cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fracture mechanics approach to facesheet delamination in honeycomb: measurement of energy release rate of the adhesive bond

Abstract Two types of experiments were designed and performed to evaluate the adhesive bond in honeycomb sandwich panels. The tensile bond strength between the facesheet and the core was determined through the flatwise tension test. The fracture toughness of the bond line was measured through the double cantilever beam test. Fracture toughness values varied for different facesheet thicknesses and core materials. Toughness was also different for the bag and tool sides of the panels for all specimen types.
Calculations of the temperature and field dependent electronic mobility in β-SiC

Abstract Simulations results of the field- and temperature-dependent electronic conductivity in β-SiC are reported. The calculations based on the Monte Carlo procedure, reveal a velocity overshoot above 100 kV/cm for a 1.0 μm device at 300 K with a characteristic response time of about 0.3 ps. The steady state velocity at 900 K is shown to be in excess of 107 cm/s. Frequency behaviour of the complex small signal mobility has also been calculated at different temperatures and biasing fields. The real part of the a.c. mobility exhibits a peak at frequencies close to the relaxation rates, provided the transient velocity for the corresponding bias field has an overshoot. Finally, it has been shown that with device down scaling, the a.c. mobilities can be appreciably reduced, and that the device electron velocities substantially lowered due to carrier injection at the cathode.
Design of strong tough Fe/Mo/C martensitic steels and the effects of cobalt

The microstructures and mechanical properties of a series of vacuum melted Fe/(2 to 4) Mo/(0.2 to 0.4) C steels with and without cobalt have been investigated in the as-quenched fully martensitic condition and after quenching and tempering for 1 h at 673 K (400°C) and 873 K (600°C); austenitizing was done at 1473 K (1200°C) in argon. Very good strength and toughness properties were obtained with the Fe/2 Mo/0.4 C alloy in the as-quenched martensitic condition and this is attributed mainly to the absence of internal twinning. The slightly inferior toughness properties compared to Fe/Cr/C steels is attributed to the absence of interlath retained austenite. The two 0.4 pct carbon steels having low Mo contents had approximately one-half the amount of transformation twinning associated with the two 0.4 pct carbon steels having high Mo contents. The plane strain fracture toughness of the steels with less twinning was markedly superior to the toughness of those steels with similar alloy chemistry which had more heavily twinned microstructures. Experiments showed that additions of Co to a given Fe/Mo/C steel raisedM S but did not decrease twinning nor improve toughness. Molybdenum carbide particles were found in all specimens tempered at 673 K (400°C). The Fe/Mo/C system exhibits secondary hardening after tempering at 873 K (600°C). The precipitate is probably Mo2C. This secondary hardening is associated with a reduction in toughness. Additions of Co to Fe/Mo/C steels inhibited or eliminated the secondary hardening effect normally observed. Toughness, however, did not improve and in fact decreased with Co additions.
Population Structure of Clinical and Environmental Vibrio parahaemolyticus from the Pacific Northwest Coast of the United States

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a common marine bacterium and a leading cause of seafood-borne bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide. Although this bacterium has been the subject of much research, the population structure of cold-water populations remains largely undescribed. We present a broad phylogenetic analysis of clinical and environmental V. parahaemolyticus originating largely from the Pacific Northwest coast of the United States. Repetitive extragenic palindromic PCR (REP-PCR) separated 167 isolates into 39 groups and subsequent multilocus sequence typing (MLST) separated a subset of 77 isolates into 24 sequence types. The Pacific Northwest population exhibited a semi-clonal structure attributed to an environmental clade (ST3, N = 17 isolates) clonally related to the pandemic O3:K6 complex and a clinical clade (ST36, N = 20 isolates) genetically related to a regionally endemic O4:K12 complex. Further, the identification of at least five additional clinical sequence types (i.e., ST43, 50, 65, 135 and 417) demonstrates that V. parahaemolyticus gastroenteritis in the Pacific Northwest is polyphyletic in nature. Recombination was evident as a significant source of genetic diversity and in particular, the recA and dtdS alleles showed strong support for frequent recombination. Although pandemic-related illnesses were not documented during the study, the environmental occurrence of the pandemic clone may present a significant threat to human health and warrants continued monitoring. It is evident that V. parahaemolyticus population structure in the Pacific Northwest is semi-clonal and it would appear that multiple sequence types are contributing to the burden of disease in this region.
Where Are We and How Did We Get Here? Assessing Race, Performance, and Position in Topps Football Card Placement

Sports cards may seem to be of little interest to social scientists, but sports cards and card collecting can be a rich and unique source of data for examining the social world. They reveal information not only about those who collect them, but about the society and social conditions under which they are produced. This paper examines a very unique numbering system developed by the Topps Chewing Gum Company (Topps) to differentiate status among the players appearing on the cards in its annual football sets. The system Topps developed assigned a number to each card that designated a player’s placement in a set, while simultaneously creating a hierarchical ordering among the players, purportedly based on their performance. Was the ranking of players in the numbering system truly based on performance or on other criteria, such as race? The findings of this study suggest that player position, and to a lesser degree his on-the-field performance, not race, was the main determinant of where he was located in the card set.
On Extensions of a Conjecture of Gallai

A graphGisk-criticalif it has chromatic numberkbut every proper subgraph ofGhas a (k?1)-coloring. We prove the following result. IfGis ak-critical graph of ordern>k?3, thenGcontains fewer thann?3k/5+2 complete subgraphs of orderk?1.
Specificity of Mantid Oothecae (Orthoptera: Mantidae)

It has been known for some time that features other than the morphological characteristics of adult organisms are of importance in distinguishing between species, and in determining group relationships. Criteria that have been thus used include the structure of eggs and immature stages, physiological reactions such as the host specificity of parasites, and various physiological products such as the galls of some insects.
Paleogene paleosols and changes in pedogenesis during the initial Eocene thermal maximum: Big Bend National Park, Texas, USA

This paper tests the hypothesis that continental chemical weathering increased during the initial Eocene thermal maximum (IETM) by comparing paleosols that formed before and during the event in western Texas. The chemical index of alteration (CIA) was used to investigate the weathering of silicate minerals. Paleosols generated before the IETM have CIA values ranging from 62 to 72, and CIA values during the IETM range from 67 to 82. The CIA values for pre–initial Eocene thermal maximum paleosols indicate moderate weathering conditions, and CIA values during the event indicate moderate to extreme weathering conditions. The clay mineralogy of the paleosols is dominated by smectite, and it is only within paleosols that formed during the IETM that there is a change. There is a notable increase in the amount of kaolinite in one paleosol horizon that is associated with the carbon excursion. In addition, there is an increase in the translocation of clays and iron, and an increase in the leaching of calcite and plagioclase in initial Eocene thermal maximum paleosols. The differences between soils that formed before and during the initial Eocene thermal maximum indicate that chemical weathering did increase during this ancient global warming event. The mechanism responsible for increased weathering is interpreted to be an increase in hydrolysis reactions caused by an increase in humidity and an increase of carbonic acid in the soil due to elevated CO2 levels during the initial Eocene thermal maximum. Documentation of an increase in chemical weathering during the initial Eocene thermal maximum is significant because it may have served as a negative feedback to reduce atmospheric CO2.
Disparate serum free testosterone concentrations and degrees of hypothalamo-pituitary-luteinizing hormone suppression are achieved by continuous versus pulsatile intravenous androgen replacement in men: a clinical experimental model of ketoconazole-induced reversible hypoandrogenemia with controlled testosterone add-back

To investigate the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying the negative feedback actions of testosterone on both the pulsatile mode of LH release and the entropy or disorderliness of the LH release process, we blocked testicular androgen biosynthesis using oral high dose ketoconazole treatment with concomitant low dose glucocorticoid replacement for 48 h in six healthy young men. Volunteers were then infused iv with saline or a total of 8.0 mg testosterone base over the second 24 h via either a continuous or a pulsatile (90-min boluses) delivery pattern. Discrete peak detection (Cluster analysis) was applied to obtain a model-independent estimate of the frequency of serum LH concentration peaks, maximal and incremental LH peak amplitudes, peak area, and interpeak nadir serum LH concentrations. Approximate entropy was used to quantify the relative orderliness/disorderliness of the LH release process over 24 h. Ketoconazole treatment markedly lowered 24-h mean serum total and free testosterone concentrations (by 17- and 9-fold respectively), and significantly increased LH pulse frequency, maximal LH peak height, and interpeak nadir serum LH concentrations. Continuous iv testosterone add-back increased 24-h pooled serum free testosterone concentrations 3-fold more and concomitantly reduced mean (24-h) serum LH concentrations by at least 2-fold more than pulsatile delivery of the same total daily amount of androgen. Both modes of testosterone infusion suppressed pulsatile LH release, but the effects were distinguishable; namely, treatment with continuous vs. intermittent androgen add-back, respectively, decreased LH pulse frequency and incremental LH pulse amplitude. Ketoconazole treatment alone also significantly increased approximate entropy values, indicating greater disorderliness of LH release during androgen removal. Approximate entropy/orderliness was restored to baseline by continuous, but not pulsatile, iv testosterone replacement. In conclusion, the present novel testosterone add-back clinical experimental paradigm indicates that 1) remarkably different 24-h mean serum free testosterone concentrations can result from continuous vs. pulsatile testosterone delivery into the bloodstream; 2) androgen negative feedback can exert frequency- as well as amplitude-dependent suppression of pulsatile LH release; and 3) testosterone is required to maintain an orderly 24-h LH release process in young men.
Cambodian Americans and Education: Understanding the Intersections Between Cultural Tradition and U.S. Schooling

Abstract While Asian Americans are frequently thought to form a singular group, Cambodian Americans are associated with unique sociohistorical and political characteristics, and are often associated with academic underachievement. This article reviews and synthesizes the major existing Cambodian American-related works in the fields of anthropology, sociology, psychology, history, and education to provide a picture of Cambodian Americans as they relate to the American school systems. Through this review, a common thread of cultural mismatch is identified between traditional Cambodian values and their American counterparts, and its practical implications for effective practices are discussed.
Critical Review of Thermal Conductivity Models for Unsaturated Soils

Although it is well established that heat conduction in unsaturated soil depends on liquid saturation, there are several models available to consider the changes in thermal conductivity during drying and wetting. The key factors affecting thermal conductivity of unsaturated soil are evaluated through a critical examination of these different models and their development. Depending on the principles and assumptions employed, these models are categorized into three groups: mixing models involving series/parallel elements; empirical models where thermal conductivity values at dry and saturated states are used; and mathematical models based on phase volume fractions. Experimental data for different soils are used to assess the quality of prediction for these models. It is found that all the existing models do not realistically account for pore structure or interface properties, and thus are not capable of properly predicting thermal conductivity as a function of liquid saturation. A conceptual model based on soil–water retention mechanisms, is proposed to overcome the pitfalls of the existing models and can be used to establish quantitative thermal conductivity models for variably saturated soils in the future.
Unions of three starshaped sets in R2

LetS be a compact, simply connected set inR2. If every boundary point ofS is clearly visible viaS from at least one of the three pointsa, b, c, thenS is a union of three starshaped sets whose kernels containa, b, c, respectively. The result fails when the number three is replaced by four.
Friedel-crafts acetylation of a (NiC3N2)-quasi-aromatic ring in a nickel(II) complex, Nioyl

Abstract Electrophilic substitution of an acetyl group onto the quasi-aromatic ring of Nioyl, (2,2,3,9,10,10-hexamethyl-5,7- dioxa-6-hydra-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradeca-3,8,11,13-tetraene)nickel(II) was accomplished at 70 °C utilizing acetyl bromide and aluminum chloride dissolved in tetrachloroethylene. 1H and 13C NMR were used to establish the basic structure which results from substitution of the hydrogen by an acetyl group on the central carbon of the metal containing aromatic ring. The single crystal X-ray structure is presented which confirms the position of substitution and that the basic Nioyl structure is maintained. Ni1O3N4Cl15H24, Mr = 367.1, orthorhombic, Pbca, a = 17.684(9), b = 10.244(4), c = 18.542(8) A, V = 3359.0 A3, Z = 8, Dx = 1.456(2) g cm−3, (Mo Kα) = 0.71073 A, μ = 11.8 cm−1, F(000) = 1560, T = 297 K, R = 0.031, Rw = 0.038, for 1246 observed reflections (of 4306 unique data). The IR absorption band ascribed to the carbonyl stretching frequency (1584 cm−1) is much lower than expected for a free uncoordinated acetyl group. The bond distances and angles in the molecule are compared with the parent Nioyl in an attempt to understand the nature of the bonding of the acetyl group to the metal containing ring.
Superconductivity in the La1.2−xEuxMo6S8 pseudoternary system

Measurements of the superconducting critical temperature (Tc) under pressure and of the upper critical magnetic field (Hc2) on the pseudoternary system La1.2−xEuxMo6S8 were made at temperature above 1.2 K. Hydrostatic pressure (P) was found to lower Tc in the La-rich compounds and increase it in the Eu-rich compounds. Pressure induces superconductivity in the x≥1.0 compounds which are not superconducting at P = 0. At zero pressure, an enhancement of the value of Hc2 was observed for 0 < x ≤ 0.6.
Manipulation of P3 latency: Speed vs. accuracy instructions

Abstract Twelve young female subjects were presented with a series of horizontal line-pairs of same or different length in a two-alternative, forced-choice RT task, with 60 of each type pair in each block of trials. In one block (Easy) lines differed by 30%, in another block (Difficult) lines differed by 7%. Subjects were first given 60 practice trials with the Easy discrimination and with the instruction that speed and accuracy should be emphasized equally. For the next block of trials, accuracy was emphasized with a monetary bonus for accurate performance. Finally, in the last block of trials, speed was emphasized with a monetary bonus for speedy performance. Additionally, a penalty was incurred for RTs that exceeded a criterion level based on each individual subject's performance. The order of Easy and Difficult discrimination blocks was maintained within a subject but balanced across subjects. From the latency-adjusted P3s recorded from Pz, we obtained P3 latencies, amplitudes and single-trial P3 latency/RT correlations. RT to correct and incorrect trials and error data were also collected. P3 was considerably larger during the Speed than Accuracy conditions. The single-trial P3 latency/RT correlation was higher in Speed than in Accuracy runs. RT was 235 msec faster and P3 was 40 msec earlier during the Speed than during the Accuracy runs. On the other hand, discrimination difficulty delayed P3 and RT about equally, 28 and 43 msec respectively. This pattern suggests that speed instructions and discrimination difficulty affect stimulus processing time and response production time differently.
Heparin-bonded cardiopulmonary bypass circuits reduce cognitive dysfunction.

Abstract Objective: To determine the incidence of cerebral dysfunction in cardiac surgical patients exposed to heparin-bonded cardiopulmonary bypass (HB-CPB) versus nonheparin-bonded cardiopulmonary bypass (NH-CPB) circuits through neuropsychometric testing and to correlate these findings with markers of the systemic inflammatory response to CPB. Design: Prospective, randomized, blinded clinical trial. Setting: University hospital. Participants: Sixty-one patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. Interventions: A cohort of 61 patients scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery were prospectively randomized to receive either HB-CPB or NH-CPB circuits during surgery. Patients were evaluated for cerebral injury using a battery of neuropsychometric tests at the following 3 time points: (1) before surgery as a baseline examination, (2) postoperative day 5, and (3) postoperative week 6. Blood samples were drawn to measure inflammatory markers at the following time points: (1) preincision, after induction of anesthesia, (2) 15 minutes after onset of CPB, (3) 30 minutes after CPB, (4) 6 hours postoperatively, and (5) 24 hours postoperatively. Measurements and Main Results: Neuropsychometric performance was evaluated by group-rate and event-rate analyses. By group-rate analysis, patients undergoing surgery with HB-CPB performed significantly better at 5 days after surgery on 2 neuropsychometric tests (trails A [p
Use of off-road vehicles and mitigation of effects in Alaska permafrost environments: A review

Use of off-road vehicles (ORVs) in permafrost-affected terrain of Alaska has increased sharply over the past two decades. Until the early 1960s, most ORV use was by industry or government, which employed heavy vehicles such as industrial tractors and tracked carriers. Smaller, commercial ORVs became available in the 1960s, with the variety and number in use rapidly increasing. Wheeled and tracked ORVs, many used exclusively for recreation or subsistence harvesting by individuals, are now ubiquitous in Alaska. This increased use has led to concern over the cumulative effects of such vehicles on vegetation, soils, and environmental variables including off-site values. Factors affecting impact and subsequent restoration include specific environmental setting; vegetation; presence and ice content of permafrost; microtopography; vehicle design, weight, and ground pressure; traffic frequency; season of traffic; and individual operator practices. Approaches for mitigating adverse effects of ORVs include regulation and zoning, terrain analysis and sensitivity mapping, route selection, surface protection, and operator training.
BW373U86, a δ-opioid receptor agonist, reverses bradykinin-induced thermal allodynia in rhesus monkeys

Abstract The synthetic δ-opioid receptor agonist BW373U86 (0.18–0.56 mg/kg s.c.) was studied in rhesus monkeys with a warm-water, tail-withdrawal assay, designed to detect bradykinin (0.1 μg) and prostaglandin E 2 (5–15.8 μg)-induced thermal allodynia. BW373U86 dose-dependently reversed bradykinin allodynia, but was ineffective against prostaglandin E 2 allodynia. The BW373U86 dose-effect curve was shifted to the right by the δ-opioid receptor-selective antagonist naltrindole (1.0 mg/kg) but not by the μ-opioid receptor-selective antagonist quadazocine (0.1 mg/kg). The present findings add to the conditions in which δ-opioid receptor-mediated behavioral effects have been detected in primates, and suggest that δ-opioid agonists may be of therapeutic interest in the treatment of some types of hyperalgesic conditions.
Extension of the harrell-davis quantile estimator to finite populations

The quantile estimator formulated by Harrell and Davis (1982) as a linear combination of order statistics is extended to the case of sampling from a finite population. Sampling with and without replacement are considered. The relative efficiency of the estimator is discussed and then demonstrated with simulation evidence. A modified version of the estimator is discussed for the case of sampling without replacement. In the case of estimating the population median the proposed estimator is as much as 30% more efficient than the traditional sample median in the simulation experiments.
The electronic structure of 2 × 1-Au(110)

Abstract An extensive angle-resolved photoemission study using synchrotron radiation has been performed upon 2 × 1-Au(110). Because a wide photon energy range was used (hv = 8 to 150 eV), the occupied electronic states could be mapped completely along X KΓ. This was done using the direct transition model and an experimentally determined, free-electron-like, final state. Despite the success of this model in predicting a vast majority of the spectral features, several failures of this approach were observed. These anomalies can be explained by invoking final states other than the free-electron-like state and non-direct transitions. A very sharp feature observed near BF = 1.8 eV was observed and will be discussed.
Engineering A Controllable Bidirectional Molecular Motor

Myosin superfamily motors play crucial roles in cellular functions such as motility, cell division and organelle trafficking. Different myosin classes are specialized for motion toward either the (+) or (-) end of actin filaments. Previous work has shown that directionality of recombinant myosins may be altered via the genetic insertion [1] or removal [2,3,4] of structural motifs that redirect the lever arm. We have challenged our understanding of myosin structure and function by constructing novel myosin motors that can reversibly switch their direction of motion in response to an external signal. Our general strategy relies on controlling the effective length of lever arms by triggering helix-coil transitions. In one successful design using [Ca++] as the control signal, we have built myosin VI variants with chimeric lever arms composed of an alpha-actinin fragment [5] fused to two or more calmodulin-binding IQ repeats. In vitro motility assays show that the engineered motors reverse directionality in response to physiological levels of [Ca++], as expected.[1] Tsiavaliaris, G., Fujita-Becker, S. and Manstein, D. J. (2004). Nature, 427, 558-561.[2] Bryant, Z., Altman, D. and Spudich, J. A. (2007). Prot. Natl Acad. Sci. USA,104, 772-777.[3] Park, H., Li, A., Chen, L., Houdusse, A., Selvin, P. R. and Sweeney, H. L. (2007). Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA, 104, 778-783.[4] Liao, J., Elting, M. W., Delp, S. L., Spudich, J. A. and Bryant, Z. (2009). J. Mol. Biol, 392, 862-867.[5] Anson, M., Greeves, M. A., Kurzawa, S. E. and Manstein, D. J. (1996). EMBO J.15, 6069-6074.
Hole-transition rates in a Fermi gas model

The hole-transition rates are calculated as a function of Fermi energy and hole energy via the Boltzmann master equation. The quadratic hole energy dependence found previously by Gadioli e-italict-italic a-italicl-italic. is confirmed. The dependence of rates on Fermi energy is illustrated.
Learning effects of CAI on college students

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine if college students learn better when using lecture/CAI than by using the conventional lecture method, when the material presented is very visually oriented. The subjects consisted of 28 students enrolled in a freshman level computer science course that is required for their major. Students were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Both groups received the same lecture. The control group was presented examples in class by the professor aided by transparencies. The treatment group was presented the same examples using a computer tutorial, without teacher intervention. As was indicated on the pre-test, the two groups demonstrated remarkably similar results in the amount of prior knowledge of the subject area. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the amount of learning that took place, as shown by the results of the post-test. There was, however, a considerable difference in time spent on the task. The examples took much longer for theprofessor to present to the control group than it took the treatment group to absorb the interactive examples on individual computers. The majority of the students who were in the treatment group (lecture and computer examples) indicated that they preferred the computer tutorial to having examples presented by the instructor.
Tax avoidance and business location in a state border model

Abstract Previous studies have struggled to demonstrate that higher taxes deter business activity. We revisit this issue by estimating the effect of changes over time in cross-border differences in state tax conditions on the tendency for new establishments to favor one side of a state border over the other. Identification is enhanced by taking account of previously overlooked reciprocal agreements that require workers to pay income tax to their state of residence as opposed to their state of employment. When reciprocal agreements are in force, higher personal income tax rates lure companies from across the border, while corporate income tax and sales tax rates have the opposite effect. Where reciprocal agreements are not in place, the results are largely reversed. These patterns are amplified in heavily developed locations, and differ in anticipated ways by industry and corporate/non-corporate status of the establishment. Overall, results strengthen the view that state-level tax policies do affect the location decisions of entrepreneurs and new business activity, but not in a way that lends itself to a one-size-fits-all summary.
The Faclal Feedback Hypothesis in Human Interaction: Review and Speculation

In theory and research on human emotional response, the facial feedback hypothesis (FFH) has held a special place because its claims are both counterintuitive and controversial. In this article, evidence for the hypothesis is reviewed in light of certain of the critical assessments of the hypothesis. It is concluded that the empirical evidence and the theoretical speculation are of sufficient strength to warrant confidence in the reliability of the FFH. The FFH is applied to the interpersonal context by noting the evidence for the imitation of facial expressions in both adults and infants. The `interpersonal facial feedback hypothesis' holds that in face-to-face contexts the hedonic tone of facial displays achieved through imitation should influence the underlying affect experienced by the partners. The link between facial imitation and affect can account in part for their attraction to the partner and situation. A reanalysis of previous data provides evidence for the imitation of smiles in conversation a...
Design of a wheelchair pressure monitoring system

The application of pressure to one area of skin for an extended period of time may lead to a loss in blood flow. This in turn may lead to the formation of a pressure sore. These could be life threatening and require very expensive negative pressure treatments in order to cure. Pressure sores are a large problem for paraplegics in wheelchairs since they are seated all day and cannot feel anything from their waist down. Currently, cushions are made to distribute this pressure. These patients are also trained to perform a push-up to restore blood flow to the tissue. The proposed design is to use a pressure mapping system to measure the seating pressure of a patient and alarm them if the pressure needs to be relieved. This may reduce the occurrence of pressure sores, especially in non-compliant patients who do not routinely perform push-ups.
Relationship Between Neighborhood Context, Family Management Practices and Alcohol Use Among Urban, Multi-ethnic, Young Adolescents

We examined relationships between alcohol-related neighborhood context, protective home and family management practices, and alcohol use among urban, racial/ethnic minority, adolescents. The sample comprised 5,655 youth who were primarily low SES (72%), African American (43%) and Hispanic (29%). Participants completed surveys in 2002–2005 (ages 11–14 years). Items assessed alcohol use, accessibility of alcohol at home and parental family management practices. Neighborhood context measures included: (1) alcohol outlet density; (2) commercial alcohol accessibility; (3) alcohol advertisement exposure; and (4) perceived neighborhood strength, reported by parents and community leaders. Structural equation modeling was used to assess direct and indirect relationships between alcohol-related neighborhood context at baseline, home alcohol access and family management practices in seventh grade, and alcohol use in eighth grade. Neighborhood strength was negatively associated with alcohol use (β = −0.078, p ≤ 0.05) and exposure to alcohol advertisements was positively associated with alcohol use (β = 0.043, p ≤ 0.05). Neighborhood strength and commercial alcohol access were associated with home alcohol access (β = 0.050, p ≤ 0.05 and β = −0.150, p ≤ 0.001, respectively) and family management practices (β = −0.061, p ≤ 0.01 and β = 0.083, p ≤ 0.001, respectively). Home alcohol access showed a positive association with alcohol use (β = 0.401, p ≤ 0.001). Tests for indirect effects suggest that home alcohol access may partially mediate the relationship between neighborhood strength and alcohol use (β = 0.025, p < 0.062). Results suggest inner-city parents respond to environmental risk, such that as neighborhood risk increases, so also do protective home and family management practices. Parent engagement in restricting alcohol access and improving family management practices may be key to preventive efforts to reduce alcohol use.
Synthesizing natural textures

We present a simple texture synthesis algorithm that is well-suited for a specific class of naturally occurring textures. This class includes quasi-repeating patterns consisting of small objects of familiar but irregular size, such as flower fields, pebbles, forest undergrowth, bushes and tree branches. The algorithm starts from a sample image and generates a new image of arbitrary size the appearance of which is similar to that of the original image. This new image does not change the basic spatial frequencies the original image; instead it creates an image that is a visually similar, and is of a size set by the user. This method is fast and its implementation is straightforward. We extend the algorithm to allow direct user input for interactive control over the texture synthesis process. This allows the user to indicate large-scale properties of the texture appearance using a standard painting-style interface, and to choose among various candidate textures the algorithm can create by performing different number of iterations.
Adoption and configuration of assistive technologies: a semiotic engineering perspective

This paper discusses semiotic engineering (a design methodology) and its potential for addressing issues concerning the adoption and configuration of assistive technologies.
Electric-dipole moments in CaI and CaF by molecular-beam laser-rf double-resonance study of Stark splittings☆

Abstract The molecular-beam, laser-rf, double-resonance method has been used to measure the electric-dipole moment μ in the v = 0 and 1 vibrational manifolds of the X2Σ+ electronic ground state of CaI. The results are μ (CaI, v = 0) = 4.58(9) D and μ (CaI, v = 1) = 4.75(9) D. The same method is used to determine the ratio μ ( CaF , v = 1) μ ( CaF , v = 0) = 1.017(2) for the X2Σ+ ground state of CaF. This result, combined with the known value for the v = 0 manifold, leads to the result μ (CaF, v = 1) = 3.12(7) D. The results are compared with recent theoretical predictions.
A 22nm SoC platform technology featuring 3-D tri-gate and high-k/metal gate, optimized for ultra low power, high performance and high density SoC applications

A leading edge 22nm 3-D tri-gate transistor technology has been optimized for low power SoC products for the first time. Low standby power and high voltage transistors exploiting the superior short channel control, < 65mV/dec subthreshold slope and <40mV DIBL, of the Tri-Gate architecture have been fabricated concurrently with high speed logic transistors in a single SoC chip to achieve industry leading drive currents at record low leakage levels. NMOS/PMOS Idsat=0.41/0.37mA/um at 30pA/um Ioff, 0.75V, were used to build a low standby power 380Mb SRAM capable of operating at 2.6GHz with 10pA/cell standby leakages. This technology offers mix-and-match flexibility of transistor types, high-density interconnect stacks, and RF/mixed-signal features for leadership in mobile, handheld, wireless and embedded SoC products.
Changes in free insulin-like growth factor-1 and leptin concentrations during acute metabolic decompensation in insulin withdrawn patients with type 1 diabetes.

To determine the effect of acute insulin withdrawal and its subsequent replacement on components of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 binding protein system and on circulating leptin levels in patients with type 1 diabetes. Seventeen patients (age 31 yr ± 10) with type 1 diabetes treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (HbA1c 7.6% ± 1.0) were studied. The protocol consisted of two phases: acute insulin withdrawal of up to 8 h followed by a further 2-h period of insulin replacement. For the first phase the basal insulin infusion was stopped (at 0300 h), and for the second a single dose of either regular human or insulin lispro was given subcutaneously (0.2 U/kg). Plasma insulin, glucose, growth hormone, glucagon, IGF-1, free IGF-1, IGFBP-1, -2, -3 and leptin were measured. Results: After interruption of the basal insulin infusion, plasma free insulin levels fell from 60 ± 12.0 pmol/L to 10.8 ± 4.2 pmol/L, and plasma glucose rose from 5.6 ± 0.4 mmol/L to 14.8 ± 1.2 mmol/L (P < 0.01). Duri...
Travel demand in the US urban areas: A system dynamic panel data approach

Using panel data from 85 urban areas over a 20-year period and applying a system panel data approach, this paper examines the relationship between travel demand in terms of per-capita VMT and urban spatial characteristics. Regression results show that road density and urban spatial size have positive and statistically significant effects on travel demand in the US urban areas. Urban population density and urban congestion have negative and statistically significant effects on travel demand.
In Situ Evidence That Peripheral Insulin Resistance in Adolescents with Poorly Controlled Type 1 Diabetes Is Associated with Impaired Suppression of Lipolysis: A Microdialysis Study

This study was undertaken to examine whether insulin resistance in adolescents with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is associated with the failure of insulin to suppress lipolysis in adipose and muscle tissues. Using microdialysis techniques, extracellular fluid concentrations of glycerol was measured in adipose and muscle tissue 3 h before and 3 h during a 0.8 mU · kg−1 · min−1 · euglycemic clamp. Ten adolescents with poorly controlled T1DM (HbA1c 10.2 ± 0.2%) were compared with six healthy lean adolescent control subjects. Despite similar increases in plasma insulin in both groups, diabetic subjects exhibited a 39% reduction in peripheral glucose uptake compared with controls (p < 0.05). In contrast, hepatic glucose production was fully suppressed by insulin in diabetic subjects. At the end of the clamp, extracellular glycerol concentrations were significantly elevated in subjects with diabetes (muscle: 85 ± 7 μM for diabetics and 51 ± 8 μM for controls, p < 0.01; adipose: 149 ± 23 μM for T1DM and 82 ± 11 μM for controls, p < 0.05), indicating impaired in situ suppression of lipolysis in patients with diabetes. With all subjects considered, the rate of insulin-stimulated metabolism was inversely correlated to glycerol concentration in both adipose (r = −0.63, p < 0.01) and muscle (r = −0.63, p < 0.01). Our data suggest that failure of insulin to inhibit lipolysis in muscle and adipose tissue contributes to the severe peripheral insulin resistance that characterizes poorly controlled T1DM during adolescence.
Pricing and optimal resource allocation in next generation network services

In this paper, we introduce a pricing model that ensures efficient resource allocation that provides guaranteed quality of service while maximizing profit in multiservice networks. Specifically, a dynamic allocation policy is examined that relies on online measurements while each service class operates under a probabilistic bound delay constraint. We present a rigorous analysis of the properties of the policy that provides insights into its workings as well as its sensitivity to various parameters. Finally, its performance is evaluated through an extensive numerical study.
Traumatic brain injury: developmental differences in glutamate receptor response and the impact on treatment.

Perinatal brain injury following trauma, hypoxia, and/or ischemia represents a substantial cause of pediatric disabilities including mental retardation. Such injuries lead to neuronal cell death through either necrosis or apoptosis. Numerous in vivo and in vitro studies implicate ionotropic (iGluRs) and metabotropic (mGluRs) glutamate receptors in the modulation of such cell death. Expression of glutamate receptors changes as a function of developmental age, with substantial implications for understanding mechanisms of post-injury cell death and its potential treatment. Recent findings suggest that the developing brain is more susceptible to apoptosis after injury and that such caspase mediated cell death may be exacerbated by treatment with N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists. Moreover, group I metabotropic glutamate receptors appear to have opposite effects on necrotic and apoptotic cell death. Understanding the relative roles of glutamate receptors in post-traumatic or post-ischemic cell death as a function of developmental age may lead to novel targeted approaches to the treatment of pediatric brain injury.
Geologic and climatic controls on the radon emanation coefficient

Abstract Geologic, pedologic, and climatic factors, including radium content, grain size, siting of radon parents within soil grains or on grain coatings, and soil moisture conditions, determine a soil's emanating power and radon transport characteristics. Data from field studies indicate that soils derived from similar parent rocks in different regions have significantly different emanation coefficients due to the effects of climate on these soil characteristics. An important tool for measuring radon source strength (i.e., radium content) is ground-based and aerial gamma radioactivity measurements. Regional correlations between soil radium content, determined by gamma spectrometry, and soil-gas or indoor radon concentrations can be traced to the influence of climatic and geologic factors on intrinsic permeability and radon emanation coefficients. Data on soil radium content, permeability, and moisture content, when combined with data on emanation coefficients, can form a framework for development of quantitative predictive models for radon generation in rocks and soils.
The Antidepressant Desipramine Is an Arrestin-biased Ligand at the α2A-Adrenergic Receptor Driving Receptor Down-regulation in Vitro and in Vivo

The neurobiological mechanisms of action underlying antidepressant drugs remain poorly understood. Desipramine (DMI) is an antidepressant classically characterized as an inhibitor of norepinephrine reuptake. Available evidence, however, suggests a mechanism more complex than simple reuptake inhibition. In the present study, we have characterized the direct interaction between DMI and the α2A-adrenergic receptor (α2AAR), a key regulator of noradrenergic neurotransmission with altered expression and function in depression. DMI alone was found to be sufficient to drive receptor internalization acutely and a robust down-regulation of α2AAR expression and signaling following prolonged stimulation in vitro. These effects are achieved through arrestin-biased regulation of the receptor, as DMI selectively induces recruitment of arrestin but not activation of heterotrimeric G proteins. Meanwhile, a physiologically relevant concentration of endogenous agonist (norepinephrine) was unable to sustain a down-regulation response. Prolonged in vivo administration of DMI resulted in significant down-regulation of synaptic α2AAR expression, a response that was lost in arrestin3-null animals. We contend that direct DMI-driven arrestin-mediated α2AAR down-regulation accounts for the therapeutically desirable but mechanistically unexplained adaptive alterations in receptor expression associated with this antidepressant. Our results provide novel insight into both the pharmacology of this antidepressant drug and the targeting of the α2AAR in depression.
A Programmable Aerosol Diluter for Generating Time-Varied Sub-Micrometer Particles

Real-world aerosols often vary over time. A time-varied aerosol generation system is thus needed to evaluate the performance of aerosol sensors for characterizing time-dependent aerosol size distribution. However, all laboratory aerosol generators are designed for the production of aerosols with stable concentrations and steady size distributions. A simple way to produce reliable time-dependent aerosols is to combine a stable aerosol generator with a programmable aerosol diluter. Aerosol diluters are also needed to measure aerosols in high concentrations using existing aerosol instruments. In this study we focused on the design and evaluation of a programmable aerosol diluter. The dilution flow rate of the aerosol diluter was controlled by a programmable mass flow controller with a flow rate of up to 200 L/min. Steady and dynamic dilution processes in the diluter were programmed using Visual Basic. Experiments were carried out to characterize the steady and dynamic dilution performance of the aerosol diluter for DMA-classified particles with sizes ranging from 10 nm to 1.0 μm. The steady dilution result shows that the diluter has a non-size dependent dilution performance, and there is a good linear relationship between the aerosol dilution ratio and dilution flow rate ratio (with a calibrated line slope of 1.03, close to the ideal line slope of 1.0). Our experiments further indicate that efficient aerosol mixing in the diluter can be achieved when operated at a flow Reynolds number above 450. The evaluation of four dynamic dilution modes also provides evidence of the excellent performance of the diluter, which has the capability of continuously producing well-defined and concentration-varied aerosols. A simple empirical model was also proposed to describe the steady and dynamic dilution performance of the diluter.
Some Cautions on the Measurement of User Information Satisfaction

User information satisfaction (UIS) is important because of its potential effects on MIS department goals, quality of user work life, and extent of voluntary usage of systems. Reliable measurement of UIS is important for providing evaluative information for both researchers and practitioners. This study used 92 managers and executives as subjects to compare the test/retest reliability of a widely used, 13‐scale UIS instrument together with four summary questions under experimental and control conditions. The summary questions behaved more reliably than the detailed questions for all groups, perhaps because of problems with scale units and origins and with item heterogeneity. This suggests that researchers need more reliable measures of UIS and that practitioners need to exercise caution when collecting and interpreting UIS scores. Copyright © 1989, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved
Molecular dynamics simulations of direct reactive ion etching: surface roughening of silicon by chlorine

During plasma etching, surfaces can become roughened because of a variety of mechanisms. One source of roughness is illustrated with molecular dynamics simulations of reactive ion etching of a silicon surface with 25-eV Cl/sup +/. The three-dimensional (3-D) image of the chlorinated surface and near-surface region is illustrated.
Phenotypic Analyses of Agrobacterium

Agrobacterium species are plant-associated relatives of the rhizobia. Several species cause plant diseases such as crown gall and hairy root, although there are also avirulent species. A. tumefaciens is the most intensively studied species and causes crown gall, a neoplastic disease that occurs on a variety of plants. Virulence is specified by large plasmids, and in the case of A. tumefaciens this is called the Ti (tumor-inducing) plasmid. During pathogenesis virulent agrobacteria copy a segment of the Ti plasmid and transfer it to the plant, where it subsequently integrates into the plant genome, and expresses genes that result in the disease symptoms. A. tumefaciens has been used extensively as a plant genetic engineering tool and is also a model microorganism that has been well studied for host-microbe associations, horizontal gene transfer, cell-cell communication, and biofilm formation. This unit describes standard protocols for simple phenotypic characterizations of A. tumefaciens.