cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Priming Predispositions and Changing Policy Positions: An Account of When Mass Opinion Is Primed or Changed

Prior research provides limited insights into when political communications prime or change citizens’ underlying opinions. This article helps fill that void by putting forth an account of priming and opinion change. I argue that crystallized attitudes should often be primed by new information. An influx of attention to less crystallized preferences, however, should lead individuals to alter their underlying opinions in accordance with prior beliefs. Since predispositions acquired early in the life cycle—such as partisanship, religiosity, basic values, and group-based affect/antagonisms—are more crystallized than mass opinion about public policy, media and campaign content will tend to prime citizens’ predispositions and change their policy positions. Both my review of previous priming research and original analyses presented in this study from five new cases strongly support the crystallization-based account of when mass opinion is primed or changed. I conclude with a discussion of the article's potential political, methodological, and normative implications.
Overview of the SF-36 Health Survey and the International Quality of Life Assessment (IQOLA) Project

This article presents information about the development and evaluation of the SF-36 Health Survey, a 36-item generic measure of health status. It summarizes studies of reliability and validity and provides administrative and interpretation guidelines for the SF-36. A brief history of the International Quality of Life Assessment (IQOLA) Project is also included.
Chk2-mediated G2/M cell cycle arrest maintains radiation resistance in malignant meningioma cells

Abstract In continuation to our studies on radioresistance in meningioma, here we show that radiation treatment (7 Gy) induces G2/M cell cycle arrest in meningioma cells. Phosphorylation of Chk2, Cdc25c and Cdc2 were found to be key events since interference with Chk2 activation and cyclin B1/Cdc2 interaction led to permanent arrest followed by apoptosis. Irradiated cells showed recovery and formed aggressive intracranial tumors with rapid spread and morbidity. Nevertheless, knock down of uPAR with or without radiation induced permanent arrest in G2/M phase and subsequent apoptosis in vitro and in vivo . In conclusion, our data suggest that combination treatment with radiation and uPAR knock down or other inhibitors resulting in non-reversible G2/M arrest may be beneficial in the management of meningiomas.
Experimental validation of source seeking with a switching strategy

We design a switching strategy for a group of robots to search for a local minimum of an unknown noisy scalar field. Starting with individual exploration, the robots switch to cooperative exploration only when they are not able to locate the field minimum based on the information collected individually. In order to test and demonstrate the switching strategy in real-world environment, we implement the switching strategy on a multi-robot test-bed. The behaviors of a group of robots are compared when different parameters for exploration are adopted. Especially, we observe the effect of memory lengths on the switching behaviors as predicted by theoretical results. The experimental results also justify the effects of different formation sizes and noise attenuation levels on the performance of the cooperative H ∞ filter that are utilized in the cooperative exploration phase.
NIRSPEC brown dwarf spectroscopic survey

The NIRSPEC Brown Dwarf Spectroscopic Survey is a project to obtain a consistent set of high-quality near-IR spectra for each spectral class and sub-class of low-mass and/or sub- stellar objects to provide a new data base for models of the atmosphere of brown dwarfs and extra-solar giant planets. Most of the current targets are L-dwarfs and T-dwarfs discovered by the 2MASS. The survey is begin performed with the recently-commissioned near-IR spectrometer, NIRSPEC, a 1-5 micrometers cryogenic spectrograph at the WM Keck Observatory on Mauna Kea, using resolving powers of R equals 2,500-25,000. Preliminary results for four sources, three L-dwarfs and one T-dwarf, are presented here. Spectra from 1.13-2.33 micrometers at an average resolution of R equals 2,500 illustrate the development of deep steam bands and the weakening of FeH through the L-sequence, and the emergence of methane bands in the T-dwarfs. Complex detail in the spectra are the result of blending of numerous unresolved molecular transitions.
Simultaneous integrin αvβ3 and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibition causes reduction in infarct size in a model of acute coronary thrombosis and primary angioplasty

Objective: We tested the hypothesis that simultaneous inhibition of the endothelial integrin avh3 and the platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor will substantially reduce infarct size in a model of acute coronary thrombosis and primary angioplasty. Methods: Dogs were subjected to thrombus formation in the left anterior descending coronary artery followed by primary angioplasty. Prior to angioplasty, they were randomized into 3 treatment groups. Group 1 (n=7) received saline; Group 2 (n=9) received MK-383 that inhibits only IIb/IIIa; and Group 3 (n=9) received CP-4715, that inhibits both IIb/IIIa and avh3. Results: There was a 59% reduction in infarct size in dogs receiving CP-4715 compared to controls (p=0.002) and a 37% reduction compared to the dogs receiving MK-383 (p=0.04). Myocardium microthrombi were seen to be reduced similarly with both drugs on postmortem 99m Tc-DMP444 autoradiography that reflects in vivo IIb/IIIa receptor activity. In vivo imaging using echistatin-conjugated and leukocyte-targeted microbubbles revealed significant avh3 inhibition and reduction in active leukocyte recruitment only in Group 3 dogs. Myocardial blood flow and regional function after reperfusion were also significantly better in this group. Conclusion: Simultaneous inhibition of IIb/IIIa and avh3 causes a marked reduction in infarct size in a model of acute coronary thrombosis and primary PTCA that is associated with reduced myocardial microthrombi and inflammation, as well as improved myocardial blood flow and regional function. These results may have important implications in the treatment of acute coronary syndromes.
Studies on the effect of diadenlyated nucleotides on calcium mobilization and prostacyclin synthesis in bovine aortic endothelial cells.

Abstract Extracellular adenine dinucleotides are modulators of blood vessel tone. We have previously demonstrated that Ap 2 A and Ap 4 A induce the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) from bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) while Ap 3 A and Ap 5 A do not [FEBS Lett. 427 (1998) 320; Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 364 (1999) 280.]. In this communication we determine the effect of Ap x As ( x =2–5) on prostacyclin (PGI 2 ) synthesis and Ca 2+ mobilization in BAEC. Ap 2 A and Ap 4 A significantly enhanced the synthesis of PGI 2 while Ap 3 A and Ap 5 A do not. These data support the notion that Ap 2 A and Ap 4 A are vasodilators. All four dinucleotides significantly enhanced Ca 2+ mobilization over basal levels. Ap 5 A and Ap 3 A enhanced 2.0 and 1.6 times more Ca 2+ release than Ap 4 A, respectively. Since neither Ap 5 A nor Ap 3 A enhanced the synthesis of either PGI 2 or NO but did mobilize Ca 2+ , these data support the hypothesis that in BAEC Ca 2+ release is localized or compartmentalized.
Dietary Patterns of Lontra canadensis in the Lower Snohomish River Estuary, Washington

Abstract The North American river otter, Lontra canadensis, is widely distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere but has become increasingly rare in some areas due to trapping, hunting, and environmental pollutants. Thorough research has been done on coastal and inland populations but relatively less research has been done on estuarine otter populations. This study investigated the dietary patterns in river otters in the Snohomish River Estuary in northern Washington between October 2012 and May 2013. Solitary otters were observed during 66% of recordings by a remote camera at the most sampled latrine site; however, groups as large as five were recorded on camera. Fecal analysis indicated crustacean, found in 76% of samples, as the primary food source for this population during the sampled time period and location. These data are from a limited observation and therefore preliminary, but demonstrate a need for more comprehensive research in this population of otters.
Linear motion carriage with aerostatic bearings preloaded by inclined iron core linear electric motor

Abstract A fundamentally precise and simple linear motion axis design is discussed where the attractive force from the linear motor is used to preload a carriage supported by six rigidly attached porous carbon air bearings. The air bearings are assembled by vacuuming the pads to two orthogonal planes, positioning the carriage above the pads, and then injecting epoxy between the bearings and the carriage. Control of flatness tolerances of the bearings and planes permits over-constraint of the carriage by the bearings, which leads to a high degree of accuracy and moment load capacity via elastic averaging. Good dynamic stiffness is also obtained because of large bearing area and squeezed-film damping. The two orthogonal planes represent an accurate and cost effective geometry that can be created to guide linear motion; and by placing the open-face iron-core motor at the desired position and angle with respect to the bearings, preload forces with equal or otherwise desired relative magnitudes are obtained. Because the attractive force is typically 3–5 times the axial force generated by the motor, the system is inherently stable even in the presence of large externally applied moments that might otherwise induce excessive pitch, yaw, or roll errors.
TWO ADDITIONS TO HIERARCHICAL CLUSTER ANALYSIS

Two additions to Johnson's hierarchical cluster analysis (1967) are proposed. The first is a procedure for ordering the clusters to make the obtained solution unique and frequently more meaningful. The second is a similarity measure, whereby two (or more) cluster solutions of the same set of variables can be compared. The value of ordered clusterings is illustrated with a reanalysis of data from Miller & Nicely (1955).
Selling the Indian: Commercializing and Appropriating American Indian Cultures.

Selling the Indian: Commercializing and Appropriating American Indian Cultures. Carter Jones Meyer and Diana Royer. eds. Tucson: University of Arizona Press, 2001. ix. 279 pp., photographs, index.
Anti-Xa and anti-IIa drugs alter international normalized ratio measurements: potential problems in the monitoring of oral anticoagulants

Several of the newly developed anti-Xa and anti-IIa agents have been shown to influence the International Normalized Ratio (INR) values. During phase I trials with normal healthy volunteers and phase II study patients who were given warfarin and concomitant anti-IIa or anti-Xa agents, it has been reported that INR values were falsely elevated. It is of critical importance to know of the effects of these agents on INR to avoid dosage errors. To study the influence of these agents on INR, we used several anti-IIa agents (argatroban, recombinant hirudin, efegatran, and PEG-hirudin) and anti-Xa drugs (pentasaccharides such as fondaparinux and idraparinux, DX-9065a and JTV-803). The anti-IIa drugs were supplemented in citrated plasma at a concentration of 0 to 1 microg/mL level and anti-Xa drugs in the range of 0 to 25 microg/mL. The IC(50) values for each of these agents were calculated. Four different commercially available prothrombin time (PT) reagents were used to perform the PT assays and to calculate the relative INR values. Direct synthetic factor IIa and Xa inhibitors exhibited a concentration-dependent increase in the INR values. Hirudin, efegatran, and PEG-hirudin showed a weaker effect, whereas argatroban showed a much higher elevation of the INR values. Synthetic indirect anti-Xa agents such as the pentasaccharide did not show any effect on the INR values. Furthermore, prothrombin time reagents with high ISI values exhibited disproportionally higher INR values for both the direct anti-Xa and anti-IIa agents. Elevation of INR values has therapeutic implications when non-oral anticoagulant drugs are used in combination with drugs such as warfarin. Because of the false elevation of INR values with some of the non-oral anticoagulant drugs, patients who are on concomitant warfarin therapy should be carefully evaluated for their corresponding INR values for proper dosing. To avoid dosing errors it is best not to use the INR values in the therapeutic monitoring of anti-Xa and anti-IIa agents either in the monotherapeutic or polytherapeutic modalities. These data also warrant the development clinically relevant methods for the monitoring of the concomitant use of newly developed anti-Xa and anti-IIa drugs with oral anticoagulants.
Occupational Therapy's Link to Vocational Reeducation, 1910-1925

The development of occupational therapy is rooted in early 20th century medical reform. During the early 1910s, several members of the medical profession, human service workers, and the larger American society were increasingly disturbed by medical practices that did not consider the individual's personal experience of disability. Occupational therapy was developed, in part, out of this desire to provide persons with treatment that helped them to function in their communities despite their disability. Early occupational therapy leaders envisioned the fledgling profession as a societal service capable of assisting persons with disabilities to return to both work and community life. Vocational reeducation was initially considered to be an integral component of occupational therapy in the years from 1910 to 1920. However, the profession's early link to vocational reduction was challenged by vocational technical trainers during World War I. To prevent occupational therapy from being subsumed by vocational technical training, the early occupational therapy leaders implemented several strategies: adoption of physician prescription for all occupational therapy services, delivery of occupational therapy services primarily within hospital settings, and dissociation from vocational reeducation services. Reasons accounting for why the early occupational therapy leaders abandoned their initial commitment to vocational reeducation are explored. Suggestions about how this decision has affected present-day practice are also offered.
Non-Contact Acoustic Techniques for Drug Tablet Monitoring

Quality assurance monitoring and material characterization is of great importance in the pharmaceutical industry. If the tablet coating and/or core are defective, the desired dose delivery and bioavailability can be compromised. Tablet coatings serve a wide variety of purposes such as regulating controlled release of active ingredients in the body, contributing to the bioavailability of a particular drug or combination of drugs, during certain times and locations within the body, protecting the stomach from high concentrations of active ingredients, extending the shelf life by protecting the ingredients from degradation from moisture and oxygen, and improving the tablet's visual appeal. If a coating layer is non-uniform and/or contains surface or sub-surface defects, the desired dose delivery and bioavailability can be compromised. The Food and Drug Administration has initiated a program named the Process Analytical Technology (PAT) in order to ensure efficient quality monitoring at each stage of the manufacturing process by the integration of analytical systems into the procedure. Improving consistency and predictability of tablet action by improving quality and uniformity of tablets is required. An ideal technique for quality monitoring would be non-invasive, non-destructive, rapid, intrinsically safe and cost-effective. The objective of the current investigation was to develop, non-contact/non-destructive techniques for monitoring and evaluating drug tablets for mechanical defects such as coating layer irregularities, internal cracks and delamination using a laser-acoustic approach. In the proposed system, a pulsed laser is utilized to generate non-contact mechanical excitations and interferometric detection of transient vibrations of the drug tablets. Three novel methods to excite vibration in drug tablets are developed and employed: (i) a vibration plate excited by a pulsed-laser, (ii) pulsed laser-induced plasma expansion, and (iii) an air-coupled acoustic transducer. Nanometer-scale transient surface displacements of the drug tablets are measured using the laser interferometer. Signal processing techniques are then applied to these transient displacement responses to differentiate the defective tablets from the nominal ones. From the analysis of frequency spectra and the time-frequency spectrograms obtained under both mechanisms, it can be concluded that defective tablets can be effectively differentiated from the nominal ones.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
3D gaze estimation with a single camera without IR illumination

This paper proposes a 3D eye gaze estimation and tracking algorithm based on facial feature tracking using a single camera. Instead of using the infrared (IR) lights and the corneal reflections (glint), this algorithm estimates the 3D visual axis using the tracked facial feature points. For this, we first introduce an extended 3D eye model which includes both the eyeball and the eye-corners. Based on this eye model, we derive the equations to solve for the 3D eyeball center, the 3D pupil center and the 3D visual axis, from which we can solve for the point of gaze after a one-time personal calibration. The experimental results show the accuracy of this algorithm is less than 3deg. Compared with the existing IR-based eye tracking methods, the proposed method is simple to setup and can work both indoor and outdoor.
Regulation of Phosphoinositide Phospholipases by Hormones, Neurotransmitters, and Other Agonists Linked to G Proteins

The actions of many hormones, neurotransmitters, and growth factors are mediated by the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate catalyzed by specific isozymes of phospholipase C. This hydrolysis releases inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, which mobilizes Ca2+ ions from components of the endoplasmic reticulum, and 1,2-diacylglycerol, which activates isozymes of protein kinase C. The hormones and neurotransmitters activate beta-isozymes of phospholipase C through receptors that have seven transmembrane segments and couple to G proteins of the Gq and Gi/o families. Activation of phospholipase C by the Gq family involves their alpha-subunits, whereas activation by the Gi/o family involves their beta gamma-subunits. The growth factors activate gamma-isozymes of phospholipase C through receptors that become autophosphorylated due to their stimulated tyrosine kinase activity and provide binding sites for the Src homology domains of the isozymes. The molecular mechanisms by which agonists activate phopholipase isozymes are described in detail.
Structured dynamics of neural activity across developing neocortex

The cerebral cortex exhibits spontaneous and sensory evoked patterns of activity during early development that is vital for the formation and refinement of neural circuits. Identifying the source and flow of this activity locally and globally is critical for understanding principles guiding self-organization in the developing brain. Here we use whole brain transcranial optical imaging at high spatial and temporal resolution to demonstrate that dynamical patterns of neuronal activity in developing mouse neocortex consist of spatially discrete domains that are coordinated in an age, areal, and behavior- dependent fashion. Ongoing cortical activity displays mirror-symmetric activation patterns across the cerebral hemispheres and stereotyped network architectures that are shaped during development, with parietal-sensorimotor subnetworks functionally connected to occipital regions through frontal-medial cortical areas. This study provides the first broad description of population activity in the developing neocortex at a scope and scale that bridges the microscopic and macroscopic spatiotemporal resolutions provided by traditional neurophysiological and functional neuroimaging techniques. Mesoscale maps of cortical population dynamics within animal models will be crucial for future efforts to understand and treat neurodevelopmental disorders.
Alternative Method Used to Correct Distorted Neonatal Cleft Arch Forms

These chapters show the longitudinal outcome studies using records from birth to adolescence and demonstrate how there are extensive variations in osteogenic deficiency and facial growth patterns even within the same cleft type.
Lower Silesia in the Fifties

An American eyewitness had this to say of his visit in 1958: “The formerly properous German provinces are today in a state of indescribable decay. The scum of the Polish nation attacked the land like a swarm of voracious locusts.”5
Extension of Compressibility-Route Cubic Equations of State and the Radial Distribution Functions at Contact to Multi-Component Hard-Sphere Mixtures

The equation of state (EOS) for hard-sphere fluid derived from compressibility routes of Percus-Yevick theory (PYC) is extended. The two parameters are determined by fitting well-known virial coefficients of pure fluid. The extended cubic EOS can be directly extended to multi-component mixtures, merely demanding the EOS of mixtures also is cubic and combining two physical conditions for the radial distribution functions at contact (RDFC) of mixtures. The calculated virial coefficients of pure fluid and predicted compressibility factors and RDFC for both pure fluid and mixtures are excellent as compared with the simulation data. The values of RDFC for mixtures with extremely large size ratio 10 are far better than the BGHLL expressions in literature.
Energy Futures Prices and Drilling Activity

In this paper, I investigate whether and how crude oil and natural gas futures prices impact drilling activity, specifically rig counts, in different producing regions. Extant studies have documented a positive correlation between crude oil spot prices and drilling activity. However, since drilling activity today only impacts possible future supply, I hypothesize that drilling activity should be more a function of expected future prices than current spot prices. Using oil (gas) spot prices rather than futures prices to proxy for the future expected oil (gas) price can lead to an underestimation of price elasticities. I find a positive and significant relationship between oil (gas) rig activities and oil (gas) futures prices. Moreover drilling rig elasticities calculated using futures prices are higher than for spot prices. I find that both futures and spot prices positively impact oil (gas) drilling activity in the U.S. However, evidence for OPEC, the Middle East, the U.K. and Canada indicates that rig activities are more a function of futures prices than spot prices.
SPERM DISPLACEMENT WITHOUT SPERM TRANSFER IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER.

In this paper we show that when Drosophila melanogaster females are mated twice, the semen of the second male causes a reduction of the effective number of resident sperm from the previous mating. This is demonstrated by two different kinds of experiments. In one set of experiments, mated females were remated to two different kinds of sterile males, one with normal semen and the other with deficient semen. The effect on the resident sperm was determined from the number of remaining progeny after mating to the sterile male, with the result that the normal semen reduced the amount of resident sperm in comparison with matings to the males with deficient semen. The second set of experiments employed interrupted matings. These experiments were based on the observation that semen is delivered before sperm during the first 5 min of copulation. The second matings were interrupted instantly, 2 min, and 4 min after the initiation of copulation. Compared to the instant interruptions, the two later interruptions had the effect of reducing the amount of resident sperm. The results of these two experiments clearly indicate that a sperm-incapacitation process plays a role in the well-documented phenomenon of sperm displacement (last-male advantage) in this species. Such a process could play a role in sperm displacement in the many cases where the mechanism is unknown.
Determining the Polydispersity in Chemical Composition and Monomer Sequence Distribution in Random Copolymers Prepared by Postpolymerization Modification of Homopolymers

We report on establishing the polydispersity in chemical composition (PCC) and polydispersity in monomer sequence distribution (PMSD) in random copolymers of poly(styrene-co-4-bromostyrene) (PBrxS), where x = (0.385 ± 0.035) is the mole fraction of the 4-bromostyrene units (4-BrS), prepared by electrophilic substitution of bromine in the para-position of the phenyl ring of the parent polystyrene. Upon fixing the total number of repeating units, we tune the distribution of styrene and 4-BrS segments in PBrxS by carrying out the bromination reaction on polystyrene homopolymers in different solvents. While PBrxS with relatively random comonomer distribution is prepared in 1-chlorodecane, random-blocky sequences of 4-BrS in PBrxS are achieved by carrying out the bromination reaction in 1-chlorododecane. The PCC in both copolymers is established by fractionating both polymers using interaction chromatography (IC) and determining the chemical composition of the individual fractions by neutron activation analysi...
Exposure Assessment Strategies to Evaluate Trunk Postures during Heavy Manufacturing Work

The objective of this study was to identify the sources of temporal variation in trunk postures for self-paced cyclic jobs in a forging plant in order to inform job analysis sampling strategies intended to reliably estimate average long-term exposures to these postures. Repeated video recordings were made on three different individuals in each of the three different jobs over a period of fourteen days. Multimedia Video Task Analysis™ was used to evaluate the percent of time individuals spent in mild trunk flexion (i.e., exceeding 20 degrees) for each of the observation periods. Analysis of variance was used to quantify the within and between worker sources of exposure variability within shifts and across days. The within and between worker components of variability in trunk flexion was very different across the occupations. While in one occupation, no exposure to mild trunk flexion was found, the within- and between-worker components of variance were quite different for the other two occupations. This sug...
Abstract 2070: Mir-199a is downregulated in hypoxia and targets HIF1α in ovarian cancer cells

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC HIF1 is the main transcriptional regulator of the hypoxic response in mammalian cells and plays an important role in the adaptation of tumor cells to hypoxic microenvironments. While normally degraded under normoxic conditions via oxygen-dependent, ubiquitin-based mechanisms, HIF1α protein, which, with the constitutively expressed HIF1β forms the HIF1 heterodimer, is stabilized in hypoxic tumor cells. Stabilization of HIF1α protein under hypoxia leads to transactivation of a variety of angiogenic and tumorigenic genes including VEGF and matrix metalloproteinase 2. Clinically, high levels of HIF1 in tumors translate to increased patient morbidity and mortality. Our studies show that HIF1α, in addition to being regulated at the protein level, is also directly regulated by microRNAs, small 20-22 base ribonucleotides that specifically bind to the 3’ untranslated regions (UTRs) of target mRNA to inhibit translation or induce degradation. Based on bioinformatics and microRNA-target databases, we determined that HIF1α contains a potential binding site in its 3’ UTR for mir-199a, which, based on our microarray and RT-qPCR data, is significantly downregulated in hypoxic ovarian cancer cells compared to normoxia. Using a luciferase reporter construct in which luciferase expression is under control of the HIF1α 3’ UTR, we showed that overexpression of mir-199a in A2780 or MA148 cells leads to suppression of the luciferase signal. Mutation of the mir-199a binding site in the HIF1α 3’ UTR resulted in no change in luciferase signal with mir-199a overexpression, indicating that mir-199a directly targets the HIF1α 3’ UTR. Furthermore, decreasing mir-199a levels, either by incubating cells in hypoxia or using a morpholino specifically targeting mir-199a, leads to increased levels of HIF1α protein as determined by western blot and increased transcripts of HIF1-activated genes such as VEGF as measured by RT-qPCR. Conversely, overexpression of mir-199a leads to decreased HIF1α protein and VEGF transcript levels. Together, our findings have significant implications in the study of HIF1α regulation in cancers. Mir-199a may have a role in future therapeutic strategies to modulate the tumor microenvironment to limit hypoxia-driven tumor progression and metastasis. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2070.
AEROSERVOELASTICITY IN SUBSONIC FLOW AND ASSOCIATED SCALING LAWS

Active flutter suppression of a two dimensional wing section in subsonic flow is studied. The equations of motion of a typical section are presented in nondimensiona l form. A two degrees of freedom problem, with pitch and plunge dynamics, combined with a trailing-edge control surface is considered. Aerodynamic loads are expressed in time-domain using Roger's approximation. Linear optimal control is used to design a full-state feedback regulator for flutter suppression. Limits on the actuator deflection and rate result in limitations on the flutter envelope expansion. Aeroservoelstic scaling is addressed and scaling parameters required for maintaining similarity between a full-scale system and its model are identified. Results illustrate system behavior in incompressibl e flow, however, they can be easily extended to the compressible case. Work on the compressible problem is in progress.
A study of the quality of interaction among participants in online animation-based conversations about mathematics teaching

Abstract We investigate the quality of user interaction in forums that used animated classroom stories to support mathematics teachers' conversations. An analysis of pairs of posts connected by a parent–child relationship helped understand correlations between an indicator (the presence of evaluation markers) and two outcome variables (the presence of reflection on teaching practice and the presence of proposal of alternative teaching actions) related to the conversation quality. This analysis shows that participants who followed up on posts from others were more likely to engage in reflection or consider alternatives if prior posts included evaluation than if prior posts didn't include evaluation.
Controlled Fusion, Soon!

I will try to speak briefly and to restrict myself to a number of obvious points that I believe are known to most of you. It’s not an easy job because there are many approaches to controlled fusion. I may not mention all of them. I am most anxious, however, that after I have finished, there should be comments and questions. I would suggest that the questions be completely free, not necessarily connected with what I have said. I will try to give you an answer whether I have one or not.
The Conflicting Incentives of National and International Prosecutors

Domestic courts are important for developing international law wherever countries accept it as locally enforceable, as many increasingly do. This law can develop in a “coherent” manner, some contend, however, only if courts at national and international levels interpret its content consistently. This is unlikely to occur when national and international prosecutors favor disparate doctrinal options for conceptualizing the same misconduct. Their preferences are likely to diverge when each option has opposite consequences for their careers. This is sometimes true of the choice between superior responsibility and enterprise participation. International prosecutors face incentives to favor the latter, and national prosecutors the former (and other ways to narrow the law's reach), especially when the transfer of power from old leadership is not yet complete. INCENTIVES FOR INTERNATIONAL PROSECUTORS Prosecutors in The Hague have their eyes on a prize rather different – much larger, in their view – from that valued by national prosecutors: the development of international criminal law, as an institutional resource to which the world may increasingly turn for punishing – and perhaps preventing – mass atrocity, when states are “unwilling or unable” to do so in national courts. The growth of “criminal enterprise” law, examined in this study, is not the only evidence of their successful urgings on the tribunal in this regard. In response to prosecutorial prompting, “[a]lthough the [UN Security] Council declared that the [ ad hoc international criminal] Tribunals would not create new law, the ICTY has substantially broadened the rules governing civil wars, and it has lowered the thresholds for the triggering of the rules on international conflicts,” as one careful scholar observes.
Effects of Hyperglycemia on Cerebral Blood Flow and Edema Formation After Carotid Artery Occlusion in Fischer 344 Rats

This study examines whether during bilateral carotid artery occlusion in Fischer 344 rats, hyperglycemia induces cerebrovascular changes that enhance brain edema formation. Preischemic hyperglycemia was induced by intraperitoneal administration of D-glucose solution. Laser-Doppler flowmetry, indicated that after the initial decline in blood flow with carotid occlusion (36 ± 4% of preischemic), hyperglycemic but not control rats showed a further progressive decrease to 19 ± 2% of preischemic at 120 minutes (p < 0.001). Brain water content was significantly higher in hypercompared to normoglycemic rats after both 2 hours of permanent occlusion (3.86 ± 0.05 vs. 3.73 ± 0.03 g/g dry wt.; p < 0.05) and 2 hours of temporary occlusion followed by 1 hour of reperfusion (4.01 ± 0.08 vs. 3.71 ± 0.03 g/g dry wt.; p < 0.05). The difference in brain edema formation between normo-and hyperglycemic rats appears to primarily reflect the effects of hyperglycemia on CBF. Cerebral plasma volume (CPV) 2 hours after occlusion was also reduced in hyper-compared to normoglycemic rats (3.9 ± 0.9 and 7.2 ± 0.1 µl/g; p < 0.01). Thus, hyperglycemia in a model of global ischemia induces a reduction in CPV and progressive decline in CBF. In this model, the decline in CBF is of sufficient magnitude to enhance brain injury as evidenced by edema formation.
Benign Partial Epilepsy in Infancy

The frequency of occurrence of benign partial epilepsy in infancy (BPEI) in a first line general hospital was determined among 75 patients presenting with epilepsy in the first 2 years of age and evaluated between 1987 and 1993 at the Departments of Paediatrics, Anjo Kosei Hospital, Anjo Aichi, and Nagoya University School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.
Modeling the Growth of Archaeon Halobacterium halobium Affected by Temperature and Light

The objective of this study was to develop sigmoidal models, including three-parameter (Quadratic, Logistic, and Gompertz) and four-parameter models (Schnute and Richards) to simulate the growth of archaeon Halobacterium halobium affected by temperature and light. The models were statistically compared by using t test and F test. In the t test, confidence bounds for parameters were used to distinguish among models. For the F test, the lack of fit of the models was compared with the prediction error. The Gompertz model was 100 % accepted by the t test and 97 % accepted by the F test when the temperature effects were considered. Results also indicated that the Gompertz model was 94 % accepted by the F test when the growth of H. halobium was studied under varying light intensities. Thus, the Gompertz model was considered the best among the models studied to describe the growth of H. halobium affected by temperature or light. In addition, the biological growth parameters, including specific growth rate, lag time, and asymptote changes under Gompertz modeling, were evaluated.
Alleviating Mental Suffering in Rural Bangladesh: Evidence from a Survey of Three Villages

The empirical literature on the correlates of mental suffering, especially in the context of developing countries, is scant. I use data from three Bangladeshi villages to explore the sources of two types of self-reported mental suffering: feeling worried and feeling depressed. There are three primary findings. First, standard socioeconomic and demographic dimensions do not predict self-reported mental suffering, specifically worry and depression. Second, physical health, age, and marital status are statistically significant contributors. Middle-aged, unhealthy, and never married household heads tend to worry and feel depressed more. Third, perceived relative economic standing compared to neighbors and siblings affects mental suffering. In particular, individuals who are relatively much better or worse off compared to their neighbors and siblings tend to suffer more. From a policy standpoint, improving health amenities will alleviate mental suffering as well as physical suffering. This study also finds evidence that reducing income inequality alleviates mental suffering. Further research is warranted on how and when mental suffering may follow social comparison.
Species’ traits help predict small mammal responses to habitat homogenization by an invasive grass

Invasive plants can negatively affect native species, however, the strength, direction, and shape of responses may vary depending on the type of habitat alteration and the natural history of native species. To prioritize conservation of vulnerable species, it is therefore critical to effectively predict species’ responses to invasive plants, which may be facilitated by a framework based on species’ traits. We studied the population and community responses of small mammals and changes in habitat heterogeneity across a gradient of cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) cover, a widespread invasive plant in North America. We live-trapped small mammals over two summers and assessed the effect of cheatgrass on native small mammal abundance, richness, and species-specific and trait-based occupancy, while accounting for detection probability and other key habitat elements. Abundance was only estimated for the most common species, deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus). All species were pooled for the trait-based occupancy analysis to quantify the ability of small mammal traits (habitat association, mode of locomotion, and diet) to predict responses to cheatgrass invasion. Habitat heterogeneity decreased with cheatgrass cover. Deer mouse abundance increased marginally with cheatgrass. Species richness did not vary with cheatgrass, however, pocket mouse (Perognathus spp.) and harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys spp.) occupancy tended to decrease and increase, respectively, with cheatgrass cover, suggesting a shift in community composition. Cheatgrass had little effect on occupancy for deer mice, 13-lined ground squirrels (Spermophilus tridecemlineatus), and Ord's kangaroo rat (Dipodomys ordii). Species’ responses to cheatgrass primarily corresponded with our a priori predictions based on species’ traits. The probability of occupancy varied significantly with a species’ habitat association but not with diet or mode of locomotion. When considered within the context of a rapid habitat change, such as caused by invasive plants, relevant species’ traits may provide a useful framework for predicting species’ responses to a variety of habitat disturbances. Understanding which species are likely to be most affected by exotic plant invasion will help facilitate more efficient, targeted management and conservation of native species and habitats.
Regional Brain Volumes Moderate, but Do Not Mediate, the Effects of Group-Based Exercise Training on Reductions in Loneliness in Older Adults

Introduction: Despite the prevalence of and negative health consequences associated with perceived loneliness in older adults, few studies have examined interactions among behavioral, psychosocial and neural mechanisms. Research suggests that physical activity and improvements in perceived social support and stress are related to reductions in loneliness. Yet, the influence of brain structure on these changes is unknown. The present study examined whether change in regional brain volume mediated the effects of changes in social support and stress on change in perceived loneliness after an exercise intervention. We also examined the extent to which baseline brain volumes moderated the relationship between changes in social support, stress, and loneliness. Methods: Participants were 247 older adults (65.4±4.6 years-old) enrolled in a 6-month randomized controlled trial comprised of four exercise conditions: Dance (n=69), Strength/Stretching/Stability (n=70), Walk (n=54), and Walk Plus (n=54). All groups met for one hour, three times weekly. Participants completed questionnaires assessing perceived social support, stress and loneliness at baseline and post-intervention. Regional brain volumes (amygdala, prefrontal cortex [PFC], hippocampus) before and after intervention were measured with automatic segmentation of each participant’s T1-weighted structural MRI. Data were analyzed in a latent modeling framework. Results: Perceived social support increased (p=0.003), while stress (p0.44). However, individuals with larger baseline amygdalae experienced greater decreases in loneliness due to greater reductions in stress (0.35, p = 0.02). Further, individuals with larger baseline PFC volumes experienced greater reductions in stress due to greater increases in social support (-0.47, p = 0.02). No group differences in these pathways were observed. Conclusions: The social support environment and resulting reductions in stress, as opposed to exercise mode, may represent important features of exercise programs for improving older adults’ perceived loneliness. As amygdala volume has been linked to anxiety, depression and impaired cognitive control processes in the PFC, moderation findings suggest further investigation in this area is warranted.
A methodology for forecasting freeway travel time reliability using GPS data

Abstract The objective of this paper is to develop a methodology for forecasting freeway vehicle travel time reliability for transportation planning using probe GPS data. Travel time reliability is measured using the coefficient of variation of the GPS spot (instantaneous) speed distribution. The proposed approach establishes relationships between travel time reliability and roadway traffic density in order to forecast reliability given future traffic conditions. The travel time reliability and traffic density datasets are segmented into different homogenous groups using the K-means cluster algorithm and the corresponding reliability-density relationship of each cluster is fitted by minimizing squared errors. This paper employs a truck probe GPS dataset as an example to demonstrate the proposed approach. The approach can be applied with any GPS datasets for forecasting reliability.
Nanoscale steady-state temperature gradients within polymer nanocomposites undergoing continuous-wave photothermal heating from gold nanorods

Anisotropically-shaped metal nanoparticles act as nanoscale heaters via excitation of a localized surface plasmon resonance, utilizing a photothermal effect which converts the optical energy into local heat. Steady-state temperatures within a polymer matrix embedded with gold nanorods undergoing photothermal heating using continuous-wave excitation are measured in the immediate spatial vicinity of the nanoparticle (referred to as the local temperature) from observing the rate of physical rotation of the asymmetric nanoparticles within the locally created polymer melt. Average temperatures across the entire (mostly solid) sample (referred to as the global temperature) are simultaneously observed using a fluorescence method from randomly dispersed molecular emitters. Comparing these two independent measurements in films having varying concentrations of nanorods reveals the interplay between the local and global temperatures, clearly demonstrating the capability of these material samples to sustain large steady-state spatial temperature gradients when experiencing continuous-wave excitation photothermal heating. These results are discussed quantitatively. Illustrative imaging studies of nanofibers under photothermal heating also support the presence of a large temperature gradient. Photothermal heating in this manner has potential utility in creating unique thermal processing conditions for outcomes such as driving chemical reactions, inducing crystallinity changes, or enhancing degradation processes in a manner unachievable by conventional heating methods.
Acute kidney injury associated with foot osteomyelitis.

The occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI) associated with foot osteomyelitis has been reported infrequently and only in case report format.[1–3][1] After noting the frequent occurrence of AKI among patients presenting with foot osteomyelitis at our institution, we endeavoured to estimate the
Fractional Brownian fields for response surface metamodeling

Kriging, a widely used metamodeling method for computer simulation data, models the response surface as a realization of a random field. Stationary covariance functions such as the Gaussian, power exponential, or Matern class are the most common choice for the underlying random field model. Nonstationary versions of these same covariance functions with scale parameters that vary spatially are also sometimes used. Fractional Brownian fields (FBFs) are a different form of nonstationary random field model having stationary increments, an example of more general intrinsic stationary processes. Although FBFs have been considered for intrinsic kriging in the spatial statistics literature, they have received little attention for computer simulation response surface metamodeling. For use in the latter context, we argue that they have some attractive (as well as some unattractive) properties that mitigate certain problems inherent to many stationary covariance models, such as reversion to the mean, numerical issues due to near-singularity of covariance matrices, and difficulties in handling abrupt response surface features.