than adolescents who reported that water was not available, bivariate (standard error) = .67 (.28), p = .02. School water access did not significantly vary across the 2 years. Conclusions Lunchtime school water availability was related to water consumption, but a quarter of adolescents reported that their school did not provide free water at lunch. Future research should explore what supports and inducements might facilitate provision of drinking water during school mealtimes.
Lethal and sublethal effects of petroleum and two coal‐derived oils on the large milkweed bug Oncopeltus fasciatus (Dallas) (Hemipt., Lygaeidae)1

Crude petroleum and two coal-derived synthetic oils were compared for their effects on the longevity and reproduction of Oncopeltus fasciatus (Dallas), the large milkweed bug (Hemipt., Lygaeidae). Acute and chronic toxicities of the two synthetic oils were greater than those of crude petroleum. The 24-h LD50's (lethal dose to 50% of population exposed) for light and heavy coal oils were 11.5 mg/g (95% confidence limits of 8.8–16.0 mg/g) and 22.7 mg/g (95% confidence limits of 21.7–23.7 mg/g), respectively. By comparison, the 24-h LD50 for crude petroleum was about 100 mg/g. Surface concentrations of the oils that reduced adult survival over a 30-day exposure period were as follows: 30 μg/cm2 of the heavy coal oil, 60 μg/cm2 of the light coal oil, and 150 μg/cm2 of the crude petroleum. Egg production was reduced approximately 20% by sublethal levels of both coal oils but was not affected by sublethal exposure to petroleum. Neither the coal oils nor the petroleum reduced egg viability. Zusammenfassung Letale und subletale Wirkungen von Petroleum und zwei kohlenburtigen Olen auf Oncopeltus fasciatus (Dall.) (Hemipt., Lygaeidae) Roh-Petroleum und zwei kohlenburtige synthetische Ole wurden hinsichtlich ihrer Wirkung auf die Lebensdauer und Reproduktion der O. fasciatus untersucht. Die akute und chronische Toxizitat der zwei synthetischen Ole war hoher als jene des Petroleums. Die 24 h LD50 betrug fur leichtes Ol 11,5 mg/g, fur schweres Ol 22,7 mg/g. Demgegenuber betrug die 24h LD50 fur Petroleum etwa 100 mg/g. Die Oberflachenkonzentration der Ole, die nach 30tagiger Applikation das Uberleben der Adulten reduzierten betrug: 30 μg/cm2 Schwerol, 60 μg/cm2 Leichtol sowie 150 μg/cm2 Petroleum. Die Ei-Produktion wurde durch subletale Konzentrationen beider Ole um annahernd 20% vermindert, durch subletales Petroleum jedoch nicht beeinflust. Weder Kohlen-Ole noch das Petroleum senkten die Lebensfahigkeit der Eier.
Isotope dilution mass spectrometry as a candidate definitive method for determining total glycerides and triglycerides in serum

A new isotope dilution mass spectrometric method for total glycerides and triglycerides in human serum is described. Total glycerides are defined as the sum of tri-, di-, and monoglycerides plus free glycerol; triglycerides are defined as the pure triglyceride species. In both determinations, serum samples are supplemented by addition of [13C3]tripalmitin, processed, derivatized, and the abundance ratios of selected ions are determined. Bias is investigated by quantifying the analyte in the same samples under different chromatographic and ionization conditions. The analytes were determined in two human serum pools. The CV for a single measurement ranged from 0.35% to 0.72%, and the relative SEM ranged from 0.10% to 0.34%; there was no significant bias in the measurements. The combination of high precision and absence of significant bias in the results qualify this method for consideration as a Definitive Method as defined by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards.
Lenses and effective spatial resolution in macroscopic optical mapping

Optical mapping of excitation dynamically tracks electrical waves travelling through cardiac or brain tissue by the use of fluorescent dyes. There are several characteristics that set optical mapping apart from other imaging modalities: dynamically changing signals requiring short exposure times, dim fluorescence demanding sensitive sensors and wide fields of view (low magnification) resulting in poor optical performance. These conditions necessitate the use of optics with good light gathering ability, i.e. lenses having high numerical aperture. Previous optical mapping studies often used sensor resolution to estimate the minimum spatial feature resolvable, assuming perfect optics and infinite contrast. We examine here the influence of finite contrast and real optics on the effective spatial resolution in optical mapping under broad-field illumination for both lateral (in-plane) resolution and axial (depth) resolution of collected fluorescence signals.
Distance learning for post-registered nursing: the facts.

AIM: To explore nurses' perceptions and evaluate the potential of distance learning as a method of teaching for post-registered nurses working in the community. METHOD: The study used open-ended questions in focus groups. Each group consisted of nine students each with an interest in post-registration learning. The interviews were taped and transcribed (n = 18). RESULTS: The respondents saw distance learning as a necessary way of updating their knowledge, as long as the education provided was relevant to their practice. They also saw this method of learning as an opportunity to take responsibility for their own learning. There was a conflict of opinion, however, as some respondents felt the courses to be a flexible way to teach and learn, while others found the courses to be too focussed and not necessarily relevant. CONCLUSION: The study provides an insight into distance learning and what some post-registered nurses perceive to be important factors associated with it as a method of teaching. It suggests that post-registered nurses working in the community will benefit from distance learning as a method of teaching.
Coupled noise analysis for adjacent vias in multilayered digital circuits

The electromagnetic coupling between two adjacent vias in a multilayered integrated circuit is analyzed by means of equivalent magnetic frill array models incorporated with the even- and odd-mode approach. Closed-form expressions for the coupled noise on the passive via are derived. The coupling responses in the frequency domain and crosstalk waveforms in the time domain for some multilayered via structures are calculated based on these formulas. A 4-layer experimental model is constructed and measurements are taken for the transmission, reflection, and coupling responses. The measurements show good agreement with the calculated results over a frequency range of up to 18 GHz. >
Pharmacokinetics of Morphine and Its Surrogates I: Comparisons of Sensitive Assays of Morphine in Biological Fluids and Application to Morphine Pharmacokinetics in the Dog

Abstract A sensitive isotope derivatization assay was developed to quantify morphine in biological fluids in the nanogram per milliliter range. Morphine, derivatized with 3 H-dansyl chloride, was separated from the reaction products by TLC. The spots were scraped from the plate, and the eluted radioactivity was determined by liquid scintillation. The standard deviations of this morphine assay were ± 18.6 ng/ml in 100 μ l of plasma and ± 1.86 ng/ml in 1 ml of plasma. The GLC analysis of pentafluoropropionated morphine in the range of 0–5 ng of morphine/ml of plasma had a standard deviation of ± 0.46 ng/ml when 1 ml of plasma was taken. Liquid scintillation spectrometric analysis of 14 C-morphine had a sensitivity of 1.5 ng/ml of plasma at double the background. There were no significant differences among the liquid scintillation, electron-capture GLC, and radioisotope derivatization methods for morphine obtained from the plasma of a dog given 14.00 mg iv of morphine. Morphine conjugates were assayed as morphine after the acid hydrolysis of plasma and urine preextracted to remove unconjugated morphine, and the equivalence of various methods was demonstrated to monitor plasma and urine pharmacokinetics in a dog.
Moessbauer spectra of ferrite catalysts used in oxidative dehydrogenation

Room temperature Mossbauer spectroscopy was used to examine bulk changes which occur in low surface area CoFe2O4 and CuFe2O4 catalysts as a result of contact with various mixtures of trans-2-butene and O2 during oxidative dehydrogenation reactions at about 420 C. So long as there was at least some O2 in the gas phase, the CoFe2O4 spectrum was essentially unchanged. However, the spectrum changed from a random spinel in the oxidized state to an inverse spinel as it was reduced by oxide ion removal. The steady state catalyst lies very near the fully oxidized state. More dramatic solid state changes occurred as the CuFe2O4 underwent reduction. Under severe reduction, the ferrite was transformed into Cu and Fe3O4, but it could be reversibly recovered by oxidation. An intense doublet located near zero velocity persisted in all spectra of CuFe2O4 regardless of the state of reduction.
A case-adaptive assembly planning system

Currently, a case adaptive assembly planning system (CAAPS) which integrates neural computing techniques and rule-based systems has been developed. The neural network computing captures designer's design concept and self-organizes similar experienced designs. The CBAPM (CLIPS-based assembly planning module), a component of CAAPS, generates a task-level assembly plan automatically. The design concept is expressed by a standard pattern format representing components' 3D geometry. A feature-based model translates the conceptual design into a preliminary boundary representation (B-rep). The neural-network design module is to augment the designer's memory when designing an assembly system. The purpose of the CAAPS is to provide an engineer with an environment in which he/she can think of assembly in terms of high level features and synthesize such assembly rapidly. At all stages of the design process the designer can consult the Design Cluster Memory (DCM) and Plan Cluster Memory (PCM) to see what "experience" knows of similar assembly. Efficient use of prior experiences is emphasized. >
B cells and autoantibodies: complex roles in CNS injury

Emerging data indicate that traumatic injury to the brain or spinal cord activates B lymphocytes, culminating in the production of antibodies specific for antigens found within and outside the central nervous system (CNS). Here, we summarize what is known about the effects of CNS injury on B cells. We outline the potential mechanisms for CNS trauma-induced B cell activation and discuss the potential consequences of these injury-induced B cell responses. On the basis of recent data, we hypothesize that a subset of autoimmune B cell responses initiated by CNS injury are pathogenic and that targeted inhibition of B cells could improve recovery in cases of brain and spinal cord injury.
Transcript Profiling of Periodontal Fibroblasts and Osteoblasts

Background: Fibroblasts are critical to the establishment and maintenance of the periodontal attachment apparatus (cementum, periodontal ligament [PDL], and bone). In order to characterize the cellular changes that accompany periodontal regeneration, better tools are necessary to distinguish periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLF), gingival fibroblasts, and osteoblasts. Our goal is to identify gene markers to better characterize and identify these cell types. Methods: We chose to examine and compare the expression of numerous gene transcripts by semiquantitative reverse transcriptase- polymerase chain reaction using primers specific for 44 different gene transcripts in order to better characterize the identity of these cells. Results: Several transcripts were cell-type specific. Specifically, fibromodulin was expressed only in PDL fibroblasts, while osteopontin was expressed only in dermal fibroblasts. In addition, lumican was expressed by all three types of fibroblasts (PDL, gingival, and dermal), while ...
Autonomous underwater vehicle control coordination using a tri-level hybrid software architecture

Proposes the use of Prolog as a rule-based specification language for coordination of multiple control functions to perform missions with autonomous underwater vehicles. Control of both vehicle motion and mission phase logical sequencing, including specified forms of error recovery, must be accomplished. We define terms used in this type of control system and show that such systems fall into the class of hybrid controllers coupling discrete state/time independent and continuous state/continuous time elements. The software architecture to implement these systems is often composed of three levels for ease of segregation and development of functionality. The article concerns an implementation on the NPS Phoenix vehicle. Embedded in the rule body are functions that interface with the vehicle to gather sensory data and generate signals as required to trigger transitions between control functions, and to initiate commands for control functions. The same code is used for mission specification as for its execution, eliminating the question of correctness. Control of a mission segment using command generation to simultaneously drive the vehicle to a point on space and time is described with experimental results. The development of transitioning signals is discussed alongside error recovery techniques using 'guaranteed phase completion'.
Navigating romantic relationships on Facebook Extending the relationship dissolution model to social networking environments

The present study explores how people use social networking sites to adjust to breakups by studying their postdissolution behaviors. We apply Rollie and Duck’s (2006) relationship dissolution model by examining how collegiate Facebook users (N = 208) enact behaviors in breakups to extend the model to online environments during and after breakups. Furthermore, we employed a retrospective design utilizing qualitative methods to define categories of behavioral responses to a breakup on Facebook. The analysis revealed online behaviors that overlapped with the dissolution model as well as paralleled previous research into online behaviors. Results are discussed using the relationship dissolution model framework to individuals modifying online relationship statuses, “unfriending” previous partners, and limiting profile access in order to manage relationship termination.
Theoretical Study on Effective Design Parameters in Elevator Vibration

Elevators are currently common apparatus in buildings. As such, theoretical studies of their performance can have practical applications. Secondary to safety, their smooth ride is an important factor in how elevators are designed to perform. In this article, elevator vibrations are studied at “ride commencement” and for “ride duration”. First, the equations of motion are derived and solved both analytically and numerically. Results show that for ride commencement and ride duration both numerical and analytical problem-solving approaches are comparable. In addition, these two approaches are in good agreement with experimental results. Second, it is shown that vibration amplitude intensity can be decreased in elevators by increasing the resonance frequency or increasing the damping ratio. This leads to decreased shaking and ride-comfort improvement. Third, under the particular case of ride commencement, findings show that increasing the damping ratio cannot decrease vibration amplitude intensity. This is proven by way of changing the force function from a sinusoidal function to a step function at ride commencement. Fourth, results show that increasing the damping coefficient beyond a certain value will increase the vibration amplitude intensity. This results in increased shaking and ride comfort deterioration.
Impacts of petroleum production on ground and surface waters: Results from the Osage–Skiatook Petroleum Environmental Research A site, Osage County, Oklahoma

As part of a multidisciplinary group of about 20 scientists, we are investigating the transport, fate, natural attenuation, and ecosystem impacts of inorganic salts and organic compounds present in releases of produced water and associated hydrocarbons at the Osage–Skiatook Petroleum Environmental Research (OSPER) sites, located in Osage County, Oklahoma. Geochemical data collected from nearby oil wells show that the produced water source is a Na-Ca-Cl brine (150,000 mg/L total dissolved solids [TDS]), with relatively high concentrations of Mg, Sr, and NH4, but low SO4 and H2S. Results from the depleted OSPER A site show that the salts continue to be removed from the soil and surficial rocks, but degraded oil persists on the contaminated surface. Eventually, the bulk of inorganic salts and dissolved organics in the brine will reach the adjacent Skiatook Lake, a 4250-ha (10,501-ac) potable water reservoir. Repeated sampling of 44 wells show a plume of high-salinity water (2000–30,000 mg/L TDS) at intermediate depths that intersects Skiatook Lake and extends beyond the visibly impacted areas. No liquid petroleum was observed in this plume, but organic acid anions, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX), and other volatile organic carbon (VOC) are present. The chemical composition of released brine is modified by sorption, mineral precipitation and dissolution, evapotranspiration, volatilization, and bacterially mediated oxidation-reduction reactions, in addition to mixing with percolating precipitation water, lake water, and pristine groundwater. Results show that only minor amounts of salt are removed by runoff, supporting the conclusion that significant amounts of salts from produced water and petroleum releases still remain in the soils and rocks of the impacted area after more than 65 yr of natural attenuation.
Anoplura and Mallophaga from african hosts

The descriptions of new, and determinations of old, species of Anoplura and Mallophaga presented in this paper are based on a small collection of these ecto-parasitic insects taken from mammals and birds of the Egyptian Sudan and other North and West African localities. The collection was made by variouscollectors, as indicated for each species, and was submitted to us by Mr. Guy A. K. Marshall, Scientific Secretary of the Entomological Research Committee (Tropical Africa) of the British Colonial Office.
A Fundamental Linear Systems Conflict Between Performance and Passivity in Haptic Rendering

This paper analyzes inherent conflicts between model-matching goals of haptic rendering and passivity requirements for coupled stability. We apply results from complex analysis to prove that certain linear passive virtual environments cannot be rendered passively with a desired level of accuracy and over a given finite bandwidth. One practical consequence is that, under appropriate hypotheses, passivity will be violated when accurately rendering inertia in a virtual environment that is less than the inertia of the uncompensated hardware dynamics. In a related result, we show that there exists a waterbed-type tradeoff between performance and phase lag in the rendered dynamics. Both design constraints arise from feedback-bandwidth limitations and not sampled-data effects, quantization, or nonlinearities. The key to our analysis is an interpretation of a Bode gain-phase integral relationship that relates magnitude at low frequencies to phase at high frequencies. The performance limitation and the waterbed tradeoff are illustrated through an experimental study.
Improving the frame-error-rate of spatial multiplexing in block fading by randomly rotating the signal constellation

We demonstrate that one can improve the coded frame-error-rate of spatial multiplexing in block fading by randomly rotating the signal constellation. Unlike linear precoding, our method: 1) does not require coding over time and 2) brings a performance improvement at essentially no additional computational expense. A discussion of the results is provided.
Oxygen Transfer Reactions between Tris(Di-t-Butyltinoxide), [(t-Bu)2SnO]3, and Ph2GeCl2, Et2GeCl2 and PhBCl2

The reactions between tris-(di-t-butyltinoxide), (1, {t-Bu2SnO}3), and R2GeCl2 in methylene chloride results in the quantitative transformation to (R2GeO)3 and t-Bu2SnCl2, R = Ph (2) and Et (3). A similar reaction between 1 and PhBCl2 led to the quantitative formation of (PhBO)3 (4). In the latter case intermediates were observed by following the reaction via 119Sn NMR. If the tin oxide reagent was replaced by a sila-distanna analog, [Ph2SiO(t-Bu2SnO)2] (5) the corresponding sila-digerma complex was produced, [Ph2SiO(Ph2GeO)2] (6) along with some 2. A crystal structural analysis of 6 is presented.
Somatostatin Inhibits Thalamic Network Oscillations In Vitro: Actions on the GABAergic Neurons of the Reticular Nucleus

We examined the effects of somatostatin (SST) on neurons in the thalamic reticular nucleus (RT) using whole-cell patch-clamp techniques applied to visualized neurons in rat thalamic slices. SST, acting via sst(5) receptors and pertussis toxin-sensitive G-proteins, activated an inwardly rectifying K(+) (GIRK) current in 20 of 28 recorded cells to increase input conductance 15 +/- 3% above control and inhibited N-type Ca(2+) currents in 17 of 24 neurons via voltage-dependent mechanisms. SST reversibly depressed evoked EPSCs (eEPSCs) to 37 +/- 8% of control without altering their kinetics. SST-mediated inhibition of eEPSCs showed short-term relief from block during 25 Hz stimulus trains. SST also reduced the frequency (33 +/- 8%) but not the amplitude of miniature EPSCs (mEPSCs). These data indicate that SST mediates presynaptic inhibition of glutamate release onto RT neurons. In current-clamp recordings, SST preferentially inhibited burst discharges mediated by near-threshold corticothalamic EPSPs and intracellularly applied depolarizing currents. SST had powerful effects on in vitro intrathalamic rhythms, which included a shortening of the duration and a reduction in spike count within each oscillatory event. Furthermore, there was a paradoxical increase in the synchrony of epileptiform oscillations, likely mediated by a suppression of the responses to weak synaptic inputs in RT. We conclude that SST suppresses discharges in RT neurons, via presynaptic inhibition of glutamate release and postsynaptic activation of GIRK channels, leading to the dampening of both spindle-like and epileptiform thalamic network oscillations. SST may act as an important endogenous regulator of physiological and pathological thalamocortical network activities.
Sex Offenders, Clinical Psychology of

Sex offenders force another person to engage in sexual contact against their will. Such force may be physical, psychological, or both. The term ‘sex offender’ usually refers to those who have been apprehended by legal authorities, although sexually coercive behavior is also committed by those who are not caught. Clinical psychologists are involved in the assessment, treatment, and prevention of sex offending. Many sex offenders may be classified as having paraphilias, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association. Other sex offenders may be classified as having antisocial personality disorders. Being male, a history of being sexually victimized, and a history of past sexual offending are risk factors for sex offending. A sexual preference for sexual aggression, affective states, and cognitive distortions are common motivations for sex offending. Cognitive-behavioral and psychohormonal treatments appear to be the most effective psychological interventions for sex offenders. Although prevention efforts are necessary, there is a paucity of prevention research on sex offending.
The Efficacy of Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies on Improving Physical Function.

Abstract Objective: To summarize the physical benefits of therapeutic horseback riding and hippotherapy and suggest directions for future research. Methods: Review of databases for peer-reviewed articles related to equine-assisted activities and therapies. Databases included MEDLINE via EBSCO, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Academic Search Complete. Articles were limited to those with full-text access published in English since 1987. Results: Acute and residual improvements in physical benefits, such as gross motor function (e.g., walking, running, jumping), spasticity, muscle symmetry, posture, balance, and gait occur in adults and children with varying disabilities. The benefits appear to be greatest following multiweek interventions with one or more sessions per week. Modest acute cardiovascular responses are observed during equine-assisted activities and therapies with little or no evidence for training improvements in heart rate or blood pressure at rest or during riding. Conclusion: The...
Measurement of impact force for triboluminescent-enhanced composites by modified impulse method

Barely visible impact damage in composites can result in hidden damage such as delamination and cracking. Triboluminescence is currently being looked at as a way of inundating composites with a sensory level mechanism for impact events. ZnS:Mn doped resin sensing plates are embedded within glass fiber-reinforced composites and are impacted at low velocities (3.45–3.51 m/s). The damage created by the impact can be seen under black light analysis and allows for quick visual inspection of the composite. The striker during impact registers a bounce which can be used to determine final impact velocity, which in turn defines the force at impact. By measuring the amount of time between consecutive impacts, an indirect estimation of impact force was made using the temporal occurrence of triboluminescence. Triboluminescent emissions occurred for impacts greater than 300 N. The measured impact energy averaged 36.79 J (±0.48). The calculated impact force and impact energy corresponded to the amount of damage area fo...
Do People Agree on What Makes One Feel Loved? A Cognitive Psychometric Approach to the Consensus on Felt Love

This pragmatic study examines love as a mode of communication. Our focus is on the receiver side: what makes an individual feel loved and how felt love is defined through daily interactions. Our aim is to explore everyday life scenarios in which people might experience love, and to consider people's converging and diverging judgments about which scenarios indicate felt love. We apply a cognitive psychometric approach to quantify a receiver's ability to detect, understand, and know that they are loved. Through crowd-sourcing, we surveyed lay participants about whether various scenarios were indicators of felt love. We thus quantify these responses to make inference about consensus judgments of felt love, measure individual levels of agreement with consensus, and assess individual response styles. More specifically, we (1) derive consensus judgments on felt love; (2) describe its characteristics in qualitative and quantitative terms, (3) explore individual differences in both (a) participant agreement with consensus, and (b) participant judgment when uncertain about shared knowledge, and (4) test whether individual differences can be meaningfully linked to explanatory variables. Results indicate that people converge towards a shared cognitive model of felt love. Conversely, respondents showed heterogeneity in knowledge of consensus, and in dealing with uncertainty. We found that, when facing uncertainty, female respondents and people in relationships more frequently judge scenarios as indicators of felt love. Moreover, respondents from smaller households tend to know more about consensus judgments of felt love, while respondents from larger households are more willing to guess when unsure of consensus.
Acquisition of Audio Information from Silent High Speed Video

A method to construct audio information from silent high speed video is presented. While an audio sample is played, an object’s small vibrations generated by the sound waves are recorded by a single high-speed camera at high frame rates. Images are then analyzed using a Digital Image Correlation (DIC) scheme, where subsets of pixels are observed for displacement in two dimensions. The displacement data can be mapped to audio signals over time. Prior DIC analysis applications rely on artificial speckle patterns for observations, whereas the proposed method can employ natural patterns on objects, such as those on a piece of newspaper or a myriad of other common objects. Thin, flexible, and lightweight objects were found to output audio signals with less audible noise than other objects. Experiments have concluded that this method is a rapid and effective dynamic measurement process that results in acquisition of audio information that was not captured during high-speed recording.
Application of ground penetrating radar in the inspection of highroad tunnel lining

This article analyzed and summarized the familiar issues of tunnel lining as well as the characteristic of the disadvantage in radar image,then compared the result of inspection with the actual general geologic features.It concluded that ground penetrating radar could implement continuous scan on tunnel lining,and gained visual and direct images of inspection.Making use of ground penetrating radar in the inspection of highroad tunnel lining is nondestructive,quick,extensive accurate etc.
Gestaltung der Zusammenarbeit

In diesem Kapitel wird die Gestaltung der Zusammenarbeit im Rahmen strategischer Allianzen diskutiert. Dabei geht es insbesondere darum, wie ein Kooperationsvertrag geeignet festgelegt werden kann. Ein solcher Vertrag sollte dabei zwei Funktionen erfullen: Der Vertrag wirkt sich auf das Wettbewerbsverhalten der Kooperationspartner aus. Er sollte eine strategische Selbstbindung der Allianzmitglieder gewahrleisten, die es ihnen erlaubt, gemeinsam die Position eines Stackelberg—Fuhrers einzunehmen. Im Gegensatz zu Unternehmenszusammenschlussen bleiben die Unternehmen bei Kooperationen eigenstandig und verfolgen daher weiter ihre eigenen Ziele. Da eine vollstandige Interessenharmonie der Allianzpartner im allgemeinen nicht gegeben ist, mus nach Moglichkeiten gesucht werden, das Verhalten im Hinblick auf die Kooperationsziele auszurichten. Dieses Anreizproblem, das insbesondere bei Vorliegen asymmetrischer Information Schwierigkeiten bereitet, sollte durch einen geeignet gestalteten Vertrag gelost oder zumindest verringert werden.
Stochastic Dependence in Indian Capital Markets: A Fractal Analysis of the CNX Information Technology Index

This paper examines the CNX information technology index for stochastic dependence with Lo's modified rescaled-range technique. Next, five self-affine fractal analysis techniques are used for estimating the Hurst exponent, Mandelbrot-Levy characteristic exponent, and fractal dimension. Techniques employed are rescaled-range analysis, power-spectral density analysis, roughness-length analysis, the variogram or structure function method, and wavelet analysis. Evidence against efficient valuation supports the multifractal model of asset returns (MMAR) and disconfirms the weak form of the efficient market hypothesis (EMH). Strong evidence is presented for antipersistence of this index, suggesting capital markets do not price technology securities efficiently.
Level Set Methods for Surface Advancement in Lithography, Etching and Deposition

We describe set of numerical techniques, known as level set methods, for computing the motion of surface evolution in etching, deposition, and lithography development. The techniques are robust, accurate, unbreakable, and extremely fast, and can be applied to highly complex surface evolutions. For example, calculation of the three-dimensional profile advancement for lithography development takes under 3 seconds on a 80 × 80 × 80 grid on a Sparc 10. We show the application of these techniques to a variety of process manufacturing problems, including flux/visibility integration laws, simultaneous etching and deposition, effects of non-convex sputter laws demonstrating faceting, ion-sputtered re-deposition and re-emission with low sticking coefficients.
Rapid variations in deep ocean temperature detected in the Holocene

The observational record of deep-ocean variability is short, which makes it difficult to attribute the recent rise in deep ocean temperatures to anthropogenic forcing. Here, we test a new proxy – the oxygen isotopic signature of individual benthic foraminifera – to detect rapid (i.e. monthly to decadal) variations in deep ocean temperature and salinity in the sedimentary record. We apply this technique at 1000 m water depth in the Eastern Equatorial Pacific during seven 200-year Holocene intervals. Variability in foraminifer δ18O over the past 200 years is below the detection limit, but δ18O signatures from two mid-Holocene intervals indicate temperature swings >2 °C within 200 years. More vigorous transport between the surface and deep ocean or stronger eddy variability than that observed in the historical record are potential explanations. Distinguishing externally forced climate trends in deep ocean properties from unforced variability should be possible with systematic analysis of suitable deep sea cores.
Random eye state change detection in real-time using EEG signals

Abstract Maximum and minimum computed across channels is used to monitor the Electroencephalogram signals for possible change of the eye state. Upon detection of a possible change, the last two seconds of the signal is passed through Multivariate Empirical Mode Decomposition and relevant features are extracted. The features are then fed into Logistic Regression and Artificial Neural Network classifiers to confirm the eye state change. The proposed algorithm detects the eye state change with 88.2% accuracy in less than two seconds. This provides a valuable improvement in comparison to a recent procedure that takes about 20 minutes to classify new instances with 97.3% accuracy. The introduced algorithm is promising in the real-time eye state classification as increasing the training examples would increase its accuracy.
Abnormal Cardiac Cross-Bridge Kinetics in a Troponin T ILE79ASN Transgenic Mouse Model

The missense mutation Ile79Asn in human cardiac troponin T (HcTnT-I79N) has been associated with phenotypic outcomes of familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. Previous characterization of a transgenic mouse model bearing the HcTnT-I79N mutation, which expressed 52% HcTnT-I79N of total troponin T, demonstrated increased Ca2+ sensitivity of isometric force. However, little is known about the changes in cross-bridge kinetics, if any, that result from the mutation. This study investigates isometric force, sinusoidal stiffness and rate of tension redevelopment (kTR) of skinned papillary muscle fiber bundles at two sarcomere lengths (1.9 µm and 2.1 µm); cardiac muscle was isolated from the left ventricle of non-transgenic wild-type (WT) mice or transgenic mice bearing the HcTnT-I79N mutation. Sarcomere length (SL) was set at pCa8 using HeNe laser diffraction after the attachment points of each skinned fiber bundle were fixed with glutaraldehyde to minimize end compliance. Sinusoidal stiffness and kTR were obtained after recording steady-state isometric tension by oscillating the fiber bundle 0.2% of its relaxed length or by applying a ramped shortening followed by a quick re-stretch to original fiber bundle length, respectively. As previously reported, the HcTnT-I79N mutation resulted in increased Ca2+-sensitivity of isometric force although no difference in maximum force per cross-sectional area was observed. Length-dependent activation at the longer SL resulted in increased Ca2+-sensitivity of isometric force and sinusoidal stiffness, and decreased kTR for both WT and HcTnT-I79N. However, HcTnT-I79N exhibited faster kTR and greater sinusoidal stiffness at sub-maximum pCa (-log[Ca2+]) solutions compared to WT regardless of SL. These data indicate that HcTnT-I79N mutation, and SL, markedly influence not only the dynamics of individual regulatory units, but also the kinetics of cross-bridge cycling.
Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the breast, 20 years of experience in a single center with review of literature

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the breast is a rare type of breast cancer, which presents inconsistencies in the optimal management strategy. A retrospective review of prospectively collected data, spanning the last 20 years, was performed using the cancer registry database at our institution. Six patients were diagnosed with ACC of the breast, out of 5,813 total patients diagnosed with breast cancer (0.1%). Our identified patients had a median age of 66, all with the early stage cancer (Stage I/II). The average size of the breast lesion was 1.62 cm, and nodal status was negative for all cases. All patients had resection as primary therapy (partial or total mastectomy), with one patient also undergoing external beam radiation and tamoxifen hormonal therapy. Median follow-up was 85 months, with all patients being disease-free at last follow-up. ACC of the breast has an indolent course, despite triple negative status. Our study suggests that radiation may not be warranted and confirms the rarity of axillary node metastases, indicating that sentinel node excision may also not be necessary. Ultimately, the hope is that our findings along with the reviewed literature will aid in determining the most appropriate options for management of ACC of the breast.
Do Patents Abridge the First Amendment Guarantee of Free Speech

In a recent software patent case, Judge Mayer of the Federal Circuit wrote a concurring opinion in which he asserted that “patents constricting the essential channels of online communication run afoul of the First Amendment.” Arguments in line with Judge Mayer's view have been advanced in every significant § 101 case at the Supreme Court since 2005. Despite this steady barrage of First Amendment invocations, the Court has thus far declined to respond. At the same time, these cases were invariably decided in favor of the party for whom the First Amendment argument was made. This raises the question: Is there some merit to the proposition that patent rights must give way to free speech rights? Judge Mayer submits that the answer is yes. For the reasons discussed in this paper, however, Judge Mayer’s opinion is misguided. Patents — even those that unambiguously affect speech — are immune from First Amendment scrutiny, which is to say that courts can (and should) summarily dispose of First Amendment challenges to patent rights without trudging through First Amendment doctrine. And even if patents were subject to First Amendment scrutiny, they would emerge unscathed.
Sex differences in maternal sibling-infant interactions in wild chimpanzees

Apart from the crucial bonds between mothers and offspring, siblings are an important first social partner in most primate species. Socioecological theory predicts that sibling-infant interactions may differ depending on whether the older immature sibling is male or female. Here, we used 24 years of long-term data from wild chimpanzees in Gombe National Park, Tanzania, to characterize maternal sibling-infant relationships and investigate sex differences therein. Since young female primates typically exhibit higher rates of interest in infants, we hypothesized that older sisters would be more likely than older brothers to groom, play with, and carry infant siblings. Alternatively, due to male-biased philopatry in this species, older brothers may be equally or more likely to interact with these potential future allies. We also examined whether sibling-infant interactions differed according to sibling age and sex of the infant. For both play and grooming, we found a significant interaction between sibling age and sibling sex. Older brothers had increased likelihood of playing and grooming with infant siblings as they themselves aged. Additionally, male-male siblings played significantly more than any other dyad type. Older sisters had decreased likelihood of playing with age and maintained relatively consistent likelihood of grooming; they also spent more time with their infant siblings at later ages. Instances of carrying young infants were exceedingly rare and did not differ by sibling sex. Thus, the sex combination of sibling-infant dyads may have substantial consequences for the social development of both individuals, which we argue is an important focus of future research. The role of siblings in nonhuman primate social development is relatively understudied, and socioecological theory predicts that male and female siblings may interact differently with infants. We conducted the most detailed investigation to date of sibling relationships in wild chimpanzees and found distinct differences in how immature brothers and sisters interact with infant siblings. Older brothers have an increased likelihood of playing and grooming with infant siblings as they themselves age. We also found that male-male siblings played more than all other dyad types, which may have consequences for fostering alliances in adulthood. Older sisters show decreased likelihood of playing with age and maintain relatively consistent likelihood of grooming; they also spend more time with their infant siblings at later ages. We argue that a renewed focus on understanding the importance of siblings on primate social development is warranted.
On Being a Student of Dov Tamari

I reminisce about being a student of Dov Tamari at the State University of New York at Buffalo in the late 1960’s.