cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Muslim Women, Moral Visions: Globalization and Gender Controversies in Indonesia

Since 1998, Indonesia’s democratization has produced contentious public debates, many of which revolve around issues of gender and sexual morality. Yet such controversies not only often focus on women, but also involve women as participants. This article examines how Muslim women activists in two organizations adapt global discourses to participate in important public sphere debates about pornography and polygamy. Indonesia’s moral debates demonstrate an important way in which global discourses are negotiated in national settings. In the debates, some pious women use discourses of feminism and liberal Islam to argue for women’s equality, while others use Islam to call for greater moral regulation of society. My research demonstrates that global discourses of feminism and Islamic revivalism are mediated through national organizations which shape women’s political activism and channel it in different directions. Women’s political subjectivities are thus shaped through their involvement in national organizations that structure the ways they engage with global discourses. The Indonesian case shows not only that the national should not be conflated with the local, but also demonstrates the significance of national contexts and histories for understanding global processes.
MICHAEL RUSE ON SCIENCE AND FAITH: SEEKING MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING

. In Science and Spirituality, Michael Ruse attempts to reconcile traditional Christianity and modern science by arguing that Christianity addresses questions that lie beyond the domain of science. I argue that Ruse's solution raises a number of problems that render it unsatisfactory for both the scientist and believer. First, despite his objections to “God of the gaps” arguments, his own strategy for identifying those questions that are beyond the limits of science seems to raise the problem in a new form. Second, what Ruse offers as evidence for the limits of science is better construed as evidence for deep disagreements among scientists and as such does not support his claims about the limits of science. Third, in aiming to establish their independence, Ruse subordinates religion to science. Finally, his support of traditional theology as a mode of religious understanding might cause concern for those who believe that certain kinds of theological reflection are at odds with scientific thinking.
Resistance inequalities for KMS states of the isotropic Heisenberg model

Inequalities which show that the spin correlations between spins at two lattice sites is bounded by a constant times the inverse square root of the electrical resistance between the lattice sites is proved for KMS states of the isotropic Heisenberg model. The resistance is calculated using the inverse of the coefficients occuring in the Heisenberg Hamiltionian as the resistances between neighboring lattice sites.
Injury Pattern of the Stingball

The stingball is a "maximum effect device" delivering up to four stimuli for psychological and physiological effect, including rubber pellets, light, sound, and an optional chemical agent. The purpose of this case report is to describe the injury patterns of a less-lethal weapon that has been in use for over 20 years. Although the stingball has been available for many years, there is very little experience with it in the medical community. We describe the case of an inmate at Los Angeles county jail brought to LAC+USC Emergency Department after sustaining injuries from the deployment of a stingball to break up a jail riot.
DNA methylation in schizophrenia subjects: gender and MTHFR 677C/T genotype differences

Aim: In schizophrenia, metabolic syndrome incidence is double that of the general population, with women having a higher incidence. Pharmacogenetically regulated folic acid may be related to this risk. DNA methylation and metabolic syndrome within this group has not been previously studied. Methods: Metabolic syndrome was evaluated with fasting laboratory measurements, and dietary and lifestyle assessments. Methylation analysis used a peripheral sample for the LINE-1 assay. DNA was also genotyped for MTHFR 677C/T. Results: This analysis included 133 subjects. We found a significant relationship between LINE-1 methylation, and an interaction between MTHFR and gender, controlling for serum folate (p = 0.008). Females with the 677TT genotype had the lowest methylation (56%) compared with the other groups (75%). Conclusion: TT genotype females had the lowest methylation, which may explain metabolic syndrome gender differences in schizophrenia. Folate supplementation may be a suggested intervention within schi...
Influence of surface charge on free-carrier density profiles in GaAs films: Application to second-harmonic generation by free carriers.

We calculate, self-consistently, free-carrier density profiles and wave functions in GaAs films with surface charge present, by virtue of charged surface states or an applied external electric field. We explore the regime from the case where the free carriers are distributed roughly uniformly over the film, to the case where the surface charge localizes them to the near vicinity of one or both surfaces. This is done by both a Fourier transform and a real-space procedure (finite-difference method); the latter is found highly efficient. We also calculate the integrated strength of second-harmonic current induced in the free carriers near the surface by far-infrared radiation with frequency well below the free-carrier plasma frequency. We find values of the dimensionless parameter which controls the strength of the second-harmonic current to be substantially smaller than those reported recently by Weber and Liebsch, and argue that screening provided by interband transitions is responsible for this difference.
Quantitative magnetic resonance brain imaging in US army veterans of the 1991 Gulf War potentially exposed to sarin and cyclosarin.

Background In March 1991, a munitions storage complex at Khamisiyah, Iraq was destroyed, potentially exposing more than 100,000 US troops to low levels of the organophosphate nerve agents sarin and cyclosarin. Little is known about the neurophysiological effects of low-dose exposure to sarin/cyclosarin in humans, although some research has indicated subtle but persistent neurobehavioral and neurochemical changes in individuals exposed to sarin/cyclosarin at levels insufficient to produce obvious clinical symptoms. However, the neuroanatomical correlates of these changes are unclear. The current study examined the association between modeled estimates of sarin/cyclosarin exposure levels and volumetric measurements of gross neuroanatomical structures in 1991 Gulf War veterans with varying degrees of possible low-level sarin/cyclosarin exposure. Methods Twenty-six GW-deployed veterans recruited from the Devens Cohort Study participated. Magnetic resonance images of the brain were acquired and analyzed using morphometric techniques, producing volumetric measurements of white matter, gray matter, right and left lateral ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid. Volumetric data were analyzed using exposure estimates obtained from refined models of the 1991 Khamisiyah presumed exposure hazard area. Results Binary comparisons of sarin/cyclosarin ‘exposed’ (N = 13) and ‘unexposed’ (N = 13) veterans revealed no differences in volumetric measurements of discrete brain tissues. However, linear trend analyses showed a significant association between higher levels of estimated sarin/cyclosarin exposure and both reduced white matter (adjusted parameter estimate = −4.64, p < 0.0001) and increased right lateral ventricle (adjusted parameter estimate = .11, p = 0.0288) and left lateral ventricle (adjusted parameter estimate = .13, p < 0.0001) volumes. Conclusions These findings suggest subtle but persistent central nervous system pathology in Gulf War veterans potentially exposed to low levels of sarin/cyclosarin and argue for further investigation of the long-term effects of low-dose sarin/cyclosarin exposures in humans.
Multiway merging in parallel

The problem of merging k (k/spl ges/2) sorted lists is considered. We give an optimal parallel algorithm which takes O((n log k/p)+log n) time using p processors on a parallel random access machine that allows concurrent reads and exclusive writes, where n is the total size of the input lists. This algorithm achieves O(log n) time using p=n log k/log n processors. Most of the previous log n research for this problem has been focused on the case when k=2. Very recently, parallel solutions for the case when k=2 have been reported. Our solution is the first logarithmic time optimal parallel algorithm for the problem when k/spl ges/2. It can also be seen as a unified optimal parallel algorithm for sorting and merging. In order to support the algorithm, a new processor assignment strategy is also presented.
Immunogenicity of a contiguous T-B synthetic epitope of the A/PR/8/34 influenza virus

A contiguously linked T-B synthetic viral epitope (110HA120-150HA159,T-B) was investigated for its potency in inducing humoral and cellular immune responses in vivo. The T-cell epitope 110HA120 corresponds to the site 1 hemagglutinin (HA) of the A/PR/8/34 (PR8) influenza virus and is recognized by CD4 T cells in association with I-Ed class II major histocompatibility complex molecules. The 150HA159 represents a major B-cell epitope of the HA protein. T-B dipeptide emulsified in Freund's complete adjuvant was able to induce strong antiviral antibody titers and a high frequency of specific T-cell precursors after a single inoculation in BALB/c mice. In contrast, immunization under identical conditions with equimolar mixtures of T and B peptides did not elicit antibody titers or a cellular immune response. As indicated by the isotypes of antiviral antibodies, the T-B dipeptide preferentially induced a Th1-like immune response. Challenge with T-B dipeptide, but not with T or B peptide alone, stimulated peptide-specific T memory cells in mice previously primed with PR8 virus or with T-B dipeptide. As a consequence, 71 and 57% of these mice, respectively, survived infection with two 100% lethal doses of PR8 virus. Our results suggest that, inasmuch as contiguity between T- and B-cell epitopes provides enough signaling capacity to trigger the mechanisms of T-B-cell cooperation in vivo, a T-B contiguous epitope may well represent a minimal built-in subunit vaccine. Aside from their potential bioavailability, the T-B contiguous epitopes may also represent attractive tools for investigating the molecular mechanisms of T-B-cell cooperation responsible for antiviral protection.
Models and algorithms for bounds on leakage in CMOS circuits

Subthreshold leakage current in deep submicron MOS transistors is becoming a significant contributor to power dissipation in CMOS circuits as threshold voltages and channel lengths are reduced. Consequently, estimation of leakage current and identification of minimum and maximum leakage conditions are becoming important, especially in low power applications. In this paper we outline methods for estimating leakage at the circuit level and then propose heuristic and exact algorithms to accomplish the same task for random combinational logic. In most cases the heuristic is found to obtain bounds on leakage that are close and often identical to bounds determined by a complete branch and bound search. Methods are also demonstrated to show how estimation accuracy can be traded off against execution time. The proposed algorithms have potential application in power management applications or quiescent current (I/sub D/DQ) testing if one wished to control leakage by application of appropriate input vectors. For a variety of benchmark circuits, leakage was found to vary by as much as a factor of six over the space of possible input vectors.
Multimeric Soluble CD40 Ligand and GITR Ligand as Adjuvants for Human Immunodeficiency Virus DNA Vaccines

For use in humans, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) DNA vaccines may need to include immunostimulatory adjuvant molecules. CD40 ligand (CD40L), a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily (TNFSF), is one candidate adjuvant, but it has been difficult to use because it is normally expressed as a trimeric membrane molecule. Soluble trimeric forms of CD40L have been produced, but in vitro data indicate that multimeric, many-trimer forms of soluble CD40L are more active. This multimerization requirement was evaluated in mice using plasmids that encoded either 1-trimer, 2-trimer, or 4-trimer soluble forms of CD40L. Fusion with the body of Acrp30 was used to produce the 2-trimer form, and fusion with the body of surfactant protein D was used to produce the 4-trimer form. Using plasmids for secreted HIV-1 antigens Gag and Env, soluble CD40L was active as an adjuvant in direct proportion to the valence of the trimers (1 < 2 < 4). These CD40L-augmented DNA vaccines elicited strong CD8(+) T-cell responses but did not elicit significant CD4(+) T-cell or antibody responses. To test the applicability of the multimeric fusion protein approach to other TNFSFs, a 4-trimer construct for the ligand of glucocorticoid-induced TNF family-related receptor (GITR) was also prepared. Multimeric soluble GITR ligand (GITRL) augmented the CD8(+) T-cell, CD4(+) T-cell, and antibody responses to DNA vaccination. In summary, multimeric CD40L and GITRL are new adjuvants for DNA vaccines. Plasmids for expressing multimeric TNFSF fusion proteins permit the rapid testing of TNFSF molecules in vivo.
Intrauterine hypoxia-ischemia reduces phosphoinositide hydrolysis stimulated by metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists in cultured rat cerebellar granule cells.

Abstract Effects of intrauterine hypoxia-ischemia (HI) on receptor-stimulated phosphoinositide (PPI) hydrolysis were studied in rat cerebellar granule cell cultures prepared from an in utero HI model. On gestation day 17, HI conditions were achieved by complete clamping of the uterine vasculature for 30 min followed by removal of the clamps to permit reperfusion. Sham operation (SH, surgery without vasculature ligation) was performed as the control. Intrauterine HI did not affect the basal level of PPI hydrolysis (in the absence of stimulants) in cells prepared from either the SH or the HI group. PPI hydrolysis stimulated by quisqualate (QA) or trans-(1S,3R)-1-amino-1,3-cyclopentanedicarboxylic acid (trans-ACPD) was significantly reduced in cells prepared from the HI group, whereas intrauterine HI did not affect the PPI hydrolysis induced by ionotropic glutamate receptor agonists or by norepinephrine or serotonin. At a dose range of 100–300 μM, QA-stimulated PPI hydrolysis in cells prepared from the SH group increased by 3- to 4.5-fold, while this increase was only 2- to 2.5-fold in cells prepared from the HI group. Presence of l -NG-monomethyl-arginine ( l -NMMA), a nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, did not increase QA-stimulated PPI hydrolysis in cells prepared from either the SH or the HI group, indicating that stimulation of NO formation is unlikely involved in the suppressive effects of intrauterine HI on QA-induced PPI hydrolysis. The QA-stimulated PPI hydrolysis in cells prepared from the HI group, but not from the SH group, was further inhibited by l -(+)-2-amino-3-phosphonopropionic acid ( l -AP3). The overall results suggest that intrauterine HI has long-lasting suppressive effects on metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist-stimulated PPI hydrolysis and these effects might be associated with alterations in expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor subtypes.
Distributed Connected Dominating Set Construction in Geometric k-Disk Graphs

In this paper, we study the problem of minimum connected dominating set in geometric k-disk graphs. This research is motivated by the problem of virtual backbone construction in wireless ad hoc and sensor networks, where the coverage area of nodes are disks with different radii. We derive the size relationship of any maximal independent set and the minimum connected dominating set in geometric k-disk graphs, and apply it to analyze the performances of two distributed connected dominating set algorithms we propose in this paper. These algorithms have a bounded performance ratio and low communication overhead, and therefore have the potential to be applied in real ad hoc and sensor networks.
Similarity measures in Small World Stratification for distribution fault diagnosis

Small World Stratification (SWS) is a sampling strategy aims to solve the problem of insufficient historical data for fault diagnosis in a small local region. SWS involves sampling relevant fault events by Geographic Aggregation (GA) and Feature Space Clustering (FSC), and identifying the group of fault events that should be investigated together. In order to apply FSC, proper measures of similarity among regions are needed. In this paper, we propose four types of regional feature vectors (RFV): normalized regional feature vectors (NRFV), relative regional feature vectors (RRFV), likelihood regional feature vectors (LRFV) and generalized regional feature vectors (GRFV), derived from the measures used to analyze distribution faults. Similarity measures based on the distance between RFVs are evaluated using fault events simulated by the Distribution Fault Simulator. Experimental results suggest that GRFV is the best among the four.
THE mei-9a MUTANT OF DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER INCREASES MUTAGEN SENSITIVITY AND DECREASES EXCISION REPAIR

The mei-9a mutant of Drosophila melanogaster , which reduces meiotic recombination in females (Baker and Carpenter 1972), is deficient in the excision of UV-induced pyrimidine dimers in both sexes. Assays were performed in primary cultures and established cell lines derived from embryos. An endonuclease preparation from M. luteus , which is specific for pyrimidine dimers, was employed to monitor UV-induced dimers in cellular DNA. The rate of disappearance of endonuclease-sensitive sites from DNA of control cells is 10–20 times faster than that from mei-9a cells. The mutant mei-218, which is also deficient in meiotic recombination, removes nuclease-sensitive sites at control rates. The mei-9a cells exhibit control levels of photorepair, postreplication repair and repair of single strand breaks. In mei-9 cells DNA synthesis and possibly postreplication repair are weakly sensitive to caffeine. Larvae which are hemizygous for either of the two mutants that define the mei-9 locus are hypersensitive to killing by the mutagens methyl methanesulfonate, nitrogen mustard and 2-acetylaminofluorene. Larvae hemizygous for the mei-218 mutant are insensitive to each of these reagents. These data demonstrate that the mei-9 locus is active in DNA repair of somatic cells. Thus functions involved in meiotic recombination are also active in DNA repair in this higher eukaryote. The results are consistent with the earlier suggestions (Baker and Carpenter 1972; Carpenter and Sandler 1974) that the mei-9 locus functions in the exchange events of meiosis. The mei-218 mutation behaves differently in genetic tests and our data suggest its function may be restricted to meiosis. These studies demonstrate that currently recognized modes of DNA repair can be efficiently detected in primary cell cultures derived from Drosophila embryos.
A three dimensional computational model for evaluation of flow pattern in the main pulmonary artery

In this study, thirty methyl methacrylate casts were used to map the pulmonary artery of normal lambs, ranging in age from two to 100 days. The three-dimensional (3-D) computer tomography (CT) images of these casts were processed to extract the representative geometric parameters of the pulmonary artery. The growth pattern of the geometry of the normal pulmonary artery was analyzed by relating these parameters to age. A mathematical model was established to represent the pulmonary artery structure by a set of geometric parameters. Computer programs were developed to generate the 3-D shape of the main pulmonary artery and two daughter branches based upon the mathematical model. The finite element dynamic analysis package (FIDAP) was used to make a finite element mesh of the pulmonary artery from the generated shape. The numerical computation of the flow pattern was then carried out with a Cray Y-MP computer. The effect of the 3-D geometry on the blood flow pattern can be visualized from the result of the computation. >
Mixed layer dynamics: Progress and new directions

The dynamics of the oceanic surface mixed layer was the topic of the Fourth ‘Aha Huliko'a Hawaiian Winter Workshop. The meeting was hosted by the University of Hawaii and was held from January 14 to 16, 1987. Some two dozen participants, representing diverse experimental and theoretical interests and viewpoints, were charged with “evaluating the state of the art and offering suggestions for future research.” The ocean is primarily driven at the sea surface by the atmosphere. The fluxes of momentum, mass, and heat into the ocean are controlled by the oceanic surface mixed layer. Proper understanding of mixed layer dynamics is hence paramount for almost every problem in physical oceanography. This central role is not limited to physical oceanography. Mixed layer dynamics also affect the natural and anthropogenic chemical fluxes between the ocean and the atmosphere and therefore the geochemical cycle of many substances (F. Mackenzie, Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill.). Similarly, mixed layer dynamics are of crucial importance for the biological productivity of the upper ocean.
GraphSET, a tool for simultaneous graph drawing

Problems in simultaneous graph drawing involve the layout of several graphs on a shared vertex set. This paper describes a Graph Simultaneous Embedding Tool, GraphSET, designed to allow the investigation of a wide range of graph embedding problems. GraphSET can be used in the study of several variants of simultaneous embedding including simultaneous geometric embedding, simultaneous embedding with fixed edges, and colored simultaneous embedding with the vertex set partitioned into color classes. The tool has three primary uses: (i) studying theoretical problems in simultaneous graph drawing through the production of examples and counterexamples, (ii) producing layouts of given classes of graphs using built-in implementations of known algorithms, and (iii) providing a platform for development and implementation of new algorithms and data structures for all variants of simultaneous graph embedding. We also describe the design decisions involved in the construction of GraphSET in terms of the requirements dictated by its applications. GraphSET along with movies illustrating its utility are available at . Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A watershed modeling approach to streamflow reconstruction from tree-ring?records

Insight into long-term changes of streamflow is critical for addressing implications of global warming for sustainable water management. To date, dendrohydrologists have employed sophisticated regression techniques to extend runoff records, but this empirical approach cannot directly test the influence of watershed factors that alter streamflow independently of climate. We designed a mechanistic watershed model to calculate streamflows at annual timescales using as few inputs as possible. The model was calibrated for upper reaches of the Walker River, which straddles the boundary between the Sierra Nevada of California and the Great Basin of Nevada. Even though the model incorporated simplified relationships between precipitation and other components of the hydrologic cycle, it predicted water year streamflows with correlations of 0.87 when appropriate precipitation values were used.
Effect of plasma proteins on Buprenorphine transfer across dually perfused placental lobule

Objective. The aim of this investigation is to determine the effect of human serum albumin (HSA) and α-acid glycoprotein (AAG) on buprenorphine (BUP) transplacental transfer and distribution.Methods. The technique of dual perfusion of placental lobule (DPPL) was utilised. BUP was co-perfused with the marker compound antipyrine (AP). In each experiment, the radiolabelled isotopes [3H]-BUP and [14C]-AP were added to enhance their detection limits. Human plasma proteins, HSA and AAG, were added to both the maternal and fetal circuits separately and in combination at their physiological concentrations in maternal and fetal circulations close to term.Results. Transplacental transfer of BUP, in absence of plasma proteins, is a two-step process: the first is its uptake by the syncytiotrophoblast from the maternal circuit, and the second is its transfer/release from the tissue to the fetal circuit. The addition of HSA to the perfusion medium affected only the second step of BUP transfer, but AAG affected both ste...
Non-Toxic Liquid-Metal 2-100 GHz MEMS Switch

In this paper, the first wide-band MEMS capacitive switch using non-toxic liquid metal, Galinstan, is reported. Controlled movement of Galinstan in a micro-channel alters the impedance of a coplanar waveguide (CPW) line from 50 Omega (off-state) to an effective RF short circuit (on-state). The RF short circuit in particular is achieved when a slug of Galinstan capacitively connects the center conductor with the ground planes of the CPW line. Galinstan is reliably manipulated by surrounding it with Teflon solution. Because of Teflon, no residual liquid metal is observed when Galinstan moves. In addition, the Teflon solution has insignificant RF loss and therefore does not adversely affect the switch loss in its off-state even up to 100 GHz. The insertion loss of the switch is measured at 0.2, 0.7 and 1.3 dB at 20, 40 and 100 GHz respectively and is mainly due to the 1500 mum long transmission line. The on-state shunt capacitance is measured to be 4 pF which results in an on-state isolation of greater than 20 dB from 20 to 100 GHz.
NoCIC: a spice-based interconnect planning tool emphasizing aggressive on-chip interconnect circuit methods

Performance and power of on-chip interconnects in the nanometer realm have been an increasing source of concern to designers. Network-on-Chip (NoC)structures have been proposed as a solution to achieve efficient and reliable communication. Even with the regularity of NoC structures, it is important for designers to acknowledge the physical layer interconnect issues to plan and quantify achievable performance. In this paper we present a spice-based tool: No-CIC: Network-on-Chip Interconnect Calculator, which enables NoC designers to assess the impact of interconnect circuit designs and understand the tradeoffs involved to achieve better a priori planning. NoCIC determines the interconnect performance and power based on select NoC and circuit parameters. The effects of each parameter on the interconnect performance and power are expressed through various two-dimensional and three-dimensional plots.
Antibiotic prophylaxis in cardiac surgery: If some is good, how come more is not better?

From the Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Disclosures: Author has nothing to disclose with regard to commercial support. Received for publication Oct 15, 2015; accepted for publication Oct 18, 2015; available ahead of print Nov 21, 2015. Address for reprints: Nicholas D. Andersen, MD, Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3443, Durham, NC 27710 (E-mail: Nicholas.andersen@duke.edu). J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2016;151:598-9 0022-5223/$36.00 Copyright 2016 by The American Association for Thoracic Surgery http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcvs.2015.10.049
A user-centric classification of tools for biological resource discovery and integration on the web

The need to use resource discovery and composition tools to assist in the development of scientific workflows is well established. While systems have been developed to guide scientists in the design and implementation of their protocols into executable workflows, these systems differ significantly in the way they support the various steps of resource discovery. This paper proposes a classification of resource exploration and discovery tools according to five main categories: content, graphical interface, maintenance, optimization, and query. The paper overviews six resource discovery approaches and evaluates them according to the proposed classification. An example of how the metrics can be used in the selection of an appropriate tool for given requirements is presented.
Intensive formation of vivianite in the bottom sediments of mesotrophic Narrow Lake, Alberta

Narrow Lake, Alberta, is unusual among prairie lakes in that the water is clear, and nutrient concentrations and algal productivity are relatively low. However, the bottom sediments of this mesotrophic lake contain extremely high concentrations of nonapatite inorganic phosphorus ( - 1.5 wt.9o) in the form of vivianite and adsorbed on hydrated ferric oxides. Ferrous and manganese ions in groundwater percolating upward through the bottom sediments are precipitated in oxygenated deeper water, effectively controliing phosphorus concentrations in the overlying water. The main sink for phosphorus switches from the oxide to vivianite with increasing depth of burial in the sediments. M<issbauer spectral data suggest that the freshly precipitated hydrated oxide is similar to ferrihydrite, Thus in this lake, high concentrations of phosphorus are effectively bound in the deep-water sediments and are not available to planktonic algae.
DESIGN AND TEST OF SEMICIRCULAR COMPOSITE FRAMES OPTIMIZED FOR CRASHWORTHINESS

Vertical drop testing of transport aircraft fuselage sections indicate that the frames play a major role in the process of absorbing the impact energy in the crushing of the substructure below the main passenger deck. Subsequent static crush tests of scaled frames fabricated from graphite-epoxy tape show that they tend to absorb less energy that their aluminum counterparts due to the brittle-type failure modes of the composite compared to failure by ductile yielding of the aluminum. A mathematical model developed to optimize open section curved composite frames under static crush loading for improved energy absorption is used to design previously fabricated graphite-epoxy frames not optimized for energy absorption. Flanges were resized on three of these previously fabricated semicircular, I-section, frames. Static test results of the redesigned frames are compared to tests results of the nominally equivalent original frames. The tests results from the redesigned frames show an improved energy absorption relative to their original counterparts, and that the mathematical model predicts the correct sequence and location of failure events. However, the mathematical model did not predict the magnitudes of the force and displacement at the first major failure event that occurred in the test. Nomenclature EI modulus of elasticity in the fiber direction (Msi)
Breastfeeding in the Workplace

The purpose of this article is to describe the need for the federal government to pass Bill S 1463, The Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2011. When this bill is passed, it will allow working lactating women to breastfeed (pump) while at the workplace by requiring reasonable work breaks and space. The first year of a child’s life is the most crucial, and allowing this bill to pass will encourage working mothers to give their baby one of the best gifts a mother can give her child—a healthier life. Not only will it benefit mothers and children, when this bill is passed it will also benefit employers. Employers will save in health care costs and absenteeism costs. The Breastfeeding Promotion Act must be passed immediately so that our mothers, children, and employers can benefit from the many benefits that this bill will provide.
The Effect of Plasma Substitutes on Sedimentation Rates and Viscosity

About twenty years ago, The National Academy of Science-National Research Council’s Committee on Plasma and Plasma Substitute, Division of Medical Sciences sponsored the Third Conference on Artificial Colloidal Agents. At that time there was some concern about the stability of dextran. Therefore there was the need for a more suitable artificial colloidal plasma volume expander. At this meeting the results were presented in order to evaluate the feasibility of using solutions of hydroxyethyl starch (HES). This polymer is a derivative of amylopectin, a “waxy” starch, containing only branched chains of glycoside molecules devoid of a linear component. It is prepared by first reacting the starch to acid hydrolysis and then with ethylene oxide in an alkaline solution. There are two distinct advantages to using HES as a plasma substitute. The first is the wide range of molecular weights that are available and the second is the degree of molar substitution, which is defined as the average nunber of hydroxyethyl groups reacted per anhydroglucose residue. It is this unique combination that is the major determinant for the rate of amylase hydrolysis and the time of retention. The half-life concentration parameter, that is, the time required for the concentration of HES in the bloodstream, following intravenous injection, to fall to 50 percent of its initial peak value, has a range of times from 24–36 hours for a weight average molecular weight, Mw, of 450,000 and degree of molar substitution, M.S., of 0.7 to 2–4 hours for a Mw of 40,000 and M.S. of 0.55, respectively [1].
Plasma Generation by Laser Filamentation in Air

Streak cameras, with high-temporal resolution, are a powerful tool to image light propagation and plasma dynamics. Here, we present the image of a 2.2-TW peak power, 50-fs laser pulse, propagating in a nonlinear fashion over a distance of 1.3 m, leaving behind plasma. A direct measurement of the Rayleigh scattering of the pulse and the plasma emission are presented here.
Family grief in the emergency department.

Summary Emergency physicians frequently face death, yet many are unprepared to deal with the family survivors of a patient who has died unexpectedly. Without the benefit of establishing prior rapport with the family, the emergency physician must anticipate the family' s grief response so that he or she can intervene to avoid an unnecessarily prolonged or morbid grief reaction. Factors predisposing to a pathologic grief response in the death of a spouse or of an infant or child must be recognized, and the physician' s power to assuage survivor guilt should be used. Certain key actions in the process of notifying survivors, viewing the body, concluding the emergency department visit, and following up after the patient' s death help facilitate survivor grief in the least traumatic way possible. Emergency Departments can improve their dealing with death by instituting a team approach using doctors, nurses, social workers, and clergy to better support family members in their emergency department experience and to provide a link with community service organizations helpful to the family after they leave the hospital.
Effects of beta-adrenergic stimulation with isoproterenol on glomerular hemodynamics.

To evaluate the contribution of beta 1-2-adrenergic receptor stimulation to the regulation of single-nephron glomerular filtration rate (SNGFR), we examined by micropuncture techniques the effects of systemic and intrarenal infusion of isoproterenol on glomerular hemodynamics in plasma volume-expanded Munich-Wistar rats. Isoproterenol infused systemically was consistently associated with an elevation in glomerular capillary hydrostatic pressure difference (delta P) from 44.2 +/- 1.2 to 50.1 +/- 1.3 mmHg, P less than 0.01, the consequence of a 5.9-mmHg fall in Bowman9s space hydrostatic pressure, P less than 0.005. The potentially beneficial effect of increased delta P on SNGFR was overcome by a 40% reduction in the glomerular ultrafiltration coefficient (LpA) from 0.043 +/- 0.003 to 0.026 +/- 0.003 nl.s-1.mmHg-1.g kidney wt-1, P less than 0.005, with a net effect of a modest 13% decline in SNGFR, P less than 0.01. In contrast, the intrarenal infusion of isoproterenol did not modify glomerular hemodynamics. Suppression of angiotensin II activity eliminated the influences of systemic isoproterenol infusion on LpA and delta P, the latter was the consequence of lower efferent arteriolar resistance. The findings suggest that systemic infusion of a beta 1-2-adrenergic agonist results in a decrease in LpA via angiotensin II effects and exerts a vasodilatory action on postglomerular vessels during angiotensin II inhibition.
Potentially traumatic events, coping strategies and associations with mental health and well-being measures among conflict-affected youth in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Youth in conflict and post-conflict settings are exposed to a variety of potentially-traumatic events that impact their mental health and well-being. The purposes of this study were to examine coping strategies among conflict-affected youth exposed to potentially-traumatic events and the relationship to psychological symptoms and well-being in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). A total of 434 male and female youth (ages 10–15 years) completed data collection with a trained Congolese interviewer. The survey instrument included measures of exposure to potentially traumatic events, an adapted coping strategies checklist, and measures of psychosocial distress and well-being. Exploratory factor analyses was used to identify coping strategies and Hierarchical regression was used to assess how coping strategies were associated with psychological symptoms including internalizing and externalizing problems and well-being outcomes including prosocial behavior and self-esteem. Exploratory Factor analysis suggested four coping strategies; problem-focused, emotion-focused, avoidance and faith-based strategies. Problem-focused coping strategies were associated with greater internalizing and externalizing problems and lower prosocial behavior in both boys and girls. However, when problem-focused strategies were used with emotion-focused coping strategies, the result was fewer internalizing problems in girls and fewer externalizing problems in boys and girls. Emotion-focused, avoidance and faith based strategies were associated with better self-esteem. These results suggest a complex relationship between coping strategies, psychological symptoms and well-being and contradict evidence that problem-focused strategies benefit mental health while emotion-focused strategies harm mental health, particularly in conflict and post-conflict settings. The results suggest coping flexibility, or use of multiple coping strategies may be particularly useful to improving mental health and well-being. The need for context specific understandings of coping strategies in conflict-affected populations is highlighted by the results of the study.
Diplomatic Approaches to the Political Problems of International Relief in Natural Disasters

The fundamental values and beliefs that underlie many of the arguments about international relief assistance for natural disasters are not very different from each other, and their similarity may explain the lack of progress toward substantive reform that continues despite the debate. David Forsythe elucidates these similarities through a series of examples designed to highlight the principles underlying the positions taken by advocates of various methods for reforming the system, and extrapolates the likely consequences of each position in the present international community. His conclusions are not overly optimistic. Indeed, they could not be, given the primacy of the principle of national sovereignty controlling international diplomatic practice. However, the impact of communications and transportation technologies may alter the pessimism traditionally associated with the principle of sovereignty in the context of relief as the expectations of the governed and, accordingly, their leaders change.
Medical and nonmedical use of prescription sedatives and anxiolytics: Adolescents' use and substance use disorder symptoms in adulthood

Abstract Objectives This study assessed the longitudinal associations between medical and nonmedical use of prescription sedatives/anxiolytics (NMPSA) during adolescence (age 18) and substance use disorder (SUD) symptoms during adulthood (age 35). Methods Multiple cohorts of nationally representative samples of U.S. high school seniors (n = 8373) were surveyed via self-administered questionnaires and followed longitudinally from adolescence (age 18, 1976–1996) to adulthood (age 35, 1993–2013). Results An estimated 20.1% of adolescents reported lifetime medical or nonmedical use of prescription sedatives/anxiolytics. Among adolescents who reported medical use of prescription sedatives/anxiolytics, 44.9% also reported NMPSA by age 18. Based on multivariate analyses that included age 18 sociodemographic and other substance use controls, medical use of prescription sedatives/anxiolytics without any history of NMPSA during adolescence was not associated with SUD symptoms in adulthood relative to adolescents with no prescription sedative/anxiolytic use. In contrast, adolescents with a history of both medical and nonmedical use of prescription sedatives/anxiolytics and adolescents who reported only NMPSA had between two to three times greater odds of SUD symptoms in adulthood relative to adolescents with no prescription sedative/anxiolytic use and those who reported only medical use of prescription sedatives/anxiolytics. Conclusions One in every five U.S. high school seniors reported ever using prescription sedatives/anxiolytics either medically or nonmedically. This study provides compelling evidence that the medical use of prescription sedatives/anxiolytics (without any NMPSA) during adolescence is not associated with increased risk of SUD symptoms in adulthood while any NMPSA during adolescence serves as a signal for SUDs in adulthood.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging-Based Thalamic Segmentation in Deep Brain Stimulation for Chronic Pain Conditions.

Background/Aims: Thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) for the treatment of medically refractory pain has largely been abandoned on account of its inconsistent an
Influence of aluminum content on plasmonic behavior of Mg-Al alloy thin films

The influences of deposition rate and alloying with aluminum (0 to 65 at.%) on the structure and optical properties of magnesium films on quartz are examined. Results show that increasing the deposition rate improves the plasmonic figure of merit (FOM) values, and decreases the surface roughness and grain size. Addition of Al to Mg blue shifts the localized surface plasmon (LSP) figure of merit peak position and improves LSP FOM values over portions of the ultraviolet (UV) region. Nanotriangles (NTs) of Mg and Mg-Al on quartz were fabricated using colloidal lithography. Mg-Al NTs show improved LSP resonance (LSPR) response compared to Mg particles due to improved structural integrity.
Polyaniline-based electrodes: recent application in supercapacitors and next generation rechargeable batteries

This review highlights the versatility of polyaniline (PANI) for application in the electrodes of energy storage devices — supercapacitors and next-generation batteries (sodium-ion — SIB and lithium–sulfur — LiS). Supercapacitor electrodes with high energy storage capability and cycle life have been developed based on both neat PANI as well as its composites with carbon or inorganic pseudocapacitors. In batteries, tailorable synthesis of PANI to confine/coat nanostructures of electroactive materials (Na+ host materials in SIBs or sulfur in LiS) has resulted in notable improvement in utilization, stability and durability of these materials due to PANI's high conductivity, specific material interaction and its ability to ameliorate stress on the nanostructures caused by large volume changes during cycling. Limitations of PANI in such electrodes are discussed and possible future directions have been proposed.
Effect of Carbon Dioxide on the Growth of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Listeria monocytogenes in Aerobic Atmospheres.

The effects of atmospheres containing 20% O2 and 0 to 80% CO2 or 30% CO2 and 0 to 40% O2 (balance N2) on the growth rate and lag phase of Listeria monocytogenes and Pseudomonas fluorescens in buffered nutrient broth at 7.5°C were investigated. Increasing CO2 concentration lengthened the lag phase and decreased the growth rate of both organisms. CO2 levels above 20% significantly reduced the growth rate of P. fluorescens and CO2 levels of 80% significantly reduced the growth rate of L. monocytogenes . Linear and multiple regression analyses were used to describe L. monocytogenes and P. fluorescens growth curves. The R2 values of all regression analyses were greater than 93%. The regression equations indicate that CO2 inhibits the growth of both P. fluorescens and L. monocytogenes even in the presence of 20% O2, However, the effect of CO2 on P.fluorescens is greater than on L. monocytogenes .
Effects of Goal-Setting Instruction on Academic Engagement for Students At Risk:

Research indicates teachers feel teaching goal-setting is an effective way to enhance academic engagement. However, teachers ultimately feel unprepared to embed goal-setting instruction into academic content to support active student engagement. Given the importance teachers place on goal-setting skills, there is a need to identify strategies to support teachers embedding goal-setting instruction across the academic day. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of goal-setting instruction on academic engagement for middle school students at risk for academic failure. Results indicated a functional relation between goal-setting lessons and students’ active academic engagement. Limitations, suggestions for future research, and implications for practice are provided.
Effect of Plant Age and Leaf Position on Susceptibility to Wheat Stripe Rust

In addition to pathogen propagule dispersal, disease spread requires successful infection of host tissue. In plant disease epidemiology, susceptibility of host tissue is often assumed to be constant. This assumption ignores changes in host phenology due to developmental stage. To examine this assumption, 3-, 4-, and 5-week-old wheat plants were inoculated with equal quantities of urediniospores of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, the causal agent of wheat stripe rust (WSR). Disease severity on each leaf was assessed and fit by mixed-effect linear model as a function of leaf position and plant age. Younger plants had significantly greater disease severity than older plants, with mean severities of 50.4, 30.1, and 12.9% on plants that were 3, 4, and 5 weeks old, respectively, at time of inoculation. This effect was greater on leaves higher on the plant. Within same-aged plants, younger leaves had significantly greater disease severity than older leaves, with mean severities of 40.2, 34.8, and 17.7% on t...
Grabulax Gen. nov. Darlingtoni sp. nov. (Tenebrionidae: Lagriinae: Laenini) from Colombia, with Reevalution of New World Laenini

Abstract. Grabulax gen. nov. darlingtoni sp. nov. is described from Colombia. The phylogenetic relationship of this genus to other Lagriinae is discussed and the New World Laenini are reevaluated.
Oxidation behavior of U-Si compounds in air from 25 to 1000 C

Abstract The air oxidation behavior of U3Si2, USi, and U3Si5 is studied from room temperature to 1000 C. The onsets of breakaway oxidation for each compound are identified during synthetic air ramps to 1000 C using thermogravimetric analysis. Isothermal air oxidation tests are performed below and above the breakaway oxidation onset to discern the oxidation kinetic behavior of these candidate accident tolerant fuel forms. Uranium metal is tested in the same manner to provide a reference for the oxidation behavior. Thermogravimetric, x-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy analysis are presented here along with a discussion of the oxidation behavior of these materials and the impact of the lack of oxidation resistance to their deployment as accident tolerant nuclear fuels.