cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanical and fatigue properties of wrist flexor muscles during repetitive contractions after cervical spinal cord injury

Abstract Objectives: Force generation and fatigue properties of wrist flexor muscles were examined in subjects with chronic (>1 year) cervical spinal cord injury (SCI, n = 16), and also in a control group of able-bodied (AB, n = 9) subjects. Design: Using surface electrodes, wrist flexor muscles were stimulated with 126 trains of 26 stimuli at a frequency of 40Hz. The offset of each train was followed by a 1.5-second pause, for a total fatigue-test time of approximately 4.2 minutes. Isometric wrist flexion force was measured with a strain gauge. Setting: This study was conducted at a research and rehabilitation center for spinal cord injury. Main Outcome Measures: Force profiles were analyzed for the maximum (peak) amplitude, the rise time, and the time constant of relaxation. Results: At the outset, the average peak isometric measured in the SCI group was approximately one half that of the AB subjects. Although the relative decline in force with repeated stimulation was comparable between groups, the slowing of relaxation rate was much more pronounced in the SCI group. Conclusions: These findings are consistent with alterations in the metabolic profiles of wrist flexor muscles in the SCI group, probably reflected their altered activation pattern. When designing stimulation protocols for optimizing force and fatigue resistance in muscle left partially-paralyzed after spinal cord injury, particular care must be taken to allow adequate time for complete muscle relaxation, to avoid overdriving of the muscle and a loss of functional capacity.
Screening and management of women and girls with human papillomavirus infection.

Abstract In the US, reductions in cervical cancer-related mortality over the past five decades can be attributed to the implementation of screening programs. US-based guidelines recommend that screening should be initiated approximately 3 years after initiation of sexual intercourse, but no later than age 21 years and be continued at least until age 65 or 70. Annual screening is recommended by the American Cancer Society and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, although in women aged ≥ 30 years with ≥ 3 negative Pap tests, screening may be conducted every 2 to 3 years. Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and most US guidelines say that it is reasonable to consider HPV testing, in combination with triennial cytology screening. Pharmacoeconomic analyses indicate that combined cytology and HPV testing every three years in women aged ≥ 30 years is comparable in sensitivity to annual liquid-based cytology for the detection of cervical cancer precursors and is more cost-effective. Both surgical and nonsurgical therapies are commonly employed in patients with HPV lesions although papilloma recurrence is not uncommon. Treatment should be individualized based on the extent of disease and the needs of the patient. Current treatment of cervical cancer reflects the stage of the disease and should take into account patient- and tumor-related factors to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Synthesis of Deuteriomethyl Aromatic Hydrocarbons by Exchange with Dimethylsulfoxide-D6,

Abstract : Deuterium exchange between dimethylsulfoxide-d6 (DMSO-d6) and methyl substituted aromatic hydrocarbons such as toluene, the xylenes, mesitylene, methylnaphthalenes and methylphenanthrenes is a convenient general method of preparing the CD3 analogues. (Author)
Looks and Living Kinds: Varieties of Racial Cognition in Bahia, Brazil

Psychological research in the USA and elsewhere suggests that race is regarded as an underlying, inherited “essential” trait, like membership in a biological species. Yet Brazil has often been regarded as very di! erent from the USA: as a country in which racial variation is seen as more continuous than categorical, more a matter of appearance than descent. " is study tests alternative theories of racial cognition in Bahia, Brazil. Data include racial classifi cation of drawings and photographs, judgments of similarity ‐ dissimilarity between racial categories, ideas about expected and possible race of o! spring from inter-racial unions, heritability of racial and non-racial traits, and conservation of race through changes in appearance. " e research demonstrates consensus over time in appearance-based classifi cation, yet race is also thought of as an “essential” trait. However, racial essences can be mixed, with a person containing the hereditary potential of multiple races, so that race in Bahia does not defi ne clear-cut groups or discrete “living kinds.” If essentialism is the shared core of folk theories of race, there may be more variability and room for social construction in the categorization of mixed-race individuals.
Tissue-Specific Differential Expression of Two β-carbonic Anhydrases in Leucaena leucocephala Under Abiotic Stress Conditions

Besides carbon fixation in plants, β-carbonic anhydrases (β-CAs) have been shown to be involved in plant adaptation against some abiotic stress conditions. The objective of this research was to determine the expression levels of two isoforms of β-CAs under various stress conditions in different tissues of Leucaena leucocephala , a highly stress-tolerant tree-legume of tropics. The cDNAs for two β-CAs isoforms, one chloroplastic ( cacp ) and other cytoplasmic ( cacyt ) were isolated. These isoforms have 79% similarities at amino acid level, and their secondary structures, active site residues including zinc ligands, and the three-dimensional (3D) quaternary structures were found to be highly conserved and similar to those of the β-CA from Pisum sativum , which is structurally well-characterized. The 3D-model of the two leucaena β-CAs predicted them as octameric proteins like the β-CA from P. sativum . The transcripts for cacp was found to be more abundant than the transcripts for cacyt in leaf and stem tissues, however the transcripts level of both β-CAs were similar in root tissues. The drought, salt, and light conditions caused up-regulation, and dark resulted down regulation of the cacp and cacyt transcripts. However, the changes in the expression levels of cacp was more pronounced than those of cacyt , except in salt-stressed root tissues, which showed more pronounced up regulation of cacyt than that of cacp . This study suggests that abiotic stress conditions affecting the photosynthesis potential of plants also affect expression of different isoforms of β-CAs from C 3 plants differentially, which may contribute to plants’ survival under stress conditions.
Environmental effects on cracking and delamination of dielectric films

The effects of temperature and moisture on the adhesive and cohesive strength of dielectric materials and the interfaces that are composed of those materials commonly found in thin-film interconnect structures are reviewed. Debond growth rate versus debond driving energy curves (V-G curves) were collected over a range of environmental conditions for both dielectrics and dielectric/metal interfaces. Both are found to exhibit characteristics consistent with stress corrosion cracking mechanisms found in the bulk glass literature. The mechanisms identified in both systems are explained in terms of the salient chemical reactions occurring at the debond tip.
To be different, or to be the same? It’s a question (and theory) of strategic balance

This paper addresses the performance consequences of firm-level strategic similarity. Past research observed that firms face pressures to be different and to be the same. By differentiating, firms reduce competition. By conforming, firms demonstrate their legitimacy. Both reduced competition and legitimacy improve performance. This paper begins building a theory of strategic balance by synthesizing the differentiation and conformity perspectives. The theory directs attention to intermediate levels of strategic similarity where firms balance the pressures of competition and legitimation. Empirical support for the theory is found in a longitudinal study of commercial banks. Several suggestions for developing a theory of strategic balance conclude the paper. The theory’s major implication is that firms should be as different as legitimately possible. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interactive Mechanical Design Variation for Haptics and CAD

A fast design variation technique for mechanical systems is presented. It is used to interactively optimize mechanical characteristics while “self-assembling” or satisfying large systems of mechanical constraints. The high speed method is central to providing inverse dynamics force feedback in haptics and control applications. Performance advantages with the use of augmented coordinates for inverse dynamics of closed loop topologies are also noted. The interaction framework allows manipulation of complex assemblies while maintaining kinematically admissible configurations though linkage and joint limit constraints. Furthermore, design variables such as link length can be treated as free variables and optimized to meet design criteria such as assembly dexterity. Assemblies with flexible bodies fit naturally within this framework. Thus, the contribution of this paper is the advancement of techniques in augmented coordinates for the kinematic and force feedback interaction with virtual mechanical assembly design optimization at force control rates.
The Effect of Predicted Vehicle Displacement on Ground Crew Task Performance and Hardware Design

NASA continues to explore new launch vehicle concepts that will carry astronauts to lowEarth orbit to replace the soon-to-be retired Space Transportation System (STS) shuttle. A tall vertically stacked launch vehicle ("300 ft) is exposed to the natural environment while positioned on the launch pad. Varying directional winds and vortex shedding cause the vehicle to sway in an oscillating motion. Ground crews working high on the tower and inside the vehicle during launch preparations will be subjected to this motion while conducting critical closeout tasks such as mating fluid and electrical connectors and carrying heavy objects. NASA has not experienced performing these tasks in such environments since the Saturn V, which was serviced from a movable (but rigid) service structure; commercial launchers are likewise attended by a service structure that moves away from the vehicle for launch. There is concern that vehicle displacement may hinder ground crew operations, impact the ground system designs, and ultimately affect launch availability. The vehicle sway assessment objective is to replicate predicted frequencies and displacements of these tall vehicles, examine typical ground crew tasks, and provide insight into potential vehicle design considerations and ground crew performance guidelines. This paper outlines the methodology, configurations, and motion testing performed while conducting the vehicle displacement assessment that will be used as a Technical Memorandum for future vertically stacked vehicle designs.
Evolving quantum circuits using genetic algorithm

In this paper we focus on a general approach of using genetic algorithm (GA) to evolve Quantum circuits (QC). We propose a generic GA to evolve arbitrary quantum. circuit specified by a (target) unitary matrix as well as a specific encoding that reduces the time of calculating the resultant unitary matrices of chromosomes. We demonstrate that, in contrast to previous approaches, our encoding allows synthesis of small quantum circuits of arbitrary type, using standard genetic operators.
Comparison of Rainfall Interpolation Methods in a Mountainous Region of a Tropical Island

A total of 21 gauges across the mountainous leeward portion of the island of Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, were used to compare rainfall interpolation methods and assess rainfall spatial variability over a 34-month monitoring period from 2005 to 2008. Traditional and geo- statistical interpolation methods, including Thiessen polygon, inverse distance weighting (IDW), linear regression, ordinary kriging (OK), and simple kriging with varying local means (SKlm), were used to estimate wet and dry season rainfall. The linear regression and SKlm methods were used to incorporate two types of exhaustive secondary information: (1) elevation extracted from a digital elevation model (DEM), and (2) distance to a regional rainfall maximum. The Thiessen method produced the highest error, whereas OK produced the lowest error in all but one period. The OK method produced more accurate predictions than linear regression of rainfall against elevation when the correlation between rainfall and elevation is moderate (R < 0:82). The SKlm method produced lower error than linear regression and IDW methods in all periods. Comparison of the OK interpolation map with gridded isohyet data indicate that the areas of greatest rainfall deficit were confined to the mountainous region of west Oʻahu. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)HE.1943-5584.0000330. © 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers. CE Database subject headings: Rainfall; Spatial analysis; Hawaiʻi; Mountains; Tropical regions; Estimation. Author keywords: Rainfall; Spatial analysis; Hawaiʻi; Estimation.
Variables affecting two electron transport system assays.

Several methodological variables were critical in two commonly used electron transport activity assays. The dehydrogenase assay based on triphenyl formazan production exhibited a nonlinear relationship between formazan production (dehydrogenase activity) and sediment dilution, and linear formazan production occurred for 1 h in sediment slurries. Activity decreased with increased time of sediment storage at 4°C. Extraction efficiencies of formazan from sediment varied with alcohol type; methanol was unsatisfactory. Phosphate buffer (0.06 M) produced higher activity than did either U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reconstituted hard water or Tris buffer sediment diluents. Intracellular formazan crystals were dissolved within minutes when in contact with immersion oil. Greater crystal production (respiration) detected by a tetrazolium salt assay occurred at increased substrate concentrations. Test diluents containing macrophyte exudates produced greater activity than did phosphate buffer, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency water, or ultrapure water diluents. Both assays showed decreases in sediment or bacterial activity through time.
Model-based design of stimulus waveforms for selective microstimulation in the central nervous system

Cable models of neurons were used to design stimulus waveforms to activate selectively targeted neuronal populations in the CNS. Anodic first biphasic waveforms enabled selective stimulation of fibers, while cathodic first biphasic waveforms enabled selective stimulation of cells. The results demonstrate how the non-linear properties of the neural elements can be manipulated to achieve selective stimulation in the CNS.
Parallel assembly of nanowires using lateral-field optoelectronic tweezers

We report on the parallel manipulation and assembly of nanowires using paired virtual optical tips projected on lateral-field optoelectronic tweezers. Precise position and angular control has been demonstrated on four 80-nm-diameter silver nanowires.
Labor market rigidities and R&D-based growth in the global economy

Abstract This paper constructs a dynamic model of trade between two countries, one with flexible wages (America) and another with a rigid wage for less-skilled workers (Europe). The model incorporates global R&D races that generate random switches in trade patterns. Furthermore, rigid wages in Europe give rise to unemployment in that region. Using the model, I study the role of international trade and labor market institutions in mediating local and global shocks. I also investigate the factors behind the stylized trends in Europe and the US: rising European unemployment, rising wage inequality (especially for the US), skill upgrading, and rising R&D intensities. I find that technology shocks coupled with institutional response from the European labor markets can generate results consistent with the trends.
In vitro maturation of baboon oocytes retrieved at the time of cesarean section

Abstract Objective: To investigate the feasibility of oocyte retrieval at the time of cesarean delivery and the potential of such oocytes to undergo nuclear maturation in vitro using a baboon model and an established culture system. Design: Randomized, controlled animal study. Setting: Research foundation and university research laboratory. Animal(s): Mature pregnant baboons. Intervention(s): In vitro culture of aspirated oocytes with or without epidermal growth factor (EGF). Main Outcome Measure(s): Oocyte yield, germinal vesicle breakdown, polar body extrusion. Result(s): A total of 246 oocytes were retrieved (mean, 35; range, 14–67). Eighty-seven oocytes (35%) underwent germinal vesicle breakdown and 72 oocytes (29%) extruded a polar body. A χ 2 analysis revealed no significant effect of EGF on outcome parameters. No effect of gestational age or maternal age on oocyte yield or development was observed. Conclusion(s): A sizeable proportion of oocytes obtained from puerperal primates exhibited the capacity to undergo nuclear maturation in vitro.
An accurate and efficient delay model for CMOS gates in switch-level timing analysis

A heuristic switch-level model for calculating the gate delay is described. It is high accuracy due to its SPICE-like integration approach. Only linear circuit elements are considered, resulting in high efficiency. An easy approach for taking the gate-to-source and gate-to-drain capacitances of MOS transistors into consideration is proposed. An effective way to determine the time step is introduced. Preliminary tests indicate that the model is very accurate and fast, which makes it suitable for handling very large designs. Preliminary timing results for several complex CMOS gates show very good accuracy. >
An indexing standard for sharing health education multimedia resources: the health education assets library (HEAL) metadata schema

Health sciences educators are increasingly incorporating multimedia (including images, animations, and videos) into educational materials such as PowerPoint lectures, Web sites, and interactive quizzes and cases. Educators continue to "reinvent the wheel" and develop costly duplicates of multimedia resources, despite new opportunities offered by the Internet to share resources. The Health Education Assets Library (HEAL) is designed to provide health sciences educators with freely available, high quality multimedia materials to augment health sciences education. We describe an XML schema that we created to index the health sciences multimedia resources in HEAL. The metadata schema provides a common mechanism by which remotely located distributed systems may share metadata records, allowing the end user to search many collections through one interface.
Three color cDNA microarrays: quantitative assessment through the use of fluorescein‐labeled probes

Gene expression studies using microarrays have great potential to generate new insights into human disease pathogenesis, but data quality remains a major obstacle. In particular, there does not exist a method to determine prior to hybridization whether an array will yield high quality data, given good study design and target preparation. We have solved this problem through development of a three-color cDNA microarray platform where printed probes are fluorescein labeled, but are spectrally compatible with Cy3 and Cy5 dye-labeled targets when using confocal laser scanners possessing narrow bandwidths. This approach enables prehybridization evaluation of array/spot morphology, DNA deposition and retention and background levels. By using these measurements and the intra-slide coefficient of variation for fluorescence intensity we show that slides in the same batch are not equivalent and measurable prehybridization parameters can be predictive of hybridization performance as determined by replicate consistency. When hybridizing target derived from two cell lines to high and low quality replicate pairs (n = 50 pairs), a direct and significant relationship between prehybridization signal-to-background noise and post-hybridization reproducibility (R2 = 0.80, P < 0.001) was observed. We therefore conclude that slide selection based upon prehybridization quality scores will greatly benefit the ability to generate reliable gene expression data.
Characteristics of Benzo(a)pyrene Metabolism by Kidney, Liver, and Lung Microsomal Fractions from Rodents and Humans

The time course of metabolism of benzo( a )pyrene by liver microsomes from rats given injections of corn oil, phenobarbital, or 3-methylcholanthrene was followed by high-pressure liquid chromatography. This method showed nonlinear time courses of benzo( a )pyrene metabolism after 2 min of reaction at low protein concentrations. The formation of all of the benzo( a )pyrene metabolites measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography was not linear with time but was inducible upon pretreatment of rats with either phenobarbital or 3-methylcholanthrene. The benzo( a )pyrene metabolism activity of hamster liver was not inducible by pretreatment with 3-methylcholanthrene. Hamster and rat lung microsomal fractions metabolized benzo( a )pyrene at 0.5% of the rate of liver microsomal fractions, and the rate of formation of metabolites was increased only by animal pretreatment with 3-methylcholanthrene. The time course of metabolism by hamster and rat lung microsomes was linear up to 15 min. The metabolism of benzo( a )pyrene by microsomal fractions from kidney, liver, and lung of a number of human subjects was studied; the reaction conditions required to limit metabolism to mainly the primary metabolites were established. The microsomal fractions from human kidney and lung were stable to freezing and had metabolic activities which were 40 to 60% as large as those obtained with rodent lung. In addition, lung samples obtained either at resection or autopsy metabolized benzo( a )pyrene at rates which were not statistically different. The activity of human liver microsomes was 15 to 20% of that obtained with rodents. Subjects who had ingested large doses of barbiturates before death had significantly higher levels of benzo( a )pyrene metabolism activity; no correlation between liver or lung monooxygenase activity and smoking habits was readily discernible from the metabolic data. An analysis of the product distribution of the benzo-ring metabolites showed that the human liver and kidney had product ratios which were qualitatively similar to those obtained with rodent tissue. In addition, higher proportions of quinones were formed at the expense of the phenols which cochromatograph with 3-hydroxybenzo( a )pyrene. However, the human lung microsomal fractions catalyzed the formation of a significantly higher proportion of benzo-ring metabolites than did the other human or rodent organs, with the possible exception of hamster lung.
Novel Capacitive Pressure Sensor

A new microelectromechanical-systems capacitive pressure sensor with extremely high sensitivity (2.24 ?F/kPa) is introduced. The sensor essentially consists of a small drop of mercury and a flat aluminum electrode that are separated by a 1 ?m-thick layer of Barium Strontium Titanate (a high dielectric-constant ceramic). The assembly constitutes a parallel-plate capacitor where the surface area of the electrodes is variable to a high degree. The mercury drop is pressured by a small corrugated metal diaphragm. As the electrode area of the parallel-plate capacitor varies, a total change in capacitance of more than 6 ?F is obtained.
His and Her Marriage Revisited

Glenn (1975) and Bernard (1975) have debated the relative benefits of marriage for men and women. An analysis of data from three samples of midwestern married couples yielded partial support for both positions. While men and women were equally happy on the average, when there was an extremely wide difference in marital satisfaction, it was almost always the woman who was less satisfied—“her” marriage was quite different from “his”—much worse.
Pioneer 10 studies of interplanetary shocks at large heliocentric distances

Pioneer 10 Ames plasma analyzer data collected in the 6.1 to 12.6 AU range of heliocentric distances (November 1974 to April 1977) have been examined for interplanetary shock waves. Eighteen shock signatures have been identified, with four of these being of the reverse type and the remainder the forward type. Sonic Mach numbers in the range from 3 to 10 are estimated for these events.
MAGEAD: A Morphological Analyzer and Generator for the Arabic Dialects

We present MAGEAD, a morphological analyzer and generator for the Arabic language family. Our work is novel in that it explicitly addresses the need for processing the morphology of the dialects. MAGEAD performs an on-line analysis to or generation from a root+pattern+features representation, it has separate phonological and orthographic representations, and it allows for combining morphemes from different dialects. We present a detailed evaluation of MAGEAD.
Altered retinal vascular response to 100% oxygen breathing in diabetes mellitus.

Abstract The effect of 100% oxygen breathing on retinal blood flow was investigated using laser Doppler velocimetry in 19 normal eyes, and in 41 eyes of insulin treated diabetic patients. Of the diabetic eyes studied, nine had no retinopathy, 18 had background diabetic retinopathy, seven had proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and seven had proliferative diabetic retinopathy that had been previously treated by argon panretinal photocoagulation. Five minutes of 100% oxygen breathing produced an average decrease in blood flow of 61 % (SD = 8) in normal eyes, 53% (SD = 10) in NR eyes, 38% (SD = 13) in background diabetic retinopathy eyes, 24% (SD = 18) in proliferative diabetic retinopathy eyes and 54% (SD = 8) in panretinal photocoagulation eyes. In six eyes with proliferative retinopathy measured before and after panretinal photocoagulation, a significant increase in vascular response to O 2 was observed following photocoagulation (Wilcoxon signed rank test, P
Cuticular Hydrocarbons Mediate Mate Recognition in a Species of Longhorned Beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) of the Primitive Subfamily Prioninae

We tested the hypothesis that contact pheromones mediate mate recognition in Prionus californicus Motschulsky, a species of longhorned beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in the primitive subfamily Prioninae. Males attempted to mate with live females only after contacting them with their antennae, and 80% of males showed an identical response to freshly killed females. Males did not attempt to mate with dead females that had been extracted with solvent, suggesting that mate recognition cues had been eliminated. When the solvent extract was applied to carcasses of the same dead females, however, 56% of the males again attempted to mate with them. A preliminary analysis of crude solvent extracts of adult beetles revealed that adults have at least 24 different cuticular hydrocarbons and that the sexes differ in relative proportions of some compounds that may serve as the contact pheromone. This report provides the first evidence that contact pheromones play an important role in mate recognition in the more primitive longhorned beetles.
Midbrain dopamine neurons bidirectionally regulate CA3-CA1 synaptic drive

Dopamine (DA) is required for hippocampal-dependent memory and long-term potentiation (LTP) at CA1 Schaffer collateral (SC) synapses. It is therefore surprising that exogenously applied DA has little effect on SC synapses, but suppresses CA1 perforant path (PP) inputs. To examine DA actions under more physiological conditions, we used optogenetics to release DA from ventral tegmental area inputs to hippocampus. Unlike exogenous DA application, optogenetic release of DA caused a bidirectional, activity-dependent modulation of SC synapses, with no effect on PP inputs. Low levels of DA release, simulating tonic DA neuron firing, depressed the SC response through a D4 receptor-dependent enhancement of feedforward inhibition mediated by parvalbumin-expressing interneurons. Higher levels of DA release, simulating phasic firing, increased SC responses through a D1 receptor-dependent enhancement of excitatory transmission. Thus, tonic-phasic transitions in DA neuron firing in response to motivational demands may cause a modulatory switch from inhibition to enhancement of hippocampal information flow.
Jewish Denominations and Longevity

This study examined the relationship between affiliation with one of three denominations within Judaism representing a conservative-liberal continuum of Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Judaism. The criterion for affiliation was burial in a cemetery maintained by these denominations. Longevities of married congregants born 1850–1910 were compared, controlling for birth year. Orthodox Jews had the shortest life spans (77 years); Conservative and Reform Jews had very similar life spans (80.7 years). Differences in years of survival of husbands after death of a spouse did not differ significantly. Reform widows survived longest (16.5 years) after death of a spouse. Conservative and Reform widows did not differ significantly from one another.
Electrospun Carbon Nanofibers as Low-Cost Counter Electrode for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Electrospun carbon nanofibers (ECNs) have been explored as an electrocatalyst and low-cost alternative to platinum (Pt) for triiodide reduction in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). The results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry measurements indicated that the ECN counter electrodes exhibited low charge-transfer resistance (Rct), large capacitance (C), and fast reaction rates for triiodide reduction. Although the efficiency (η) of ECN-based cells was slightly lower than that of Pt-based cells, their short circuit current density (Jsc) and open circuit voltage (Voc) were comparable. The ECN-based cells achieved an energy conversion efficiency (η) of 5.5 % under the AM 1.5 illumination at 100 mW cm−2. The reason for lower cell performance using the ECN electrode was because of its lower fill factor (FF) than that of Pt-based cells, probably caused by high total series resistance (RStot) at ∼15.5 Ω cm2, which was larger than that of ∼4.8 Ω cm2 in the Pt-based devices. Simu...
Regional Strategy for the Implementation of Natural Gas as a Transportation Fuel

Natural gas as a transportation fuel is a practical and viable replacement for petroleum based fuels. To implement natural gas fuel technologies, strategic plans must be put in place by city, state, and national agencies to not only fund the technology with monetary investments but also fund the social change to encourage long term technology growth. With the discovery and exploration of the Marcellus Shale the potential for natural gas infiltration as a fuel into the transportation market has grown exponentially. The region of interest for this specific plan focuses on a 150 mile radius around the Pittsburgh metropolis as the initial test bed region of interest. This region lies upon the Marcellus Shale and therefore there is a positive push towards the use of natural gas fueled by local interest. This region has the intellectual knowhow from universities and government agencies alike to develop technologies from theoretical design to product deployment. To ensure an effective and successful strategy the methodology of this investigation was one which looked to the past, present and the future. Past strategies were studied to determine what key features lead to success, the present was explored to define what laws and regulations are in place which affects the new technologies, and the future benefits of a successful implementation were hypothesized based on economic theory. The proposed strategy is a closed loop operation; meaning one industrious customer is temporarily both the supply and the demand chain of the technology. Public and private investments are vital to a successful implementation in the region by steering social awareness and subsidizing the market.© 2012 ASME
Increased ATPase and decreased alkaline phosphatase activities by parathyroid hormone in cultured chick embryo tibiae.

SummaryAddition of PTH to the medium of embryonic chick tibiae in organ culture caused a decrease in AP activity. Total ATP-ase activity was the same in control and treated bones, but ATPase activity assayed in the presence of levamisole, an inhibitor of bone AP activity, was greater in PTH-treated bones. These data suggest that there are at least two different phosphatase activities in bone with optimal activity at alkaline pH: a nonspecific alkaline phosphatase which is decreased in PTH-treated bones, and an ATPase which is increased by the hormone.
Feminizing Robots: User Responses to Gender Cues on Robot Body and Screen

Robots are increasingly being deployed in a number of domains typically associated with female workers, e.g., caregiving. Although past robot morphology has favored a machine-like appearance that is often perceived as masculine, monitor-based robots provide designers with enhanced opportunities to include interface cues that convey femininity. However, it is unclear whether screen-based interface cues can elicit perceptions of femininity and what effects, if any, they would have on user evaluations of a robot. To address this, we conducted an experiment examining the effect of gender cue (male vs. female) and cue location (robot body vs. robot screen) upon user evaluations. Female interface cues, especially when conveyed via the screen, elicited greater perceptions of robot femininity than male interface cues. Implications for the design of social robotics are discussed.
Analysis of Monitoring Data of Drinking Water Quality During the Period of 2002～2006 in Sanmenxia City

Objective To investigate the drinking water quality and hygiene problems in downtown area of Sanmenxia.Methods Altogether 398 water monitoring reports from 2002 to 2006 were statistically analyzed according to years,seasons,and types.Results The qualified rate was 36.93% during the 5-year period.There was statistical significance among turbidity,macroscopic substance,and oxygen consumption(OP)rate in 2003,2004,and 2005.The unqualified rates of macroscopic substance and coliform bacteria showed statistical significance in different seasons.Excessive OC and pH value concentrated on the first second seasons.The unqualified rates of turbidity,OC,and bacteria count showed statistical significance in different types of water.Conclusions There are many unqualified testing items in drinking water,which indicate that some hygiene problems exist in Sanmenxia City.
Applicability of Different Loudness Models to Time-varying Sound of Vehicle

Three sound loudness calculation models,including Zwicker instantaneous loudness model,Moore instantaneous loudness model and Moore time-varying loudness model,and the cited Zwicker time-varying loudness model in ArtemiS,were applied to calculate the time-varying loudness of three typical noises such as steady engine idle noise,impulsive door closing noise and order-swept electric vehicle pass-by noise.Based on the loudness amplitude and time-frequency loudness results,the applicability of the four loudness models to time-varying sounds was analyzed and compared.It is found that both Zwicker and Moore time-varying loudness models are more reliable than Zwicker and Moore instantaneous loudness models if the sound amplitude and frequency vary tempestuously.And the time-frequency result of Moore instantaneous loudness model can be very helpful to noise source identification and mechanism analysis.
Constraining the Milky Way assembly history with Galactic Archaeology

The aim of Galactic Archaeology is to recover the evolutionary history of the Milky Way from its present day kinematical and chemical state. Because stars move away from their birth sites, the current dynamical information alone is not sufficient for this task. The chemical composition of stellar atmospheres, on the other hand, is largely preserved over the stellar lifetime and, together with accurate ages, can be used to recover the birthplaces of stars currently found at the same Galactic radius. In addition to the availability of large stellar samples with accurate 6D kinematics and chemical abundance measurements, this requires detailed modeling with both dynamical and chemical evolution taken into account. An important first step is to understand the variety of dynamical processes that can take place in the Milky Way, including the perturbative effects of both internal (bar and spiral structure) and external (infalling satellites) agents. We discuss here (1) how to constrain the Galactic bar, spiral structure, and merging satellites by their effect on the local and global disc phase-space, (2) the effect of multiple patterns on the disc dynamics, and (3) the importance of radial migration and merger perturbations for the formation of the Galactic thick disc. Finally, we discuss the construction of Milky Way chemo-dynamical models and relate to observations.
Nonlinear burn control in tokamaks using in-vessel coils

The tokamak is a magnetic-confinement device where a plasma is confined with the final purpose of generating power from fusion reactions. Unfortunately, working points with favorable fusion conditions in tokamaks are normally found in a region in which the plasma may be thermally unstable. Therefore, regulation of the plasma temperature and density to produce a certain amount of fusion power while avoiding thermal instabilities, known as burn control, is one of the key issues that need to be solved for the success of burning plasma tokamaks such as ITER. Most previous controllers make use of approximate linearization techniques. In the present work, a model-based control approach using nonlinear techniques is proposed. This nonlinear control approach avoids approximate linearization of the model, is applicable to a greater range of operating conditions, and is stable against a larger set of perturbations. In addition to conventional actuation, like modulation of the auxiliary power and modulation of the fueling rate, the in-vessel coil system is considered as a new actuator. The in-vessel coils have the capability to generate non-axisymmetric magnetic fields that modify the plasma confinement, which influences the plasma energy dynamics. A model is proposed to account for the influence that the in-vessel coil actuation has on the plasma confinement. Finally, the effectiveness of the controller is demonstrated via a simulation study for an ITER-like scenario.
Outcomes of Demineralized Bone Matrix Enriched with Concentrated Bone Marrow Aspirate in Lumbar Fusion.

Background Multiple studies have demonstrated that a significant amount of variability exists in various demineralized bone matrix (DBM) formulations, which casts doubts on its reliability in consistently promoting fusion. Bone marrow aspirate (BMA) is a cellular based graft that contains mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and growth factors can confer osteogenic and osteoinductive potential to DBM. The goal of this study was to describe the outcome of DBM enriched with concentrated BMA in patients undergoing combined lumbar interbody and posterolateral fusion. Methods Eighty patients with a minimum of 12 months of follow-up were evaluated. Fusion and rates of complication were evaluated. Functional outcomes were assessed based on the modified Odom’s criteria. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the effects of independent variables on fusion outcome. Results The overall rate of solid fusion (i.e patients with both solid posterolateral and interbody fusion) was 81.3% (65/80). Specifically, the radiographic evidence of solid posterolateral and interbody fusions were 81.3% (65/80) and 92.5% (74/80), respectively. Seven (8.75%) patients developed hardware-related complications, 2 (2.5%) patients developed a postoperative infection and 2 (2.5%) patients developed clinical pseudarthrosis. Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) scores of 3 and 4 were associated with non-solid unions (CCI-3, p = 0.048; CCI-4, p = 0.03). Excellent or good outcomes were achieved in 58 (72.5%) patients. Conclusions Patients undergoing lumbar fusion using an enriched bone graft containing concentrated BMA added to DBM can achieve successful fusion with relatively low complications and good functional outcomes. Despite these findings, more studies with higher level of evidence are needed to better understand the efficacy of this promising graft option.
A smart device for monitoring railway tracks in remote areas

In this paper we present a smart camera prototype capable of performing computer vison tasks directly on-board. The prototype is applied to real time monitoring of railways for detecting fast failures and other hazardous events to train circulation and providing notifications and early warnings to users. Experiments in a test site are reported together with encouraging preliminary results.
Analysis of cooperative transmissions as an enabling technology for smart grid data aggregation: An experimental perspective

Smart meters are being deployed worldwide on a trial basis and are expected to enable remote reading and demand response among other advanced functions, by establishing a two-way communication network. A possible technique for transmitting data to the aggregation point is the use of cooperative communication in the neighborhood area network. This paper presents an experimental comparison between cooperative networks located in disparate environments, in terms of range extension and bit error rate as the performance metrics. Transmissions have been achieved using universal software radio peripheral (USRP) platforms. The cooperative transmission (CT) tests are performed over a multiple hop network that uses the binary phase shift keying (BPSK) scheme.
Some patients live after trauma: Re-examining the lethality of vertical deceleration injuries:

BackgroundVertical deceleration injury is a unique urban phenomenon of blunt injury resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Since evaluations began in the 1940s and more extensively in th...
The promise of recognition and the repercussions of government intervention: the transpedagogical vision of popular educators in Buenos Aires, Argentina

This investigation draws from Mouffe’s [2005, On the Political. London: Routledge] theoretical work on the politics of public togetherness, together with Biesta [2011, “The Ignorant Citizen: Mouffe...
Using Collaborative Drug Therapy Agreements to Train Student Pharmacists to Provide Clinical Patient Care Services

Objective. To assess the impact of a new course designed to train student pharmacists to provide clinical patient care services delivered through collaborative drug practice agreements. Design. An intensive two-credit, one-week course with a combined self-study and interactive pedagogical approach was developed. Content from the online Washington State Pharmacy Association Clinical Community Pharmacist training program was integrated with a live, eight-hour seminar. Assessment. Student-pharmacist learning, effectiveness of content presented, and perceived value of the material were evaluated. Scores on quizzes, a knowledge assessment, a patient-case examination, pre- and post-seminar surveys, and voluntary student certification rate were collected and analyzed. Of 132 student pharmacists enrolled in the course, 121 students met competency on their first attempt at completing the knowledge assessment and 126 students met competency on their first attempt at completing the practical examination. A pre- and post-training survey found that student pharmacists were significantly more comfortable performing and recommending implementation of services after completing the course. Conclusions. Training student pharmacists who are competent and comfortable providing clinical patient care services can improve access to care and reduce the impact of the impending physician shortage.
Tracking of a Frequency-Hopping Interferer in an OFDM System

We consider an OFDM system in the presence of a frequency-hopping interferer. We derive the Shannon channel capacity of the system with perfect and partial channel state information at the receiver (CSIR), where partial CSIR corresponds to knowledge of which sub-carrier the interferer affects. We also estimate the mutual information of the system with no CSIR, from which we compute the SNR gains that CSIR obtains. The results show that partial CSIR achieves the majority of the potential SNR gain for a given performance level. We consequently design a peak energy detector to estimate the interfered sub- carrier for a practical system and test the performance of the estimator both as a function of the interference dwell time and as a function of the interference power. The results indicate that longer dwell times enable the estimator to approach the performance of a genie-aided system and that a trade-off for increasing interference power exists between ease of detection and harm caused by missed detections.
Using Field-Camp Experiences to Develop a Multidisciplinary Foundation for Petroleum Engineering Students

A petroleum-engineering geology field camp in existence for over 50 years has evolved to reflect the goal of developing a multidisciplinary foundation, or shared cognitive interface, with other geoscience disciplines. Five learning objectives form a framework for a series of progressively complex exercises. Students make geologic field maps, measure sections, record notes, create field sketches, and link outcrop to the subsurface through a series of complementary daily field activities. Field experiences create tangible links and mental images for comprehending the subsurface. Orienting the field activities toward the ultimate goal of developing a shared cognitive interface helps us overcome challenges that include dislike of geology and inexperience with the outdoors, teaching iterative and relational thought processes, and creating linkages to promote retention of material. Varying the physical and content pace of the course helps keep the non-geology audience engaged. Sequential field activities use te...
Immunologic Attack on Neoplasia

In the simplest view, protection against cancer involves two different possibilities: first, protecting the host against those invaders from without which initiate the neoplastic process and second, protecting the host against the invaders from within which are the cancer cells themselves. The immunologic approach affords the means for attack both upon the invaders from without and the invaders from within. For convenience the immunologic approaches may be divided into the causative agent-specific, the tumor antigen-specific, and the nonspecific.
The Last Days of the American Lawyer

An historic transformation is underway in the legal profession. It began about 40 years ago, but it has accelerated and became painfully evident by 2009. These are the “last days” of the American lawyer we once new. This paper, based on the new book, The Vanishing American Lawyer (Oxford 2010) by the same author, documents the progress and direction of the transformation.
Brief Psychotherapy with Children, Adolescents, and their Families

Brief psychotherapy is not a miniaturized form of long-term psychotherapy; rather, brief psychotherapy has as its goal the resolution of a principal presenting problem that is framed in a solvable way. Individuals or families are seen on an intermittent, as-needed basis. Therapeutic techniques often include solution-focused, narrative, and possibility-oriented strategies along with cognitive behavioral interventions. Brief therapy is a cost-effective and clinically effective treatment for children, adolescents, and their families. Rather than imposing a definite termination, brief therapy practitioners recognize that change is inevitable; an individual or family may return for another course of treatment in the future, reflecting the client’s developmental and existential experiences.