cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A mock juror investigation of blame attribution in the punishment of hate crime perpetrators.

We examined blame attribution as a moderator of perceptions of hate crimes against gay, African American, and transgender victims. Participants were 510 Texas jury panel members. Results of vignette-based crime scenarios showed that victim blame displayed significant negative, and perpetrator blame significant positive, effects on sentencing recommendations. Also as hypothesized, victim and perpetrator blame moderated the effect of support for hate crime legislation. Interaction patterns suggested that both types of blame attribution influence sentencing recommendations, but only for participants disagreeing with hate crime legislation. Three-way interactions with victim type also emerged, indicating that the effects of both types of blame attribution show particular influences when the victim is gay, as opposed to transgender or African American. Implications for attribution theory, hate crime policy, and jury selection are discussed.
Yields, Compositions, and Nutritive Evaluation of Barley Silages at Three Stages of Maturity for Lactating Cows

Abstract Five varieties of barley were harvested for forage in two consecutive years at three stages of maturity (bloom, milk, and dough). Dry matter content increased (P Barley, ensiled at bloom, milk, and dough, was evaluated as a sole forage for lactating cows. An 18% protein concentrate was fed (1:3) and silage was offered ad libitum. Milk production was similar for the respective treatments (26.7, 26.5, 26.8 kg/day). Silage dry matter intake was least (P For Days 57–63, dry matter (P
Unexpected events and their effect on children's language:

This study examined the effects of using unexpected events on children's communicative behaviour. These events included mislabelling objects or actions (e.g. calling a cup an elephant), making objects inaccessible (e.g. placing a desired object in a closed, zip-lock bag), and violating object function (e.g. trying to pour from a closed bottle). Although many language interventionists have suggested that unexpected events increase communication behaviour, this has not been empirically studied. Ten developmentally-delayed preschool children were tested in two play sessions, one which used unexpected events, and one which did not. Results indicated that children communicated more frequently during the session that used these events. In addition, the unexpected event of withholding objects was associated with more communication attempts than the other two types of events.
PAb 2000 specifically recognizes the large T and small t proteins of JC virus

Abstract A monoclonal antibody, PAb 2000, has been derived which recognizes the large T protein of JC virus (JCV), but not the corresponding proteins of the related polyomaviruses BK virus (BKV) and SV40. The epitope bound by PAb 2000 was localized to the amino-terminal 81 amino acids of this multifunctional protein. As observed previously with several monoclonal antibodies that bind a similar region of SV40 large T antigen, PAb 2000 was found to interact with the small t antigen and the denatured form of large T antigen. This monoclonal antibody recognized a subpopulation of T protein, the abundance of which varied in different species of cells transformed by JCV. The availability of PAb 2000, the first JCV T antigenspecific monoclonal antibody, will facilitate the purification and biochemical characterization of the JCV oncoproteins.
Comment on "Force-clamp spectroscopy monitors the folding trajectory of a single protein".

In a recent experiment ([ 1 ][1]), the folding of a single polyprotein consisting of nine N-C linked ubiquitin repeats was monitored under a constant force with an atomic force microscope (AFM). Unlike the discrete, staircase-like increase in the length of the polyubiquitin chain observed in
Implications of outpatient commitment and perceived coercion for stigma, quality of life and social functioning

Methods We empirically examine two perspectives on need for and consequences of coercion in the context of outpatient commitment. The "Mandated Treatment Engagement Hypothesis" tests whether treatment engagement when coerced aides in symptom reduction and leads to improvements in perceived stigma and its consequences. In this hypothesis symptoms drive consequences. The "Coercion to Stigma Hypothesis" examines whether coercion has negative effects on stigmatization, quality of life, social functioning, disengagement from treatment and symptoms. In this hypothesis, coercion drives consequences. We use longitudinal data on 184 people with severe mental illnesses.
Transient Liquid Phase Sintering (TLPS) Conductive Adhesives for High Temperature Automotive Applications

Power electronics products such as inverters and converters involve the use of Thermal Interface Materials (TIMs) between high power packages and a heat exchanger for thermal management. Conventional TIMs such as thermal greases, gels, solders and phase change materials (PCMs) face challenges to meet the need of these products to operate reliably at much higher temperatures. This has driven the development of new TIMs such as Transient Liquid Phase Sintering (TLPS) Conductive Adhesives. TLPS adhesives have been developed for many potential applications due to various advantages like lead free, flux-less and particularly their low temperature processability , which enables the use of heat sensitive components in the design. With all these motivations, a project was launched and completed to assess TLPS adhesives as a unique TIM for high temperature automotive applications due to its high bulk thermal conductivity and metallic joint formation at interfaces. This paper reports the evaluation of three different TLPS conductive adhesives with different formulations. All the TLPS adhesives contain lead-free eutectic SnBi fillers, together with other fillers with much higher melting point (Tm) so as to process them using low temperature profiles. Different processing profiles were applied to process different TLPS adhesives. After processing, the assemblies could meet high temperature application requirements due to the shift of Tm of SnBi alloy from 139°C to a much higher value >200°C. Three different heat exchanger materials including bare Cu, Al and AlSiC with solder wettable surface finishes were assessed. X-ray was used to check void formation and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was conducted on the cross sections to study the quality of the whole metallurgical network. Die shear force was used to verify the joint strength. Thermal resistance measurement was carried out to verify thermal performance of TLPS assemblies. Thermal cycling test (−40 °C to +135 °C) had been performed to assess the reliability performance of the assemblies. TLPS samples built on Al and Cu substrates exhibited higher thermal resistance due to higher mis-match of coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) with that of AlN, while TLPS samples assembled on AlSiC substrates were much more reliable and showed low thermal resistance throughout the thermal cycling test.
Vascular anatomy of the foot and ankle

Understanding the vascular anatomy of the foot and ankle is necessary to correctly assess the healing potential of an ulcer or injury there. One can then plan which, if any, local flaps can be used for reconstruction. This article describes the main arteries to the foot and the connections that exist between them. It also describes the specific block of tissue that each artery supplies (eg, the angiosome). These two factors provide the necessary building blocks to optimally treat the diabetic foot wound.
Macrocyclic pyridyl polyoxazoles: structure-activity studies of the aminoalkyl side-chain on G-quadruplex stabilization and cytotoxic activity.

Pyridyl polyoxazoles are 24-membered macrocyclic lactams comprised of a pyridine, four oxazoles and a phenyl ring. A derivative having a 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl chain attached to the 5-position of the phenyl ring was recently identified as a selective G-quadruplex stabilizer with excellent cytotoxic activity, and good in vivo anticancer activity against a human breast cancer xenograft in mice. Here we detail the synthesis of eight new dimethylamino-substituted pyridyl polyoxazoles in which the point of attachment to the macrocycle, as well as the distance between the amine and the macrocycle are varied. Each compound was evaluated for selective G-quadruplex stabilization and cytotoxic activity. The more active analogs have the amine either directly attached to, or separated from the phenyl ring by two methylene groups. There is a correlation between those macrocycles that are effective ligands for the stabilization of G-quadruplex DNA (DTtran 15.5–24.6 °C) and cytotoxicity as observed in the human tumor cell lines, RPMI 8402 (IC50 0.06–0.50 μM) and KB3-1 (IC50 0.03–0.07 μM). These are highly selective G-quadruplex stabilizers, which should prove especially useful for evaluating both in vitro and in vivo mechanism(s) of biological activity associated with G-quaqdruplex ligands.
Use of atomic force microscope for the measurements of hydrophobic forces

Abstract An atomic force microscope (AFM) was used to measure the short- and long-range hydrophobic attractive forces between a silanated silica plate and a glass sphere. Octadecyltrichlorosilane (ODTCS) and trimethylchlorosilane (TMCS) were used to render the surfaces hydrophobic with advancing contact angles (θ a ) in the 88–115° range. The forces measured with surfaces coated with TMCS (θ a = 88°) are comparable to those obtained previously using the surface force apparatus (SFA). On the other hand, the hydrophobic forces measured with ODTCS-coated surfaces are much larger than those measured with mica surfaces coated with other long-chain surfactants such as dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide. The long-range hydrophobic force increases sharply at θ a > 95. The AFM images show that the surfactants adsorb on the silica surface forming domains (or molecular clusters). With ODTCs, elliptical domains begin to form at relatively low coverages, their size and the distance between them remaining relatively constant with increasing θ a . At the same time, the decay length of the long-range hydrophobic force does not change significantly with θ a , while its strength increases sharply at θ a > 95°. These findings suggest that the decay lengths of long-range hydrophobic forces vary with the domain size and the distance between them, with their strength increasing with increasing packing density and hence the ordering of the hydrocarbon chains in the domains. The AFM force measurements conducted in the present work also show that the hydrophobic force significantly increases in argon-saturated water, suggesting that the cavitation mechanism may play a role. Only short-range hydrophobic forces have been observed between hydrophilic silica and hydrophobic (silanated) glass. The adhesion forces measured by AFM show a strong dependence on θ a , which can be explained by the Young—Dupre equation with appropriate corrections.
Combined photothermal therapy and magneto-motive ultrasound imaging using multifunctional nanoparticles

Photothermal therapy is a laser-based non-invasive technique for cancer treatment. Photothermal therapy can be enhanced by employing metal nanoparticles that absorb the radiant energy from the laser leading to localized thermal damages. Targeting of nanoparticles leads to more efficient uptake and localization of photoabsorbers thus increasing the effectiveness of the treatment. Moreover, efficient targeting can reduce the required dosage of photoabsorbers; thereby reducing the side effects associated with general systematic administration of nanoparticles. Magnetic nanoparticles, due to their small size and response to an external magnetic field gradient have been proposed for targeted drug delivery. In this study, we investigate the applicability of multifunctional nanoparticles (e.g., magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles) and magneto-motive ultrasound imaging for image-guided photothermal therapy. Magneto-motive ultrasound imaging is an ultrasound based imaging technique capable of detecting magnetic nanoparticles indirectly by utilizing a high strength magnetic field to induce motion within the magnetically labeled tissue. The ultrasound imaging is used to detect the internal tissue motion. Due to presence of the magnetic component, the proposed multifunctional nanoparticles along with magneto-motive ultrasound imaging can be used to detect the presence of the photo absorbers. Clearly the higher concentration of magnetic carriers leads to a monotonic increase in magneto-motive ultrasound signal. Thus, magnetomotive ultrasound can determine the presence of the hybrid agents and provide information about their location and concentration. Furthermore, the magneto-motive ultrasound signal can indicate the change in tissue elasticity - a parameter that is expected to change significantly during the photothermal therapy. Therefore, a comprehensive guidance and assessment of the photothermal therapy may be feasible through magneto-motive ultrasound imaging and magnetoplasmonic nanoparticles.
Emigration from the USA: multiplicity survey evidence.

Special national surveys in the 1980s give the only recent data about emigrants from the USA, based on asking residents about their parents, siblings, and children living outside the USA who ever lived here. Each of the three surveys yielded an initial or minimal estimate of at least one million surviving emigrants. Adjusting for probable omission of emigrants without a resident immediate relative, the number of emigrants surviving as of 1990 is likely to exceed two million and, with alternative assumptions, could exceed three million. Due to inherent uncertainties in differing methodologies for measuring emigration for the past three decades, the implied level of emigration of permanent residents for the 1980s may be similar to previous levels. This finding contradicts popular belief of a simple direct association, i.e., that increasing immigration levels would be associated with increasing emigration levels. Emigration levels result from population heterogeneity on such characteristics as origin country, location and strength of familial ties, and reasons for coming to the USA, and associated probabilities of emigration. For many of the post-1965 immigrant cohorts, there is one or more decades during which emigration may yet occur.
Functional modulation of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel by extracellular signal-regulated kinase-mediated phosphorylation

Abstract ATP-sensitive potassium (K atp ) channels play an important role in controlling insulin secretion and vascular tone as well as protecting neurons under metabolic stress. We have previously demonstrated that stimulation of the K atp channel by nitric oxide (NO) requires activation of Ras- and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family. However, the mechanistic link between ERK and the K atp channel remained unknown. To investigate how ERK modulates the function of K atp channels, we performed single-channel recordings in combination with site-directed mutagenesis. The Kir6.2/SUR1 channel, a neuronal K atp channel isoform, was expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells by transient transfection. Direct application of the activated ERK2 to the cytoplasmic surface of excised, inside-out patches markedly enhanced the single-channel activity of Kir6.2/SUR1 channels. The normalized open probability ( NPo ) and opening frequency were significantly increased, whereas the mean closed duration was reduced. The single-channel conductance level was not affected. The ERK2-induced stimulation of Kir6.2/SUR1 channels was prevented by heat-inactivation of the enzyme. Furthermore, alanine substitutions of T341 and S385 to disrupt the potential ERK phosphorylation sites present in the Kir6.2 subunit significantly abrogated the stimulatory effects of ERK2, while aspartate substitutions of T341 and S385 to mimic the (negative) charge effect of phosphorylation rendered a small yet significant reduction in the ATP sensitivity of the channel. Taken together, here we report for the first time that ERK2/MAPK activates neuronal-type K atp channels, and this stimulation requires ERK phosphorylation of the Kir6.2 subunit at T341 and S385 residues. The ERK2-induced K atp channel stimulation can be accounted for by changes in channel gating that destabilize the closed states and by reduction in the ATP sensitivity. As Kir6.2 is the pore-forming subunit of K atp channels, ERK2-mediated phosphorylation may represent a common mechanism for K atp channel regulation in different tissues.
The association of sociodemographic factors and patient attitudes on influenza vaccination rates in older persons.

ABSTRACT Background To determine how patient attitudes, beliefs, knowledge, and sociodemographic characteristics relate to influenza vaccine acceptance in an older patient population. Methods We conducted a mail survey of patients enrolled in a geriatrics clinic at a university-affiliated county hospital in Seattle, WA. We surveyed senior citizens’ demographic background, health status, previous experiences, and beliefs about influenza and influenza vaccine. We determined the vaccination rates for influenza season 2001–2002 stratified by race, other sociodemographic factors, and attitudes toward influenza vaccination. Results Surveys were mailed to 572 enrollees in SeniorCare Clinic. Three hundred twenty-four (57%) responded to the survey, 256 (79%) of whom reported receipt of influenza vaccination. Influenza vaccination rates did not vary significantly by race in this patient population: 80% for white persons, 70% for black persons, and 84% for Asians. Receipt of vaccination was associated with survey responses that indicated a discussion about the influenza shot with a health care provider and a positive attitude toward the influenza shot. History of side effects and negative attitude toward the influenza shot were associated with failure to receive the vaccine. Conclusions In patients served by a university-affiliated geriatrics clinic, we found no statistically significant difference in influenza vaccination rate between white persons and other racial groups. Attitudes, beliefs, knowledge, and prior experiences toward the influenza shot were predictors of influenza vaccination. Physician recommendation and patient participation strongly correlated with vaccination acceptance. KEY INDEXING TERMS Attitude Influenza vaccination
Nonlinearly-coupled Langmuir and Ion-Acoustic Waves

In a plasma acted on by an intense laser field, one encounters the problem of nonlinearly-coupled Langmuir and ion-acoustic waves. We use a generalized perturbation theory to discuss the nature of coupled oscillatory waves in this system, and the possibility of formation of an ionsheath.
Psychosocial antecedents and adverse health consequences related to substance use.

Objectives. We examined the relationship between psychosocial antecedents in earlier adolescence and problems related to substance use and related adverse health consequence (e.g., respiratory diseases, neurocognitive symptoms, and general malaise) in adulthood. We specifically focused on parent–child bonding in earlier adolescence and internalizing behaviors in later adolescence and their effects on problems related to substance use in the mid-20s and health problems in the mid-30s.Methods. Our team interviewed a community-based sample of 502 participants over a 30-year period (1975, 1983, 1985–1986, 1997, 2002, and 2005).Results. We found a strong relationship between internalizing behaviors in later adolescence and adverse health consequences in the mid-30s. Internalizing behaviors in later adolescence served as a mediator between low parent–child bonding in earlier adolescence and later adverse health consequences. Problems related to substance use in the late 20s and early 30s were related directly t...
Continuum field-diffusion charging of particles possessing non-zero initial charge

Abstract Experiments were performed to determine the charging of continuum regime aerosols possessing non-zero initial charge. Highly monodisperse poystyrene aerosols of 0.31, 0.50, 0.76, and 1.09 μm diameter were pre-charged to various levels and then exposed to unipolar and bipolar ions in the presence of an external electric field. For a given bipolar conductivity ratio, charge was found to approach a single steady-state level, regardless of initial charge. For unipolar ions, charge either increased or, in the case of very high initial charge, remained constant. Predictions of charge based on continuum field-diffusion theory were found to show good agreement with experimental data, generally differing by no more than 10–20% with one major exception. This was for highly negative initial charge at small times, where theoretical predictions were significantly above measurements. It is not known if the differences are due to a fundamental limitation of the theory or are an experimental artifact.
Foraminiferal and lithologic indicators of depositional processes in Wilmington and South Heyes submarine canyons, U. S. Atlantic continental slope

Foraminiferal and lithologic characteristics of sediments from 14 Deep Sea Research Vessel Alvin push cores have been used to investigate modern sedimentary processes in Wilmington and South Heyes submarine canyons. A nearly ubiquitous occurrence of abundant foraminiferal species is over-printed by depth-related variations in abundance. Most species are native to lower bathyal and abyssal depths and are in situ. The occurrence of neritic species is attributed to erosion of material from slump blocks of neritic origin which now comprise the steep and undercut walls of Wilmington Canyon. In Wilmington Canyon, the consistent distribution of foraminifera contrasts with marked variations in lithologic characteristics observed at channel meanders. These variations are attributed to relatively minor mass-wasting processes and to effects of bottom (perhaps tidal) and/or low density current action, more active at constrictions and along the steep walls of meanders. These processes are less prevalent in South Heyes Canyon as indicated by markedly lower compositional variations, a low percent of clastic material, and a lower rate of sediment accumulation. This is, in part, a function of the linear morphology and less varied relief of South Heyes Canyon. There is no firm evidence for prevalent high energy downslope transportation events (i.e., erosive high-density turbidity currents) in either Wilmington and South Heyes Canyons during the past 200-400 years represented by the cored material.
Field evidence for the carbon cost of citrus mycorrhizas

summary Mycorrhizas can produce negative crop responses when phosphorus availability is sucient in agricultural soils because the fungi are of no benefit in nutrient acquisition yet continue to colonize roots and invoke parasitic costs. Benomyl fungicide was used to test this prediction in the field by limiting mycorrhizal colonization of 2-yr-old Valencia orange trees (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) on four rootstocks of varying mycorrhizal dependency in Pdeficient soil fertilized with and without phosphate. No known fungal pathogens of citrus roots controlled by benomyl were present on the trees or in the field soil. Young trees with or without P fertilization and benomyl treatment remained sucient in P (& 0‐10% leaf P) throughout the 27-month study. Root zone drenches of benomyl reduced mycorrhizal colonization and leaf P status of Valencia orange trees on the three slower-growing rootstocks, trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata (L. ) Raf.), Swingle citrumelo (Citrus paradisi Macf.‹P. trifoliata) and sour orange (Citrus aurantium L.), for the duration of three growing seasons. Benomyl aected root colonization and P status of trees on the faster-growing rootstock, Volkamer lemon (Citrus volkameriana Tan. and Pasq.), less than for trees on the slower-growing rootstocks and the eects were sustained for only two seasons. The shorter duration of benomyl eect for trees on Volkamer lemon rootstock compared with the slower-growing rootstocks was explained by the loss of inhibition of mycorrhizal activity when roots grew out of the drench zone and mycorrhizas were no longer in direct contact with the fungicide. Benomyl treatment increased growth rate of Valencia orange on the slow-growing rootstocks from 5 to 17% after three seasons, and from 2 to 9% on Volkamer lemon rootstock after two seasons compared with the non-benomyl treated trees. The benomyl eect was attributed to reduction of costs of root colonization over time, and consequently, a greater availability of carbon assimilate for shoot growth of trees. Since mycorrhizal fungi are ubiquitous in fertilized agricultural soils and obligate biotrophs on the roots of most crop species, these results indicate a need to further investigate whether negative growth responses of P-sucient plants in the field occur because mycorrhizal fungi are no longer behaving as mutualists.
PCR Inhibitor Levels in Concentrates of Biosolid Samples Predicted by a New Method Based on Excitation-Emission Matrix Spectroscopy

Biosolids contain a wide variety of organic contaminants that are known for their ability to inhibit PCR. During sample processing, these contaminants are coconcentrated with microorganisms. Elevated concentrations of these compounds in concentrates render samples unsuitable for molecular applications. Glycine-based elution and recovery methods have been shown to generate samples with fewer PCR inhibitory compounds than the current U.S. EPA-recommended method for pathogen recovery from biosolids. Even with glycine-based methods, PCR inhibitors still persist in concentrations that may interfere with nucleic acid amplification. This results in considerable loss of time and resources and increases the probability of false negatives. A method to estimate the degree of inhibition prior to application of molecular methods is desirable. Here we report fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) profiling as a tool for predicting levels of molecular inhibition in sample concentrates of biosolids.
Netilmicin and Gentamicin: Comparative Pharmacology in Humans

Thirteen male subjects received 1 mg of either gentamicin or netilmicin per kg, first intramuscularly and then intravenously. After the intramuscular dose, concentrations of gentamicin in the serum were more variable than those of netilmicin. After the intravenous dose, the distribution phase of netilmicin was twice as rapid as gentamicin. The average half-times of the elimination phase were similar, but there was marked variability among the subjects receiving gentamicin. Serum clearance of netilmicin was more rapid than that of gentamicin and could not be attributed to renal elimination. The data indicate that, after intramuscular administration, netilmicin may produce more predictable blood levels than gentamicin and suggest that the body distribution of netilmicin may differ from that of gentamicin.
The Impact of Prebiopsy Antibiotics on Pathogen Recovery in Hematogenous Vertebral Osteomyelitis

Background. Biopsy specimens are often obtained in the evaluation of hematogenous vertebral osteomyelitis. The effect of prebiopsy antibiotic exposure on pathogen recovery is unknown. Methods. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult inpatients with hematogenous vertebral osteomyelitis at a tertiary care hospital from 1 January 2003 through 31 July 2007. Antibiotic exposure within 14 days before biopsy was evaluated. Results. Of 150 patients with hematogenous vertebral osteomyelitis, 92 (61%) underwent a biopsy (60 [65%] needle and 32 [35%] open biopsies). The median time from admission to biopsy was 3 days (range, 0–69 days). Patients who underwent biopsy were more likely to have weakness (53 [58%] biopsy vs 15 [26%] no biopsy; P , .001) and sensory loss (27 [29%] vs 6 [10%]; P 5 .006), but were less likely to have a positive blood culture result (28 [30%] vs 30 [52%]; P 5 .01). Pathogens were recovered in 61 patients (66%). Open biopsy had a higher yield than needle biopsy (29 [91%] of 32 vs 32 [53%] of 60; P , .001). Sixty patients (65%) who had biopsies performed received antibiotics <14 days before the procedure (median duration, 4 days; range, 1–37 days). Open biopsy predicted positive biopsy culture results (adjusted odds ratio, 8.4; 95% confidence interval, 2.2–31.8), but there was no association of prebiopsy antibiotics with culture results (adjusted odds ratio, 2.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.8–6.2). Conclusions. A pathogen was recovered from 61 (66%) of 92 patients who had biopsies performed in this cohort of hematogenous vertebral osteomyelitis. Open biopsies had a higher microbiological yield than did needle biopsies. Antibiotic exposure before biopsy did not negatively impact pathogen recovery and should not be the sole reason for foregoing biopsies.
Blui: low-cost localized blowable user interfaces

We describe a unique form of hands-free interaction that can be implemented on most commodity computing platforms. Our approach supports blowing at a laptop or computer screen to directly control certain interactive applications. Localization estimates are produced in real-time to determine where on the screen the person is blowing. Our approach relies solely on a single microphone, such as those already embedded in a standard laptop or one placed near a computer monitor, which makes our approach very cost-effective and easy-to-deploy. We show example interaction techniques that leverage this approach.
Distributed tactical surveillance with ATVs

In Carnegie Mellon University's CyberScout project, we are developing mobile robotic technologies that will extend the sphere of awareness and mobility of small military units while exploring issues of command and control, task decomposition, multi-agent collaboration, efficient perception algorithms, and sensor fusion. This paper describes our work on robotic all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), one of several platforms within CyberScout. We have retrofitted two Polaris ATVs as mobile robotic surveillance and reconnaissance platforms. We describe the computing, sensing, and actuation infrastructure of these platforms, their current capabilities, and future research and applications.
A mixed logit choice modeling approach using customer satisfaction surveys to support engineering design

Choice modeling is critical for assessing customer preferences as a function of product design attributes and customer profile information. Previous works have focused upon the use of survey data in which respondents are presented with a set of simulated product options from which they make a choice. However, such data does not represent real purchase behavior and these surveys require significant time and additional cost to administer. For these reasons, an approach to estimate a choice model using widely available customer satisfaction survey data for actual purchases is developed. Through a close examination of customer satisfaction survey data, several key characteristics are identified, including the lack of defined choice sets and missing choice attributes, the use of subjective measures such as ratings by customers to describe product attributes, multiple collinearity among many of the product attributes, and potentially insufficient attribute variation in the product designs evaluated by the respondents in the survey. A mixed logit based choice modeling procedure is developed in this paper to incorporate the use of both survey ratings as subjective measures and engineering attributes as quantitative measures in the model utility function. In order to accurately reflect choice behavior in actual market conditions, heterogeneity in customer preference is explicitly considered in the demand model. A case study using the Vehicle Quality Survey data acquired from J.D. Power and Associates demonstrates many of the key features of the proposed approach. The estimation results show the mixed logit model to be successful in modeling customer choices at the individual level, demonstrating the potential of being integrated with engineering models for engineering design.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Al-Qācida as a “pragmatic base”: Contributions of area studies to sociolinguistics

Abstract This article explores area studies contributions to sociolinguistics by examining Sunni reformers’ use of the Arabic term al-qācida, or a “pragmatic base.” Material is drawn from an audiocassette collection formerly owned by Usāma Bin Lādi¯n. Divergent approaches to the qācida suggest that the term functions a base for many forms of spatial, temporal, social, and ethical orientation. Much of the critical leverage of the concept stems from speakers’ sense of Arabic as a template of ethical attunement that cues language users to founding Muslim lifeways and leaders in and beyond the Arabian Peninsula. A review of Western Arabic sociolinguistics shows how scholars have hampered and also enhanced an understanding of the pragmatic resourcefulness of Arabic. Special attention is given to the ways area studies can help situate Arabic as a signifying practice that accommodates diverse textual, historical, and territorial claims.
Highly scalable parallel algorithms for sparse matrix factorization

In this paper, we describe scalable parallel algorithms for symmetric sparse matrix factorization, analyze their performance and scalability, and present experimental results for up to 1,024 processors on a Gray T3D parallel computer. Through our analysis and experimental results, we demonstrate that our algorithms substantially improve the state of the art in parallel direct solution of sparse linear systems-both in terms of scalability and overall performance. It is a well known fact that dense matrix factorization scales well and can be implemented efficiently on parallel computers. In this paper, we present the first algorithms to factor a wide class of sparse matrices (including those arising from two- and three-dimensional finite element problems) that are asymptotically as scalable as dense matrix factorization algorithms on a variety of parallel architectures. Our algorithms incur less communication overhead and are more scalable than any previously known parallel formulation of sparse matrix factorization. Although, in this paper, we discuss Cholesky factorization of symmetric positive definite matrices, the algorithms can be adapted for solving sparse linear least squares problems and for Gaussian elimination of diagonally dominant matrices that are almost symmetric in structure. An implementation of one of our sparse Cholesky factorization algorithms delivers up to 20 GFlops on a Gray T3D for medium-size structural engineering and linear programming problems. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest performance ever obtained for sparse Cholesky factorization on any supercomputer.
Support and Opposition for Invading Iraq: Did the President's Speech Make a Difference?

Abstract Utilizing data from the annual San Antonio Survey, this research addresses the issue of support and opposition to invading Iraq among respondents randomly selected from Bexar County, Texas. Data were collected prior to and after President Bush addressed the nation on October 7, 2002, seeking broad citizen support for his plan, allowing us to ascertain whether or not his speech impacted the attitudes of potential voters. Our results indicate that the President's speech, along with the extensive media coverage about it, was effective in gaining support for his proposal to invade Iraq. A multivariate logistic regression analysis also displayed that the speech still had a significant impact even after controlling for confidence in the president, political orientation, race, ethnicity, nativity, and socio-demographic context. The findings suggest support for earlier research indicating that the impact of presidential speeches could boost the approval of a policy, in particular, if the speech occurred ...
Wave function scarring effects in Sinai billiard cavities

Abstract Numerical simulations of the magneto-transport and corresponding wave functions have been carried out for Sinai billiard structures. In agreement with experiment, we obtain resistance traces that show indications of self-similarity. In addition, many resonant wave functions show scarring, that is, their amplitude is highly concentrated along underlying periodic classical orbits. These scars can occur periodically with field. The positions of the entrance and exit leads appears to be important in determining the complexity of this scarring behavior.
Solvent partition of 14C-unconjugated bilirubin to remove labeled polar contaminants.

Polar derivatives contaminating unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) are customarily extracted with weak alkali. As UCB degrades rapidly at alkaline pH, regeneration of polar derivatives may limit purification. This problem is especially important when trying to eliminate radiolabeled contaminants from 14 C-UCB. As polar derivatives of UCB should have a much greater aqueous to CHCl 3 partition ratio (PR) than UCB even at neutral pH, where degradation of UCB is minimal, 14 C-UCB in CHCl 3 was serially extracted with an aqueous buffer at pH 7.0 to determine whether labeled derivatives could be preferentially removed. A single extraction of customarily purified 14 C-UCB removed 0.18 ± 0.06% of the radioactivity as labeled derivatives. Subsequent serial extractions yielded a stable, 67% lower 14 C-PR with only 0.03% of radioactivity as labeled derivatives. Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) of phases from later extractions revealed, however, that up to 1.1% of the disintegration per minute (dpm) in CHCl 3 phases and up to 50% in aqueous phases were polar impurities. HPLC of partition phases spiked with purified 14 C-UCB revealed that these impurities derived from incomplete extraction of the least polar impurities and their regeneration during HPLC. In the dark under argon, 14 C-UCB in CHCl 3 or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solution degraded very slowly to polar derivatives. Extraction of impurities from a solution of 14 C-UCB in CHCl 3 is best done using pH 7.0 buffer, with removal of over 80% of the labeled contaminants remaining after customary purification by alkaline extraction.
The Influence of a Physician's Use of a Diagnostic Decision Aid on the Malpractice Verdicts of Mock Jurors

Background. One reason why physicians may be reluctant to use diagnostic decision aids is that such usage might increase the likelihood of an unfavorable malpractice verdict. The authors tested this hypothesis by sending a DVD of a malpractice trial to a national sample of juryeligible adults. Methods. There were 3 independent variables: 1) the physician did or did not use a diagnostic aid, 2) the patient’s symptoms either were or were not consistent with a diagnosis of probable appendicitis, and 3) the physician’s decision to operate or not operate was either concordant or discordant with the severity of the patient’s symptoms. Jurors rendered a verdict, and if they deemed the physician not to have met the standard of care, they indicated how punitive they felt toward the physician. Results. Mock jurors were more likely to side with the physician-defendant if he recommended an operation when there were many symptoms and refrained when there were few symptoms compared with a physician who did the converse. The use of a decision aid had no influence on this binary standard-of-care decision. Among those physicians deemed liable by the jurors, defying the aid resulted in heightened punishment compared with heeding it. Conclusion. Contrary to many physicians’ fears, use of a diagnostic decision aid did not influence the likelihood of an adverse malpractice verdict. Complying with the aid’s recommendation provided a measure of protection against jurors’ punitiveness for those physicians deemed liable for malpractice. Key words: malpractice; decision aids; jury decision making. (Med Decis Making 2008;28:201‐208)
Soil nutrient losses in an altered ecosystem are associated with native ungulate grazing

Summary 1. Protected natural areas often inherit legacies of altered habitat and predator–prey dynamics. Extirpation of top predators and ecosystem engineers modifies the density and distribution of the remaining species, with potentially significant ramifications for ecological condition. Land managers need, among other things, information on how populations of large grazing animals affect their habitat when key components are missing from the ecosystem. 2. Our objective was to examine correlations between intensive grazing by Cervus elaphus (red deer or North American elk) and soil processes in a protected natural area with a history of predator reduction and habitat modification. We used 12 exclosures constructed in 1994 to compare soil carbon and nitrogen, nitrogen cycling, bulk density, soil moisture and soil microbial characteristics in grazed and ungrazed areas. Samples were collected in 1998 and in 2010. 3. Soil carbon (C) concentration was 25% lower in grazed areas than in exclosures; soil nitrogen (N) concentration was 23% lower. From 1998 to 2010, the mean percentage change for soil C and N concentrations was +14% and +27%, respectively, in exclosures and )22% and )24%, respectively, in grazed sites. 4. Soil bulk density in grazed areas was 25% greater than in ungrazed areas; soil moisture in grazed areas was 15% lower than in ungrazed areas. 5. Physical soil attributes, soil nutrient stocks and soil microbial biomass were significantly correlated, exhibiting linkages that can accelerate changes in ecosystem function. Plant N concentrations suggest soil nutrient losses were not related to substitutions for N-rich forage species. 6. Synthesis and applications. Intensive grazing was correlated with drier more compacted soils and nutrient loss, suggesting increasing N limitation and reduced plant biodiversity. Recovery of soil nutrients and soil structure appears possible in the studied montane riparian zone if vegetation receives grazing protection. Cervus elaphus density and distribution should be controlled in the short term to restore soil structure, hydraulic conductivity and nutrients. Active management could be obviated in the longer term through restoration of predators and ecosystem engineers.
Urban Princesses: Performance and “Women's Language” in Japan's Gothic/Lolita Subculture

This paper investigates the linguistic strategies used in the counterpublic discourse of Gothic/Lolita, a young Japanese women's subculture of the late 1990s and early 2000s, and explores how the subculture and its practices are characterized by the Japanese media. Particular attention is paid to how subcultural magazines, websites, and Gothic/Lolitas themselves create and sustain a “virtual linguistic community” through a specialized lexicon of neologisms and re-appropriated “women's language,” as well as negative identity practices that seek to define Gothic/Lolita against other subcultures and fashions such as kosupure [“Cosplay” i.e., Costume Play]. Additionally, an analysis of representations of Gothic/Lolita speech in two television programs reveals how the media constructs ambivalent images via iconization and erasure through narration and editing.[youth subculture, gender and language, speech community, counterpublic, Japan]
Effects of Online Interaction and Instructor Presence on Students’ Satisfaction and Success with Online Undergraduate Public Relations Courses

This study examined student success, failure, withdrawal, and satisfaction in online public relations courses based on instructor–student interaction, student–student interaction, and instructor presence. Student passing rates, D/F rates, withdrawal rates, and evaluations of instruction were compiled from fifty-one online PR courses run over the course of two years. The results from the study suggest that student–student interaction and self-discipline are the strongest predictors of success and satisfaction with online courses. Implications for online instructors are included.
Computer-Simulated Psychotherapy as an Aid in Teaching Clinical Psychology

(1987). Computer-Simulated Psychotherapy as an Aid in Teaching Clinical Psychology. Teaching of Psychology: Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 37-39.
Event-related potentials reveal the effects of aging on meaning selection and revision

ERPs were recorded as older adults decided if a target word was related to a lateralized ambiguous or unambiguous prime; prime-target pairs were preceded by a related or unrelated context word. In an unrelated context, N400 facilitation effects differed from those seen in young adults, with older adults showing priming for the dominant meaning (e.g., BOOM-BANK-DEPOSIT) on right visual field/left hemisphere (RVF/LH) trials and priming for the subordinate meaning (e.g., BOOM-BANK-RIVER) on LVF/RH trials. Higher-functioning older adults, especially those with better inhibition, were more likely to show bilateral activation of the dominant meaning and unilateral activation of the subordinate meaning, suggesting a retention of young-like activation. In a biasing context (e.g., RIVER-BANK-DEPOSIT), older adults selected the contextually-consistent meaning, but were less likely than young adults to revise their selection.
Falls and fractures.

Falls are a key cause of morbidity and mortality in nursing homes. Falls occur three times more commonly in nursing home residents than in community dwelling elders. In nursing homes, there are approximately 1.5 falls for each resident per year. Overall 1,800 long-term care residents die from a fall-associated injury each year. These statistics strongly argue for an aggressive approach to decreasing injurious falls in long term care. From the time a baby begins to walk falls are an inevitable result of the human bipedal existence. Thus, the focus should be on injury prevention rather than on fall prevention per se. Middle aged women tend to fall forward using their hands to break the fall and, thus, the fall results in a Colles’ fracture. As we lose stability with aging we tend to fall sideways or backwards with the impact of the fall being on the hip and the outcome being a hip fracture. The more falls one has in a year, the more the increase in risk of having a hip fracture. Hip fractures also occur more often when the person is turning as this increases the risk of a sideways fall. For these reasons all nursing home residents should be aggressively treated for osteoporosis. Chapuy et al. clearly demonstrated that calcium and 800 IU of vitamin D daily reduced hip fracture in nursing homes. Nursing home residents receiving 800 IU daily of vitamin D had a 72% lower risk of falls over a 5 month period. Lower doses of vitamin D were not effective. A recent editorial and a number of other articles in the Journal have advocated the use of vitamin D in all nursing home residents. In addition, 25(OH) vitamin D levels should be measured in all residents and aggressive vitamin D replacement used in those residents with levels below 30ng/ ml. Bisphosphonates are appropriate in residents with a previous hip or vertebral fracture or who have osteoporosis. Bisphosphonates should be avoided in those who have renal failure. Hip pad protectors of appropriate quality should also be used and nursing staff needs to be educated on the importance of compliance with this measure. Osteoporosis prevention needs to be a priority of the director of nursing as well as consultant pharmacists and physicians. Falls can be associated with intracranial bleeding in persons on coumadin. The INR can be very difficult to control in nursing homes. Pharmacies should be responsible for alerting physicians and nursing staff regarding the possible effect of a drug on the INR in persons on coumadin when the drug