cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Li–air batteries: Importance of singlet oxygen

The deployment of Li–air batteries is hindered by severe parasitic reactions during battery cycling. Now, the reactive singlet oxygen intermediate is shown to substantially contribute to electrode and electrolyte degradation.
Alternative biomass strategies for bioenergy: implications for bird communities across the southeastern United States

Concerns over energy demands and climate change has led the United States to set ambitious targets for bioenergy production in the coming decades. The southeastern U.S. has had a recent increase in biomass woody pellet production and is projected to produce a large portion of the nation's cellulosic biofuels. We conducted a large-scale, systematic comparison of potential impacts of two types of bioenergy feedstocks–corn (Zea mays) and pine (Pinus spp.)–on bird communities across the southeastern U.S. In addition, we evaluated three biomass alternatives for woody biomass from pine plantations: thinning, residue harvest, and short-rotation energy plantations (SREPs). We conducted transect counts for birds in eight different land-uses across the region (85 sites), including corn fields, reference and plantation forests, 2013-2015. We then used hierarchical occupancy models to test the effect of these biomass alternatives on 31 species. Across all species, birds had lower rates of occupancy in corn fields compared to pine stands. Thinning had positive effects on the average occupancy across species, while residue harvest and the potential conversion of conventional plantations to SREPs had negative effects. Cavity nesters and species with bark-gleaning foraging strategies tended to show the strongest responses. These results highlight the potential negative effects of corn as an energy crop relative to the use of pine biomass. In addition, harvesting biomass via thinning was a bird-friendly harvest method in comparison to other alternatives. While SREPs may negatively impact some bird species, previously reported yields emphasize that they may provide an order of magnitude greater yield per unit area than other alternatives considered, such that this land-use practice may be an important alternative to minimize the bioenergy impacts across the landscape. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Integrating Simulation and Signal Processing with Stochastic Social Kinetic Model

Data that continuously track the dynamics of large populations have spurred a surge in research on computational sustainability. However, coping with massive, noisy, unstructured, and disparate data streams is not easy. In this paper, we describe a particle filter algorithm that integrates signal processing and simulation modeling to study complex social systems using massive, noisy, unstructured data streams. This integration enables researchers to specify and track the dynamics of complex social systems by building a simulation model. To show the effectiveness of this algorithm, we infer city-scale traffic dynamics from the observed trajectories of a small number of probe vehicles uniformly sampled from the system. The experimental results show that our model can not only track and predict human mobility, but also explain how traffic is generated through the movements of individual vehicles. The algorithm and its application point to a new way of bringing together modelers and data miners to turn the real world into a living lab.
Developing Material for Introductory Statistics Courses from a Conceptual, Active Learning Viewpoint

For traditionally trained statistics teachers, developing active learning material is difficult. We present representative active learning materials that we have used over the last several years. W...
Guns and Butter: Child Mortality and the Mediators of Militarization

Which types of militarization affect child mortality? Which type appears to lower it; which appears to push it higher? This article focuses on social militarization (i.e., troops as a proportion of workforce-aged population) and praetorian militarization (i.e., the military’s control or strong influence over the government), investigating their impact on child mortality using pooled time series analysis covering 142 countries from 1996 through 2008. We find that social and praetorian militarization have opposite effects even after controlling for potentially confounding influences. Access to basic public health infrastructures and education mediates between each type of militarization and child mortality.
Education and Creativity

Given the many well-documented benefits of creativity it is not surprising that attempts to teach creativity within formal Education systems are widespread. However numerous cultural and systematic barriers inhibit the teaching of creativity in schools and classrooms. Several models for teaching creativity have been developed all with their particular strengths and weaknesses and those models that address the cultural and systematic barriers tend to be associated with evidence of at least limited success.
The Neurobiological Effects of Tobacco

Cigarette smoking is such a virulent, habitual behavior that reversal occurs in less than 10% of those who try every year. Fully one-third of all smokers try to stop each year—and fail. Whether patients seek professional medical assistance or attend nonprofessional, popular programs, their chances of complete success are about the same as if they “decide” to stop on their own.
Adsorption Process Intensification through Structured Packing: A Modeling Study Using Zeolite 13X and a Mixture of Propylene and Propane in Hollow-Fiber and Packed Beds

There is scope to intensify the traditional adsorptive separation process which relies on packing a bed with adsorbent pellets. The hollow-fiber bed is one of the several structured configurations that have been proposed to overcome the high pressure drop and inefficient heat transfer of this random packing arrangement. While heat and mass transfer and pressure drop losses are improved in the hollow-fiber bed, the adsorbent packing density is reduced leading to a potential loss of capacity. In this computational study, we performed preliminary parametric comparisons of these bed properties, for equivalent cases in the packed bed and the hollow-fiber bed. Optimized five step single bed cycles for the separation of propylene and propane on zeolite 13X were also studied. For the same recovery and purity, the hollow-fiber bed was found to have a productivity that was five times higher than the packed bed. The hollow-fiber bed also showed higher productivity, when parameters such as the desorption pressure and...
Abstract 398: LDL Receptor Signaling Mediates the Triglyceride-lowering Action of Akkermansia Muciniphila in Genetic Induced Hyperlipidemia

Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) is a mucin-degrading bacterium that resides in the mucus layer whose abundance inversely correlates with body weight and the development of diabetes in mice...
Bridging Disconnected Knowledges for Community Health

We conducted a field study of Mohalla Clinics in Delhi (India), drawing on Haraway's work to highlight the importance of considering disparate, partial perspectives in the ecologies of such clinics. We emphasized that inadequate attention given to patients' and health workers' perspectives, and the low preparedness of the doctors at the clinics, resulted in the clinics being unable to address the needs of target patient groups. We concluded by contributing to ongoing, important conversations in the fields of ICTD, CSCW, and HCI towards redesigning healthcare interventions, revisiting patient empowerment, and redefining the role of ASHAs as infomediaries.
Self-reported walking difficulty and knee osteoarthritis influences limb dynamics and muscle co-contraction during gait

Abstract Knee osteoarthritis (OA) gait is characterized by simultaneous flexor and extensor use, or co-contraction. Co-contraction can stabilize and redirect joint forces. However, co-contraction can push and pull on the femur and tibia that exacerbate OA symptoms and make walking difficult. Such movements are quantifiable by limb dynamics (i.e., linear acceleration and jerk); thus, this study examines limb dynamics and its relationship with co-contraction and OA related walking difficulty. Three groups of age-and-sex-matched subjects with and without OA and walking difficulty (N = 13 per group) walked with electromyography (EMG) on the knee extensors and flexors and inertial measurement units (IMUs) at the femur and tibia. We calculated co-contraction from antagonistic EMG signals and linear acceleration and its derivative jerk from IMUs. We determined group differences using one-way ANOVAs, nonparametric equivalence, and effect sizes, and main and interaction effects of walking difficulty with regression modeling. Medium effect sizes and differences for femoral acceleration (d = 0.64; P = .02) and jerk (d = 0.51; P = .01) were observed between with and without knee OA. Medium to large effect sizes (r = 0.33 to 0.51 and d = 0.81 to 0.97) and differences (P = .01 to 0.05) for tibial acceleration and jerk were obsevered between with and without walking difficulty. Walking difficulty moderated the relationship between tibial jerk and co-contraction (p Tibial jerk differences were observed based on walking difficulty. The significant interaction effect suggested that walking difficulty explained the relationship between limb dynamics and co-contraction. Perhaps co-contraction levels used by those with knee OA and no walking difficulty are optimal as compared to those with walking difficulty.
Health care utilization and mortality associated with heart failure-related admissions among cancer patients.

AIMS Heart failure (HF) outcomes continue to improve with widespread use of new therapies. Concurrently, cancer survival has dramatically improved. Yet whether cancer patients share similar strategies and outcomes of inpatient HF treatment to those without HF is unknown. We sought to assess the contemporary impacts of cancer on inpatient HF outcomes over time. METHODS AND RESULTS The retrospective National Inpatient Sample (2003-15) and National Readmissions Database (2013-14) registries were queried for adults admitted for HF and stratified for cancer status, excluding cases of metastatic disease. Temporal trends in HF admissions, hospital charge rates, length of hospitalization, HF-related procedure utilization, in-hospital mortality, and hospital readmissions were analysed. Over 13 years of follow-up, there were 12 769 077 HF admissions (mean age 73 years, 50.8% female, 30.8% non-White), among which 1 413 287 (11%) had a co-morbid cancer diagnosis. Cancer patients were older, were predominantly male, and tended to be smokers. Over time, HF admission rates among cancer patients increased, despite a concurrent decrease among patients without cancer (P < 0.0001). After propensity matching, in-hospital mortality was significantly higher among cancer HF patients (5.1% vs. 2.9%, P < 0.0001). Additionally, HF-related procedure utilization was disproportionately lower among cancer patients (0.30 vs. 0.35 procedures/HF hospitalization, P < 0.001); the presence of cancer was associated with increased costs, length of hospitalizations, and all-cause readmissions, but fewer HF readmissions (P < 0.0001, each). CONCLUSIONS While the incidence of HF hospitalizations has increased among cancer patients, they do not appear to share the same rates of advanced HF care, readmissions trends, or reductions in in-hospital mortality. Future studies targeting modifiable factors related to these differences are needed.
TEST RESULTS OF THE 3.3-MJ SPLIT-PAIR PULSED SUPERCONDUCTING COIL OF THE ARGONNE PCTF

A Split-pair superconducting coil of the Pulsed Cable Test Facility (PCTF) at Argonne has recently been successfully tested both in dc and pulsing modes. The maximum energy transfer rate and pulsing magnetic field were 3.1 MW and 6.25 T/s respectively. In the pulsing test, the coil was charged to 10.55 kA in 1.0 s and discharged to zero in 1.6 s. The ac losses of the coil in this mode were 7.5 kJ/pulse. The coil is composed of two solenoids each with 22 layers and 9.14 turns per layer. The non-metallic cryostat of the PCTF consists of two fiberglass reinforced polyester resin vessels. Developmental high current conductors can be tested under the PCTF pulsing fields in a form of pancake coils or as a short sample for the studies of ac losses and stability.
High Fat Diet-Induced Obesity Negatively Affects Whole Bone Bending Strength but not Cortical Structure in the Femur

Abstract Although body mass index is positively associated with bone mineral density, suggesting obesity is protective against fracture, elderly obese individuals experience greater fracture risk at certain sites than non-obese peers, suggesting bone structural or material changes contribute to fragility. Diet-induced obesity rodent studies have reported detrimental changes to bone microstructure and some apparent-level material properties, but tissue-level material changes are not well understood. Because adipose tissue is highly vascularized, and bone remodeling depends critically on functional vascular supply, concurrent effects on osteovascular perfusion and structure may provide insight about obesity-related bone fragility. This study aimed to determine the effects of obesity on both tissue-level bone properties and osteovascular properties that could negatively impact bone strength. Five-week-old male C57Bl/6J mice were fed either high fat diet (HFD) or control fat diet (CFD) for 17 weeks and received daily treadmill exercise or remained sedentary for eight weeks at ages 14-22 weeks. HFD negatively affected femur bending strength, with 18% lower yield load than CFD. Although HFD negatively altered cancellous microstructure in the distal femur, with 32% lower bone volume fraction than CFD, it did not affect cortical bone geometry in the femoral metaphysis or diaphysis. HFD caused increased carbonate substitution but had no effect on other composition metrics or apparent- or tissue-level material properties in the femoral diaphysis. Exercise did not affect bone strength or microstructure but increased endosteal mineralizing surface in the tibial diaphysis, mineral crystallinity and mineral-to-matrix ratio in the femur, and blood supply to the proximal tibial metaphysis. HFD did not affect blood supply in the tibia or 2D osteovascular structure in the distal femoral metaphysis, indicating that HFD negatively affects cancellous bone without affecting osteovasculature. This study reveals that HFD negatively affected cancellous microstructure without affecting osteovascular structure, and whole-bone strength without altering cortical geometry or material properties.
Primitive Erythropoiesis and Osteogenesis Are Differentially Impaired In Rpl5 and Rps19 Mutant Murine Embryonic Stem Cell Models Of Diamond Blackfan Anemia

Diamond Blackfan anemia (DBA) is a rare inherited bone marrow failure syndrome characterized by red blood cell hypoplasia, congenital anomalies and cancer predisposition. In addition, short stature and poor skeletal growth are found in a subset of DBA patients, suggesting similar developmental abnormalities in erythropoiesis and osteogenesis in that subset. Furthermore it has been shown recently that osteoblasts secrete erythropoietin, linking the marrow niche to the modulation of erythropoiesis. DBA has been shown in the majority of cases to result from haploinsufficiency of large or small ribosomal subunit proteins. The p53 pathway, known to be activated by abortive ribosome assembly, contributes to the erythroid failure of DBA. We studied two DBA genotypes in vitro using murine embryonic stem (ES) cell lines harboring gene trap mutations in ribosomal proteins RPS19 and RPL5, respectively. Both mutants had decreased embryoid body (EB) formation, decreased definitive erythroid colony formation and similar p53-dependent primitive erythroid differentiation defects (see [Figure A][1]). Cell cycle analyses were normal in the Rps19 mutant ES cells, but there was a significant G2/M arrest in the Rpl5 mutant ES cells, which was unaffected by p53 knockdown. In addition, the Rpl5 mutant cells had a more pronounced growth defect in culture compared to the Rps19 mutant cells ([Figure B][1]). ES cells were differentiated, in vitro, to osteoblasts using established culture conditions, and confirmed both by morphology and molecular characterization (e.g. RUNX2 and Osteopontin). Following 14 days of osteogenic differentiation, bone mineralization was confirmed via Alizarin Red staining. A marked reduction in Alizarin Red staining was seen in the Rpl5 mutant cells while there was only a slight diminution of staining in the Rps19 mutant ES cultures (see [Figure C][1]). Therefore the erythroid differentiation defect appears similar in both the Rps19 and Rpl5 mutant ES cells. However the Rpl5 mutant appears to have a more severe phenotype at the ES stage, as evidenced by a pronounced p53-independent G2/M arrest and slower growth rate and subsequently during osteogenic differentiation. These data suggest an explanation for the more severe non-erythroid phenotype seen in a subset of DBA patients. ![Figure][2] Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare. [1]: #F1 [2]: pending:yes
Cognitive Diagnosis Modeling Using the GDINA R Package

The GDINA R package (Ma and de la Torre, GDINA: The generalized DINA model framework. R package version 2.3.2. Retrieved from https://CRAN.R-project.org/package=GDINA: 2019) provides psychometric tools for estimating a range of cognitive diagnosis models (CDMs) and conducting various CDM analyses. The package is developed in the R programming environment (R Core Team, R: A language and environment for statistical computing. R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna. https://www.R-project.org/: 2018). This chapter describes the main features of the package and presents an exemplary analysis of data to illustrate the use of the package.
Sibling Rivalry and Reunion: Sisters in and out of Cuba (García’s The Agüero Sisters and De Aragón’s The Memory of Silence )

In both The Aguero Sisters by Cristina Garcia and The Memory of Silence by Uva de Aragon, the two authors develop their respective conflicts around sisters who are separated following the Cuban Revolution. In both cases, one sister remains in Cuba while the other migrates to the United States. As the two novels develop, the reader understands that we are before an allegory in which one sisters represents post-Revolutionary Cuba while the other emblemizes the new identity of the Cuban exile diaspora. The narrative tension presents the protagonists as rivals, but in both cases, their reunification says as much as about cultural relationships as it does sibling rivalries. Given the striking similarities between the two works in both discourse and theme, then, we may be tempted to presume that one story is merely a re-telling of the other; however, a textual analysis reveals identifiable differences in scope, purpose, and resolution.
Annual productivity and lipid composition of native microalgae (Chlorophyta) at a pilot production facility in Southern California

Abstract Microalgae are an efficient platform for the sustainable production of foods, fuels, and bioproducts. Due to the vast natural diversity of microalgae, choosing an ideal species for production can be challenging, and laboratory-derived productivity data may be misleading. In the present study, nine species of green algae (Chlorophyta) were isolated directly from an outdoor pilot production facility, identified via sequencing and microscopy, cultured under standard laboratory conditions to assess lipid content, and then cultivated in 80-L cultures in a greenhouse over the course of a year to assess productivity. Analysis of lipid content from laboratory-grown cultures revealed that these strains had high concentrations of C16 and C18 fatty acids and lipid content not exceeding 30% of dry weight during growth phase. In the greenhouse, Parachlorella kessleri-SD23 had the highest annual productivity, yielding an annual average of approximately 19 g/m2/d and 88 mg/L/d of biomass productivity. Additionally, P. kessleri-SD23 had a total lipid content equal to about 19% of dry weight during growth phase under laboratory conditions with the highest concentration of C18:2 and C18:3 fatty acids among the isolates.
Physician Assistant Teaching Effectiveness Through Incorporation of Active Learning and Interdisciplinary Pharmacy Students.

PURPOSE This study evaluated exam performance and course evaluation in a physician assistant (PA) interdisciplinary active learning (IAL)-incorporated program facilitated by a pharmacist and pharmacy student. METHODS Two PA cohorts (n = 38 each) were compared using IAL versus minimal active learning (MAL). Course evaluation surveys of instruction were assessed for 2 pharmacology courses. Both cohorts were assessed for differences in exam scores and performance on higher analytical exam questions. RESULTS The IAL cohort achieved higher course evaluation scores compared to the MAL cohort (p < .05). The students' positive comments demonstrated their desire for more IAL. No significant difference was seen in overall exam scores in either cohort or course (p < .45). IAL in neurology demonstrated significant improvement in exam performance on moderate Bloom's taxonomy-level questions (p = .008). CONCLUSIONS IAL may enable health professionals to provide more collaborative care. The students preferred IAL and demonstrated improved performance on comprehension and application exam questions.
Aiming Higher: Looking Beyond Completion to Restore the Promise of Higher Education

This paper examines the relationship between student debt and college completion, particularly the proposition that increasing college completion could be a strategy to address student debt. The authors argue that the focus on completion as a student debt solution misses the ways in which debt is inhibiting students’ ability to access the benefits that college completion was intended to confer. The paper also explores how the completion agenda’s failure to reach these broader goals has occurred in large part because it has evolved within our nation’s debt-financed student aid system. The final section offers alternative solutions to deal with student debt and to restore the promise of higher education.
Has market discipline on banks improved after the Dodd–Frank Act?

Abstract We investigate whether or not market discipline on banking firms changed after the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (DFA) of 2010. If market discipline is improved, we should see a lower discount for size on yield spreads, particularly for banks identified as too-big-to-fail (TBTF) or systemically important (SIFI). Using secondary market subordinated debt transactions we find that the size discount is reduced by 47% and TBTF discount is reduced by 94% after the DFA. The DFA has been effective in reducing, but not in eliminating the size and TBTF discounts on yield spreads. Market discipline of banks appears to have improved further after the rating criteria changes by Moody’s.
The Rise of Interdisciplinarity in Engineering Education in the Era of Industry 4.0: Implications for Management Practice

With the advent of the fourth industrial revolution, emergence of interdisciplinarity across and beyond engineering fields and how it is likely to influence management practice is being studied in this article. During the exploration and progression of knowledge from the 15th to 18th centuries, there was no established boundaries for disciplines, and scholars made simultaneous contributions in many knowledge domains. With the evolution of the first two industrial revolutions, a growth of specialization in engineering field of expertise began emerging in the 19th century. The second half of the 20th century saw the rise of the silos in engineering due to the requirement of disciplinary specializations. Advanced technologies such as personal computers and internet served as a major catalyst in accelerated growth in depth and breadth of knowledge in respective engineering discipline during the third industrial revolution. From a pedagogical perspective, two distinct types of interdisciplinary approaches are identified: 1) evolution of hybrid fields combining two or more existing fields, and 2) bolstering of existing fields with infusion of technological knowledge. Inclusion of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, Internet-of-Things, and robotics will also be discussed. Examples such as smart cities, smart manufacturing, and innovations in the medical and health sectors will be used to demonstrate pedagogical approaches. The implications for management practice and three specific recommendations for managers in implementing interdisciplinarity are finally offered.
Cost-Effective Strategies for the Management of Vascular Disease:

Cardiovascular disease accounts for over 950,000 deaths and an estimated $151 billion in direct and indirect costs. Because of this escalating clinical and financial burden, economic analysis has become essential for the evaluation of preventative therapies for vascular disease. Economic analysis compares competing interventions or management strategies for costs and benefits; more specifically, cost-effectiveness analysis compares cost in financial terms like dollars to measures of effectiveness like years of life saved. Important concepts in the creation of a valid cost-effectiveness analysis include perspective, time horizon, measurement of costs and effectiveness and sensitivity analysis. In patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease, most morbidity and mortality arises from complications of coronary artery disease. Because coronary artery disease and peripheral arterial occlusive disease commonly occur together and share risk factors, pathophysiology and response to preventative therapy, economic evaluations of preventative therapies for coronary artery disease have relevance for patients with vascular disease. Cost-effectiveness analysis reveals that modification of vascular risk factors like tobacco use, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia improve clinical outcomes at acceptable cost-effectiveness ratios, usually less than $20,000 per year of life saved. More importantly, interventions like smoking cessation or lipid modification in high-risk groups may be cost saving, with treatment costs outweighed by financial benefits. From the patient, clinician and societal perspective, cost-effectiveness analysis supports the aggressive modification of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease.
Ethics and the Forensic Sciences: Professional Autonomy in the Criminal Justice System

Forensic scientists in their roles as expert witnesses or as laboratory employees experience restrictions on their exercise of professional discretion which raise questions about their ability to act responsibly in the criminal justice system. To respond effectively to these challenges to their professional autonomy, forensic scientists must find ways to increase their control over their work and to convince other key actors in the criminal justice system of the importance of doing so.
Exploration of variables related to children's behavioral distress during electrodiagnosis.

Abstract To investigate variables potentially related to children's distress during electromyography/nerve conduction studies (EMGNCS), mothers of 39 children ages two to 17 years reported the child's gender, experience with EMGNCS, previous negative medical/dental experiences, general response to painful procedures, information-seeking style prior to procedures, health care fears, and information about the mothers' own health care fears and their anxiety regarding EMGNCS. Physicians who performed the studies completed a behavioral distress checklist for each child. Results indicated that children exhibiting more behavioral distress were younger, had been uncooperative with previous painful procedures, were more likely to have had more negative medical/dental experiences, and had mothers who themselves reported greater fear and anxiety about undergoing EMGNCS. Regression analyses indicated that previous negative medical/dental experiences accounted for additional variance in distress beyond that attributed to the child's age. Significant positive correlations between children's distress and specific previous negative medical/dental experiences were found.
A Bayesian approach to power-spectrum significance estimation, with application to solar neutrino data

The usual procedure for estimating the significance of a peak in a power spectrum is to calculate the probability of obtaining that value or a larger value by chance, on the assumption that the time series contains only noise (e.g. that the measurements were derived from random samplings of a Gaussian distribution). However, it is known that one should regard this P-Value approach with caution. As an alternative, we here examine a Bayesian approach to estimating the significance of a peak in a power spectrum. This approach requires that we consider explicitly the hypothesis that the time series contains a periodic signal as well as noise. The challenge is to identify a probability distribution function for the power that is appropriate for this hypothesis. We propose what seem to be reasonable conditions to require of this function, and then propose a simple function that meets these requirements. We also propose a consistency condition, and check to see that our function satisfies this condition. We find that the Bayesian significance estimates are considerably more conservative than the conventional estimates. We apply this procedure to three recent analyses of solar neutrino data: (a) bimodality of GALLEX data; (b) power spectrum analysis of Super-Kamiokande data; and (c) the combined analysis of radiochemical neutrino data and irradiance data.
Diffusion and Impacts of the Internet and E-Commerce in Ch

Diffusion and Impacts of the Internet and E-Commerce in China February 2004 ZIXIANG (ALEX) TAN 1 WU OUYANG 2 School of Information Studies Syracuse University, USA ztan@syr.edu CIIED Chinese Academy of Social Science This research is part of the Globalization and E-Commerce project of the Center for Research on Information Technology and Organizations (CRITO) at the University of California, Irvine. This material is based upon work funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0085852. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions reflected in the material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Center for Research on Information Technology and Organizations University of California, Irvine | www.crito.uci.edu
Infrared light emitting device with two color emission

Abstract We have designed and fabricated two-color infrared light emitting diode (LED) emitting in the wavelength regions of 3–4 μm and 5–10 μm. The interband cascade (IC) LED device was grown on n-type GaSb substrate and has 30 cascaded stages for the long-wave infrared (LWIR) and 15 cascaded stages for the mid-wave infrared (MWIR) emission bands. The two active regions are separated by a 0.5 μm thick contact layer, which is used for biasing the two LEDs. Both room temperature and cryogenic temperature results show emission in the wavelength regions as designed.
A method for measuring respiratory volume parameters of large animals during exposure to aerosols.

The respiratory volume monitor was specifically designed to aid in quantitative control of exposures of beagle dogs to aerosols without adversely affecting the quality of the aerosol. The system monitors and displays tidal volume, total inhaled volume, breath count and elapsed time of exposure. The error in the total inhaled volume measurement does not exceed 10%
Genetic diversity and new therapeutic concepts.

The differences in medicinal drug responses among individuals had been known for quite some time. Some patients exhibit a life-threatening adverse reaction while others fail to show an expected therapeutic effect. Intermediate responses between the above two extreme cases are also known. In fact, it has been recently reported that approximately 100,000 deaths and more than 2 million hospitalizations annually in the United States are due to properly prescribed medications. This interindividual variability could be due in part to genetically determined characteristics of target genes or drug metabolizing enzymes. This has now been substantiated by a variety of studies. We know that “one size fits all” is not correct. Therefore, the application of pharmacogenetic concepts to clinical practice is an excellent goal in the postgenomic era. The successful completion of the human genome project provided necessary molecular tools, such as high-throughput SNP genotyping, HapMap, and microarray, that can be applied to develop proper therapeutic options for individuals. Recently, there have been considerable scientific, corporate, and policy interest in pharmacotherapy. However, identification of causal variations in a target gene is only a starting point, and the progress in this rapidly developing field is slower than expected. One major drawback could be due to the multigene determinant of drug response that requires a genome-wide screening. Additionally, application of pharmacogenetic knowledge into clinical practice requires a high level of accuracy, precision (risk/benefit ratio), and strict regulations. This is because the pharmacogenetic approach raises several ethical, moral, and legal questions. It is also necessary that both health professionals and the general public must be urgently educated. Despite these limitations, translation of pharmacogenomic data into clinical practice would certainly provide better opportunities to increase the safety and efficacy of medicine in the future.
Temperature dependence of the ozone absorption spectrum over the wavelength range 410 to 760 nm

The ozone, O3, absorption cross sections between 410 and 760 nm, the Chappuis band, were measured at 220, 240, 260, and 280 K relative to that at room temperature using a diode array spectrometer. The measured cross sections varied very slightly, less than 1%, with decreasing temperature between 550 and 660 nm, near the peak of the Chappuis band. At wavelengths away from the peak, the absorption cross sections decreased with decreasing temperature; e.g., about 40% at 420 nm between 298 and 220 K. These results are compared with previous measurements and the impact on atmospheric measurements are discussed.
Efficiency in the provision of pure public goods by private citizens

This paper raises an old question and proposes a new answer. The question is, “Must public goods be produced by governments?” The consensus answer is “Yes,” on the grounds that transaction costs related to group size prevent all potential consumers of a public good from entering into voluntary arrangements to produce efficient levels of that good. Government intervention thus is required to achieve efficiency.
AMP inhibition of pig kidney fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase

Lys-112 and Tyr-113 in pig kidney fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase) make direct interactions with AMP in the allosteric binding site. Both residues interact with the phosphate moiety of AMP while Tyr-113 also interacts with the 3'-hydroxyl of the ribose ring. The role of these two residues in AMP binding and allosteric inhibition was investigated. Site-specific mutagenesis was used to convert Lys-112 to glutamine (K112Q) and Tyr-113 to phenylalanine (Y113F). These amino acid substitutions result in small alterations in k(cat) and increases in K(m). However, both the K112Q and Y113F enzymes show alterations in Mg(2+) affinity and dramatic reductions in AMP affinity. For both mutant enzymes, the AMP concentration required to reduced the enzyme activity by one-half, [AMP](0.5), was increased more than a 1000-fold as compared to the wild-type enzyme. The K112Q enzyme also showed a 10-fold reduction in affinity for Mg(2+). Although the allosteric site is approximately 28 A from the metal binding sites, which comprise part of the active site, these site-specific mutations in the AMP site influence metal binding and suggest a direct connection between the allosteric and the active sites.
Reserpine and Raynaud's Phenomenon

Excerpt To the editor: The letter "Hematemesis After Reserpine for Raynaud's Phenomenon" by Drs. Sharon, Paolino, and Kaplan (Ann Intern Med77:479, 1972) was of great interest to me. In 1971 I trea...
A study of carbide removal mechanisms during quartz abrasion I: In situ scratch test studies

Abstract In this paper scratch test simulations of carbide removal mechanisms in high chromium white cast irons during low stress abrasion by quartz abrasive are described. Scratch testing was performed inside the scanning electron microscope using individual grains of rounded quartz as scratch tools. Linear multipass scratches in the same path were made on preworn and deeply etched metallographic surfaces of hypereutectic white cast iron. The results of the sequential multipass tests on preworn surfaces showed that a gradual enlargement of pre-existing cavities in primary carbides occurs by fracture near the unsupported edges of the cavities. Short duration abrasion tests performed on metallographic surfaces showed that preferential removal of matrix material present in the pre-existing cavities present in some of the primary carbides resulted in small pits in these carbides. The large pits produced in large primary carbides by low stress quartz abrasion apparently are produced by a progressive series of small fracture events rather than by gross fracture in a single event. Gross carbide fracture was not produced during scratch testing even though the loads used were considerably in excess of those experienced during low stress abrasion. The rounding of carbides was shown to be due to microfracture of the sharp carbide edges left unsupported by the matrix. Quartz scratch tests on preworn surfaces produced no grooves on the carbides even at high loads, and the matrix between the carbides was protected by the protruding carbides. Scratch tests performed using fragments of carbide debris showed that a carbide can cut through another carbide. It is proposed that the grooves which are produced in the leading edges of carbides during quartz abrasion are caused by carbide debris.
The use of clove oil, metomidate, tricaine methanesulphonate and 2‐phenoxyethanol for inducing anaesthesia and their effect on the cortisol stress response in black sea bass (Centropristis striata L.)

Juvenile and adult black sea bass (Centropristis striata L.) were exposed to various concentrations of four anaesthetics to determine practical dosages for handling as well as for procedures such as bleeding, ovarian biopsy or tag implantation. In experiment 1, juveniles exposed to either 2.0 mg L−1 metomidate, 15 mg L−1 clove oil, 70 mg L−1 tricaine methanesulphonate (TMS) or 200 mg L−1 2-phenoxyethanol (2-PE) reached stage II of anaesthesia in 3–5 min and could be handled for weighing and measuring. All fish had completed recovery to stage III within 6 min. In experiment 2, the established concentrations of each anaesthetic were tested on juveniles to determine their ability to prevent a reflex to a subcutaneous needle puncture. All of the fish exposed to clove oil (20 mg L−1) and 40% of the TMS-treated (70 mg L−1) fish reacted while none of the fish anaesthetized in metomidate (2.0 mg L−1) or 2-PE (200 mg L−1) responded to the needle puncture. In experiment 3, metomidate (5.0 mg L−1), clove oil (30 mg L−1) TMS (125 mg L−1) or 2-PE (300 mg L−1) were all effective for performing an ovarian biopsy or tag implantation on adults. In experiment 4, TMS (125 mg L−1) exacerbated the cortisol response to a short handling stressor during a 30 min exposure. Fish anaesthetized in 2-PE (300 mg L−1), metomidate (5.0 mg L−1) or clove oil (40 mg L−1) had increased cortisol levels associated with the handling stressor but there were no further increases during the remainder of the experimental period. The results demonstrate that these anaesthetics are effective for sedation and anaesthesia of black sea bass and that the best choice is dependant upon the procedures to be performed.
Primary repair for penetrating colon injuries

Background Primary repair of penetrating colon injuries is an appealing management option. However, uncertainty about its safety persists. Objectives The objective of this review was to compare morbidity and mortality rates after primary repair to the rates after fecal diversion, in the management of penetrating colon injuries, using a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Injuries Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2008, Issue 3), MEDLINE 1950 to Sept 2008, EMBASE 1980 to Sept 2008, ISI Web of Science: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED) 1970 to Sept 2008, Conference Proceedings Citation Index-Science (CPCI-S) 1990 to Sept 2008, and PubMed (searched 26 Sept 2008). The most recent searches were carried out in September 2008. Selection criteria Studies were included if they were randomized controlled trials comparing the outcomes of primary repair versus fecal diversion in the management of penetrating colon injuries. Data collection and analysis Two authors independently extracted the data. Outcomes evaluated from each trial included mortality, total complications, infectious complications, intra-abdominal infections, wound complications and penetrating abdominal trauma index (PATI). We calculated Peto odds ratios (ORs) for combined effect with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for each outcome. Heterogeneity was assessed for each outcome, using a chi-squared test. Main results Six trials involving 705 patients were included. Mortality was not significantly different between groups, which was low in both the primary repair (1.94%) and the diverted groups (1.74%). The Peto OR for mortality was 1.22 (95% CI 0.40 to 3.74). However, the primary repair group experienced a significantly lower rate of complications (Peto OR 0.54; 95% CI 0.39 to 0.76), total infectious complications (Peto OR 0.44; 95% CI 0.17 to 1.1), abdominal infections including dehiscence (Peto OR 0.67; 95% CI 0.35 to 1.3), abdominal infections excluding dehiscence (Peto OR 0.69; 95% CI 0.34 to 1.39), wound complications including dehiscence (Peto OR 0.73; 95% CI 0.38 to 1.39), and wound complications excluding dehiscence (Peto OR 0.67; 95% CI 0.32 to 1.39). Statistical significance favoring primary repair over fecal diversion was achieved for all outcomes related to abdominal infections and wound complications when one study was excluded for both clinical and statistical heterogeneity in the sensitivity analysis. Authors' conclusions Meta-analysis of currently published randomized controlled trials favors primary repair over fecal diversion for penetrating colon injuries.
The Future of Graduate Education in Sport and Exercise Science: A Sport Psychology Perspective

The direction of graduate education in sport psychology has changed considerably since its emergence as a recognizable subdiscipline within exercise and sport science in the late 1960s. This paper describes (a) the structure of current sport psychology specializations within graduate programs based on a survey of 33 programs with sport psychology specializations in the United States, (b) trends in sport psychology graduate education, and (c) concerns regarding the future of graduate education in sport psychology in terms of coursework, research, and applied service provision.
In vitro development and cell allocation following aggregation of split embryos with tetraploid or developmentally asynchronous blastomeres in rhesus monkeys.

Production of genetically identical pairs of monkeys would have tremendous implications for biomedical research, particularly immunological studies and vaccine trials. Specific aims of this study were to (1) determine whether aggregation of embryos split into halves or quarters with equal numbers of either developmentally asynchronous or tetraploid blastomeres would enhance their developmental potential in vitro and increase total cell numbers in resulting blastocysts, and (2) determine the allocation of tetraploid and developmentally asynchronous blastomeres in resulting blastocysts. Results demonstrated that development into blastocysts was greater (p 0.05) to that of nonmanipulated controls (59.6%). Creation of chimeras from aggregation of a single 4-cell and four 16-cell stage blastomeres resulted in blastocyst formation (69.2%) similar to that of nonmanipulated control embryos (66.9%). However, neither development nor total cell numbers in resulting blastocysts differed between aggregate chimeras and those split into quadruplet sets at the 16-cell stage. Blastocysts resulting from the aggregate chimeras were derived strictly from the 16-cell stage blastomeres, with complete exclusion of the 4-cell stage blastomeres. Aggregation of split embryos with equal numbers of tetraploid blastomeres doubled (p < 0.05) both the proportion developing into blastocysts and the total cell numbers in resulting blastocysts. Tetraploid blastomeres were allocated to both the inner cell mass and trophectoderm of resulting blastocysts. In conclusion, due to exclusion of the less advanced cells, aggregation of developmentally asynchronous blastomeres did not improve the developmental competence or cell numbers of split rhesus embryos. Reconstitution of split embryos with equal numbers of tetraploid blastomeres enhanced their developmental potential and cell numbers in resulting blastocysts. However, tetraploid blastomeres were allocated to both the inner cell mass and trophectoderm.
Cellular injury resulting from tissue disaggregation.

Abstract Disaggregation of chick embryonic tissue by elastase yielded single cells capable of spontaneous rhythmic contraction when cultured in a minimal medium. Viability of the freshly isolated cells was assessed by two different methods, dye-exclusion and in vitro survival. Dye-exclusion studies indicated that 68 per cent of the cells were viable while survival experiments resulted in less than 40 per cent viability. These results suggested that certain injuries to the cell membrane, such as bleb formation, did not lead to dye penetration or leakage of LDH activity, but did prevent cell survival.
Strategyproof allocation of discrete jobs on multiple machines

We present a model for fair strategyproof allocations in a realistic model of cloud computing centers. This model has the standard Leontief preferences but also captures a key property of virtualization, the use of containers to isolate jobs. We first present several impossibility results for deterministic mechanisms in this setting. We then construct an extension of the well known dominant resource fairness mechanism (DRF), which somewhat surprisingly does not involve the notion of a dominant resource. Our mechanism relies on the connection between the DRF mechanism and the Kalai-Smorodinsky bargaining solution; by computing a weighted max-min over the convex hull of the feasible region we can obtain an ex-ante fair, efficient and strategyproof randomized allocation. This randomized mechanism can be used to construct other mechanisms which do not rely on users' being expected (ex-ante) utility maximizers, in several ways. First, for the case of $m$ identical machines one can use the convex structure of the mechanism to get a simple mechanism which is approximately ex-post fair, efficient and strategyproof. Second, we present a more subtle construction for an arbitrary set of machines, using the Shapley-Folkman-Starr theorem to show the existence of an allocation which is approximately ex-post fair, efficient and strategyproof. This paper provides both a rigorous foundation for developing protocols that explicitly utilize the detailed structure of the modern cloud computing hardware and software, and a general method for extending the dominant resource fairness mechanism to more complex settings.