cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Divination of Atuot Philosophy

In their image of a mythical world, the pastoral Nilotic-speaking Atuot' of the southern Sudan convey the impression that there were at one time none of the radical dichotomies which now figure as common features of experience. The sky and earth were conjoined; life in its present sense did not exist because there was no death. The general order of existence was an order of unity and completeness. This primordial world was violently transformed when human beings first acted with self-conscious intention, when, in a sense, the individual emerged from the collectivity. A woman was pounding grain to prepare a meal but, self-indulgently sought, in a sudden burst of avarice, to make more than was needed. Common instances of personal misfortune are often defined by the same circumstances. An interpretation of what they see as an essential human proclivity, to seek gain at another's expense or to suffer the misfortune by implication of some other's anti-social behaviour, is fundamental to an understanding of Atuot divination. A myth recounts how, at the moment human greed was first manifested, people became blind to its source. In this story, a man was speared in the side of his body, and even as his blood gushed from his mouth, he was unable to see the cause of his demise. The mythical image in some instances closely corresponds to daily experience, and offers a reason for performing and participating in rituals of divination.
Fault-tolerant dynamic task graph scheduling

In this paper, we present an approach to fault tolerant execution of dynamic task graphs scheduled using work stealing. In particular, we focus on selective and localized recovery of tasks in the presence of soft faults. From users, we elicit the basic task graph structure in terms of successor and predecessor relationships. The work-stealing-based algorithm to schedule such a task graph is augmented to enable recovery when the data and metadata associated with a task get corrupted. We use this redundancy, and knowledge of the task graph structure, to selectively recover from faults with low space and time overheads. We show that the fault tolerant design retains the essential properties of the underlying work stealing-based task scheduling algorithm, and that the fault tolerant execution is asymptotically optimal when task re-execution is taken into account. Experimental evaluation demonstrates the low cost of recovery under various fault scenarios.
Theory-driven facts and the growth in earnings inequality

Abstract It is widely accepted that the rise in U.S. wage inequality can be explained by skill-biased technological change: workplace computerization produced demand shifts that worked with a simply supply and demand “vision” of the labor market than with direct statistical evidence, which is remarkably limited. Indeed, the dominance of this elementary textbook vision has led, I argue, to a conflation between statistical facts and “theory-driven” facts—those statements about reality that are selected, interpreted, or simply created to confirm a vision of the way things work. The paper concludes by outlining an alternative explanation of the growth in wage inequality based on a sharply different, Gordonian, vision of the labor market.
The contribution of bone and cartilage to the near-infrared spectrum of osteochondral tissue.

Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has been used to assess hyaline cartilage quality in human and animal osteochondral tissues. However, due to the lack of NIR signal from bone phosphate and the relatively deep penetration depth of the radiation, the separate contributions of cartilage and bone to the spectral signatures have not been well defined. The objectives of the current study were (1) to improve the understanding of the contributions of bone and cartilage to NIR spectra acquired from osteochondral tissue and (2) to assess the ability of this nondestructive method to predict cartilage thickness and modified Mankin grade of human tibial plateau articular cartilage. Near-infrared spectra were acquired from samples of bovine bone and cartilage with varying thicknesses and from 22 tibial plateaus harvested from patients undergoing knee replacement surgery. The spectra were recorded from regions of the tibial plateaus with varying degrees of degradation, and the cartilage thickness and modified Mankin gra...
Stimulus functions within a fixed-interval clock schedule: Reinforcement, punishment, and discriminative stimulus control

Pigeons received food for responding on a fixed-interval 32-sec schedule divided into three equal parts, each correlated with a distinctive, response-independent, visual stimulus. Response rate was very low during the first two thirds of the interval but high during the terminal third. When a response-dependent brief stimulus correlated with the terminal third was arranged for each response in the presence of the stimuli correlated with the first two thirds, response rate was enhanced, especially in the middle third. However, response rate was suppressed when each response in the presence of the stimulus correlated with the final third produced a brief stimulus correlated with the initial third. A similar suppressive effect occurred when each response produced a brief stimulus correlated with the middle third. Response suppression decreased over successive response-dependent brief-initial-stimulus manipulations. The results were interpreted in terms of reinforcement, punishment, and discriminative stimulus control by visual stimuli correlated with parts of a fixed-interval schedule.
A History of Nigeria

Nigeria is Africa's most populous country and the world's eighth largest oil producer, but its success has been undermined in recent decades by ethnic and religious conflict, political instability, rampant official corruption and an ailing economy. Toyin Falola, a leading historian intimately acquainted with the region, and Matthew Heaton, who has worked extensively on African science and culture, combine their expertise to explain the context to Nigeria's recent troubles through an exploration of its pre-colonial and colonial past, and its journey from independence to statehood. By examining key themes such as colonialism, religion, slavery, nationalism and the economy, the authors show how Nigeria's history has been swayed by the vicissitudes of the world around it, and how Nigerians have adapted to meet these challenges. This book offers a unique portrayal of a resilient people living in a country with immense, but unrealized, potential.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy following autogenous breast reconstruction with a TRAM flap

Immediate breast reconstruction involving the transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM) is increasingly utilized in management of breast cancer. Recent restrictions in the use of silicone implants have caused a rise in the use of autogenous tissue in reconstruction, especially the TRAM [3]. In a TRAM reconstruction, the rectus abdominus muscle is elevated off the posterior abdominal fascia using the epigastric vessels as its blood supply (Fig. 1). Overlying fascia and a transverse section of skin are taken with the muscle and placed into the breast pocket (Figs. 2, 3). The flap is prepared from one (unipedicled) or both (bipedicled) rectus muscles. Premenopausal women with breast cancer and positive nodes usually undergo postmastectomy chemotherapy following a mastectomy [5]. These patients may require a bone marrow transplant (BMT) and can develop biliary disease secondary to the parenteral feedings required during their transplant [7]. Subsequent development of symptoms is not uncommon following major surgery [10]. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is now accepted as the procedure of choice for symptomatic gallstones. This approach has been shown to be both beneficial and cost effective [4]. With the improvement of technical skills, the list of contraindications for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy have decreased greatly. The anatomic changes following TRAM reconstructions create interesting and potentially hazardous problems in those patients requiring abdominal endosurgery. The patient presented in this case report experienced biliary pancreatitis requiring a laparoscopic cholecystectomy shortly after a TRAM reconstruction.
Unraveling of mitotic control mechanisms.

La proteine kinase codee par le gene cdc2 est un composant essentiel de MPF, l'enzyme qui induit la mitose. La production de cycline, produit du gene cdc3 de levure, conduit a l'activation de la proteine cdc2 et a la generation d'une proteine MPF active
The significance of horns and other male secondary sexual characters in female bovids

Abstract A new model for the evolution of horns in female bovids postulates that females mimic male secondary sexual characters to buffer their male offspring against the aggression of dominant males, thereby prolonging the presence of their sons in the natal herd and home range. The survival and reproductive success of male offspring and the mother's own genetic fitness are, thus, all enhanced. This form of heterosexual mimicry is viewed as simply another form of maternal investment, strongly selected for because the enforced dispersal of male offspring during adolescence is a major source of male mortality and of the skewed adult sex ratios typical of mammals with polygynous mating systems. Horns, and other secondary characters that provoke despotic competition as male sex symbols, become ambiguous and no longer release aggression when females possess similar ornaments. In the case of horns — permanent structures essential for males to achieve dominance and reproductive success — their acquisition by females not only postpones the natal dispersal of male progeny but also enables them to begin developing horns much earlier than the progeny of hornless females can afford to do. The competitive advantage of early horn development could be so decisive that, once the alleles for female horns became established, this genotype would spread rapidly throughout a population. How long male-mimicry functions to buffer males against despotic competition depends on the developmental stage tracked in females. Under conditions that favor seasonal or permanent bisexual grouping, the process could have led to the minimal sexual dimorphism seen in many migratory and nomadic bovids. The importance of despotic competition as an antagonist to peer competition, capable of countering selection for development of male secondary characters, calls for a redefinition of sexual competition. When the dual nature of sexual competition is taken into account, Darwin's theory of sexual selection becomes applicable to various polygynous mammals that fail to develop the expected degree of sexual dimorphism.
Correlation between CT‐based measured renal volumes and nuclear‐renography‐based split renal function in living kidney donors. Clinical diagnostic utility and practice patterns

Introduction Living donor evaluation involves imaging to determine the choice of kidney for nephrectomy. Our aim was to study the diagnostic accuracy and correlation between CT-based volume measurements and split renal function (SRF) as measured by nuclear renography in potential living donors and its impact on kidney selection decision. Methods We analyzed 190 CT-based volume measurements in healthy donors, of which 65 donors had a radionuclide study performed to determine SRF. Results There were no differences in demographics, anthropometric measurements, total volumes, eGFR, creatinine clearances between those who required a nuclear scan and those who did not. There was a significant correlation between CT-volume-measurement-based SRF and nuclear-scan-based SRF (Pearson coefficient r 0.59; p < 0.001). Furthermore, selective nuclear-based SRF allowed careful selection of donor nephrectomy, leaving the donor with the higher functioning kidney in most cases. There was also a significantly higher number of right-sided nephrectomies selected after nuclear-based SRF studies. Conclusion CT-based volume measurements in living donor imaging have sufficient correlation with nuclear-based SRF. Selective use of nuclear-scan-based SRF allows careful selection for donor nephrectomy.
Subcellular Dynamics of Type II PKA in Neurons

Protein kinase A (PKA) plays multiple roles in neurons. The localization and specificity of PKA are largely controlled by A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs). However, the dynamics of PKA in neurons and the roles of specific AKAPs are poorly understood. We imaged the distribution of type II PKA in hippocampal and cortical layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons in vitro and in vivo. PKA was concentrated in dendritic shafts compared to the soma, axons, and dendritic spines. This spatial distribution was imposed by the microtubule-binding protein MAP2, indicating that MAP2 is the dominant AKAP in neurons. Following cAMP elevation, catalytic subunits dissociated from the MAP2-tethered regulatory subunits and rapidly became enriched in nearby spines. The spatial gradient of type II PKA between dendritic shafts and spines was critical for the regulation of synaptic strength and long-term potentiation. Therefore, the localization and activity-dependent translocation of type II PKA are important determinants of PKA function.
Focus sensing method with improved pattern noise rejection

208-323-3841ABSTRACTFocus error sensing is a subject which has received much effort and ingenuity as the optical datastorage industry has matured, yet there is still a need for techniques which provide improved accuracy,responsiveness and noise immunity. This paper discusses a class of techniques which demonstrate commonmode rejection of signal corruption, and a particular member of that class which is based on lossless reflection
Taurodeoxycholate stimulates intestinal cell proliferation and protects against apoptotic cell death through activation of NF-κB

We hypothesized that the NF-kappaB pathway would be operative in the proliferative effect of bile salts on enterocytes. To determine this, we studied the effect of the bile salt taurodeoxycholate on cultured rat enterocyte proliferation and apoptosis and examined the role of NF-kappaB activation in these growth regulatory processes. Intestinal epithelial cells were grown for 6 days with or without taurodeoxycholate. Proliferation was measured. The cells were exposed to a known apoptotic stimulus, TNF-alpha and cyclohexamide. Apoptosis was quantified using cell number and the TUNEL stain. NF-kappaB activation was determined by an electrophoretic mobility shift assay. NF-kappaB activation was inhibited by an IkappaB superrepressor. Taurodeoxycholate stimulated cell proliferation (P < 0.01) and induced resistance to TNF-alpha induced apoptosis (P < 0.01). Taurodeoxycholate induced NF-kappaB activation. Inhibition of NF-kappaB prevented taurodeoxycholate-induced IEC-6 cell proliferation and rendered cells sensitive to TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis. Taurodeoxycholate stimulates intestinal epithelial cell proliferation and protects intestinal epithelial cells from TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis through NF-kappaB. These data support an important beneficial role of bile salts in regulation of mucosal growth and repair. Decreased enterocyte exposure to luminal bile salts, as occurs during starvation and parenteral nutrition, may have a detrimental effect on mucosal integrity.
A shifting paradigm: Histone deacetylases and transcriptional activation

Transcriptional repression and silencing have been strongly associated with hypoacetylation of histones. Accordingly, histone deacetylases, which remove acetyl groups from histones, have been shown to participate in mechanisms of transcriptional repression. Therefore, current models of the role of acetylation in transcriptional regulation focus on the acetylation status of histones and designate histone acetyltransferases, which add acetyl groups to histones, as transcriptional coactivators and histone deacetylases as corepressors. In recent years, an accumulation of studies have shown that these enzymes also target non-histone proteins and that histone deacetylases have clear roles as coactivators at a variety of genes, some of which are key regulators of cell growth and survival. This review summarizes the evidence for histone deacetylases as coactivators and provides models of coactivation mechanisms, some of which integrate roles of acetylated histones and non-histone proteins in transcription. BioEssays 30:15-24, 2008. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Broadening the concept of rational economic behavior: A case study of cheese making at the Abbey of Tamié

Abstract Through an analysis of the business activities of a Trappist monastery, an attempt is made to add to the understanding of how ethical considerations, custom, and culture, as well as the profit motive, affect how actual economic decisions are made. This analysis is implemented through a case study of the cheese-making business of a monastery in the French Alps where the tradition of cheese, agriculture, and monks is important to the culture and customs of the area. The analysis finds that the monks are able to successfully conduct their business in ways that honor their custom and culture within the religious confines imposed by the monastery.
Elastomeric Properties of Polysiloxane Networks. Bimodal Elastomers that are Spatially Inhomogeneous and Others that are Very Broadly Multimodal

End‐linking poly(dimethylsiloxane) was used to prepare bimodal elastomers networks so as to have inhomogeneous nanostructures, and also to prepare others having very broadly multimodal chain‐length distributions. Macroscopic phase separation, probably high crosslink density clusters, was observed to occur in some of the bimodal networks. The mechanical properties in simple extension and in equilibrium swelling were measured. The bimodal elastomers that were not obviously inhomogeneous showed very good mechanical properties, but the macroscopically phase‐separated networks, and the broadly multimodal network were weak. Analysis of the Mooney‐Rivlin profiles suggests that the reinforcing mechanism could have a structural component in addition to that from the limited extensibilities of the short chains. The mechanical properties and the extents of swelling support the cluster conjecture, in accord with previous morphological studies on spatially‐inhomogeneous polysiloxane elastomers.
Metabolism of 99mTc-L,L-ethyl cysteinate dimer in healthy volunteers.

99mTc-L,L-Ethyl cysteinate dimer (ECD) is a brain-perfusion imaging agent, which exhibits selective retention in brain and rapid renal excretion. The pharmacokinetics and metabolism of ECD were studied in vivo in healthy humans and its metabolism in vitro was evaluated in tissue from human brain. In vitro studies showed 99mTc-L,L-ECD to be metabolized to a polar 99mTc-complex. It has been shown previously that most of the activity of 99mTc retained in the brain of the monkey in vivo is in the form of a polar 99mTc complex (Walovitch, Hill, Garrity, Cheesman, Burgess, O'Leary, Watson, Ganey, Morgan and Williams, 1989). Whole body images of the distribution of 99mTc-L,L-ECD (10 mCi i.v.) in four adult males showed good uptake in brain, with slow elimination (6.8 +/- 0.3% injected dose [mean +/- SE] at 5 min), with less than 25% decrease in activity during 4 hr of imaging. Background areas in the head and lungs washed out rapidly, providing ideal imaging conditions. Elimination of 99mTc from venous blood was biphasic, with a plateau of activity between 2-15 min (7-8% injected dose) before a terminal phase, with a t1/2 of a few hours. Organic extraction of whole venous blood showed greater than 50% of the 99mTc-L,L-ECD to be in the form of polar metabolite(s) at 5 min. They were identified in the urine as the 99mTc ethylenediylbis-L-cysteine, monoethyl ester complex (ECM) and the 99mTc-ethylenediylbis-L-cysteine complex (EC). These metabolites were excreted rapidly (75% injected dose in urine within 6 hr). The results of this study support the hypothesis that the selective retention in brain, rapid blood elimination and renal excretion of 99mTc-L,L-ECD is due to its metabolic transformation to polar end products.
Predictors of influenza immunization in persons over age 65.

Background: Numerous individual characteristics have been found to be associated with rates of obtaining flu shots. This study creates a predictive model that assesses the relative impact of each of these factors on increasing rates of flu shots in a population. Methods: The Medicare beneficiary survey from 1998 and 1999 was used. Sixteen factors present in 1998 were compared between subjects who did and who did not receive flu shots. Significant factors were then used in a logistic regression to predict the probability of receiving a flu shot in 1998 and 1999. Results: Seven demographic and 7 health status measures were significantly different between subjects who did and who did not receive flu shots in 1998. Logistic regression showed that twelve of these variables were associated with a subject receiving a flu shot in 1998 and explained 11.4% of the variability in who did and who did not receive a flu shot. For the following year, 1999, 7 measures were significantly associated with receiving a flu shot and explained 64% of the variability in who did and who did not receive a flu shot. One variable, if the subject had received a flu shot in 1998, was highly predictive of a subject receiving a flu shot in 1999, explaining 63% of the observed variability in who did and who did not receive a flu shot in 1999. Discussion: The major predictor of getting a flu shot in future years is having received one in the current year (63% of predictive power). Six other behavior and demographic factors increase the predictive power modestly. Programs that target nonrecipients may increase the overall flu shot rates of a community.
Concentration-dependent diffusion in a composite slab with and without chemical reactions

Concentration-dependent diffusion of solute in a composite slab is investigated. The complex diffusion problem can be described by a set of nonlinear diffusion equations which is coupled to each other through the nonlinear interfacial boundary conditions. A two-layer diffusion is illustrated and the coupled nonlinear diffusion equations are conveniently solved by the orthogonal collocation method. Numerical simulation of the example reveals many interesting diffusion characteristics which are quite different from those in a single slab diffusion system.
Assortative mating for a quantitative character

Phenotypic assortative mating is investigated for a character determined by additive loci without dominance and a stochastically independent environment. Conditional-expectation arguments are used to calculate the equilibrium values of the phenotypic variance and the correlation between sundry relatives. For the latter, it suffices to suppose that the regressions of an individual's genotype on his phenotype and of his phenotype on that of his mate are linear. For the former, linearity of the regression of the allelic effects on the phenotype is also posited. The biological implications of these assumptions are discussed.
Effects of Temperature on Eggs, Fecundity, and Adult Longevity of Hylobius transversovittatus Goeze (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a Biological Control Agent of Purple Loosestrife

Abstract Oviposition, egg development, and adult longevity of Hylobius transversovittatus Goeze (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a biological control agent of purple loosestrife ( Lythrum salicaria L.), were studied at several temperatures. Adults reared at constant temperatures of 12.5, 15, 20, 25, and 30 ± 1°C showed large differences in longevity and oviposition response to temperature. Preoviposition and oviposition periods increased with decreased temperature. The preoviposition period ranged from 8.4 days at 25°C to 77.9 days at 12.5°C, and the oviposition period was 143.2 days at 30°C and 891.7 days at 12.5°C. Oviposition per female per day increased from 0.34 eggs at 12.5°C to 2.92 at 25°C. The highest total number of eggs per female (701.3) was observed at 25°C. At 30°C, total eggs laid per female decreased to 139.0. Adults lived for over 3 years at the lower temperatures, and longevity was inversely proportional to temperature. For the range of temperatures tested, females survived six times longer at the lowest temperature (1149.3 days at 12.5°C) compared with the highest temperature (185.4 days at 30°C). Based on regression analysis, minimum threshold temperature for development was 9.5, 12.7, and 11.6°C for eggs, preoviposition, and oviposition, respectively. Eggs were reared at 10, 15, 20, 25, 27.5, 30, 32.5, and 35°C and had hatch rates of >90% at 20, 25, and 30°C but only 5% hatch at 32.5°C, and zero at 10 and 35°C. Developmental rate of eggs increased with temperature between 15 and 30°C but decreased at 32.5°C. Egg developmental time increased from 8 to 36 days with temperatures decreasing from 30 to 15°C, respectively. These data indicate that 25°C is the optimum temperature for oviposition and egg development.
Phase 0 clinical studies in oncology.

In the design of first-in-human (FIH) studies in oncology, some changes are incremental; others are major shifts in goals and approaches. The contemporary emphasis on molecularly targeted agents has accelerated the trend toward biomarker studies, but these investigations remain as secondary findings in phase I behind the classic end points of toxicity and occasional tumor shrinkage. In contrast, evaluation of target modulation is the primary goal of phase 0 and is intended to inform decision making regarding further development of the relevant compound. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2009); 85, 2, 204–207 doi:10.1038/clpt.2008.246
Body, mind and spirit: towards the integration of religiosity and spirituality in cancer quality of life research

The importance of religion and spirituality to the American public has been highlighted by recent opinion polls, media attention and empirical studies. Psychosocial researchers are incorporating these variables into studies of emotional and physical illness. A number of studies have found that, for cancer patients, religious, spiritual and quality of life concerns are paramount. This paper reviews the literature relating religion and spirituality to physical and emotional health and quality of life. Definitions and measurement issues related to religiosity/spirituality and quality of life are discussed. The paper provides a rationale and methodological suggestions for future studies assessing religious and spiritual beliefs of cancer patients in relation to quality of life. The authors conclude that regular inclusion of religiosity and spirituality measures in quality of life studies is needed in order to understand the integration of mind, body and spirit in cancer care.
Weekly total-skin electron-beam irradiation for mycosis fungoides.

Twenty-one patients with mycosis fungoides were given total-body irradiation with 2.5 and 3.5 MeV electrons, using four to six doses of 400 rads each. Prompt symptomatic relief and good long-term control of both ulcerated and nonulcerated lesions were obtained. Regression of lesions between fractions made subsequent treatments more efficient. No untoward immediate or late effects were noted in the irradiated bone marrow or normal skin. A severity scoring system used to evaluate radiation response is described.
FerriCast: a macrocyclic photocage for Fe3+.

The non-siderophoric Fe3+ photocage FerriCast (4,5-dimethoxy-2-nitrophenyl)-[4-(1-oxa-4,10-dithia-7-aza-cyclododec-7-yl)phenyl] methanol (2) has been prepared in high yield using an optimized two-step reaction sequence that utilizes a trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate (TMSOTf) assisted electrophilic aromatic substitution as the key synthetic step. Spectrophotometric assessment of Fe3+ binding to FerriCast revealed a binding stoichiometry and metal ion affinity dependent on the nature of the counterion. Exposure of FerriCast to 350 nm light initiates a photoreaction that converts FerriCast into FerriUnc (4,5-dimethoxy-2-nitrosophenyl)-[4-(1-oxa-4,10-dithia-7-aza-cyclododec-7-yl)phenyl]-methanone), which binds Fe3+ less strongly owing to resonance delocalization of the anilino lone pair into the benzophenone π-system. The release of Fe3+ upon photolysis of FerriCast also was evaluated using a previously reported turn-on fluorescent sensor that utilizes the same macrocyclic ligand (4-(1-oxa-4,10-dithi...
Low-frequency self-generated oscillations in the D-C carbon arc

A study of the fundamental properties of the d-c arc was undertaken starting with very low currents of 1 ampere or less and gradually increasing the current. Simultaneous observations of the variations in voltage, current, light, and sound produced by the arc were correlated with those controllable parameters in an attempt to understand better the basic processes involved.
Tales of the Y Chromosome

Determining the sequence of the human Y chromosome presented a daunting challenge to genome researchers. But the task is now done, and the secrets revealed justify the effort.
Fragile imperceptible digital watermark with privacy control

We propose a watermarking scheme which allows the watermarked image to be authenticated by an authentication agent without revealing to the authentication agent the human-readable content of the image by combining privacy control with watermarking and authentication mechanisms. This watermarking scheme has universal applicability to data sets such as image, video and audio bit streams. The watermark can be made to be imperceptible to humans. Usage of public key cryptography allows the authentication agent to authenticate without the capabilities to watermark an image.
Worst-case performance guaranteed data cache

In this paper, we propose a Performance Enhancement Guaranteed Cache (PEG-C) to ensure performance benefit in the worst case while achieving as good average-case performance as a regular hardware-controlled cache. Our experiments indicate that with a small number of preloaded data and a simple hardware extension, the PEG-C can guarantee performance enhancement in the worst case while achieving the same average-case performance as a regular cache.
Time-dependent failure in fiber-reinforced composites by fiber degradation

The failure of fiber-reinforced ceramic and metal matrix composites under a fixed load for extended times occurs because of strength degradation in the constituent fibers. Specifically, the ceramic fibers possess a Weibull strength distribution caused by crack-like flaws, which can grow according to a power-law growth mechanism. Failure of individual fibers causes interfacial slippage and stress redistribution to unfailed fibers, which in turn accelerates the degradation rate of the remaining fibers, and culminates in abrupt Failure of the composite after sufficient damage has accumulated. This sequence of events is modeled both analytically and numerically within the Global Load Sharing (GLS) approximation previously utilized for quasi-static loading. Analytically, a general constitutive model for the relationship between the stress on the damaged fiber bundle, the strain in the unbroken fibers, and the extent of damage, is combined with a time-dependent damage evolution equation derived from the slow-crack-growth kinetics to yield an integral equation for the strain cs time at fixed applied load. The relevant gauge length for a fixed load rupture process is found to be delta = r sigma/tau which is twice the slip length prevailing at the initial applied load sigma, where tau is the interfacial sliding resistance between fiber and matrix. The underlying time scale for rupture is the time scale for a typical fiber of gauge length delta to Fail under the applied load sigma; this time can be quite different From that measured by stress-rupture tests on single fibers at an unrelated laboratory gauge length L(0). A simple, accurate but approximate relationship between applied load, time to failure, fiber Weibull modulus, and slow crack growth exponent is presented. The numerical simulations of the same degradation process verify the general accuracy of the failure time obtained from the analytic results. The remaining tensile strength after some time at load but prior to failure is also studied, and the simulation results generally exhibited a more sudden-death failure than the analytical predictions. A specific application to the failure of a Nicalon fiber composite is presented. (C) 1997 Acta Metallurgica Inc.
Adolescent and Adult Reasoning about Gender and Fairness in Traditional Practices in Benin, West Africa

This study examined reasoning about fairness in gender-related traditional practices in Benin, West Africa. Fifty adolescents (M = 15.7 years) and 46 adults (M = 33.4 years) were interviewed about traditional practices involving gender hierarchy. Results indicate that the majority attributed decision-making authority to a traditional authority for conventional reasons. However, the majority also judged the practices as unfair, giving moral reasons. In judgments of how to respond to unfair practices, those who advocated accepting the practices gave conventional reasons and not moral reasons. Males took the gender of the protagonist into account more than did females, and males saw traditional male authority as less alterable. No age differences were found, indicating that adults were not more enculturated than adolescents.
A note on modelling muscle in physiological regulators.

In order to find a satisfactory representation of the dynamic behaviour of muscle, some of the known mechanical properties of muscle are examined. A viscoelastic model, consisting of a neurally controlled spring-damper combination connected in parallel with each other and in series with a passive elastic element, is shown to represent a significant number of the properties of muscle. The validity of the model is further tested by comparing the model's response to pulses with experimentally determined contractions of the frog sartorious muscle. The model is shown to fit the isometric contractions produced both by single pulses and by trains of pulses.
Characteristics of Actinobacillus Actinomycetemcomitans Invasion of and Adhesion to Cultured Epithelial Cells

Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (A.a.) is highly implicated in periodontitis. We have developed several in vitro models using the KB oral cell line to examine A.a.-epithelial cell interactions. In support of the use of KB cell line model systems is our finding that A.a. invaded KB and primary gingival cells to the same extent. Invasion is an active event which requires new protein synthesis by both KB and A.a. Like many other intracellular parasites, A.a. invade by receptor-mediated endocytosis. We observed that internalized A.a. were surrounded by foci of actin which had been transported from the periphery of the KB cell. Adhesion of A.a. to KB cells occurred rapidly and stimulated the formation of microvilli. Adhesion is affected by both host factors (saliva, serum, [NaCl]) and culture conditions. Multiple determinants [fimbriae, outer membrane proteins, vesicles, and/or an extracellular amorphous material (ExAmMat)] which are either associated with the A.a. surface or are released into the milieu are involved. We determined that ExAmMat can convey adhesiveness to weakly adherent A.a. and to at least one other oral species (Streptococcus parasanguis).
An adaptive correlation-based group recommendation system

An adaptive correlation-based group recommendation system or recommender is proposed which takes the members' interactions into account. Thus, the proposed method can predict members' relationships by acquiring the correlations between a group and its members. With the predicted correlations, each member's weight can be estimated. Finally, the group's ratings of those non-rated items can be predicted by merging members' ratings and their estimated weights. Without complex computation, the proposed group recommendation system can achieve accurate predictions of the group's ratings. Therefore, it suits for helping a group to make decisions since its members have different opinions for selecting multimedia contents.
DO TREES HAVE RIGHTS? RIGHTS, NATURE, AND CONCEPTUAL CHANGE

Does nature have rights? Can nature have rights? Should nature have rights? Is it sensible or nonsensical to talk of the rights of nature? I examine these questions here. I begin with a discussion of numerous approaches to rights, all sharing the common thread that rights cannot be applied to nature. Next I examine representatives from the current literature opposing and favoring extending rights to nature. I then shift to an exploration of conceptual change and the historicity of moral and political concepts and what this implies for present and future understandings of rights. I argue that rights can be extended to include nature and that this should be done. Finally, I present an outline for how such a rights-based approach to protecting nature might work.
Sand-dollar mellita quinquiesperforata (Leske) burrow trails: sites of harpacticoid disturbance and nematode attraction

The effect of sand-dollar Mellita quinquiesperforata (Leske) burrowing on a soft-bottom meiofauna community was examined at a subtidal site located off the northwest Florida coast. M. quinquiesperforata were common at the site with an average of 3 ind · 0.25 m −2 and their burrow trails were a distinctive feature of the sediment surface. At the site, sand dollars disrupted ≈ 14% of the sediment surface · h−1. Sand-dollar burrowing did not decrease total meiofauna abundances significantly (P > 0.05); however, the abundances of one harpacticoid species, Halectinosoma sp., foraminifera and mites were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in samples collected from a burrow trail than in samples collected in front of the sand dollar. The lower abundances of Halectinosoma sp. and mites in the burrow trail were probably due to sediment disturbance. The lower abundances of foraminifera in the burrow trails were probably due to sand-dollar predation. In contrast to studies in intertidal areas, total nematode abundances were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the samples collected behind a moving sand dollar than in samples collected in front of the sand dollar. Possible reasons for the enhanced abundances are: (1) increased food availability in the form of mucus and/or excreted cells that line the sand-dollar gut; and (2) increased pore space within the sediment.
Calix[4]pyrrole: Synthesis and Anion-Binding Properties. An Organic Chemistry Laboratory Experiment

The study of synthetic macrocycles capable of interacting with small anionic species is an emerging field in organic chemistry. One specific example is a class of compounds known as calixpyrroles. The most common formulation of this system is a result of the condensation of acetone and pyrrole, which leads to the formation of a tetrapyrrolic macrocycle structurally similar but electronically different than porphyrins. This system is different from porphyrin in that you cannot form an 18π electron aromatic structure, which imparts drastically different properties. Instead, each pyrrole is electronically independent and consequently, each can donate one hydrogen bond. Their solid state structure also suggests that these meso-octamethylporphyrinogens are more aptly named calixpyrroles to emphasize their structural similarities to other members in the calixarene family. These observations led to the development of these systems as anion binding agents used to target a multitude of useful functions. Herein is ...
Appendiceal torsion in an adult: case report and review of the literature.

Abstract Purpose Torsion of the appendix is a rare cause of acute abdomen with presentation, treatment, and prognosis virtually identical to that of acute appendicitis. Methods We present a case of appendiceal torsion in a 44-year-old male, which is to our knowledge the first in an African-American man, and we review all of the reported adult cases in the English language literature. Conclusion This condition may have occurred when a normal appendix is encountered and no other pathologic findings exist.
Adaptive, generative, and transformative learning in project teams

Purpose – The aim of this study is to analyze a framework of team learning that includes three learning processes (adaptive, generative, and transformative), factors that stimulate these processes, and consequences of them. The variables provided a field study of the model.Design/methodology/approach – In the field study, 69 project teams of 3 to 11 students and their instructors responded to surveys.Findings – Positive learning stimuli were related to adaptive and generative learning processes, while negative stimuli were related to transformative learning processes. Learning processes were related to individual student learning outcomes. In addition, adaptive and generative learning processes were positively related to team and instructor ratings of outcome quality, while transformative learning was negatively related to team ratings of outcome quality.Research limitations/implications – The results were subject to the following limitations: cross‐sectional design, mostly self‐report measures, and the l...
Multipoint linkage disequilibrium mapping with particular reference to the African-American population.

A new approach to scanning the genome is presented to detect linkage disequilibrium caused specifically by population admixture. In contrast to current linkage genome scanning methods to find causal genes for complex diseases, this new method should be powerful to find genes for multilocus traits, particularly those genes that lead to the highest population attributable risk. Such a scan using the African-American population is generally feasible for mapping common diseases. A conservative threshold is also provided for such association mapping. Genet. Epidemiol. 17:79–101, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
MURAO: A multi-level routing protocol for acoustic-optical hybrid underwater wireless sensor networks

In the past decade, underwater acoustic sensor networks (UW-ASNs) have been studied broadly in various aquatic applications, enabling humans to observe and explore the vast underwater domain. Although acoustic underwater communications are able to support long-range and low-bandwidth applications, the capabilities of UW-ASN are greatly limited by the long delay and low data rate of acoustic communications. Underwater free-space optical communication is a potential alternative solution. However, it has short transmission ranges and requires dense deployment. In this paper, we propose a novel acoustic-optical hybrid architecture for underwater wireless sensor networks, and a multi-level Q-learning based routing protocol, MURAO, for such networks. The network is physically partitioned into several groups and logically divided into two layers. The upper-layer group leaders supervise the routing in the lower layer, and the lower-layer group members carry out the actual data packet routing. Because upper-layer group leaders have a boarder view of the network and all the groups are able to carry out the learning process concurrently, the performance of routing is greatly improved compared to the flat Q-learning-based routing. The experiment results show that MURAO is more robust to changes of network topology, and achieves much higher delivery rates as well as shorter delays in a dynamic network than the flat Q-learning routing.
Commentary: A Variation on the Patient-Centered Medical Home: Transforming Primary Care within the Veteran's Health Administration

The comprehensive article by David B. Klein, Miriam J. Laugesen, and Nan Liu evaluates the patient-centered medical home (PCMH) and questions whether this is truly a model for American health care. From my experience within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), I concur that the components of the patient-centered medical home are valuable and provide a more eff ective model for U.S. health care. As the largest integrated health care system and an accountable care organization, the VHA is in a position to maximize the potential benefi ts of this model of care delivery. As the authors discuss, integrated health care systems have more fl exibility with resources given their size and may have advantages not readily available. In 2010, the VHA began its own large-scale primary care transformation, termed the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) model of care delivery, equivalent to the PCMH. Th e VHA had a preexisting infrastructure with elements of a PCMH, thus positioning it well for this transformation. However, it was unclear whether this would lead to further improvement in quality or cost containment.
An interactive graphical logic design simulation system

This paper describes a computer system to assist the logic hardware designer. It is interactive and graphical; it has been human engineered to be convenient for the designer. An elementary system has been implemented; plans for future expansions are described.
Developmental changes in ‘Valencia’ orange fruit epicuticular wax in relation to fruit position on the tree

Abstract Seasonal changes in orange fruit cultivar ‘Valencia’ ( Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) epicuticular wax quantity and ultrastructure were examined in relation to fruit position on the tree. Total wax accumulated per fruit and per unit fruit surface area declined in very young fruit and then increased during growth and development, regardless of fruit exposure. Fruit from the northeast (NE) quadrant of the tree had amounts of wax similar to fruit from the southwest (SW) quadrant until late in the season, when the latter had a significantly greater quantity. The wax of very young fruit was smooth and amorphous. During fruit development, ‘crusty’ plates and upright platelets were obvious, and subsequently the surface appeared amorphous. The change back to an amorphous surface occurred earlier on exposed than on shaded fruit surfaces; in fact, crystalline wax never completely disappeared from the shaded side of fruit from the NE quadrant. Rindstaining, a peel disorder, was more severe on exposed surfaces and, among exposed surfaces, it was more severe in situations where the crystalline-to-amorphous transition was more advanced.
Diagnostic Measures for Generalized Linear Models with Missing Covariates

In this paper, we carry out an in-depth investigation of diagnostic measures for assessing the influence of observations and model misspecification in the presence of missing covariate data for generalized linear models. Our diagnostic measures include case-deletion measures and conditional residuals. We use the conditional residuals to construct goodness-of-fit statistics for testing possible misspecifications in model assumptions, including the sampling distribution. We develop specific strategies for incorporating missing data into goodness-of-fit statistics in order to increase the power of detecting model misspecification. A resampling method is proposed to approximate the p-value of the goodness-of-fit statistics. Simulation studies are conducted to evaluate our methods and a real data set is analysed to illustrate the use of our various diagnostic measures.