cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reducing Social Isolation Through Formal Youth Mentoring: Opportunities and Potential Pitfalls

Many young people experience social isolation and loneliness, which can have adverse effects on physical and psychological well-being. We propose that intergenerational relationships created through formal youth mentoring programs have the potential to reduce the social isolation of young people. Mentoring programs also enable adult volunteers to form new interpersonal connections. In addition, mentoring offers the possibility of strengthening the fabric of communities through engagement and interaction among participants from different social, racial, and economic backgrounds. Mentoring program goals, often influenced by sponsor priorities, rarely focus specifically on reducing social isolation and promoting human connections as primary outcomes, but shifting to this emphasis could promote greater attention to relational practice that prioritizes the inherent value of the mentoring relationship itself. Given the long history and widespread popularity of formal youth mentoring, we suggest the field offers practice expertise, research knowledge, and organizational infrastructure as a foundation for addressing social isolation among young people. However, we also caution that youth mentoring, as a relationship-based intervention, poses potential risks if not implemented well. Issues concerning power, ethics, and social justice need to be made explicit to ensure the support of intergenerational relationships that reduce rather than reproduce social patterns of oppression, stigmatization, and inequality.
EvaluationofScan Duration on the Diagnostic Utility of FDG-BrainPET/CT Imaging

3010 Objectives: With improvements in PET/CT imaging technology there is a standing question if scan duration can be reduced without compromising diagnostic utility. Our goal was to evaluate the impact of scan duration specifically for 18F-FDG-brain PET/CT imaging to determine if scan duration can be reduced without compromising diagnostic utility. Methods: In this retrospective analysis we reprocessed 19 18F-FDG-brain PET/CT imaging studies acquired using time-of-flight list mode data format into shorter duration scans. The standard clinical protocol is a fully-3D scan acquisition for 12 min reconstructed using OSEM with PSF modelling (17 subsets, 4 iterations 3 mm smoothing). Data were acquired with a new PET/CT scanner with a 25 cm axial field of view, a 382 ps timing resolution, a sensitivity of 20.3 kcps/kBq, and a peak noise equivalent count (NEC) rate of 266 kcps. The 12 min scan data was reprocessed to produce scans of 9, 6, 3, and 1 min and reconstructed with OSEM as described above. The unblinded images were reviewed by an experienced nuclear medicine physician to compare trade-offs in scan duration versus diagnostic utility. Results: In all of the 19 studies there was no evidence of head motion, although in one study only 9 min of scan data were acquired. In review, 6 of 19 of the 1 min equivalent 18F-FDG-brain PET/CT images were evaluated as lower quality than the original 12 min acquisition images. However, 18 of 19 of the 1 min equivalent images were considered to be acceptable diagnostically. The 3 min, 6 min, and 9 min equivalent images were all considered to be diagnostically acceptable. Conclusions: The perceived image quality degraded with reduced scan time as expected. However, even with 1 min equivalent 18F-FDG-brain PET/CT scans, almost all of the images were considered diagnostically useful. And with 3 min or longer equivalent scans, all images were considered diagnostically useful. These results can be used as justification to shorten the duration of 18F-FDG-brain imaging scans for this class of PET/CT scanner. In addition, with list mode-data acquisition, if head motion is detected or suspected, segments of the acquisition period can be retrospectively reconstructed separately to reduce motion artifacts, while still being diagnostically acceptable.
ShareAR: Communication-Efficient Multi-User Mobile Augmented Reality

Augmented reality is an emerging application on mobile devices. However, there is a lack of understanding of the communication requirements and challenges of multi-user AR scenarios. In this position paper, we propose several important research issues that need to be addressed for low-latency, accurate shared AR experiences: (a) Systems tradeoffs of AR communication architectures used today in mobile AR platforms; (b) Understanding AR communication patterns and adapting the AR application layer to dynamically changing network conditions; and (c) Tools and methodologies to evaluate AR quality of experience in real time on mobile devices. We present preliminary measurements of off-the-shelf mobile AR platforms as well as results from our AR system, ShareAR, illustrating performance tradeoffs and indicating promising new research directions.
Voltage, var and watt optimization for a distribution system with high PV penetration: A probabilistic study

Abstract High penetration of rooftop photovoltaic (PV) panels in the distribution grid can affect the node voltages, and under light loading conditions, may even result in reverse power flow and localized overvoltage instances. While voltage control at the distribution grid level has been traditionally addressed using voltage and var control (VVC) techniques, with the introduction of PV resource as well as active demand, the problem needs to be reformulated as voltage, var and watt optimization (VVWO). A mixed-integer nonlinear multi-objective optimization solution has been proposed in this paper for the control of active and reactive power resources in an unbalanced distribution grid with high PV penetration. The goal of the proposed methodology is to simultaneously minimize line losses, active power curtailment of PVs, demand curtailment, and operation instances of voltage regulating transformers and shunt capacitors. Due to the stochastic nature of load and solar irradiance, at each PV penetration level the problem is solved probabilistically by using random samples for network loading levels and cloud coverage in the sky. A case study is presented using a modified version of the IEEE 123-bus test distribution feeder. Simulation results indicate that if voltages and reactive powers are optimally controlled, high PV penetration levels can be achieved at the distribution grid without any complications. It is also observed that allowing PVs to exchange reactive power with the grid can significantly affect the operation of voltage regulators and shunt capacitors.
Traumatic stress history interacts with chronic peripheral inflammation to alter mitochondrial function of synaptosomes in a sex-specific manner

Abstract Background Repeated exposures to chronic stress can lead to long lasting negative behavioral and metabolic outcomes. Here, we aim to determine the impact of chronic stress and chronic low-level inflammation on behavior and synaptosomal metabolism. Methods Male (n = 31) and female (n = 32) C57Bl/6 mice underwent chronic repeated predation stress or daily handling for two rounds of 15 consecutive days of exposure during the adolescent and early adult timeframes. Subsequently, mice were exposed to repeated lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 7.5 x 105 EU/kg) or saline injections every third day for eight weeks. Exploratory and social behaviors were assessed in the open field and social interaction tests prior to examination of learning and memory with the Barnes Maze. Mitochondrial function and morphology were assessed in synaptosomes post-mortem. In addition, expression of TNF-α, IL-1s, and ROMO1 were examined in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Circulating pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the periphery were assessed following the first and last LPS injection as well as at the time of tissue collection. Circulating ROMO1 was assessed in terminal samples. Results Exposure to repeated predatory stress increased time spent in the corners of the open field, suggestive of anxiety-like behavior, in both males and females. There were no significant group differences in the social interaction test and minimal effects were evident in the Barnes maze. A history of chronic stress interacted with chronic LPS in male mice to lead to a deficit in synaptosomal respiration. Female mice were more sensitive to both chronic stress and chronic LPS such that either a history of chronic stress or a history of chronic LPS was sufficient to disrupt synaptosomal respiration in females. Both stress and chronic LPS were sufficient to increase inflammation and reactive oxygen in males in the periphery and centrally. Females had increased markers of peripheral inflammation following acute LPS but no evidence of peripheral or central increases in inflammatory factors or reactive oxygen following chronic exposures. Conclusion Collectively, these data suggest that while metrics of inflammation and reactive oxygen are disrupted in males following chronic stress and chronic LPS, only the combined condition is sufficient to alter synaptosomal respiration. Conversely, although evidence of chronic inflammation or chronic elevation in reactive oxygen is absent, females demonstrate profound shifts in synaptosomal mitochondrial function with either a history of chronic stress or a history of chronic inflammation. These data highlight that differential mechanisms are likely in play between the sexes and suggest that female sensitivity to neurogenerative conditions may be precipitated by influence of life experiences on mitochondrial function in the synapses.
Improv Performance with Wi-Fi Enabled Costume Lights

Costuming an Improv dancer with wearable, color changing lights enables a dimension of creativity where the observer controls the look of the performance in real time. The technical challenges include communication, power, and wiring; these are placed within the further costuming constraints of low bulk, durability, and ease of wear. We selected the Raspberry Pi Zero W for its small form factor that adds a mere 5 mm to the fabric thickness. We chose to use conductive thread in place of wires to limit bulk and increase ease of wear. The Raspberry Pi Zero W was not designed to be used with conductive thread, but leveraging the mounting holes for cable management allowed the substitution to succeed. As part of the Denison Fringe Festival 2019, our prototype was exhibited by Vaval Victor during the show “Evening of Readings and Dance.”
The role of native and introduced birds in transmission of avian malaria in Hawaii

The introduction of nonnative species and reductions in native biodiversity have resulted in substantial changes in vector and host communities globally, but the consequences for pathogen transmission are poorly understood. In lowland Hawaii, bird communities are composed of primarily introduced species, with scattered populations of abundant native species. We examined the influence of avian host community composition, specifically the role of native and introduced species, as well as host diversity, on the prevalence of avian malaria (Plasmodium relictum) in the southern house mosquito (Culex quinquefasciatus). We also explored the reciprocal effect of malaria transmission on native host populations and demography. Avian malaria infection prevalence in mosquitoes increased with the density and relative abundance of native birds, as well as host community competence, but was uncorrelated with host diversity. Avian malaria transmission was estimated to reduce population growth rates of Hawai'i 'amakihi (Chlorodrepanis virens) by 7-14%, but mortality from malaria could not explain gaps in this species' distribution at our sites. Our results suggest that, in Hawaii, native host species increase pathogen transmission to mosquitoes, but introduced species can also support malaria transmission alone. The increase in pathogen transmission with native bird abundance leads to additional disease mortality in native birds, further increasing disease impacts in an ecological feedback cycle. In addition, vector abundance was higher at sites without native birds and this overwhelmed the effects of host community composition on transmission such that infected mosquito abundance was highest at sites without native birds. Higher disease risk at these sites due to higher vector abundance could inhibit recolonization and recovery of native species to these areas. More broadly, this work shows how differences in host competence for a pathogen among native and introduced taxa can influence transmission and highlights the need to examine this question in other systems to determine the generality of this result.
Frailty and neurocognitive decline in young adult survivors of childhood cancer: A longitudinal analysis from the St. Jude lifetime cohort.

10555Background: Among young adult childhood cancer survivors, 8% meet the criteria for frailty, an aging phenotype associated with poor health. Frailty is associated with neurocognitive decline in...
Landscape sustainability science in the drylands: mobility, rangelands and livelihoods

The global drylands cover 41% of the terrestrial surface and support millions of pastoralists and host diverse flora and fauna. Ongoing socioeconomic and environmental transformations in drylands make it imperative to understand how to achieve the twin goals of food security and ecosystem health. The review focuses on examining the patterns of rangeland vegetation dynamics and livelihood transformations associated with changes in pastoralist mobility. We conducted a comprehensive review of literature on dryland sustainability based on the coupled systems framework and through the lens of mobility, which reflects not only human and livestock movements but also the unique lifestyles and cultural identities of people in drylands. We find that mobility, which is critical for pastoralists to survive and thrive in the drylands, is generally in decline and has significant implications on dryland sustainability. Reduced mobility exacerbates bush encroachment and land degradation, as sedentarized pastoralists use the rangelands more recursively. Associated with declining mobility is livelihood intensification and diversification, but such livelihood transitions may carry both socioeconomic and environmental risks. We argue that to advance landscape sustainability science and reconcile concerns over environmental conservation and human well-being across the global drylands, we must better understand the underlying mechanisms of coupled systems transitions through the lens of mobility, and integrate the perspectives of multiple stakeholders with fundamentally different interests and priorities.
Understanding low-skilled labour's protean-boundaryless mental maps and employability traps

A job mobility phenomenon appears to be that low-skilled labour does not understand employability or how job mobility works, resulting in poor choices and, subsequently, poor employment outcomes. This qualitative study investigated ten staffing and human resource (HR) professionals' perspectives of labour's employability and job mobility across organisations and industries. Staffing professionals provided unique insight elucidating labour's lack-of-understanding about job mobility describing success factors and bridgeable deficits. HR professionals were anticipated to have insider knowledge of labour's experiences in being successful or unsuccessful within their organisations. A cross-participant analysis contributes to the existing literature by providing insight into mental maps and employability traps, which may explain poor employment outcomes such as truncated, lateral career paths. Participants' insider perspectives of low-skilled labour's experience-based schema suggest labour's initial mental mapping of job mobility is accurate but becomes limited or inaccurate as successive job mobility is sought. Suggestions for future research are provided.
Early 18F-FDG-PET Response During Radiation Therapy for HPV-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer May Predict Disease Recurrence.

Abstract Purpose Early indication of treatment outcome may guide therapeutic de-escalation strategies in patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). This study investigated the relationships between tumor volume and 18F-FDG-PET parameters before and during definitive radiotherapy with treatment outcomes. Methods and Materials Patients undergoing definitive (chemo)radiation for HPV-related/p16-positive OPC were prospectively enrolled on an IRB-approved study. 18F-FDG-PET/CT scans were performed at simulation and after 2 weeks at a dose of ∼20 Gy. Tumor volume and standardized uptake value (SUV) characteristics were measured. SUV was normalized to blood pool uptake. Tumor volume and PET parameters associated with recurrence were identified through recursive partitioning (RPART). Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) curves between RPART-identified cohorts were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox models were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HR). Results From 2012 to 2016, 62 patients with HPV-related OPC were enrolled. Median follow-up was 4.4 years. RPART identified patients with intra-treatment SUVmax (normalized to blood pool SUVmean) > 6.7 with intra-treatment SUV40% > 2.75 as less likely to recur. For identified subgroups, results of Cox models showed unadjusted HR for RFS and OS (more likely to recur vs less likely) of 7.33 (90% CI 2.97 – 18.12) and 6.09 (90% CI 2.22 – 16.71), respectively and adjusted HR of 6.57 (90% CI 2.53 – 17.05) and 5.61 (90% CI 1.90 – 16.54) for RFS and OS, respectively. Conclusions PET parameters after 2 weeks of definitive radiotherapy for HPV-related OPC are associated with RFS and OS, thus potentially informing an adaptive treatment approach.
Plants and earthworms control soil carbon and water quality trade-offs in turfgrass mesocosms

Abstract Understanding how plants and earthworms regulate soil-based ecosystem services can guide design and management of built environments to improve environmental quality. We tested whether plant and earthworm activity results in trade-offs between soil carbon (C) retention and water quality. In a 2 × 2 factorial random block design, we introduced shrubs (Aronia melanocarpa) and earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) to turfgrass (Lolium perenne) sandy loam mesocosms in a greenhouse. We measured soil respiration and soil microclimate every two weeks and leachate every two months. After 15 months, we assessed C and nitrogen (N) in bulk soil and aggregates (> 2000, 2000–250, 250–53 μm). Turfgrass mesocosms with earthworms retained less soil C (6.10 ± 0.20 kg/m2), especially when warmer. Soils planted with shrubs were drier and had 7% lower mean respiration rates than soils without shrubs. Turfgrass mesocosms with both shrubs and earthworms retained more soil C (6.66 ± 0.25 kg/m2), even when warmer, and held ~1.5 times more C in >2 mm aggregates than turfgrass-only mesocosms. Turfgrass mesocosms with shrubs and earthworms leached nitrate-N with increased respiration and retained phosphate-P and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) when wetter. In contrast, turfgrass mesocosms with only shrubs had the opposite response by leaching less nitrate-N with increased respiration, and more phosphate-P and DOC when wetter. Overall, shrub and earthworm activity in turfgrass mesocosms led to soil C-nutrient retention trade-offs. Our results reveal potential challenges in managing built environments to both retain soil C and improve water quality.
The impact of individual surgeon on the likelihood of minimal invasive surgery among Medicare beneficiaries undergoing pancreatic resection

Abstract Background The objective of the current study was to evaluate the impact of the individual surgeon on the use of minimally invasive pancreatic resection. Methods The Medicare 100% Standard Analytic Files were reviewed to identify Medicare beneficiaries who underwent pancreatic resection between 2013 and 2017. The impact of patient- and procedure-related factors on the likelihood of minimally invasive pancreatic resection was investigated. Results A total of 12,652 (85.4%) patients underwent open pancreatic resection, whereas minimally invasive pancreatic resection was performed in 2,155 (14.6%) patients. Unadjusted rates of minimally invasive pancreatic resection ranged from 0% in the bottom volume tertile to 35.3% in the top tertile. Although patients with emergency admission were less likely to undergo minimally invasive pancreatic resection (odds ratio = 0.43, 95% confidence interval 0.32–0.58), patients operated on more recently had a higher chance of minimally invasive pancreatic resection (year 2017; odds ratio = 1.51, 95% confidence interval 1.28–1.79). On multivariable analysis, there was over a 3-fold variation in the odds that a patient underwent minimally invasive versus open pancreatic resection based on the individual surgeon (median odds ratio = 3.27, 95% confidence interval 2.98–3.56). Patients who underwent pancreatectomy by a low-volume, minimally invasive pancreatic resection surgeon had higher odds of 90-day mortality after surgery (odds ratio = 1.33, 95% confidence interval: 1.16–1.59), as well as higher observed/expected mortality compared with individuals treated by high-volume surgeons. Conclusion The likelihood of undergoing minimally invasive pancreatic resection among Medicare beneficiaries was markedly influenced by the individual treating surgeon rather than patient- or procedure-level factors.
Transforming representations of movement from body- to world-centric space

When an animal moves through the world, its brain receives a stream of information about the body9s translational movement. These incoming movement signals, relayed from sensory organs or as copies of motor commands, are referenced relative to the body. Ultimately, such body-centric movement signals must be transformed into world-centric coordinates for navigation [1]. Here we show that this computation occurs in the fan-shaped body in the Drosophila brain. We identify two cell types in the fan-shaped body, PFNd and PFNv [2,3], that conjunctively encode translational velocity signals and heading signals in walking flies. Specifically, PFNd and PFNv neurons form a Cartesian representation of body-centric translational velocity — acquired from premotor brain regions [4,5] — that is layered onto a world-centric heading representation inherited from upstream compass neurons [6-8]. Then, we demonstrate that the next network layer, comprising hΔB neurons, is wired so as to transform the representation of translational velocity from body-centric to world-centric coordinates. We show that this transformation is predicted by a computational model derived directly from electron microscopy connectomic data [9]. The model illustrates the key role of a specific network motif, whereby the PFN neurons that synapse onto the same hΔB neuron have heading-tuning differences that offset the differences in their preferred body-centric directions of movement. By integrating a world-centric representation of travel velocity over time, it should be possible for the brain to form a working memory of the path traveled through the environment [10-12].
Big Spatial Flow Data Analytics

Spatial flow data represent meaningful interaction activities between two regions, such as exchange of population, goods, capital, and information. In recent years, the widespread adoption of location-aware technologies such as the GPS-enabled smartphones amass flow data at individual level, along with much finer spatiotemporal granularity and abundant semantic information. The increasing availability of big spatial flow has brought us with unprecedented opportunities to study all kinds of spatial interaction phenomena from new perspectives, as well as intellectual challenges to develop visualization and analytical methods to handle its unique geographic and geometric characteristics. This chapter introduces a collection of the latest methods and techniques specifically designed for big spatial flow data. Three major families of methods are reviewed, namely geovisualization, spatial data mining, and spatial statistics, to give readers a comprehensive picture of the available approaches that serve different study purposes. One representative approach from each family is selected to elaborate, so the readers can gain a deeper understanding to readily use the methods and potentially develop their own in the future.
Light coupling structures and switches for plasmonic coaxial waveguides

We introduce wavelength-scale light coupling structures and switches for plasmonic coaxial waveguides. We first consider single-slit structures optimized for a wavelength of 1550 nm and find that, when the slit is on resonance, the coupling to the plasmonic coaxial waveguide is maximized. We also observe that for optimized double- and triple-slit structures, the coupling efficiency is enhanced compared to the single-slit structure by factors of ∼ 3.02 and ∼ 4.21, respectively. We find that, in the case of double- and triple-slit structures, the surface plasmons excited at the metal–air interface enhance light coupling to the plasmonic coaxial waveguide via the slits. In addition, we investigate slit-based outcoupling structures for light extraction from the waveguide into a free space. We observe that while the far-field radiation pattern of single-slit structures is symmetric, double- and triple-slit structures have asymmetric radiation patterns. We also show that by exciting the incoupling slit structures at proper angles, we can excite only the right- or the left-propagating mode of the plasmonic coaxial waveguide. We finally design compact plasmonic switches consisting of a plasmonic coaxial waveguide side-coupled to a periodic array of two open-circuited coaxial stub resonators. Such a structure is based on a plasmonic analog of electromagnetically induced transparency and supports a slow-light mode. The space between the metallic parts is filled with an active material with a tunable refractive index. We show that the modulation depth of this structure is large enough for optical switching applications.
Household Transportation Energy Affordability by Region and Socioeconomic Factors

Transportation fuel is an important component of household budgets, as 3.3% of total household expenditures are for vehicle fuel nationwide and over 50% of annual household expenditures on energy a...
Evaluation of the ESGE recommendations for COVID-19 pre-endoscopy risk-stratification in a high-volume center in Germany.

Background and study aims The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) has defined COVID-19 infection prevention and control strategies within the endoscopy unit. These include pre-endoscopic questionnaire-based risk-stratification as well as pre-procedure viral testing. Real-life data on the effectiveness of these measures are presented here. Patients and methods Data from the outpatient endoscopic unit of the University Hospital Augsburg between July 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 including the second pandemic wave were reviewed retrospectively. All patients were assessed with a pre-endoscopic risk-stratification questionnaire as well as viral testing using an antigen point-of-care test (Ag-POCT) in conjunction with a standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Highly elective procedures were postponed. The theoretically expected number of SARS-CoV-2-positive patients was simulated and compared with the actual number. In addition, endoscopy staff was evaluated with a rapid antibody test to determine the number of infections among the personnel. Results In total, 1029 procedures, 591 questionnaires, 591 Ag-POCTs, and 529 standard PCR tests were performed in 591 patients. 247 procedures in 142 patients were postponed. One Ag-POCT was positive but with a negative PCR test, while one PCR test was positive but with a negative Ag-POCT. This was lower than the theoretically expected number of COVID-19-positive patients (n = 15). One of 43 employees (2.3 %) in the outpatient endoscopy unit was seropositive. Conclusions Pre-endoscopic risk management including questionnaire-based risk stratification and viral testing seems to be an effective tool in combination with personal protective equipment for SARS-CoV-2 infection prevention and control within the endoscopy unit even in a high-prevalence setting.
Sub-National Group Allegiance after Civil War Initiation

How do sub-national cleavage groups respond to the outbreak of civil conflict? While the role of identity in civil war onset has been widely analyzed, identity has been largely neglected when looking at why groups of individuals join civil wars after their initiation. I argue that both group size and past instances of repression play a role at the group level and that these factors are further underpinned by individual and group level mechanisms that can be tested once a broad pattern is established. I conduct this broad test on a sample of 19 civil conflicts occurring from 1990 to 2011 and their post-conflict allegiance patterns among overlapping cleavages of ethnic, religions and regional groups. I find that repression, especially political exclusion, has the strongest impact on how non-initiating sub-national groups respond to conflict onset, setting the stage for individual-level survey research on the mechanism of this relationship in Lebanon.
Search method for solving multicriteria scheduling problem

Our research includes studying the case $ 1 // F(sum U_i ,sum Ti ,T_{max})$ minimized the cost of a three-criteria objective function on a single machine for scheduling n jobs. and divided this into several partial problems and found simple algorithms to find the solutions to these partial problems and compare them with the optimal solutions. This research focused on one of these partial problems to find minimize a function of sum cost of $ (sum U_i) $ sum number of late job and $ (sum Ti) $ sum Tardiness and $ (T_{max} ) $ the Maximum Tardiness for n job on the single machine, which is NP-hard problem, first found optimal solutions for it by two methods of Complete Enumeration technique(CEM) and Branch and Bounded ((BAB)). Then use some Local search methods(Descent technique(DM), Simulated Annealing (SA) and Genetic Algorithm (GA)), Develop algorithm called ((A)) to find a solution close to the optimal solution. Finally, compare these methods with each other.
Homological stability for completed homology

We prove that the completed homology groups of $$\mathrm {GL}_n(\mathbf {Z})$$ in fixed degree stabilize as N goes to infinity. We also prove that the action of Hecke operators on stable cohomology is trivial, in a precisely defined sense.
Three Part Series on Heterojunction Transistors

This series of lectures is to be about the exciting and very rapidly developing field of heterojunction devices. The possibilities inherent in heterojunctions i.e. the joining of semiconductor materials of differing band gaps, has been apparent since the invention of the transistor, where a wide bandgap emmitter was proposed by SCHOCKLEY in 1949 [1]. Hetero junctions with well understood electrical properties have been available only since the advent of molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) in the 1970’s, and more recently by means of metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE). This series of lectures will deal with high speed transistors using hetero junctions. Unfortunately, there are no good up to date text books on heterojunction de-vices. SZE [2] deals with principles of semiconductor devices, which can be applied to heterojunction devices, MILNES and FEUCHT [3] discussed hetero junctions, but this book is rather outdated, CASEY and PANISH [4] provide information on heterojunction material parameters, and HARRISON [5] discusses semiconductor band structure, including hetero junctions. Review articles include ANDO, FOWLER and STERN [6], on two-dimensional systems, KROEMER [7] on heterojunction bipolar transistors, SOLOMON [8] on high-speed devices, MORKOC and SOLOMON [9], DRUMMOND, MASSELINK and MORKOC [10] and Linh [11] on the modulation doped FET, HEIBLUM [12] on the hot electron transistor and POATE and DYNES, EASTMAN, and NATHAN and HEIBLUM, in [13], on ballistic transport devices. In Part 1 of this series we will discuss fundamental heterojunction concepts necessary to understand heterojunction devices.
Coping Style and Depression in Early Adolescence: Relationships to Gender, Gender Role, and Implicit Beliefs

Three studies were designed to investigate the interrelationships among coping styles, gender roles, and level of depression for early adolescents. Girls displayed more depression than boys, and more highly depressed girls demonstrated coping patterns similar to those of depressed adolescent and adult women. Individuals who identified with the feminine gender role showed increases in depression with age. Participants' implicit beliefs about what constituted appropriate coping behavior were also linked to gender. Both genders believed that men should not ruminate but that they should distract themselves from problems. The implications of these findings are discussed.
The Impact of Role Conflict, Role Ambiguity, and Locus of Control on Organizational Knowledge Sharing Practices

Knowledge management (KM) literature identifies numerous barriers that inhibit employees' knowledge sharing practices. Presently, there is a research gap that examines what factors promote such barriers and their direct impact on knowledge seeking and knowledge contributing behaviors via information and communication technologies (ICTs). To bridge the gap, a content analysis study of 104 KM articles identified three contributors to common KM barriers. A proposed causal model based on the contributors was tested using structural equation modeling technique on the responses collected from 314 ICT users. The results demonstrate that role conflict, role ambiguity, and locus of control predicted knowledge seeking and knowledge contributing behaviors via ICTs.
Striking Out? The Economic Impact of Major League Baseball Work Stoppages on Host Communities

Major League Baseball teams have used the lure of economic riches as an incentive for cities to construct new stadiums at considerable public expense. Estimates of the economic impact of a MLB on host communities have typically been in the vicinity of $300 million. Our analysis suggest these numbers are wildly inflated. Using the baseball strikes of 1981, 1994, and 1995 as test cases, we find the net economic impact for a MLB team on a host city of $16.2 million under one model and $132.3 million under a second model.
Preventing Interpersonal Violence on College Campuses The Effect of One Act Training on Bystander Intervention

Sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, and intimate partner violence, herein collectively termed interpersonal violence (IV), are public health problems affecting 20% to 25% of female college students. Currently, One Act is one of the few IV prevention training programs at universities that teach students bystander skills to intervene in low- and high-risk IV situations. The objectives of this study were 1) to evaluate One Act's effects on date rape attitudes and behaviors, and bystanders' confidence, willingness to help, and behavior, and 2) to compare the effects on bystander skills between One Act and Helping Advocates for Violence Ending Now (HAVEN), an IV response training program with similar participants. Data were collected over 2 years, before and after One Act and HAVEN trainings. We measured outcomes with four scales: College Date Rape Attitudes and Behaviors, Bystander Confidence, Willingness to Help, and Bystander Behavior. The analysis compared within- and between-group mean differences in scale scores pre- and post-trainings using linear mixed models. One Act showed improvements for date rape attitudes and behaviors ( p < .001), bystander's confidence ( p < .001), and willingness to help ( p < .001). One Act participants' bystander confidence improved more ( p = .006), on average, than HAVEN's. The differences in the two trainings' effects on bystander willingness to help and behavior had similar patterns but were not statistically significant. We found a larger positive impact on bystander confidence among students who participated in the bystander prevention training compared with the response training. Further research is needed to improve the measures for bystander behavior and measure the bystander trainings' larger impact on the community.
Comparative analysis of linear variable reluctance motors with coupled and uncoupled flux paths

This paper provides a comparison between two types of linear variable reluctance motors. The coupled flux path configuration has a non-diagonal inductance matrix and is operated with synchronous excitation, whereas the uncoupled flux path configuration has a diagonal inductance matrix and is operated with switched excitation. Constrained optimization methods are used to investigate the force production capabilities of both magnetic configurations. The specific measure of performance emphasized here is the ratio of current-limited ripple-free force to moving mass or, equivalently, the maximum achievable fully controllable acceleration. This focus is motivated by robotics applications, e.g. component placement machines used in electronics assembly.
Long GRBs and Supernovae from Collapsars

Long duration gamma-ray bursts are associated with the death of massive stars as earlier observations and theoretical arguments had suggested. Supernova 2003dh observed with GRB030329 confirms this picture. Current progress in developing numerical special relativistic hydrodynamics codes with adaptive mesh refinement is allowing for high-resolution simulations of relativistic flow relevant for simulations of GRBs.
Stem Cell Treatment for you in 2015. Areference for physicians, patients and Review of International Stem Cell Treatment centers

Stem cell reserves diminish with aging and we no longer effectively heal, with chronic illness being the result. With adequate numbers of stem cells the body is expected to heal naturally. Here we provide information and reference to both patients and doctors on therapeutic use of stem cells, treatment centers around the world, addresses, contact persons, treatment cost, and sources of stem cells used, type of conditions being treated and the protocols used. The treatment centers were directly contacted through email, phone call or through their web page. 11 treatment centers responded from 8 different countries with 4 in the USA alone, 4 treatment centers recommended by the Repair Stem Cell Institute which is the biggest patient advocate. Most treatment centers are outside the USA because of strict stem cell treatment regulatory laws within the USA. All the 11 Treatment Centers that responded were able to provide their contact details, source of Stem Cells being used and medical conditions being treated. Such information will provide good guidance to both Physicians and patients who want to consider Stem Cell Treatment. It is hoped that more stem cell treatment centers will be reported about in the next publication as therapeutic stem cell regulatory laws become less strict especially in the USA.
A Web based Conversational Case-Based Recommender System for Ontology aided Metadata Discovery

Locating resources of interest in a large resource-intensive environment is a challenging problem. In this paper we present research on addressing this problem through the development of a recommender system to aid in metadata discovery. Our recommender approach uses conversational case-based reasoning (CCBR), with semantic Web markup languages providing a standard form for case representation. We present our initial efforts in designing and developing ontologies for an Earthquake Simulation Grid, to use these to guide case retrieval, discuss how these are exploited in a prototype application, and identify future steps for this approach.
THE FEASIBILITY OF MODELING SECONDARY TOEFL ABILITY DIMENSIONS USING MULTIDIMENSIONAL IRT MODELS

An analysis of the skills necessary for performance on the TOEFL® test tends to support the view that there are important, although perhaps subtle, secondary dimensions present in the test. Given that these subtle secondary ability dimensions may be present in examinee response data, and that they do represent meaningful psychological variables, the purpose of this research was to explore the feasibility of an IRT-based method of modeling examinee performance on these secondary ability dimensions. The procedure investigated is based on a multidimensional extension of the IRT model currently used for equating the TOEFL test. Both exploratory multidimensional IRT (MIRT) and confirmatory multidimensional IRT (CMIRT) models were investigated in the study. The work performed included the application of unidimensional IRT, MIRT, and CMIRT models to two TOEFL forms to evaluate the extent to which model fit is enhanced by using a multidimensional model, and to determine to what extent the additional fitted ability dimensions correspond to meaningful cognitive processes or content areas. The results of this study indicate that the MIRT and CMIRT procedures were successful in modeling secondary ability dimensions on TOEFL. The two procedures provided corroborative evidence in interpreting the structure of the test that was consistent with previous interpretations of the test's structure. The data presented in this study also provide an illustration of how a particular criterion for assessing model fit—the consistent Akaike information criterion—can be utilized to identify the best of several competing models of test structure.
Upper washita river experimental watersheds: reservoir, groundwater, and stream flow data.

Surface and groundwater quantity and quality data are essential in many hydrologic applications and to the development of hydrologic and water quality simulation models. We describe the hydrologic data available in the Little Washita River Experimental Watershed (LWREW) of the Southern Great Plains Research Watershed (SGPRW) and Fort Cobb Reservoir Experimental Watershed (FCREW), both located in southwest Oklahoma. Specifically, we describe the flood retarding structures and corresponding stage, discharge, seepage, and consumptive use data (http://www.usbr.gov/gp-bin/arcweb_cobb.pl), stream gauges, and groundwater wells and their corresponding stream flow (http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ok/nwis/sw; LWREW ARS 522–526 stream gauges) and groundwater level data (SGPRW groundwater levels data; LWREW groundwater data; http:// waterdata.usgs.gov/ok/nwis/inventory; http://nwis.waterdata. usgs.gov/ok/nwis/gwlevels), respectively. Data collection is a collaborative effort between federal and state agencies. Stage, discharge, seepage, and consumptive use data for the Fort Cobb Reservoir are available from the Bureau of Reclamation and cover a period of 1959 to present. There are 15 stream gauges in the LWREW and six in the FCREW with varying data records. There were 479 observation wells with data in the SGPRW and 80 in the LWREW, with the latest records collected in 1992. In addition, groundwater level data are available from five realtime monitoring wells and 34 historical wells within the FCREW. These data sets have been used for several research applications. Plans for detailed groundwater data collection are underway to calibrate and validate the linked Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT)–MODFLOW model. Also, plans are underway to conduct reservoir bathymetric surveys to determine the current reservoir capacity as affected by land use/land cover and overland and stream channel soil erosion.
Estradiol Alters Fos-Immunoreactivity in the Hippocampus and Dorsal Striatum during Place and Response Learning in Middle-Aged But Not Young Adult Female Rats

Evidence from lesion and inactivation studies suggests that the hippocampus (HPC) and dorsal striatum compete for control over navigation behavior, and there is some evidence in males that the structure with greater relative activation controls behavior. Estradiol has been shown to enhance HPC-dependent place learning and impair dorsal striatum-dependent response learning in female rats, possibly by increasing hippocampal activation and/or decreasing striatal activation. We used Fos-immunoreactivity (Fos-IR) to examine the activation of several subregions of the HPC and striatum in ovariectomized female rats with or without estradiol replacement 30 min after place or response learning. In 4-month-old rats, neither task nor estradiol increased Fos-IR above explore control levels in any subregion analyzed, even though estradiol impaired response learning. In 12-month-old rats, estradiol increased Fos-IR in the dentate gyrus, dorsal medial striatum, and dorsal lateral striatum in place task learners, while the absence of estradiol increased Fos-IR in these regions in response task learners. However, learning rate was not affected by estradiol in either task. We also included a group of long-term ovariectomized 12-month-old rats that displayed impaired place learning and altered Fos-IR in CA1 of the HPC. These results suggest that task-specific effects of estradiol on hippocampal and striatal activation emerge across age but that relative hippocampal and striatal activation are not related to learning rate during spatial navigation learning.
α1-Adrenergic Receptor-Induced Heterosynaptic Long-Term Depression in the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis Is Disrupted in Mouse Models of Affective Disorders

α 1 -Adrenergic Receptor-Induced Heterosynaptic Long-Term Depression in the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis Is Disrupted in Mouse Models of Affective Disorders
The Effect of Cycle Length on the Time of Occurrence of the First Heart Sound and the Opening Snap in Mitral Stenosis

Phonocardiography is often more valuable than electrocardiography in timing mechanical events in the cardiac cycle. This study shows that the opening and closing of the mitral valve are related to the length of the previous heart cycle as demonstrated by the variations occuring in auricular fibrillation. These variations in valve action are controlled by the pressure gradient between left auricle and ventricle.
Mast Cell-Derived Histamine Mediates Cystitis Pain

Background Mast cells trigger inflammation that is associated with local pain, but the mechanisms mediating pain are unclear. Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a bladder disease that causes debilitating pelvic pain of unknown origin and without consistent inflammation, but IC symptoms correlate with elevated bladder lamina propria mast cell counts. We hypothesized that mast cells mediate pelvic pain directly and examined pain behavior using a murine model that recapitulates key aspects of IC.