cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predicting non-traditional student learning outcomes using data analytics - a pilot research study

Data analytics has been employed in the business world to predict outcomes relating to processes such as sales and product trends for over a decade. More recently, data analytics have emerged as a tool for educational institutions to use in order to recruit, retain, and help students to graduate successfully. The pilot study we conducted, which uses data analytics to explore the relationships between the habits of non-traditional students in an online course, is expressed in student activity variables captured from the learning management system (LMS) activity logs and their learning outcomes as expressed in their final grade. The two primary goals of this pilot study conducted are; 1) identify which LMS variables have the highest rate of predicting student success, and 2) identify and propose a framework for larger scale "big data" analysis of real-time student LMS evaluation. The results of this pilot study show that there are positive correlations between student activity in an LMS system and their final grade. The primary variables identified as having the strongest correlation for success were assignment, grade views and rubrics. A proposed framework, which includes collecting and analyzing data from several courses, drawn from various disciplines to be used in further data analysis is discussed.
The Potential of (Participatory) Action Research for School Leaders, Local Policy Makers, and University-Based Researchers

This chapter provides school leaders, local policymakers (e.g. school board members, superintendents, and elected leaders), and novice researchers with a broad introduction to Action Research (AR) and Participatory Action Research (PAR). It discusses the origins and theoretical underpinnings of AR and PAR, presents one commonly used AR/PAR process, and provides recommendations about how novice scholars can engage in AR/PAR. Three critical aspects of AR/PAR are explored: shared ownership, community-based analysis, and an orientation toward action. Overall, we argue that AR/PAR is a unique and accessible methodological approach and that school leaders, local policymakers, and novice researchers should feel confident in engaging in it with communities that seek change.
A Shield in Battle: The Contingent Value of Human Rights Treaties to INGOs in Autocracies

ABSTRACTHuman rights treaties make a difference under certain circumstances. Advocates find them useful in their work. In autocracies, where the ground is less fertile, human rights agreements can ...
Shaping peace in Kosovo: the politics of peacebuilding and statehood

In his book, Shaping Peace in Kosovo, Gezim Visoka investigates the role that international and local actors have played in post-war Kosovo’s peacebuilding and state-building. Visoka blames interna...
Growing Healthy Together: protocol for a randomized clinical trial using parent mentors for early childhood obesity intervention in a Latino community.

Latino children in the US experience high rates of obesity, increasing their risk of subsequent diabetes. There are few clinical trials among low-income, Latino families to test interventions that account for and address their unique situation. This trial, conducted in a Head Start (early childhood education) setting, randomly assigns children 2–5 years of age who have obesity by CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines (at least 95th percentile body mass index) and their parents to one of three conditions: (1) control, (2) parent mentor with an experimental curriculum, or (3) parent mentor with a standard curriculum (active control). We designed the experimental arm (2) using data from positive deviants: low-income, Latino families who had been successful in moving their child toward a healthy weight. Parent mentors are recruited and trained from the Head Start centers. Parent mentors then facilitate the teaching and coaching of parent–child dyads with weekly interactions over the course of a 6-month period. The primary outcome is change in adjusted body mass index z-score at the end of intervention and at 6 months post-intervention. Secondary outcomes include generalized self-efficacy, dietary intake, the home food environment, and reported physical activity. This clinical trial contributes to the field by evaluating parent mentoring interventions that are potentially scalable for a population at high risk for continued obesity and subsequent morbidity and mortality. This trial was registered on October 31, 2017 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03330743 ).
Experimental demonstration and performance evaluation of a complex fenestration system for daylighting and thermal harvesting

Abstract Two significant design strategies for mitigating building energy consumption are daylight redirection and solar energy harvesting. Effective daylighting implementation enhances the amount of useful natural light within a space and offsets the need for electric lighting. Solar energy harvesting systems can mitigate energy costs from mechanical systems by managing incoming thermal loads or capturing solar energy that can be used to supplement thermal systems in the building. While there are many available facade-based technologies that can perform daylighting or solar thermal energy harvesting, there remains a limitation in available systems that can perform both of them simultaneously. This paper, describes the design and experimental demonstration of a Liquid Filled Prismatic Louver (LFPL) system, which combines both energy-saving strategies. The LFPL system was installed in a south-facing room in New York City and evaluated for indoor daylight penetration and potential for thermal energy harvesting. Daylight redirection is achieved through the prismatic louver geometry and proper orientation, whereas thermal energy harvesting is achieved through IR absorption from the liquid (e.g., water) within the prisms. Daylighting performance was evaluated by illuminance measurements at key locations within the space, whereas thermal harvesting performance was evaluated through temperature measurements and thermal imaging analysis. We show that the LFPL system, with all prismatic elements oriented at the same angle, achieve a 2-fold and 8-fold enhancement in daylight redirection to the ceiling, for prism orientations of 10° and 20°, respectively. We also demonstrate the system’s capability to adjust to specific lighting needs, within the space, through the dynamic individual orientation of prismatic elements; thus, achieving a concentrated ceiling illuminance enhancement of ~100 times and ~200 times at 2.5 and 4.3 m away from the window sill, providing workplane illuminance enhancement of 6 and 2 times more than in the case of the control room with regular windows. Furthermore, we show a reduction of potential heating loads at locations close to the window from the combination of infrared absorption in the water volume and the redirection of the incoming solar radiation, leading to a reduction of the workplane temperature by an average of 7–10 °C.
Performance evaluation of a solarized gas turbine system integrated to a high temperature electrolyzer for hydrogen production

Abstract In this paper, the performance of a solar gas turbine (SGT) system integrated to a high temperature electrolyzer (HTE) to generate hybrid electrical power and hydrogen fuel is analyzed. The idea behind this design is to mitigate the losses in the electrical power transmission and use the enthalpy of exhaust gases released from the gas turbine (GT) to make steam for the HTE. In this context, a GT system is coupled with a solar tower including heliostat solar field and central receiver to generate electrical power. To make steam for the HTE, a flameless boiler is integrated to the SGT system applying the SGT extremely high temperature exhaust gases as the oxidizer. The results indicate that by increasing the solar receiver outlet temperature from 800 K to 1300 K, the solar share increases from 22.1% to 42.38% and the overall fuel consumption of the plant reduces from 7 kg/s to 2.7 kg/s. Furthermore, flameless mode is achievable in the boiler while the turbine inlet temperature (TIT) is maintained at the temperatures higher than 1314 K. Using constant amounts of the SGT electrical power, the HTE voltage decreases by enhancing the HTE steam temperature which result in the augmentation of the overall hydrogen production. To increase the HTE steam temperature from 950 K to 1350 K, the rate of fuel consumption in the flameless boiler increases from 0.1 m/s to 0.8 m/s; however, since the HTE hydrogen production increases from 4.24 mol/s to 16 mol/s it can be interpreted that the higher steam temperatures would be affordable. The presented hybrid system in this paper can be employed to perform more thermochemical analyses to achieve insightful understanding of the hybrid electrical power-hydrogen production systems.
Positive Contribution: Why the Second Circuit’s Understanding of CERCLA § 113 Should Make Way for the Third Circuit’s Pro-Settlement Holding in Trinity Industries

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has interpreted section 113(f)(3)(B) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Cleanup, and Liability Act, or CERCLA, to only allow a party to seek contribution for claims resolved under CERCLA itself, rather than claims resolved under a state statute. In Trinity Industries, Inc. v. Chicago Bridge & Iron Co., the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit broke from Second Circuit precedent by holding that section 113(f)(3)(B) does not require a settlement under CERCLA to permit a contribution action pursuant to CERCLA. This Comment argues that the Third Circuit’s interpretation of section 113(f)(3)(B) is a more accurate reading of the plain language of the statute, a better interpretation of the legislative history of the contribution provision, and more consistent with the policy goals of the CERCLA regime than the interpretation put forth by the Second Circuit.
Should Robots Have Rights Or Rites? A Confucian Cross-Cultural Exploration To Robot Ethics

If philosophers and legal scholars’ reasoning is correct, advanced AI-powered robots deserve some kind of moral status, perhaps something similar to the modal status of domesticated animals. At the same time, people are worried about risks of granting rights to robots. In this Article, I have discussed a solution to address the tension. I have maintained that granting rights is not the only proper way to treat the moral status of robots. In particular, drawing upon Confucianism, I discussed how the distinctive concept of a moral agent as a rites-bearer, not as a rights-bearer, could be applied to robots. The Confucian alternative is superior to the robot-rights perspective, because it is not adversarial, but team-encouraging, unlike the concept of rights that is inherently adversarial. This article did not directly discuss legal issues (doing so is beyond its scope), but the defended view has at least one clear legal implication: Assign role-obligations to robots, but do not grant them rights.Time to rethink right about robot rights.
The Overlap Between Teen Dating Violent Offending and Violent Victimization

Teen dating violence (TDV) affects both males and females, and the negative consequences associated with such violence last into adulthood. This study had three objectives: (a) determine the extent...
Korean-speaking spaces: heritage language learning and community access for mixed-race Korean Americans

This study examines the experiences of mixed-race Korean Americans in their journey to develop and use their heritage language, Korean, through in-depth autobiographical interviews. Participants hi...
Limits of almost homogeneous spaces and their fundamental groups.

We say that a sequence of proper geodesic spaces $X_i$ consists of \textit{almost homogeneous spaces} if there is a sequence of discrete groups of isometries $G_i \leq Iso(X_i)$ such that diam$(X_i/G_i)\to 0$ as $i \to \infty$. We show that if a sequence $X_i$ of almost homogeneous spaces converges in the pointed Gromov--Hausdorff sense to a space $X$, then $X$ is a nilpotent locally compact group equipped with an invariant geodesic metric. Under the above hypotheses, we show that if $X$ is semi-locally-simply-connected, then it is a nilpotent Lie group equipped with an invariant Finsler or sub-Finsler metric, and for large enough $i$, there are subgroups $\Lambda_i \leq \pi_1(X_i) $ with surjective morphisms $\Lambda_i\to \pi_1(X)$.
Implicit CFD Methods and Unstructured Grids

This chapter provides an overview of the various implicit solution strategies developed for use with unstructured mesh CFD calculations. For time-dependent simulations, implicit methods are appealing because they enable the use of arbitrarily large time steps, while for steady-state problems implicit methods are imperative for enabling the practical solution of large problems. The key aspect of implicit solvers on unstructured meshes is the requirement to form and invert a large sparse matrix either directly or approximately. This chapter examines the structure of the implicit matrix and covers various approaches for approximating and inverting the matrix either directly or iteratively. The combination of these basic techniques with other convergence acceleration strategies such as multigrid and Krylov methods is also discussed. The performance of these methods is illustrated through a series of sample calculations. Keywords: implicit; unstructured; convergence acceleration; solver; computational fluid dynamics
Application of commercial electronics in the motors and actuator systems for Mars surface missions

Commercial-off-the-shelf electronic components (COTS) offer a very low cost and attractive solution for construction of electronic systems for Mars missions, including the actuator electronic systems for the Mars Rovers. One issue with using COTS lies in the difference between their specified operating temperature range (-55/spl deg/C to125/spl deg/C for military components) and the temperatures observed at the surface of Mars (-120/spl deg/C to 20/spl deg/C). To compensate for the difference between these temperatures, most of the electronics are placed in a central warm-electronics-box or WEB. In some cases, such as the distributed control system for the actuators, the electronic assemblies that are to be placed on or near the motors are outside of the central WEB. The experimental search consists of two steps. First, a short functional/non-functional test at -120/spl deg/C is used to identify and narrow down the number of candidate COTS that can work at very cold temperatures. More extensive characterization of the parts that passes the short test is performed to determine the operating margins and estimate the thermal cycle life capability for the COTS parts. Finally, the operating margins of the COTS parts are published as a set of specifications.
Blood groups in a marsupial (Monodelphis domestica)

We produced alloimmune sera against erythrocytes of the marsupial, Monodelphis domestica. By absorption fractionation, six operationally monospecific blood typing reagents (hemolysins) were prepared. Using segregation analyses, we found that each reagent detects a blood group antigen controlled by an autosomal dominant gene. With the description of these genetic markers, the utility of M. domestica as an animal model is enhanced.
Sequential bilateral cochlear implantation in the adolescent population

Objectives To examine the variables affecting outcomes for sequential bilateral cochlear implantation patients in the adolescent population. Study Design Retrospective chart review at tertiary care center. Methods Main outcome measures were open set speech recognition tests at the word (Consonant-Nucleus-Consonant/Phonetically Balanced Kindergarten List Test [CNC/PBK]) and sentence levels in noise (Hearing in Noise Test-Noise [HINT-N]) in different test conditions with respect to the age at first and sequential implantation, as well as the interval between implants. Results Despite a mean age at sequential implantation of 13.5 years, sequential bilateral implanted adolescents revealed significant improvement in the sequential cochlear implant (CI2) ear. The mean time interval between implants was 8.2 years. A wide range of performance was noted, and age at implantation and interval between first cochlear implant (CI1) and CI2 did not predict outcome. Mean CNC/PBK score with CI1 alone was 83.0%, with the CI2 alone was 56.5%, and with bilateral implants was 86.8%. Sentence scores (HINT-N) were 89.5% for CI1, 74.2% for CI2, and 94.4% for bilateral CI condition. The clinical relevance of these enhanced perception abilities requires attention to individual device use, performance with the first implant, and subjective benefits reported by patients. Conclusions Bilateral sequential cochlear implantation leads to improved speech perception in the adolescent population and should be considered in this population, even after a long period of deafness and despite a prolonged interval between implants. Numerous factors affect the ability to predict performance, but age at implantation and interimplant interval were not correlated with performance measures. Extensive preoperative counseling and individualized evaluation are critical to ensure that patients and families understand the range of possible outcomes. Level of Evidence 4 Laryngoscope, 125:1952–1958, 2015
Dual clock rate block data parallel architecture [multiprocessor based FIR filter example]

This paper presents a multiprocessor system with a dual clock rate. We used the block data overlap-save algorithm and the block data parallel architecture (BDPA) to implement a two dimensional (2D) FIR filter. We were able to significantly improve the performance of the block data parallel architecture (BDPA) multiprocessor system by using a dual rate clock as compared to the performance using a single rate clock. We designed a 2D-FIR filter system with a four processor module array to demonstrate the improvement in performance. It had a throughput performance of 7.975 samples per processor clock cycle and the processor utilization was 78.53%.
Timing analysis of keystrokes and timing attacks on SSH

SSH is designed to provide a secure channel between two hosts. Despite the encryption and authentication mechanisms it uses, SSH has two weakness: First, the transmitted packets are padded only to an eight-byte boundary (if a block cipher is in use), which reveals the approximate size of the original data. Second, in interactive mode, every individual keystroke that a user types is sent to the remote machine in a separate IP packet immediately after the key is pressed, which leaks the interkeystroke timing information of users' typing. In this paper, we show how these seemingly minor weaknesses result in serious security risks. First we show that even very simple statistical techniques suffice to reveal sensitive information such as the length of users' passwords or even root passwords. More importantly, we further show that by using more advanced statistical techniques on timing information collected from the network, the eavesdropper can learn significant information about what users type in SSH sessions. In particular, we perform a statistical study of users' typing patterns and show that these patterns reveal information about the keys typed. By developing a Hidden Markov Model and our key sequence prediction algorithm, we can predict key sequences from the interkeystroke timings. We further develop an attacker system, Herbivore, which tries to learn users' passwords by monitoring SSH sessions. By collecting timing information on the network, Herbivore can speed up exhaustive search for passwords by a factor of 50. We also propose some countermeasures. In general our results apply not only to SSH, but also to a general class of protocols for encrypting interactive traffic. We show that timing leaks open a new set of security risks, and hence caution must be taken when designing this type of protocol
Inhibition of the Dionaea muscipula Ellis trap closure by ion and water channels blockers and uncouplers

Abstract The Venus flytrap ( Dionaea muscipula Ellis) captures insects with one of the most rapid movements in the plant kingdom. Here we present detailed experiments for comparative study of effects of inhibitors of ion channels, aquaporins, and uncouplers on kinetics of the trap closing stimulated by mechanical or electrical triggering of the trap. Two methods were used: (1) two 10 μL drops of channels blockers or uncouplers were placed on the midrib of the trap or (2) addition of 50 mL of inhibitors to the soil. Both methods of inhibitors extraction give the same effects on the kinetics of the trap closing. Ion and water channel blockers such as HgCl 2 , tetraethylammonium chloride, ZnCl 2 , BaCl 2 , as well as uncouplers CCCP, FCCP, 2,4-dinitrophenol, and pentachlorophenol decrease speed and increase time of the trap closing. We applied for the evaluation of the mechanism of trap closing our new hydroelastic curvature mechanism, which is based on the assumption that the lobes possess curvature elasticity and are composed of outer and inner hydraulic layers with different hydrostatic pressure. The open state of the trap contains high elastic energy accumulated due to the hydrostatic pressure difference between the hydraulic layers of the lobe. Stimuli induce fast water transport from one hydraulic layer to another, and the trap relaxes to the equilibrium configuration corresponding to the closed state. The detailed mechanism of the trap closing is discussed.
Micromechanical modeling of calcifying human costal cartilage using the generalized method of cells

Various tissues in the human body, including cartilage, are known to calcify with aging. There currently is no material model that accounts for the calcification in the costal cartilage, which could affect the overall structural response of the rib cage, and thus change the mechanisms and resistance to injury. The goal of this study is to investigate, through the development of a calcifying cartilage model, whether the calcification morphologies present in the costal cartilage change its effective material properties. A calcified cartilage material model was developed using the morphologies of calcifications obtained from microCT and the relaxed elastic modulus of the human costal cartilage obtained from indentation testing. The homogenized model of calcifying cartilage found that calcifications alter the effective material behavior of the cartilage, and this effect is highly dependent on the microstructural connectivity of the calcification. Calcifications which are not contiguous with the rib bone and constitute 0-18% of the cartilage volume increase the effective elastic modulus from its baseline value of 5MPa to up to 8MPa. Calcifications which are attached to the rib bone, which typically constitute 18-25% of the cartilage volume, result in effective moduli of 20-66MPa, depending on the microstructure, and introduce marked anisotropy into the material. The calcifying cartilage model developed in this study can be incorporated into biomechanical models of the aging thorax to better understand how calcifications in the aging thorax affect the structural response of the rib cage.
Ultra-high pressure apparatus

Abstract This review applies to static pressure apparatus capable of developing pressures over about 25 kbar for purposes of scientific measurements of the physical and chemical behavior of matter, and in some cases for the high-pressure, high-temperature, synthesis of materials like diamond and cubic boron nitride. A brief history is presented, and major emphasis is given to geometry and stress/strain analysis and the properties of materials that are useful in ultra-high pressure (UHP) apparatuses. Examples are given, and analyzed, of various kinds of UHP apparatuses which have been used extensively in actual service. Finally there is an assessment of the future possibilities for realizing pressures greater than those that have been attained to date.
Epstein-Barr virus in AIDS-related primary central nervous system lymphoma

Primary central nervous system lymphoma occurs more often in patients with AIDS. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been detected in these tumours, but the degree of association has not been defined because of both the highly restricted expression of EBV in malignant tissue and the lack of a technique that is reliable in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens. EBV-transformed lymphocytes contain short non-protein coding EBV transcripts (EBERs), which are expressed in much higher quantity than other EBV-latency transcripts. We describe a new strategy for detection of latent EBV with these transcripts as targets for in-situ hybridisation. 18 cases of AIDS-related primary CNS lymphoma from a consecutive necropsy series together with specimens from 3 further cases were studied. In each case, a strong positive signal over tumour cells indicated abundant expression of the EBV-EBER1 transcript. This 100% association suggests that the pathogenesis of these AIDS-associated lymphomas may differ from the systemic disease in which only 30-50% of tumours are associated with EBV. A pathogenetic role for EBV was further supported by showing expression of a viral protein (the latent membrane protein) that is implicated as an effector for EBV-associated lymphomagenesis. EBV might have a role as a tumour marker in the diagnosis and management of AIDS-related primary CNS lymphoma.
The impact of diabetes and prediabetes on risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality.

Although it is well established that type 2 diabetes is a strong risk factor for coronary heart disease, it is still a matter of debate whether diabetes and a prior coronary heart disease confer similar risk for future risk of fatal coronary heart disease. Most of the published studies on this topic did not consider the duration of diabetes when comparing the effects of diabetes alone and a prior coronary heart disease alone. Recent studies suggest that duration of clinical diabetes is an important risk factor for fatal coronary heart disease and total mortality. In addition, the incidence of cardiovascular disease is elevated long before the clinical diagnosis of diabetes.
Effect of pH on the conditional reduction potential of the tris(1,10-phenanthroline)iron(III,II) couple.

Abstract The half-wave potential for reduction of tris(1,10-phenanthroline)iron(II) at a rotated platinum electrode is constant from pH 0 to 11. The value is 1.06 V at 25.0° and ionic strength 1.0 and is equal to the conditional reduction potential of the tris(1,10-phenanthroline)iron(III,II) couple, as demonstrated by cyclic voltammetry.
Thylakoid acid phosphatase and protein phosphatase activities in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract Wheat thylakoid membranes dephosphorylated exogenously added p- nitrophenylphosphate (PNPP) and phosvitin in addition to endogenous phosphoproteins at acidic pH-values. Multiple PNPP acid phosphatase activities may be present. The characteristics of fractionated acid PNPP phosphatase activities were significantly different from those of the enzymes involved in phosphoprotein dephosphorylation, and we were unable to demonstrate that the acid phosphatase enzymes can utilize phosphoproteins as substrates. We conclude that other enzymes are involved in thylakoid protein dephosphorylation and that if acid PNPP phosphatase activity does play a part, it is a minor role.
Characterization of striae in ULE® for EUVL optics and masks

Compositional striations in Corning's Ultra Low Expansion (ULE®) glass are thought to affect the surface roughness when the glass is polished. For EUV Lithography photomask blanks, it is important for the polished surface to be as smooth as possible. Therefore, since the compositional striations may impact photomask polishing, Corning has undertaken an effort to better characterize the striae and its impact on surface roughness, improve the fundamental understanding of its origin during boule formation, and develop methods and procedures to reduce its potential impact on polishing. This work has verified that striae can vary quite a bit throughout a single ULE glass boule. Characterization has shown that there are two main types of striae. These can be described as high frequency (secondary) striae and lower frequency (primary) striae. Due to the new understanding of the striae origin, two methods have recently been identified and used to greatly reduce or eliminate the high frequency striae component. Currently, new modeling efforts have helped identify potential process changes that may reduce the impact of the primary striae frequency. Experiments are in process to determine their effectiveness.
Space Shuttle Main Engine fuel preburner augmented spark igniter shutdown detonations

Detonations were experienced in the Space Shuttle Main Engine fuel preburner (FPB) augmented spark igniter (ASI) during engine cutoff. Several of these resulted in over pressures sufficient to damage the FPB ASI oxidizer system. The detonations initiated in the FPB ASI oxidizer line when residual oxidizer (oxygen) in the line mixed with backflowing fuel (hydrogen) and detonated. This paper reviews the damage history to the FPB ASI oxidizer system, an engineering assessment of the problem cause, a verification of the mechanisms, the hazards associated with the detonations, and the solution implemented.
Perception, Representation, and the “Property in the Horizon”: Henry David Thoreau's and Ralph Waldo Emerson's Differing Versions of a Liminal Aesthetic

While in residence on Ralph Waldo Emerson's property at Walden Pond, Henry David Thoreau's understanding of perception and representation was shaped by Emerson's emphasis on the literary “property ...
Electronic Properties of 4-Substituted Naphthalimides

This paper describes a study of excited-state properties of naphthalimide (NI) and four 4-substituted derivatives: 4-chloronaphthalimide (Cl-NI), 4-methylthionaphthalimide (MeS-NI), 4-nitronaphthalimide (O2N-NI), and 4-(N,N-dimethylaminonaphthalimide (Me2N-NI). Steady-state absorption and fluorescence spectra were collected in solvents of varying polarity to determine the excited-state character of NI derivatives. Furthermore, the excited-state dynamics were studied using femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. The experimental findings were compared to calculated data obtained using time-dependent density functional (TD-DFT) methods. We found that light absorption by all NI derivatives leads to the production of the second excited state (S2), which was found to have a n,π* character. Within ∼40 ps, the S2 state undergoes internal conversion to produce the S1 state. The S1 state is relatively long-lived (∼4 ns) and has charge-transfer character in NI derivatives with electron-withdrawing and electr...
Transmission electron microscopy study of the diamond nucleation layer on iridium

The carbon nucleation layer formed during bias enhanced nucleation (BEN) of diamond on iridium has been studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in high resolution (HRTEM) and high angle annular dark field (HAADF) mode. To improve the imaging, a sandwich structure has been formed by depositing an additional 10-nm-thick layer of iridium on top of the nucleation layer before TEM sample preparation. A thin interlayer of about 1 nm was found on flat iridium films and also on iridium samples which had been roughened during BEN. A quantitative evaluation of the HAADF images allowed to determine the mean effective thickness of the carbon layer to 0.75 ± 0.23 nm. In the high resolution images of the BEN treated samples, besides small amorphous regions, the interface is dominated by atomically resolved areas with iridium's lattice constant. The texture of the Ir covering layer indicates that the BEN layer does not form a completely closed film. After 2 min growth 8-nm-high epitaxial diamond crystals at a mean distance of about 25 nm are clearly visible. Amorphous carbon deposited during BEN has apparently been etched completely during this short growth step.
In vivo EPR dosimetry of accidental exposures to radiation: experimental results indicating the feasibility of practical use in human subjects.

Abstract Low frequency electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) provides the potential advantage of making accurate and sensitive measurements of absorbed radiation dose in teeth in situ, i.e. without removing the teeth from the potential victim. The potential limiting factors for making such measurements are: (1) whether low frequency EPR is sufficiently sensitive to detect radiation-induced signal in human teeth; (2) whether sufficient sensitivity can be maintained under in vivo conditions. In this manuscript, we summarize results indicating that this approach is feasible. Using 1.2 GHz EPR spectroscopy, we found that the lower limit for these measurements in isolated human teeth is 0.2 Gy or lower. Measurements of radiation-induced EPR signals in the teeth of living rats were achieved with sufficient sensitivity to indicate that, when taking into consideration the larger mass of human teeth, similar measurements in human teeth in situ would provide sensitivity in the dose range for potential accidental exposures. We estimate that the current lower limit for detecting radiation doses in human teeth in situ (in vivo) is 0.5–1.0 Gy; this would be sufficient for determining if a person has been exposed to potentially life threatening doses of ionizing radiation. The limiting factor for sensitivity appears to be background signals rather than signal/noise, and there are feasible means to overcome this problem and further increase sensitivity. The additional instrumental developments required to make an effective in vivo EPR dosimetric spectrometer for the measurements in teeth in human subjects in situ, seem quite achievable.
SDAT implementation for the analysis of radioxenon β–γ coincidence spectra

The standard deconvolution analysis tool (SDAT) was developed for analysis of radioxenon β–γ coincidence spectra measured as part of the international monitoring system as defined in the comprehensive nuclear-test-ban treaty. The SDAT software analyzes each β–γ coincidence spectrum by fitting library vectors of each radionuclide of interest: 131mXe, 133mXe, 133Xe, and 135Xe. Detector background and radon are incorporated as optional components of the sample solution. Results are reported in mBq m−3. A new graphical user interface has been developed to facilitate ease of use and improve the data visualization. Automated energy versus channel calibration algorithms were developed and implemented based on 137Cs β–γ coincidence spectra. Details on the user tool and testing are included.
The Relationship Between Second to Fourth Digit Ratio, Spatial Cognition, and Virtual Navigation

Studies in human and non-human animals have found that early life exposure to androgens may affect later spatial performance. Recent studies have suggested that the ratio of the second to fourth digit (2D:4D) may serve as an index of prenatal androgen exposure. Some studies have found that the 2D:4D ratio predicts adult spatial performance, although the nature of the relationship is equivocal. This study was designed to quantify the relationships between 2D:4D ratio, spatial cognition, and spatial navigation using a virtual Morris water task (vMWT) in a sample of young adult men and women (N = 140). The results replicated findings from the literature regarding sex differences in 2D:4D ratio, vMWT performance, and spatial cognition. However, 2D:4D ratio was not consistently related to spatial cognition or spatial navigation in men or women. Results were discussed within the framework of androgen influences on spatial cognition and the degree to which 2D:4D ratio serves as a marker for early life androgen exposure.
Brain dump: How publicly available fMRI can help inform neuronal network architecture

Summary form only given. Connectomics is an emergent discipline of Neuroinformatics that studies how the brain is connected, both anatomically and functionally. A number of projects throughout the neuroscience community have tackled the problem of determining interconnectivity from the nano scale - such as those enabled by laser-scanning light microscopy and semi-automated electron microscopy - to the micro scale of neurons and neuron clusters, to the macro scale of fMRI. The amount of data required to map out the macro scale is in the manageable multi-terabyte range, and largely exists today, while gathering one milometer cubed of synaptic-level data already approaches the multi-petabyte scale and is a few years away. Between these two extremes most likely lies the fastest and most representative path to a useful map of human neuronal connectivity. Although extremely informative on may topics concerning neuronal connectivity, the of the main limitations of the smaller scale approaches are 1) the considerable amount of time and energy needed to have one sample which will likely not be widely representative of a typical human brain and 2) their highly invasive or destructive nature renders them poorly adaptable to living humans.
Apoptotic Release of Histones from Nucleosomes

Chromatin structure is influenced by histone modification, and this may help direct chromatin behavior to facilitate transcription, DNA replication, and DNA repair. Chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation are the classic nuclear features but remain poorly characterized. It is highly probable that nucleosomal structure must be altered to allow these features to become apparent, but data to support this construct are lacking. We report here that in response to apoptotic signals from a death receptor (CD95 and tumor necrosis factor-α) or mitochondrial (staurosporine) apoptotic stimulus, the core nucleosomal histones H2A, H2B, H3, and H4 become separated from DNA during apoptosis in Jurkat and HeLa cells and are consequently detectable in the cell lysate prepared using a non-ionic detergent. The timing of this histone release from DNA correlates well with the progression of apoptosis. We also show expression of a caspase cleavage-resistant form of ICAD (ICAD-DM) in Jurkat and HeLa cells abolished DNA fragmentation and also dramatically reduced histone release in apoptotic cells. However, we demonstrate that apoptotic histone release is not an inevitable consequence of CAD/DFF-40-mediated DNA destruction as DNA fragmentation but not histone release occurs efficiently in tumor necrosis factor-α- and etoposide-treated NIH3T3 cells. Furthermore, in an in vitro apoptotic assay, incubation of apoptotic Jurkat cellular extract with non-apoptotic Jurkat nuclei led to nuclear DNA fragmentation without obvious histone release. Taken together, these data demonstrate that CAD/DFF-40 functions indirectly in mediating nucleosomal destruction during apoptosis.
Alternative expectations models and exchange rate dynamics

This paper reconsiders the issue of exchange rate dynamics in light of recent empirical evidence on the possible failure of rational exchange rate expectations. The Dornbusch model is respecified using three popular models of exchange rate expectations tested by Frankel and Froot. A key result of the paper is that with adaptive or distributed lag expectations the exchange rate may either overshoot or undershoot in response to monetary expansion. In addition, if expectations are regressive, and asset holders base their perceptions of the long-run equilibrium exchange rate on a simple purchasing power parity calculation, either overshooting or undershooting may occur. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Random fusion frames for loss-insensitive packet encoding

The objective of this paper is to study the performance of fusion frames for packet encodings in the presence of erasures. These frames encode a vector in a Hilbert space in terms of its components in subspaces, which can be identified with packets of linear coefficients. We evaluate the fusion frame performance under some statistical assumption on the vector to be transmitted, when part of the packets is transmitted perfectly and another part is lost in an adversarial, deterministic manner. The performance is measured by the mean-squared Euclidean norm of the reconstruction error when averaged over the transmission of all unit vectors. Our main result is that a random selection of fusion frames performs nearly as well as previously known optimal bounds for the error, characterized by optimal packings of subspaces, which are known not to exist in all dimensions.
THE MIDDLE YEARS OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR RESEARCH IN INCOME AND WEALTH, 1962–87

The first conference of the IARIW was held at Cambridge University in 1949. At that time economists and statisticians were concerned with the problems of European economic recovery. Nancy Ruggles and I were employed by the Economic Cooperation Administration to develop national income accounting as the framework for analysing European economic recovery. We had written a little booklet, National Income Accounting and its Relation to Economic Policy, and in addition we had visited Central Statistical Offices of a number of the European countries included in the Marshall Plan. Such visits had convinced us that a centre was needed to train statisticians in Central Statistical Offices in the compilation of national accounts. In this connection we had come to Cambridge to persuade Richard Stone to set up a National Accounts Research Unit (NARU) with the financial support of the Economic Cooperation Administration. Stone did set up such a group and it was in place at the time of the first meeting of the IARIW. During 1949, Odd Aukrust of Norway, Jan Marczewski of France, and Kurt Hansen of Denmark were in residence at NARU in Cambridge and so attended the IARIW meeting. THE IARIW MOVE TO YALE IN 1961 In 1960 with the advent of the Kennedy administration, Nancy and I were employed as consultants to the Alliance for Progress and the Agency for International Development. At Yale, Lloyd Reynolds established the Yale Economic Growth Center. This Center was financed by the Ford Foundation and the Agency for International Development, and it had as its objective the study of economic growth in the developing countries. In order to accomplish this, approximately 25 graduate students in economics who were willing to write their dissertations on the economic development of specific under-developed countries were recruited to spend two or three years working abroad. It became apparent that a common framework of economic data should be utilized for the country studies. Hence, Nancy and I renewed our contact with the IARIW. At the same time the Yale Economic Growth Center was being organized, the funding for the IARIW was running out. The Nuffield and Rockefeller Foundations were reluctant to provide further grants. It seemed quite appropriate that in view of the interest of the Yale Economic Growth Center in national accounting for developing countries, that it should contribute to the support of the
Optimizing Sweet Sorghum Production for Biofuel in the Southeastern USA Through Nitrogen Fertilization and Top Removal

Sustainable bioenergy cropping systems require not only high yields but also efficient use of inputs. Management practices optimizing production of sweet sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] for bioenergy use are needed. The effects of N rate (45, 90, 135, and 180 kg N ha−1) and top removal (at boot stage, anthesis, and none) on biomass, brix, estimated sugar yield, and N and P recovery of sweet sorghum cv. M-81E were investigated in Florida at two sites differing in soil type. Across all data, dry biomass yields averaged 17.7 Mg ha−1 and were not affected by N fertilization rate at either site (P > 0.10). Mean brix values ranged from 131 to 151 mg g−1 and were negatively related to N rate. Top removal, either at boot stage or anthesis, resulted in greater brix values and 13% greater sugar yields at both locations. Whole plant N recovery was positively and linearly related to N rate and ranged from 78 to 166 kg N ha−1, approximately two thirds of which was in leaf and grain tissues. Based on yield and nutrient recovery responses, optimal nutrient requirements were 90 to 110 kg N ha−1 and 15 to 20 kg P ha−1. Higher N fertilization led to greater N recovery, but little to modest gain in sugar yield. Thus, proper nutrient and harvest management will be needed to optimize sugar yields of sweet sorghum for production of biofuels and bio-based products. Further research is needed to refine management practices of sweet sorghum for bioenergy production, especially with regard to the use of leaf and grain tissues.
Cortisol-induced changes in U.V. absorption spectra of isolated nuclei from rat liver and thymus.

Abstract Cortisol at a concentration of 5×10−6M induces profound changes in U.V. absorption spectra of isolated nuclei from rat liver and thymus. The changes occur within the first 10 min of cortisol action. In both types of nuclei, a blue shift of 5–10 nm from the normal absorption maximum at 260–270 nm is evident. In addition, liver nuclei exhibit an elevation of the spectrum at 230–270 nm (increased U.V. absorption), while the spectrum of thymus nuclei becomes flattened. No such changes occur in nuclei exposed to a physiologically inactive hormone (pregnenolone). The results are interpreted as evidence for cortisol-induced perturbations in deoxyribonucleoprotein structure with consequent changes in the degree of condensation of nuclear chromatin.
Latency variability and temporal interrelationships of the auditory event-related potentials (N1, P2, N2, and P3) in normal subjects

Peak latency variation and the temporal interrelationships of the auditory event-related potential were investigated in 12 normal adults (ages 28-42). Measures of variation were based on both conventional averages and single trials. Estimates of N1, P2, N2 and P3 latencies were made on a trial-by-trial basis to target stimuli recorded from Fz, Cz and Pz scalp locations. Results showed that single-trial latency variability of the auditory ERP differed both among the various components and between subjects. Larger standard deviations were measured for the later N2 and P3 components than the earlier N1 and P2 components. Regression analyses between various component latencies indicated a strong covarying relationship between N2 and P3, with N2 accounting for up to 61% of the variance of P3 latency at Pz. Earlier N1 and P2 components added little to the overall prediction of either P3 or N2. For the other components, P2 accounted for 9-16% of the variance of N2, while N1 accounted for approximately 1% of the variance of N2; N1 accounted for 8-10% of the latency variation of P2. The correlations between single-trial peak latencies and RTs were positive but of low magnitude. The highest correlations between peak latency and RT were found for N2 (r = 0.33) and P3 (r = 0.24). The low correlations between the single-trial latencies of N1 and P3 suggest that the processes reflected by these components are independent and support a distinction between the earlier and the later components of the ERP. The close temporal coupling between N2 and P3 suggests that N2 may reflect cognitive properties in common to P3 in stimulus evaluation processes.
Capacity: About Autonomy or Authorization?

Among other things, the authors of this interesting article remind us of a basic truth in clinical ethics, namely, that the mere possession of consciousness (i.e., being awake and aware) is not suf...
High-frequency oscillations in human brain.

Ripples are 100–200 Hz short-duration oscillatory field potentials that have recently been recorded in rat hippocampus and entorhinal cortex. They reflect fast IPSPs on the soma of pyramidal cells, which occur during synchronous afferent excitation of principal cells and interneuron networks. We now describe two similar types of high-frequency field oscillations recorded from the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus of patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. The first type appears be the human equivalent of normal ripples in the rat. The second, which we have termed fast ripples (FR), are in the frequency range of 250–500 Hz. FR are found in the epileptogenic region and may reflect pathological hypersynchronous population spikes of bursting pyramidal cells. Hippocampus 1999;9:137–142. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.