cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Counting rankings: invited talk

In this talk, I present a recursive algorithm to calculate the number of rankings that are consistent with a set of data (optimal candidates) in the framework of Optimality Theory (OT; Prince and Smolensky 1993). Computing this quantity, which I call r-volume, makes possible a simple and effective Bayesian heuristic in learning -- all else equal, choose candidates that are preferred by the highest number of rankings consistent with previous observations. This heuristic yields an r-volume learning algorithm (RVL) that is guaranteed to make fewer than k lg k errors while learning rankings of k constraints. This log-linear error bound is an improvement over the quadratic bound of Recursive Constraint Demotion (RCD; Tesar and Smolensky 1996) and it is within a logarithmic factor of the best possible mistake bound for any OT learning algorithm.
Examination of the use of a dual-channel functional electrical stimulation system on gait, balance and balance confidence of an adult with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy

The purpose of this case report is to determine the effects of a dual-channel functional electrical stimulation (FES) system on gait and balance of a 57-year-old male diagnosed with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP). Outcome measures included the: Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC); Dynamic Gait Index (DGI); Observational Gait Scale (OGS) and Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA). Assessments were completed with and without use of FES during the initial examination and after two, four and six weeks of intervention with FES. ABC Scale scores improved from 32.8 to 48.1% during the 6-week intervention. Scores on the DGI improved from 6/24 to 9/24 without FES and from 9/24 to 14/24 with FES. OGS scores improved on both legs with and without FES. Tinetti POMA scores improved from 12/28 to 15/28 without FES and decreased from 16/28 to 15/28 with FES. The patient demonstrated improvement in both objective and subjective measures. The use of FES facilitated improved gait and balance; however, the patient was still at increased risk for falls after the 6-week intervention despite improved scores on the ABC Scale, DGI, OGS and Tinetti POMA.
Dynamic environmental effects model: a high-fidelity simulation system with dynamic environmental effects

The dynamic environmental effects model (DEEM) is a sophisticated software architecture used to determine the environmental impacts on military and civilian operations. DEEM is an instantiation of the more general architecture, the dynamic information architecture system (DIAS). DEEM is being used in a number of applications relevant to training, test support, and operational support and decision making in both the DOD and civilian communities. In one application, DEEM is being used to determine the impact of the environment on military operations, such as the trafficability and mobility of forces. DEEM is also being used as the software framework controlling a theater level weather forecast model for the US Sir Force. In another application DEEM has been used as a tool for resource analysis in a disaster relief study. In this paper, we summarize the key features of DEEM and give a number of examples of how it is being used to support military and civilian applications.
Oligoarticular and polyarticular JIA: epidemiology and pathogenesis

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) refers to a group of chronic childhood arthropathies of unknown etiology, currently classified into subtypes primarily on the basis of clinical features. Research has focused on the hypothesis that these subtypes arise through distinct etiologic pathways. In this Review, we discuss four subtypes of JIA: persistent oligoarticular, extended oligoarticular, rheumatoid-factor-positive polyarticular and rheumatoid-factor-negative polyarticular. These subtypes differ in prevalence between ethnic groups and are associated with different HLA alleles. Non-HLA genetic risk factors have also been identified, some of which reveal further molecular differences between these subtypes, while others suggest mechanistic overlap. Investigations of immunophenotypes also provide insights into subtype differences: adaptive immunity seems to have a prominent role in both polyarticular and oligoarticular JIA, and the more-limited arthritis observed in persistent oligoarticular JIA as compared with extended oligoarticular JIA may reflect more-potent immunoregulatory T-cell activity in the former. Tumor necrosis factor seems to be a key mediator of both polyarticular and oligoarticular JIA, especially in the extended oligoarticular subtype, although elevated levels of other cytokines are also observed. Limited data on monocytes, dendritic cells, B cells, natural killer T cells and neutrophils suggest that the contributions of these cells differ across subtypes of JIA. Within each subtype, however, common pathways seem to drive joint damage.
Characteristics of sunward flowing proton and alpha particle fluxes of moderate intensity

The diffusive streaming of 1.3- to 2.3-MeV per nucleon protons has been found to be predominantly toward the sun during periods between prompt solar particle events. This sunward streaming occurs for essentially all proton intensities from <0.012 to 1.2 (cm^2 s sr MeV)^−1 and for all solar wind velocities. The average radial component (16% ± 3%) of the diffusive anisotropy of 1.4- to 2.4-MeV per nucleon alpha particles is very similar to that observed for protons (14% ± 1%), a finding suggesting a common origin. These periods are characterized by a limited variance in the proton intensities (10^(−1.2±1.1) cm^-2 s^-1 sr^−1 MeV^−1), in the proton spectra (E−3.0±0.8), and in the α/p ratio (3% ± 2%). The sunward diffusion of protons and alpha particles indicates that a positive radial gradient is characteristic of these modestly enhanced fluxes. A steady state propagation model which includes adiabatic energy loss and a source of particles beyond 1 AU produces the average radial anisotropy and its dependence on the solar wind velocity for κ_rr ∼ 4 × 10^20 cm^2 s^−1. The direction of the diffusive anisotropy is strongly dependent on the magnetic field direction, a situation indicating κ⊥ < κ∥. However, the two directions are not identical, a condition indicating nonnegligible flow perpendicular to the average field direction when averaged over a 6-hour interval.
Cosmic-Ray Ionization at High Altitudes

A criterion for the nature of cosmic rays. Cosmic rays may be interpreted as photons only if at all altitudes $\frac{{d}^{2}(log\ensuremath{\psi})}{d{P}^{2}g0}$, where $P$ is the barometric pressure and $\ensuremath{\psi}$ is the intensity as a function of the pressure for rays descending vertically through the atmosphere. Gross has shown how $\ensuremath{\psi}$ can be determined directly from the observed intensity $I$, due to rays from all directions. The rays may be interpreted as ionizing particles with a definite range ("$r$-particles") only if the relation $\frac{{d}^{2}I}{d{P}^{2}}g0$ is satisfied. Measurements by a recording cosmic-ray meter, with walls equivalent to 6 cm of lead to avoid transition effects, were made on the recent Settle-Fordney stratosphere balloon flight. Through the altitude range from 40 to 15 cm Hg the ionization-pressure relation satisfies the criterion for $r$-particles but not that for photons. This result is confirmed by comparison with other high altitude data.Ionization of primary cosmic rays as function of altitude. The measurements when graphically analyzed show the presence of rays of two distinct range groups, $A$ and $B$. Group $B$ has ranges greater but apparently not less than the air equivalent of 27 cm Hg, with a strong maximum at 36 cm. This group is ascribed to electrically charged rays which require energies greater than that corresponding to 27 cm range in order to penetrate the earth's magnetic field. Protons and possibly positrons meet these requirements but not $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-particles nor heavier nuclei. Group $A$ is most prominent at the shorter ranges, and shows no maximum for ranges greater than 10 cm Hg. It thus represents rays unaffected by the earth's magnetic field, and hence neutral or with a ratio of mass to charge equal to or greater than that of an alpha-particle. Apparently range group $A$ is almost completely confined to the upper atmosphere.Photons cannot constitute more than a negligible part of primary cosmic rays. Comparison of high altitude measurements at the equator with those at high latitudes shows that the equatorial cosmic rays are closely similar to the magnetically deviable rays both in their absorption in air and in their transition effects. This indicates that most of the cosmic rays which reach the earth are similar in character to the deviable rays, most probably protons. Any primary cosmic photons which may reach the earth apparently produce an imperceptible effect.
Laboratory simulation of Kuiper belt object volatile ices under ionizing radiation: CO–N2 ices as a case study

The exposure of icy Kuiper belt objects (KBOs) by ionizing radiation was simulated in this case of exposing carbon monoxide–nitrogen (CO–N2) ices by energetic electrons. The radiation-induced chemical processing was monitored on-line and in situ viaFTIR spectroscopy and quadrupole mass spectrometry. Besides the array of carbon oxides being reproduced as in neat irradiated carbon monoxide (CO) ices studied previously, the radiation exposure at 10 K resulted in the formation of nitrogen-bearing species of isocyanato radical (OCN), linear (l-NCN), nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), plus diazirinone (N2CO). The infrared assignments of these species were further confirmed by isotopic shifts. The temporal evolution of individual species was found to fit in first-order reaction schemes, prepping up the underlying non-equilibrium chemistry on the formation of OCN, l-NCN, and NO radicals in particular. Also unique to the binary KBO model ices and viable for the future remote detection is diazirinone (N2CO) at 1860 cm−1 (2ν5) formed at lower radiation exposure.
Haloperidol, catalepsy, and equilibrating functions in the rat: antagonistic interaction of clinging and labyrinthine righting reactions.

Abstract The neuroleptic drug haloperidol, which interferes with catecholaminergic activity in the brain, was used to produce akinesia and catalepsy in rats. Such akinesia and catalepsy can be viewed as one in which a subsystem of integrated motor functions (e.g., righting, standing still, clinging, and bracing), is operating to achieve and defend static stable equilibrium, whereas other movement subsystems such as scanning, orienting, and quadrupedal locomotion are meanwhile inoperative. Thus, the catecholamine-deficient rat is a useful preparation to study the isolated components of static stable equilibrium and their interaction, without the complexities encountered by the operation of alternative movement subsystems. Righting in the air was completely inhibited by clinging, no matter how ineffective such clinging was in actually providing physical support. High speed film analysis and lightweight wire-mesh frames of varying stability were used to determine the minimal stimuli that inhibit righting. We suggest that an antagonistic relationship exists between clinging and righting, in which the inputs involved in clinging are dominant over (and may be potentiated by) the vestibular inputs involved in labyrinthine righting. In addition, the bandage-backfall phenomenon, a hitherto bizarre reaction pattern that can be elicited in cataleptic adult animals and normal infants, can be explained by a related antagonistic interaction.
Florence Nightingale and the Crimean War.

The article presents an overview of the efforts that nurse Florence Nightingale made to improve the sanitary conditions of a military hospital in Scutari, Turkey during the Crimean War and to improve the health and hygiene of British soldiers who were patients at the hospital. A discussion of the impact that Nightingale's work had on efforts to bring attention to the importance of public health is presented. Nightingale's popularity and reputation in Great Britain are discussed.
ASSESS MS: supporting the clinical assessment of Multiple Sclerosis using Kinect

We present an early prototype of the ASSESS MS system, developed to help health professionals more accurately monitor the progression of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Specifically, the system aims to detect and quantify changes in motor dysfunction more objectively and accurately than human assessors. We focus on key interaction design decisions needed to deploy a machine-learning based system in a real clinical context.
Cell Elongation and Migration on Asymmetric Grooved Topography

Spreading, elongation and migration are well-recognized processes that occur when a cell first adheres to a substrate. These processes facilitate an individual cell's ability to explore and further associate with its surroundings. Previous studies have shown that placing cells on grooved substrates causes elongation and migration to occur parallel to the pattern itself. However, there has been limited research examining whether cells exhibit a chiral bias during their initial elongation and migration on a substrate. Information such as this can be used in formulating effective procedures to predict movement of cells, which can lead to improvements in cellular based therapies such as tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Using a PDMS casting of grooved surfaces coated in fibronectin, C2C12 mouse myoblasts were seeded with a low density and observed over the first 24 hours of exposure to the patterned surface using phase contrast microscopy and time lapse imaging techniques. In this preliminary experiment, no significant bias was discovered as to a "left/right" preference in initial cell elongation and migration.
Microbiological factor in acid mine drainage formation II. Further observations from a pilot plant study

Abstract Pilot plant studies examined the effect of chemoautotrophic organisms ( Ferrobacillus ferrooxidans, Ferrobacillus sulfooxidans and Thiobacillus thiooxidans ) in the formation of acid mine drainage from pyritic mineral associated with coal mining. Discharges were measured for varying hydraulic flow-rates, air or nitrogen atmosphere and biological seeding or non-seeding. Under non-aerobic conditions, Fe(II) and S 2su−II mas release is constant and unaffected by organisms. Under aerobic conditions, acidity, ferrous and total iron and sulfate concentrations are zero order with respect to flow expressed in reciprocal time units, and much greater than under non-aerobic conditions. Total acidity is lower for seeded than for non-seeded aerobic conditions at higher retention times because microorganisms consume acid. Aerobic non-seeded release reaches a maximum that does not change with increasing flow. Aerobic seeded release reaches a maximum greater than that for aerobic non-seeded conditions but then decreases with increased flow. A dynamic equilibrium between pyrite dissolution and organism regeneration and flushout exists.
Item Analysis by the Hierarchical Generalized Linear Model.

The hierarchical generalized linear model (HGLM) is presented as an explicit, two-level formulation of a multilevel item response model. In this paper, it is shown that the HGLM is equivalent to the Rasch model and that, characteristic of the HGLM, person ability can be expressed in the form of random effects rather than parameters. The two-level item analysis model is presented as a latent regression model with person-characteristic variables. Furthermore, it is shown that the two-level HGLM model can be extended to a three-level latent regression model that permits investigation of the variation of students' performance across groups, such as is found in classrooms and schools, and of the interactive effect of person-and group-characteristic variables.
Detergent solubilization of mammalian cardiac and hepatic β-adrenergic receptors☆

Abstract The solubilization of canine cardiac and hepatic β-adrenergic receptors was characterized with 19 different ionic and nonionic surfactants and surfactant combinations. The effects of alterations in the hydrophobic and hydrophilic moieties of the nonpolar detergents were examined in relation to their efficacy in solubilizing these receptor molecules. Within this group of surfactants the more effective agents contained an average of 9–10 polyoxyethylene units per molecule. The best degree of β-receptor solubilization for both heart and liver was obtained with 1% Brij 96 or a combination of 1% digitonin with 0.25% Triton X-100. Hepatic but not cardiac β-receptors were solubilized by polyoxyethylene ether W-1 or by Triton X-100. Solubilization time courses indicated that the maximum degree of receptor solubilization occurred within 5 min at 0–4 °C. Solubilization temperatures were varied from 0 to 37 °C. Temperatures up to 30 °C increased numbers of cardiac receptors solubilized by 30% over those obtained at 0 °C. The same temperature changes had no significant effects on liver β-receptor solubilization. Increasing the solubilization temperature to 37 °C decreased the detectable number of β-receptors by 91 (liver) and 72% (heart). β-Receptors solubilized in the absence of receptor ligand were extremely labile with a half-life on the order of 90 min at 4 °C for both heart and liver. Occupation of the receptors by [125I]-iodohydroxybenzylpindolol prior to solubilization conferred a certain degree of stability on the receptors.
Inverting dedevelopment: geometric singularity theory in embryology

The diffeomorphism model so useful in the biomathematics of normal morphological variability and disease is inappropriate for applications in embryogenesis, where whole coordinate patches are created out of single points. For this application we need a suitable algebra for the creation of something from nothing in a carefully organized geometry: a formalism for parameterizing discrete nondifferentiabilities of invertible functions on Rk, k $GTR 1. One easy way to begin is via the inverse of the development map - call it the dedevelopment map, the deformation backwards in time. Extrapolated, this map will inevitably have singularities at which its derivative is zero. When the dedevelopment map is inverted to face forward in time, the singularities become appropriately isolated infinities of derivative. We have recently introduced growth visualizations via extrapolations to the isolated singularities at which only one directional derivative is zero. Maps inverse to these create new coordinate patches directionally rather than radically. The most generic singularity that suits this purpose is the crease f(x,y) equals (x,x2y+y3), which has already been applied in morphometrics for the description of focal morphogenetic phenomena. We apply it to embryogenesis in the form of its analytic inverse, and demonstrate its power using a priceless new data set of mouse embryos imaged in 3D by micro-MR with voxels smaller than 100micrometers 3.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Developmental studies in Drosophila. X. Developmental electrophoretic pattern of salivary gland unspecific proteins in D. pallidipennis.

Les proteines presentes dans les glandes salivaires deDrosophila pallidipennis ont ete analysees grâce a une technique de microelectrophorese discale. Les variations observees pendant le developpement de la larve et de la jeune pupe on ete comparees avec celles deDrosophila pseudoobscura. II semble que certaines variations soient le resultat de phenomenes communs a toutes les especes du genreDrosophila.
Variations among Institutional Review Board reviews in a multisite health services research study.

Obtaining Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval for health services research (HSR) is increasingly challenging. The Health Information Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA 1996) called for the development of Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information (Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information, Final Rule 2002). These regulations impose substantial limits on researchers' access to medical record data and penalties for institutions that do not take steps to protect the privacy of patient data. These concerns are particularly heightened given recent scrutiny of human subjects research (Steinbrook 2002). Restrictions on access to data because of privacy concerns are of special importance in HSR because of the need for access to population-based samples of patients (Institute of Medicine 2000). HSR often uses existing databases such as insurance claims and medical records or patient interviews about health care experiences, health risks, and other factors (Brook, McGlynn, and Cleary 1996). In most health services studies, risks are likely to be associated with subjects' discomfort with disclosing personal information or the potential loss of privacy. The potential benefits are to improve care quality through enhanced vigilance, new standards or practices, or education. Still, the uncertainty about the possible harmful impact of disclosure of health information in HSR can create great concern (Burman et al. 2001; Friedrich 2001). Previous research has documented widespread variation in how IRBs handle multisite studies involving clinical research (Goldman and Katz 1982; Silverman, Chandros, and Sugarman 2001; Stair et al. 2001). Less is known about the variations in how IRBs handle HSR studies (Lynn, Johnson, and Levine 1994; Friedrich 2001). A handful of previous studies reported increased protocol changes and more frequent requirements for advance authorization from potential participants before patient contact. These changes led to delays in data collection and publication (McCarthy et al. 1999; Bennett, Sipler, Parada et al. 2001; Nelson et al. 2002). Research to date fails to capture in a prospective fashion the variability in the process and content of IRB deliberations. A federally funded study evaluating clinical care in the National Centers of Excellence (CoEs) in Women's Health provided an opportunity to examine variations in IRB review of HSR with prospective tracking of the IRB review process. This report (1) documents the IRB review process, including the type of review, whether revisions were requested, and the length of time from initial submission to approval, (2) describes IRB decisions regarding patient notification and recruitment, and (3) explores the impact of different recruitment procedures on patient participation in research.
Surgical Treatment of Gastroduodenal Obstructions in Foals

Thirteen foals that ranged in age from 4 days to 4 months were presented for treatment of gastroduodenal obstruction. The site of obstruction was determined from examination of standing right lateral contrast radiographs of the caudal part of the thorax and abdomen. Depending on the site, the obstruction was bypassed by esophagogastrostomy, gastroduodenostomy, partial gastrectomy with gastroduodenostomy, duodenojejunostomy, or gastrojejunostomy followed by jejunojejunostomy. Six of the 13 foals (46%) survived. All foals with pyloric stenosis survived. Seven of eight foals with duodenal stenosis died. Deaths were due to complications unrelated to the primary gastroduodenal obstruction.
Intracontinental plate boundary east of Cape Mendocino, California

Two parallel strike-slip fault zones east of Cape Mendocino are the apparent northward continuation of a northwest-trending line (San Andreas fault) that bifurcates into two great en echelon, recently active right-slip fault zones. North from Hollister, the eastern fault zone–the Hayward–Lake Mountain fault system–extends past Arcata onto the continental shelf southwest of Crescent City. The Hayward–Lake Mountain fault system defines the Humboldt plate, a small northwest-elongate sliver of the North American continent bounded on the west by the San Andreas fault zone and on the north by the Gorda plate. This newly recognized plate is converging northeastward against the Gorda plate, which is being thrust beneath it. Steps between en echelon member fault zones in the Hayward–Lake Mountain fault system suggest that the line of faults is so recent that there has been insufficient time to integrate the fault zones into a single surficial break. The fault system may have resulted from a recent and still continuing realignment of the North American plate boundary near the Mendocino triple junction.
Expression of Phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase in the Embryonic Rat Heart

Phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT), the final enzyme in the pathway for epinephrine biosynthesis, serves as a marker for tissues and cells producing epinephrine. The present study examines the developmental expression of PNMT in the rat embryo. A transient burst in PNMT mRNA expression begins on embryonic day 9.5 (E9.5), peaks between E10.0 and E11.0, and declines to barely detectable levels by E13.0. Regional localization of PNMT mRNA and enzyme activity demonstrates that PNMT is concentrated in the heart. PNMT has not previously been reported to be expressed at these early stages of development, and its presence in the developing heart suggests that this embryonic tissue may produce epinephrine. Because this catecholamine is known to increase cardiac output and promote the growth of cardiomyocytes, local production of epinephrine by the heart could play an important role in the development of cardiac structure and function.
An empirical model for estimating fracture toughness using the DCDC geometry

The double cleavage drilled compression (DCDC) geometry is useful for creating large cracks in a material in a controlled manner. Several models for estimating fracture toughness from DCDC measurements have been proposed, but each is suitable for a subset of geometries and material properties. In this work, a series of finite element fracture simulations are performed over a range of sample widths, hole sizes, heights, Young’s moduli, Poisson’s ratios, critical stress intensity factors, and boundary conditions. Analyzing the simulation results, fracture toughness is found to be a simple function of sample width, hole size, and an extrapolated stress at zero crack length obtained from a linear fit of the data. Experimental results in the literature are found to agree with this simple relationship.
Negative atmospheric ions and their potential role in ion-induced nucleation

[1] Mass identified ion cluster distributions were measured under ambient atmospheric conditions and compared with model predictions based on laboratory ion cluster thermodynamics data. The results are shown from several days where atmospheric sulfur concentrations were high and thus ion-induced cluster growth was anticipated. Atmospheric gas phase sulfuric acid, temperature, relative humidity, SO2, mobility distributions of ions and small charged particles, and aerosol size distributions were also measured in support of the model calculations. The relative agreement of measurement and model for the first and second sulfuric acid clusters (HSO4−(H2SO4)m) for m = 1 and 2 is quite good but suggests that sulfuric acid clustering may not occur at the collision rate. Clusters for higher m values were not observed, which is also consistent with model predictions for the conditions under which measurements were performed. The lack of both observed and predicted large ion clusters is also consistent with the independent measurements of ion mobility distributions and particle size distributions, which showed similar numbers of positively and negatively charged ultrafine particles, suggesting that neither positive nor negative ion-induced nucleation processes were likely to have contributed significantly to observed new particle formation rates during this study. The relatively low observed concentrations of the bisulfate ion also suggest that the processes leading to the first sulfuric acid/bisulfate cluster (HSO4−H2SO4) may be more complicated than simple sulfuric acid clustering or exchange reactions. While nucleation was observed on some days, measurements suggest that ion-induced nucleation did not contribute significantly to new particle production or growth during these events. This does not rule out the possibility that ion-induced nucleation could contribute significantly to atmospheric new particle formation under very different atmosphere conditions such as in areas with much lower temperatures and higher ion concentrations.
Dispersal of salt marsh seeds on the feet and feathers of waterfowl

Dispersal of seeds by adhesion to animals, known as epizoochory, is often referred to as a significant mode of dispersal. Few studies have quantitatively examined this method of dispersal; those that do often concentrate on mammalian rather than avian dispersers. To measure the extent of this form of seed dispersal, we studied the external seed loads on the feet and feathers of four waterfowl species found in a salt marsh on the New Jersey shore. More than 75% of the birds were found to be carrying seeds, mostly on their feathers. The seeds of twelve plant species, predominantly from salt marsh plants and particularly salt grass (Distichlis spicata) and cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora), were identified in the samples. All but one species has seeds with potentially adhesive structures. Results indicate that for many salt marsh plant species, seed dispersal by adhesion to waterfowl may be a significant method of seed transport.
Updated solution for stresses and displacements in TRISO-coated fuel particles

Abstract A closed-form solution for stresses and displacements in TRISO-coated fuel particles of a high temperature reactor has been updated to enhance its application in fuel particle analysis. The modified solution is applied incrementally through irradiation, which allows the material properties and irradiation temperature to change with time. It also removes the restriction in the original solution that Poisson’s ratio in creep for the pyrocarbon layers be set to 0.5. It is presented in a manner that would enable its application to a system of any number of coating layers, not just the three layers of a TRISO-coated particle. The solution has been implemented in the PARFUME fuel performance code, where it has been demonstrated to perform efficiently in particle failure probability determinations.
Mode of oleic acid adsorption on rice hull ash cristobalite

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to investigate the adsorption of oleic acid (OA) onto dry rice hull ash (RHA) silica. Adsorption partially occurred by surface hydrogen bonding of the carboxylic acid. There was also formation of carboxylate ions by reaction of OA with residual potassium oxide. These ions were strongly bound by the ash. Isopropanol inhibited OA adsorption by H-bonding and encouraged desorption of H-bonded OA, but without itself being significantly bound. RHA with 40% moisture also adsorbed a small amount of OA by H-bonding and reacted with OA to form and adsorb carboxylate ions.
Analysis of a single mode curved-fiber optical coupler

The analysis of an efficient, low-loss curved single mode optical fiber coupler has been presented. Numerical results for coupling coefficients, effective interactive length and normalized power as a function of minimum spacing, wavelength and offset have been obtained. The coupling effects due to vertkal offset of the fibers have also been determined. This provides an additional design flexibility for the coupler.
Focus ion beam based nanofluidic system for biomolecule characterization

A Pyrex nanochannel system with embedded transverse nanoelectrodes was designed and fabricated by MEMS based microfabrication and focused ion beam (FIB) nanolithography. The microchannels and microelectrodes in the system were patterned on a Cr/Au coated Pyrex wafer using conventional photolithography while the nanoelectrodes (100 nm wide and 50 nm thick) and the nanochannels (500 nm to 1 μm wide and 100 nm deep) were fabricated by FIB nanolithography. A Pyrex chip coated with amorphous silicon was used as the capping piece to seal off the nanochannels and nanoelectrodes through anodic bonding. Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) solution was pumped through the completed nanochannel system after wetting steps to verify flow patency. The electrical conductivity of four different liquids solutions were measured in the nanochannel system and compared to their bulk values. Translocation of negatively charged nanobeads with an average diameter of 20 nm was successfully carried out and the instantaneous transverse electrical conductivity of the translocating nanobeads was measured by the embedded nanoelectrodes.
Carotid endarterectomy in patients 55 years of age and younger.

Prior studies have suggested that young patients may be more prone to recurrent disease after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). The goal of this study was to review a series of CEAs performed on younger patients (≤ 55 years) and to determine if these patients are more likely to develop recurrent stenosis. A review was conducted of CEAs performed from 1985 through 1994. Analysis was performed on a study group of 94 young patients who underwent 109 CEAs during this time. A control group of 222 patients older than 55 years who underwent 256 CEAs during the years 1991 through 1993 was selected for comparison. During a mean of nearly 4 years of follow-up, younger patients were significantly more likely to experience a late failure of CEA, including total occlusion of the operated artery, or recurrent stenosis requiring redo surgery. Careful patient evaluation is important in choosing younger patients who require CEA. Implications of these data include mandating careful noninvasive follow-up examinations for younger patients undergoing CEA.
1017-108 Cost Savings with 6 Compared to 8 French Guiding Catheters Used in Coronary Angioplasty

To determine the possibility of cost savings with smaller (6 French, F) vs larger (8 F) guiding catheters (GC) during PTCA, a prospective randomized trial was performed in 160 patients at 3 separate hospitals. Standard PTCA balloon catheters were used. Resource utilization was calculated with “bottom-up” cost analysis and physician cost was determined with use of the resource based relative value scale. Endpoints included: cost of PTCA supplies, support personal, post-PTCA room, physician; quantitative angiography; and clinical success. (Mean cost were: R 2 = 0.25) Cath Lab $ Post-PTCA $ Total $ Supplies RN MD Hospital MD 6F 1470 106 1156 1026 181 3956 8F 1724 118 1207 1705 297 5073 P 0.003 NS NS 0.04 0.08 0.03 Variables associated with increased total cost included: hypercholesteremia, 8F GC, and prolonged cath lab time. Less contrast was used with 6F; visualization was improved with 8F Gc. Thus The use of 6F GC resulted in dramatic cost savings during elective PTCA, primarily due to a reduction in post procedure hospital costs. Visualization was improved with 8F GC; however, there was no difference in procedural or clinical outcomes. The decision to use 6F GC is a dynamic balance between angiographic quality and cost reduction.
Universal bifurcation model and its application to study local particle transport phenomena in upper airways

Abstract A universal bifurcation model developed to study a variety of transport phenomena in the human lung is described. This paper focuses on technical specifications of the model and on local particle concentration patterns within post-bend and post-bifurcation zones. Results are presented for uniformly sized solid microspheres, 1.4 μm in diameter, over a range of steady air velocity conditions. It is shown that local particle concentration can be significantly higher than the initial concentration, which demonstrates that the particle phase component of the aerosol is not incompressible (de la Mora, 1985, Aerosol Sci. Technol. 4 , 339–349; Konstandopoulos, 1990, J. Aerosol Sci. 21 , 983–987), and that a significant boundary layer particle concentration enhancement in the post-bend,/bifurcation zone can be produced by the vortices originated in bends and bifurcations.
Bolometric Microwave Power Calibration Techniques at the National Bureau of Standards

A bolometric method of calibrating low-level microwave power measuring devices is currently employed at the National Bureau of Standards in Boulder, Colo. The technique is one of direct comparison between the standard and the unknown, and utilizes NBS working standard bolometer units and self-balancing dc bridges. In general, the unknown is calibrated to an accuracy of one per cent. The following quantities are defined and the associated errors are discussed: 1) Calibration factor of a bolometer unit in combination with a directional coupler, 2) Calibration factor of a bolometer unit, and 3) Effective efficiency of a bolometer unit.
Pedagogical Issues and Approaches Encountered in a Psychology of Men Course

The author examines four areas in teaching men's studies courses: the need to develop a male perspective and male voice amid a preponderance of female students in the courses, the need to move from men-as-historical-objects toward more subjective experiences of men, the need to address the political aspects of men's studies, and, last, the need for a historical and cultural context. The four issues are incorporated into a hands-on accounting of the author's experiences in teaching the courses with emphasis on consciousness raising, changing perspective, confronting stereotypes and sexism, students' emotional reactions to the topics, and development of analytical thinking. Examples are given in dealing with some of these issues.
Activation of Guanylate Cyclase-C Attenuates Stretch Responses and Sensitization of Mouse Colorectal Afferents

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by altered bowel habits, persistent pain and discomfort, and typically colorectal hypersensitivity. Linaclotide, a peripherally restricted 14 aa peptide approved for the treatment of IBS with constipation, relieves constipation and reduces IBS-associated pain in these patients presumably by activation of guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C), which stimulates production and release of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) from intestinal epithelial cells. We investigated whether activation of GC-C by the endogenous agonist uroguanylin or the primary downstream effector of that activation, cGMP, directly modulates responses and sensitization of mechanosensitive colorectal primary afferents. The distal 2 cm of mouse colorectum with attached pelvic nerve was harvested and pinned flat mucosal side up for in vitro single-fiber recordings, and the encoding properties of mechanosensitive afferents (serosal, mucosal, muscular, and muscular–mucosal; M/M) to probing and circumferential stretch studied. Both cGMP (10–300 μm) and uroguanylin (1–1000 nm) applied directly to colorectal receptive endings significantly reduced responses of muscular and M/M afferents to stretch; serosal and mucosal afferents were not affected. Sensitized responses (i.e., increased responses to stretch) of muscular and M/M afferents were reversed by cGMP, returning responses to stretch to control. Blocking the transport of cGMP from colorectal epithelia by probenecid, a mechanism validated by studies in cultured intestinal T84 cells, abolished the inhibitory effect of uroguanylin on M/M afferents. These results suggest that GC-C agonists like linaclotide alleviate colorectal pain and hypersensitivity by dampening stretch-sensitive afferent mechanosensitivity and normalizing afferent sensitization.
Design, simulation and improvement of the end-of-line conveyor system for car rear seatbacks manufacturing

The paper provides designing and simulation of a conveyor system which will transfer seats from one station to another for a Tier 1 automotive seating supplier. The overall goal is to increase workplace safety, minimise labour cost and optimise manufacturing processes. The study improves the marriage assembly process and the loading station of the rear seat backs. The current process is simulated against the proposed one to avoid any safety concerns. We cannot simulate the AGREPT (analysis of risky gestures and their effects on hardness at work) issues within the product cycle, so alternative processes must be done before simulating. The process was first modelled and then compared to the actual manufacturing performance. The conveyor will be equipped with safety factors, mechanical design, material specifications, and machine components based on survey and pairwise-comparison. The results shows identify the areas of improvements in process.
Regulation of the extracellular antioxidant selenoprotein plasma glutathione peroxidase (GPx-3) in mammalian cells

Plasma glutathione peroxidase (GPx-3) is a selenocysteine-containing extracellular antioxidant protein that catalyzes the reduction of hydrogen peroxide and lipid hydroperoxides. Selenoprotein expression involves the alternate recognition of a UGA codon as a selenocysteine codon and requires signals in the 3′-untranslated region (UTR), including a selenocysteine insertion sequence (SECIS), as well as specific translational cofactors. To ascertain regulatory determinants of GPx-3 expression and function, we generated recombinant GPx-3 (rGPX-3) constructs with various 3′-UTR, as well as a Sec73Cys mutant. In transfected Cos7 cells, the Sec73Cys mutant was expressed at higher levels than the wild type rGPx-3, although the wild type rGPx-3 had higher specific activity, similar to plasma purified GPx-3. A 3′-UTR with only the SECIS was insufficient for wild type rGPx-3 protein expression. Selenocompound supplementation and co-transfection with SECIS binding protein 2 increased wild type rGPx-3 expression. These results demonstrate the importance of translational mechanisms in GPx-3 expression.
Experimental determination of shear properties, buckling resistance and diagonal tension field of polyurethane coated nylon fabric

Experimental methods have been employed to acquire shear properties, examine buckling, and postbuckling response, and to characterize out-of-plane deformations of thin orthotropic polyurethane-coated nylon fabric designated for use in the finite element analysis of an inflatable structure. A custom-designed bi-axial pre-tension frame, a picture-fame rig, and a photogrammetry system were used to apply pre-tension, collect the angular and linear displacements, and to capture the buckling and wrinkle-forming mechanisms in the coupons during the shear test. The series of monotonic picture-frame tests provided with an average critical shear stress of 0.16 MPa that was required to buckle the coupons for a small range of the pre-tension force. While an average pre-buckling shear modulus (28.5 MPa) was obtained, only 2.25% of a relative difference between the average post-buckling apparent shear modulus (13.07 MPa) and the average shear modulus obtained from the 45° bias-extension test for the same material (13.3...
Impact of interspecific competition on seed development and quality of five soybean cultivars

Enhancing total yield and improving seed quality is a dynamic area of research. Both breeding and biotechnology have been successful in creating soybean cultivars with increased oil or protein content with much research directed at total yield. We conducted a 2-year field experiment to investigate the potential impact of interspecific competition on seed quality and seed development of five soybean cultivars (Forrest, Essex, Asgrow 4603, Asgrow 4403 and Asgrow 3903). Three levels of weed competition were established using different application rates of pre-emergence herbicides s-metolachlor and cloransulam. Several seed related parameters were measured and many showed similar trends of significance for cultivar and weed competition treatments across both years. Higher levels of weed competition resulted in soybean seeds containing higher protein content (increase between 0.7 and 1%). For protein in 2005, there was a significant interaction term for competition level and cultivar (F8,44 = 2.38, P < 0.05). Seed oil tended to decrease with higher levels of competition, but by less than 1% each year. Seed yield showed a significant decrease in response to competition in 2005 (F2,44 = 56.82, P < 0.0001), but not in 2004. Seed per plant decreased in response to competition both years (2004: F2,44 = 8.23, P < 0.05; 2005: F2,44 = 8.71, P < 0.05). Seed per plant was impacted both years by competition. The number of aborted pods per plant was greater for plants under low and medium competition; however, significance was seen only in 2004 (F2,44 = 3.33, P < 0.05) but the trend was evident in 2005. Seed quality changes are responsive to the presence of neighbouring plants even if their interference does not reduce total yield. Future studies should be designed to investigate how competition and interference alter soybean metabolism such that seed quality is maximised.
Information-theoretic secure identification

Secure identification has been based on unproven computational complexity assumptions or the correctness of quantum physics. In this paper we present unconditionally secure identification allowing active attacks.
Constructions and analyses of nonblocking WDM switches based on arrayed waveguide grating and limited wavelength conversion

Constructing fast wavelength division multiplexing switches with cheap, integratable components, less power consumption and noise accumulation, and low complexity is an important problem in optical networking. Typically, there are two request models widely considered. In one model, a connection request asks to go from a wavelength on an input fiber of the WDM switch to a particular wavelength on an output fiber. In the other, a connection only needs to get to a particular output fiber, irrespective of what wavelength it will be on. In this paper, we give novel constructions of strictly nonblocking and rearrangeably nonblocking WDM switches for both request models using limited range wavelength converters and arrayed waveguide grating routers. We fully analyze their blocking characteristics. Our designs are all relatively simple and easy to be laid out, consume little power, do not accumulate much noise, and are useful for both optical circuit-switching and optical packet/burst switching. As far as we know, these are the first of such constructions.
Optimal Switching Surfaces in Behavior-Based Robotics

In this paper an optimal solution is presented for the problem of avoiding obstacles while progressing towards a goal for a single robot. In particular, the solution is obtained by allowing the robot to switch between a fixed number of behaviors and optimizing over what behaviors to use and when to switch between them. It is moreover shown that the structure of the switching law only depends on the distance between the obstacle and the goal. Hence, once initial simulations are done, a guard can be generated with a fixed structure, and, given that the robot knows the distance between the obstacle and the goal, it knows when to switch in order to execute the pre-computed (optimal) solution. Therefore the solution lends itself nicely to real-time implementations. Experiments moreover verify that the proposed methods transitions well onto a real robotic platform.
Blog power: Examining the effects of practitioner blog use on power in public relations

While blogs are not yet a standard public relations tool, practitioners use blogs to enhance their power within their organizations. Using an online survey of public relations practitioners, this pilot test examined the relationship between power and blog use. Three factored categorizations of blog use among practitioners emerged: routine information and research, interactive blog communication, and issues identification. Results showed differences based on power, between blog users and non-users, owner-practitioners and non-owners, among others.