cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The mid-IR silicon photonics sensor platform (Conference Presentation)

Advances in integrated silicon photonics are enabling highly connected sensor networks that offer sensitivity, selectivity and pattern recognition. Cost, performance and the evolution path of the so-called ‘Internet of Things’ will gate the proliferation of these networks. The wavelength spectral range of 3-8um, commonly known as the mid-IR, is critical to specificity for sensors that identify materials by detection of local vibrational modes, reflectivity and thermal emission. For ubiquitous sensing applications in this regime, the sensors must move from premium to commodity level manufacturing volumes and cost. Scaling performance/cost is critically dependent on establishing a minimum set of platform attributes for point, wearable, and physical sensing. Optical sensors are ideal for non-invasive applications. Optical sensor device physics involves evanescent or intra-cavity structures for applied to concentration, interrogation and photo-catalysis functions. The ultimate utility of a platform is dependent on sample delivery/presentation modalities; system reset, recalibration and maintenance capabilities; and sensitivity and selectivity performance. The attributes and performance of a unified Glass-on-Silicon platform has shown good prospects for heterogeneous integration on materials and devices using a low cost process flow. Integrated, single mode, silicon photonic platforms offer significant performance and cost advantages, but they require discovery and qualification of new materials and process integration schemes for the mid-IR. Waveguide integrated light sources based on rare earth dopants and Ge-pumped frequency combs have promise. Optical resonators and waveguide spirals can enhance sensitivity. PbTe materials are among the best choices for a standard, waveguide integrated photodetector. Chalcogenide glasses are capable of transmitting mid-IR signals with high transparency. Integrated sensor case studies of i) high sensitivity analyte detection in solution; ii) gas sensing in air and iii) on-chip spectrometry provide good insight into the tradeoffs being made en route to ubiquitous sensor deployment in an Internet of Things.
Brain jam: STEAM learning through neuroscience-themed game development

Improving STEM education is currently a national priority, precipitated by the urgent need to develop a STEM-literate future workforce [26]. This study presents a description of preliminary findings from the development, implementation, and examination of an after-school pilot project combining neuroscience education and the creation of playable media for underserved high school students in Hayward, California.The program, developed by university faculty, graduate students and the Institute for STEM Education, is an interdisciplinary and collaborative way to combine neuroscience and design thinking. Drawing on two existing university programs, the CSUEB Game Jam and Brain Bee, it offers an after-school program that is engaging, content-rich, and transdisciplinary. Combining neuroscience and design thinking into STEAM, the program also answers a call by California Next Generation Science and Engineering Standards [21] for increased integration of different disciplines in inquiry-based approaches.The evaluation research study of the Brain Jam project was guided by questions of how this after-school program was implemented and the consequences for student engagement. The study also looked at the growth in science literacy and practice as well as design thinking. Preliminary findings appear to support the effectiveness of this transdisciplinary, interactive, and problem-centered approach. They suggest that "folding together" game design and neuroscience was effective in supporting deeper thinking and understanding, and increased student interest in both disciplines.
Commentary on “experimental measurements and equilibrium study of functional d-sorbitol in good and anti-solvent binary mixtures”

Abstract Problems are identified regarding the published equation coefficients of Hu and coworkers [J. Mol. Liq. 238 (2017) 296–302] for mathematically describing the solubility behavior of d -sorbitol in binary acetonitrile + ethanol solvent mixtures using the modified Apelblat, Combined Nearly Ideal Binary Solvent/Redlich-Kister (CNIBS/R-K) and Jouyban-Acree models. The published equation coefficients for the modified Apelblat and CNIBS/R-K models calculate one thousand times the mole fraction solubility of d -sorbitol, rather than the mole fraction solubility as stated in the published paper. More serious errors were found regarding the authors' analyses using the Jouyban-Acree model.
Reflection on the Cultural Disciplines

The generic concept of cultural discipline and the specific concepts of theoretical, practical, and axiotic disciplines are clarified and the attempt made to show how such disciplines can be and are already related to in philosophy that is phenomenologicaL
Identity, rights and surveillance in an era of transforming citizenship

AbstractThis review essay focuses on the problem of citizenship in three different areas, namely human rights, identity politics and surveillance. Heli Askola’s work focuses on the magnitude of demographic challenges that contemporary migrant-receiving states in the Global North face, and specifically focuses on the broader demographic picture of low birth rates, and increasing diversity and populations ageing; thus, focusing the problem of identity politics in the context of citizenship acquisition in Global North states. Richard Sobel’s book explores the empowerment of American citizenship, specifically through a unique reading of constitutional and political apparatus in the United States. Finally, Pramod Nayar’s work addresses state-based surveillance mechanisms like biometrics, biobanks and the internet within the context of citizenship and how new forms of subjectivity are forged within a culture of surveillance. These three works approach citizenship through a legal category of political membership...
Magnetic nanoparticles as contrast agents for molecular imaging in medicine

Abstract For over twenty years, superparamagnetic nanoparticles have been developed for a number of medical applications ranging from bioseparations, magnetic drug targeting, hyperthermia and imaging. Recent studies have shown that they can be functionalized for in vivo biological targeting, potentially enabling nanoagents for molecular imaging and site-localized drug delivery. Here we review several imaging technologies developed using functionalized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) as targeted molecular agents. Several imaging modalities have exploited the large induced magnetic moment of SPIONs to create local mechanical force. Magnetic force microscopy can probe nanoparticle uptake in single cells. For in vivo applications, magnetomotive modulation of primary images in ultrasound (US), photoacoustics (PA), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) can help identify very small concentrations of nanoagents while simultaneously suppressing intrinsic background signals from tissue.
Identifying the Influence of Opponent Ranking and Game Characteristics on Alcohol-Related Stadium Ejections

Sporting events in the U.S., particularly college football games, provide an opportunity for high-risk alcohol consumption that can result in alcohol-related consequences and associated public safety issues. Policy implication and predicting alcohol-related misconduct at college football games has become a concern for university administrators. To address this issue, we explored the extent to which the profile of a game or opponent—whether that be operationalized by classification (e.g., in-state opponent, conference opponent) or opponent quality (e.g., top-25 status, ranking average)—influences the reported stadium ejections of a college football venue, and whether these associations existed beyond the influence of several noteworthy covariates (e.g., time of kickoff, attendance, temperature). We suggest that time of kickoff and opponent quality measures predicted increases of ejections from college football stadiums. We conclude by discussing policy implications for college athletic departments and university stakeholders.
Consumer Health Informatics and Personal Health Records

After reading this chapter, you should know the answers to these questions: What is the central tenet of consumer health informatics? What are the issues that biomedical informatics research can address relating to consumer communication, decision-making, and information access needs? Although technology is a major focus of the discussion around consumer health informatics, we realize that any technology of interest today will be obsolete in the next 10 years. However, the issues this technology is trying to address will continue to be prevalent. With that in mind, what are the larger biomedical informatics topics this technology is being used to address? Define patient portals, personal health records, patient-controlled health records, and personal health applications.
Innovation in Ship Design

What is innovation in ship design? Is it a capability that is inherent in all naval architects? Is it the result of the application of a certain set of tools, or of operation within a certain organizational structure? Can innovation be taught? Innovation is a creative act that results in a new and game-changing product. The emergence of an innovative product creates an asymmetric market. The emergence of an innovative weapon creates an asymmetric battlefield. It is clearly in the economic and military interest of the United States to be able to develop and deploy innovative products, including innovative ships. But the process of ship design is usually one of incremental development and slow evolution. Engineers are taught to develop their product by paying close attention to previous developments. This approach is viewed by some people as anti-innovative. And yet the author has made a career of innovation in ship design. How has this been possible? This dissertation will answer the four questions posed above. It will show what innovation in ship design is, and where innovative naval architecture lies in the taxonomy of human creative endeavor. It will then describe those human attributes which have been found to be essential to successful innovation. It will also describe some of the many tools that innovators use. Some of those tools are used unconsciously. Some of those tools are formal products supported by research institutes and teaching academies. Finally, given the fact that innovation in ship design is a component of engineering – which is a subject taught in Universities – and that it is facilitated by the use of tools – and tool use can be taught – the author will conclude that innovation itself can be taught. Whether it can be mastered will depend upon the individual, just as with most other creative skills.
Association of Physical Activity on Memory and Executive Function: Population-Based National Sample of Older Adults

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between physical activity and various components related to memory and executive function among older adults. Data from the 2011–2012 and 2013–2014 NHANES were used (N = 2241; 60+ years of age). The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire was utilized to assess recreational engagement in moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity. The memory and executive assessments included the CERAD (Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease) Word Learning subset, the animal fluency test, and the digit symbol substitution test (DSST). Vigorous-intensity physical activity was positively associated with trial 1 of the CERAD Word List (β = 0.01; 95% CI, 0.003–0.02), the average of trials 1–3 for the CERAD Word List (β = 0.01; 95% CI, 0.0001–0.02), animal fluency task (β = 0.10; 95% CI, 0.05–0.15), and the DSST (β = 0.19; 95% CI, 0.08–0.29). Older individuals meeting vigorous-intensity physical activity guidelines had superior memory and executive function.
A vision for future food and agriculture systems

In times of dramatic change and uncertainty, a strong vision of the path forward is needed. Two reports recently published by the UK Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures, and C...
Telemedicine for Pediatric Urological Postoperative Care is Safe, Convenient and Economical.

Purpose:We compared virtual visits, ie remote patient encounters, via a live video system, with conventional in-person visits with respect to clinical outcomes, family experience and costs in a ped...
AI education matters: a modular approach to AI ethics education

In this column, we introduce our Model AI Assignment, A Module on Ethical Thinking about Autonomous Vehicles in an AI Course, and more broadly introduce a conversation on ethics education in AI education.
The Effects of Visual Feedback Complexity on Training the Two-Legged Squat Exercise

We investigated the effects of visual feedback (VF) complexity and visual mode of body-discernibility for training the two-legged squat exercise. Our objective was to identify features for optimizing VF-based movement rehabilitation paradigms. We evaluated four unique VF cases with unique combination of VF complexity type (simple, complex) and visual mode of display (abstract, representative). We evaluated the effects of VF during training (real-time VF) and post-assessment (no-VF, immediately following training) for increasing motion and muscle activity consistency. Eighteen able-bodied subjects completed training and post-assessment with all four VF cases in a single training session. We demonstrated that Complex-representative VF has potential to elicit more consistent motion and muscle activity patterns during rehabilitative training.
Acute Myocardial Infarction and Papillary Muscle Rupture in the COVID-19 Era

Abstract Mechanical complications of acute myocardial infarction are infrequent in the modern era of primary percutaneous coronary intervention, but they are associated with high mortality rates. P...
HDCO radical dissociation thresholds by velocity map imaging

Ground state radical dissociation pathways of HDCO were investigated. Frequencies of rovibrational lines from a variety of vibrational bands of the first singlet excited state over a broad excitati...
A Systemic Approach to Facilitating Reproducibility via Federated, End-to-End Data Management

Advances in computing infrastructure and instrumentation have accelerated scientific discovery in addition to exploding the data volumes. Unfortunately, the unavailability of equally advanced data management infrastructure has led to ad hoc practices that diminish scientific productivity and exacerbate the reproducibility crisis. We discuss a system-wide solution that supports management needs at every stage of the data lifecycle. At the center of this system is DataFed - a general purpose, scientific data management system that addresses these challenges by federating data storage across facilities with central metadata and provenance management - providing simple and uniform data discovery, access, and collaboration capabilities. At the edge is a Data Gateway that captures raw data and context from experiments (even when performed on off-network instruments) into DataFed. DataFed can be integrated into analytics platforms to easily, correctly, and reliably work with datasets to improve reproducibility of such workloads. We believe that this system can significantly alleviate the burden of data management and improve compliance with the Findable Accessible Interoperable, Reusable (FAIR) data principles, thereby improving scientific productivity and rigor.
A model of human cognitive behavior in writing code for computer programs

A theory of human cognitive processes in writing code for computer programs is presented which views behavior in terms of three processes: understanding, planning, and coding. Using this theory, a model of the coding process has been created which reproduces the code generation behavior of an experienced, human programmer working on a set of 2 3 FORTRAN problems. The model is stated as a computer program organized as a production system.
Computation of the probability of power penalty and Q-penalty outages due to PMD

This study demonstrates how to efficiently compute the Q-penalty and the power penalty due to PMD using an accurate receiver model that accounts for an arbitrary pulse shape, unpolarized ASE noise, and realistic receiver filters. This method is used in combination with multiple importance sampling to give an accurate estimate of the outage probability for any given Q-penalty and power penalty margins with little additional computational cost than is required to compute the eye-opening penalty.
Skeletal system in thyroid disorders

Thyroid physiology is linked to skeletal health. T3 and TSH independently affect bone growth and development, mineralization, and remodeling. Previously treated hyperthyroidism is likely a long-term risk factor for fractures. Thyroidectomy and methimazole may decrease the risk of fractures in these patients compared with treatment with radioactive iodine. Hypothyroidism may also be a risk factor for fractures, although the mechanism is not understood .Fracture risk does not seem to be related to levothyroxine replacement in hypothyroid patients. Treatment of hyperthyroidism improves BMD but not necessarily to normal levels. The effects of subclinical hyperthyroidism on the bone are controversial. TSH-suppressing doses of levothyroxine may cause reduced bone density, especially in postmenopausal women. Replacement therapy with levothyroxine has not been shown to cause osteoporosis, although it may temporarily reduce bone density after the initiation of treatment. Supplementation of calcium and vitamin D in hyperthyroid patients should be considered.
Inequity as a Source of the Cultural Gap in an Urban School-University Collaborative

Based on a 5-year naturalistic evaluation of an urban university-school collaborative that focused on preparing teachers for urban schools, this analysis was initiated to determine to what extent inequalities between the university and school personnel mitigated the attainment of intended outcomes. Results indicated that some positive change occurred, such as professors and teachers learning to speak the same language on instructional teams, which led to improved field experiences for students. However, cultural differences with concomitant inequities between school and university personnel prevented more permanent change. Inequities of power were inadvertently written into the proposal and were exacerbated at two levels: (1) the collaborative policy board, in which districts, due to larger representation, wielded greater power over budget and hiring in the collaborative; and (2) instructional teams where professors wielded power over several teachers with resistance from teachers. By the end of 5 years, the funded portion of the urban teacher education program that included a collaborative policy board and instructional teams had fallen mostly by the wayside. Cooperation between professors and teachers reverted to precollaborative levels with only loose coupling remaining. Preservice students continue to do field experiences in the professional development schools under supervision. The university education unit recognized the benefits, but continues to struggle with how to revive the level of cooperation that began with the urban program and to create long term partnerships that go beyond mere placement of students into the field.
SOME SIMPLE FEATURES OF THE MOSSBAUER EFFECT. III. THE f-FACTOR FOR AN IMPURITY SOURCE IN A CRYSTAL

Abstract For a crystal where the source is an impurity having a different mass but the same force constant as the host lattice atoms, the f-factor is shown to be nearly independent of the mass of the host lattice atoms. The f-factor is thus given to a good approximation by that calculated for a homogeneous crystal in which the masses of the host lattice atoms have all been changed to be equal to that of the source atom. The result is obtained by deriving an expression for the change in f as the mass of the host lattice atoms is changed. This expression is an integral over the normal modes of the spectrum which is insensitive to the details of the spectrum and is always small. Similar results are obtained for the thermal shift in such a crystal.
Design and evaluation of a security scheme for sensor networks

A keyless methodology to ensure secure data transmission in a network of sensors is presented. The main feature is the low power consumption due to the simplicity of the hardware that has to be implemented within each sensor. Experimental results demonstrate that the power dissipation overhead in each sensor's system is minimal when compared to key-based security methods. Experimental evidence of the security features of the presented method is also given.
High-resolution infared spectra of CD3I: The perpendicular bands v5 and v6

Abstract The perpendicular fundamentals, v 5 and v 6 of CD 3 I at 1049 and 656 cm −1 , respectively, have been measured with a resolution of about 0.03 cm −1 . The P and R branch transitions have been assigned and the bands have been analyzed to obtain the rotational constants of the excited vibrational states. In each band the l -type doubling coupling the states k = ± 1 has been observed and analyzed. A perturbation connecting the ¦ v 5 = 1 〉 state with ¦ v 3 = 2 〉 was discovered and analyzed.
Majumderatax, new subgenus (Acari: Unionicolidae: Unionicolinae: Unionicola), in Europe and Asia

Abstract A new subgenus, Majumderatax is erected for divergent mites in the genus Unionicola, which occur in Europe and Asia. These mites have few setae on their first walking legs and divergent pedipalp tarsi with large clawlets. They appear to be divergent yet related to Pentatax Thor and Heversatax Vidrine.
Mechanistic differences in the energy-linked fluorescence decreases of 9-aminoacridine dyes associated with bovine heart submitochondrial membranes.

Abstract (1) The pH dependence of the fluorescence intensities of 9-aminoacridines associated with energized submitochondrial membranes suggests that a mechanism(s) other than protonation of the dye molecules, as is the case with quinacrine, is responsible for the energy-linked fluorescence decreases of 9-aminoacridine and 9-amino-3-chloro-7-methoxyacridine (9-ACMA). (2) That the fluorescence polarization of quinacrine associated with submitochondrial membranes more than doubles upon energization of the membranes is attributed to: (i) the bulky side chain at the 9-position of the acridine moiety which hinders the molecular rotation of quinacrine and (ii) electrostatic forces resulting from the protonation of quinacrine·H + which induce tight binding between the dye molecules and the membranes. (3) The protonation of quinacrine associated with energized membranes, from the monoprotonated to the diprotonated species, takes place in the membrane phase, as evidence by the observation of a ‘break’ in both the Arrhenius plot of the respiratory rate and the plot of fluorescence polarization as a function of temperature. (4) That the measured fluorescence polarization of both 9-aminoacridine and 9-ACMA associated with both energized and nonenergized membranes is nearly zero suggests that the emitting species of these dye molecules are those in the ‘free’ form and that the membrane-bound molecules have formed nonfluorescent complexes; consequently no polarization can be measured.
On the occurrence and consequences of inaccurate trade classification

Abstract The validity of many economic studies hinges on the ability to properly classify trades as buyer or seller-initiated. This study uses the TORQ data to investigate the performance of the Lee and Ready (1991, Journal of Finance 46, 733–746.) trade classification algorithm. I find that the algorithm correctly classifies 85% of the transactions in my sample, but systematically misclassifies transactions at the midpoint of the bid–ask spread, small transactions, and transactions in large or frequently traded stocks. I then provide evidence of the biases induced by inaccurate trade classification.
A constant cathodic potential device for faradic stimulation of osteogenesis

The purpose of this study was to design, develop, and test a device that continuously maintains a constant potential at a cathode with respect to a reference electrode by automatically varying the potential between the cathode and an anode. The ability of the device to maintain a constant cathodic potential with respect to a silver/silver chloride reference electrode is demonstrated in acute testing with a variety of electrodes as well as in chronic testing conducted until battery failure. This constant cathodic potential device permits delivery of current at an optimal cathodic potential for faradic stimulation of osteogenesis which involves a net transfer of charge through biological tissue between, typically, an implanted cathode, the negative electrode where osteogenesis occurs, and either an implanted or a topical anode, the positive electrode required only to complete the electrical circuit. Unlike present devices that maintain a constant direct current between a cathode and an anode but permit potential between said electrodes to vary, this device presents the possible detrimental effects of an undesired electrochemical reaction due to an excessive cathodic potential.
Effects of spatial nonuniformity of cavity dielectric constant on lasing dynamics

Recent observation of two-mode lasing in random lasers is discussed in the context of the problem of distinguishing between lasing with coherent and non-coherent feedback. A general semiclassical theory of lasing in cavities with a spatially non-uniform dielectric constant is developed. It is shown that the non-uniformity causes a radiative coupling between modes of the empty cavity, which results in a renormalization of the coefficients responsible for non-linear interaction between lasing modes. One of the consequences of this renormalization is the enhancement of the effects of spatial hole burning and promotion of the multi-mode lasing.
Multiplier, moderator, and reflector materials for advanced lithium–vanadium fusion blankets

Abstract The self-cooled lithium–vanadium fusion blanket concept has several attractive operational and environmental features. In this concept, liquid lithium works as the tritium breeder and coolant to alleviate issues of coolant breeder compatibility and reactivity. Vanadium alloy (V–4Cr–4Ti) is used as the structural material because of its superior performance relative to other alloys for this application. However, this concept has poor attenuation characteristics and energy multiplication for the DT neutrons. An advanced self-cooled lithium–vanadium fusion blanket concept has been developed to eliminate these drawbacks while maintaining all the attractive features of the conventional concept. An electrical insulator coating for the coolant channels, spectral shifter (multiplier, and moderator) and reflector were utilized in the blanket design to enhance the blanket performance. In addition, the blanket was designed to have the capability to operate at average loading conditions of 2 MW/m2 surface heat flux and 10 MW/m2 neutron wall loading. This paper assesses the spectral shifter and the reflector materials and it defines the technological requirements of this advanced blanket concept.
PARTICLE CONCENTRATION INFLUENCE ON LIQUID RESIDENCE TIME DISTRIBUTIONS IN A MODEL ASEPTIC PROCESSING SYSTEM

Residence time distributions (RTDs) of water as influenced by particle concentration and mutator speed (SSHE only) were investigated in a holding tube and a horizontal scraped surface heat exchanger (SSHE). Liquid mean residence times (LMRTs) were not significantly influenced by particle concentrations up to 30% in the holding tube. Variance, on the other hand, was significantly higher without particle loading, indicating a broader distribution. About 20% particle loading significantly reduced the LMRTs regardless of the mutator speed. In addition, an increase in the mutator speed significantly increased the variance regardless of the particle concentration, indicating a broader distribution. the variance in SSHE was not significantly influenced by the particle concentration, unlike the holding tube. the LMRTs calculated from volumetric flow rates were lower than those from pulse input experiments for both holding tube and SSHE.
Field evaluation of chemical attractants against the flyFannia femoralis (Diptera: Muscidae)

Four chemical compounds previously shown to be attractants toHippelates eye gnats and houseflies were evaluated againstFannia femoralis (Stein). Two of the compounds, trimethylamine hydrochloride andn-butyric acid, were determined to be the principal attractants against this fly. A composition containing trimethylamine hydrochloride (yielding trimethylamine in presence of water),n-butyric acid, and an anchovy meal inert carrier proved highly attractive. To evaluate the practical use of the synthetic fly attractant (SFA) formulation, a large-scale trial over an entire poultry ranch was implemented using SFA formulation and a sugar toxicant (as a killing agent) in specially designed traps. Within 2 weeks after initiation of SFA-toxicant treatments, significant reduction inF. femoralis population from the pretreatment level occurred. This high level of reduction prevailed during the remainder of the treatment period.
Laser selection criteria for OH fluorescence measurements in supersonic combustion test facilities

The limitations of the application of dye laser and narrow-band tunable KrF excimer laser systems to OH planar laser-induced fluorescence measurements in supersonic combustion test facilities are examined. Included in the analysis are effects of signal strength, collisional quenching, beam absorption, and fluorescence trapping on achievable measurement accuracy using several excitation and detection options for either of the two laser systems. Dye based laser systems are found to be the method of choice for planar imaging when the line integral of OH concentration along the incidence or detection paths is less than 10 16 cm/cm 3 , whereas the ArF based systems provide significant reduction in measurement ambiguity when either concentration line integral is in excess of 10 16 cm/cm 3
The Sugar Scoring System for the Bender-Gestalt Test: An Objective Approach That Reflects Clinical Judgment

Although several objective scoring systems have been developed for use with the abbreviated form of the Bender-Gestalt test of visuomotor development (Figures A, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8), each has been criticized as being inadequate in some way or other. This paper reviews the inadequacies of these systems as described in the literature and presents the results of a small study designed to investigate the psychometric properties of a new objective scoring system, recently proposed by Sugar, which incorporates both quantitative and qualitative perspectives. The new system is shown to be psychometrically sound in validity and reliability. Additional advantages are described. The new system is recommended as a good, if not better, alternative to other, existing methods for scoring the Bender-Gestalt test.
Stimulation of glucose analogue uptake by cerebral microvessel endothelial cells by a product released by astrocytes

Astroglial cells, both normal and neoplastic, secreted a product that stimulated glucose uptake by cerebral microvessel endothelial cells by 23% and 50%, respectively. Neither cerebral microvessel smooth muscle cells nor oligodendrocytes affected endothelial cell glucose uptake. The astrocytic product(s) did not affect glucose uptake by aortic endothelial cells. The effect on the cerebral microvessel endothelial cells increased with increasing time of exposure of the cells to the astroglial product(s), and required the constant presence of the astrocytic product to be maintained. The presence of a protein synthesis inhibitor during endothelial cell exposure to the astroglial conditioned medium blocked the stimulation of glucose uptake. Treatment of the astrocytic product with a protease destroyed its effectiveness. These results support the hypothesis that astrocytes induce the expression of at least one blood-brain barrier property by the cerebral microvasculature, and suggest that this induction may be produced by a protein released by the astrocytes.
A comparison of the influence of global functional loads vs. local contact anatomy on articular cartilage thickness at the knee

Cartilage contact geometry, along with joint loading, can play an important role in determining local articular cartilage tissue stress. Thus individual variations in cartilage thickness can be associated with both individual variations in joint loading associated with activities of daily living as well as individual differences in the anatomy of the contacting surfaces of the joint. The purpose of this study was to isolate the relationship between cartilage thickness predicted by individual variations in contact surface geometry based on the radii of the femur and tibia vs. cartilage thickness predicted by individual variations in joint loading. Knee magnetic resonance (MR) images and the peak knee adduction moments during walking were obtained from 11 young healthy male subjects (age 30.5+/-5.1 years). The cartilage thicknesses and surface radii of the femoral and tibial cartilage were measured in the weight-bearing regions of the medial and lateral compartments of three-dimensional models from the MR images. The ratio of contact pressure between the medial and lateral compartments was calculated from the radii of tibiofemoral contact surface geometries. The results showed that the medial to lateral pressure ratios were not correlated with the medial to lateral cartilage thickness ratios. However, in general, pressure was higher in the lateral than medial compartments and cartilage was thicker in the lateral than medial compartments. The peak knee adduction moment showed a significant positive linear correlation with medial to lateral thickness ratio in both femur (R(2)=0.43,P<0.01) and tibia (R(2)=0.32,P<0.01). The results of this study suggest that the dynamics of walking is an important factor to describe individual differences in cartilage thickness for normal subjects.
SNARE-Mediated Lipid Mixing Depends on the Physical State of the Vesicles

Reconstitution experiments have suggested that N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) proteins constitute a minimal membrane fusion machinery but have yielded contradictory results, and it is unclear whether the mechanism of membrane merger is related to the stalk mechanism that underlies physiological membrane fusion. Here we show that reconstitution of solubilized neuronal SNAREs into preformed 100 nm liposomes (direct method) yields proteoliposomes with more homogeneous sizes and protein densities than the standard reconstitution method involving detergent cosolubilization of proteins and lipids. Standard reconstitutions yield slow but efficient lipid mixing at high protein densities and variable amounts of lipid mixing at moderate protein densities. However, the larger, more homogenous proteoliposomes prepared by the direct method yield almost no lipid mixing at moderate protein densities. These results suggest that the lipid mixing observed for standard reconstitutions is dominated by the physical state of the membrane, perhaps due to populations of small vesicles (or micelles) with high protein densities and curvature stress created upon reconstitution. Accordingly, changing membrane spontaneous curvature by adding lysophospholipids inhibits the lipid mixing observed for standard reconstitutions. Our data indicate that the lipid mixing caused by high SNARE densities and/or curvature stress occurs by a stalk mechanism resembling the mechanism of fusion between biological membranes, but the neuronal SNAREs are largely unable to induce lipid mixing at physiological protein densities and limited curvature stress.
Structural Insights into Complete Metal Ion Coordination from Ternary Complexes of B Family RB69 DNA Polymerase

We have captured a preinsertion ternary complex of RB69 DNA polymerase (RB69pol) containing the 3′ hydroxyl group at the terminus of an extendable primer (ptO3′) and a nonhydrolyzable 2′-deoxyuridine 5′-α,β-substituted triphosphate, dUpXpp, where X is either NH or CH2, opposite a complementary templating dA nucleotide residue. Here we report four structures of these complexes formed by three different RB69pol variants with catalytically inert Ca2+ and four other structures with catalytically competent Mn2+ or Mg2+. These structures provide new insights into why the complete divalent metal-ion coordination complexes at the A and B sites are required for nucleotidyl transfer. They show that the metal ion in the A site brings ptO3′ close to the α-phosphorus atom (Pα) of the incoming dNTP to enable phosphodiester bond formation through simultaneous coordination of both ptO3′ and the nonbridging Sp oxygen of the dNTP’s α-phosphate. The coordination bond length of metal ion A as well as its ionic radius determi...
Size distribution of short-chain replication intermediates in HeLa cells.

When HeLa cells are pulse-labeled with [3H]thymidine under steady-state conditions (HAT or MEMT medium, see Materials and Methods, section (a)), essentially all incorporated label is found in very short DNA chains. In contrast, HeLa cells that are grown in the absence of thymidine (Eagle's Minimal Essential Medium) prior to labeling incorporate [3H]thymidine into both short and long DNA chains. This change in the pattern of thymidine incorporation may be the result of a change in the intracellular nucleotide pools ( Kuebbing & Werner, 1975 ; Werner, 1971 b). Analysis of the size distribution of short DNA chains in HeLa cells by gel filtration on Sepharose 2B reveals that the fraction of short DNA chains greater than a particular size decreases exponentially with increasing size. The distribution curve is biphasic with a change in the slope at chain lengths of about 500 nucleotides. The similarity of these results to those obtained with bacteria ( Diaz et al., 1975 ) suggests a replication mechanism in which larger DNA chains arise through the joining of many extremely short chains with most of the actual polymerization of nucleotides occurring at the level of the shortest chains.
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura in Pregnancy: Successful Treatment with Plasma Exchange

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare syndrome which presents typically with thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, central nervous system symptoms, fever, and renal abnormalities. The diagnosis of TTP in pregnancy previously carried a poor prognosis and a high fetal mortality when presenting early in gestation. This case report describes the earliest presentation of TTP in pregnancy (6 weeks of gestation) we could identify in the literature treated successfully with a prolonged course of plasma exchange. The differential diagnosis and the pathogenesis of TTP in pregnancy are reviewed. Therapeutic options and data regarding the removal of pregnancy-related hormones by plasma exchange are presented.
Cardiac problems of the critically ill

C ARDIAC involvement in the critically ill patient can involve a myriad of pathophysiologic processes. This review will concentrate on cardiovascular shock and its causes: cardiogenic shock, cardiac tamponade, and pulmonary embolism. Many of these patients must undergo surgical procedures; thus, a discussion of preanesthetic concerns in patients with coronary artery disease is also included.
Teaching economics in a time and place of economic distress: the value of a pluralistic approach

The economic crisis has highlighted the significance of ongoing work by pluralist economists to define and implement a more pluralistic economics education. This paper explores the close connection between pluralism and student engagement, and argues this connection is a particularly compelling attribute of a pluralistic approach to teaching economics in the context of the economic crisis. The paper illustrates how this connection is articulated in the literature on pluralism and economics education, with a particular focus on community engagement. The paper concludes with observations on the relationship between pluralism and the inclusiveness of economics course content and pedagogy.
Common Factors Underlying Barriers to Export: Studies in the U.S. Paper Industry

This paper identifies five factors that cluster belief about the importance of barriers to export held by executives in strategic business units involved in export of paper products or contemplating such export. These factors were evaluated in respect to the international business literature and labeled as national export policy, comparative marketing distance, lack of export commitment, exogenous economic constraints, and competitive rivalry. This analysis revealed a minor appreciation of the importance of competitive rivalry and a high appreciation of the barrier provided by exogenous economic constraints. The other three factors assumed intermediate positions of importance among the five factors.
Continuing professional education among cytotechnologists: Reasons for participation

This paper discusses the results of a study that attempted to identify cytotechnolo-gists' reasons for participating in continuing professional education (CPE) to determine whether the importance attached to those reasons vary with different demographic characteristics. A random national sample of 312 cytotechnologists was studied using a mail survey of the Participation Reasons Scale and a Respondent Information Form for obtaining the demographics of the respondents. A composite profile of the respondents was constructed from the demographic information. Respondents rated “to keep abreast of new developments in my field” as the most important reason and “to increase the likelihood of benefits for friends” as the least important reason for participation in CPE. A principal component factor analysis with an orthogonal rotation identified Professional Development and Improvement, Professional Commitment and Collegial Interaction, Professional and Personal Benefits, and Professional Service as the four factors. Using the 23 demographic characteristics such as age, gender, job title, certification, etc., cytotechnologists were divided into groups, and the differences between the mean participation factor scores among the groups were examined using analysis of variance. Groups classified on the basis of gender, job title, size of the laboratory, type of cytology practice, and impact of CPE requirements from the federal government showed statistically significant differences in the mean participation factor scores among them for one or more of the four participation factors.
Imaging micro-well proportional counters fabricated with masked UV laser ablation

Abstract The micro-well detector is a gas-proportional counter similar to the CAT (Bartol et al., J. Phys. III 6 (1996) 337) and WELL detectors (Bellazzini et al., Nucl. Instr. and Meth. A 423 (1999) 125). The micro-well is a cylindrical hole formed in the polymer substrate of commercially fabricated copper-clad flexible printed circuit board by UV laser ablation. The micro-wells are drilled at GSFC's UV laser-ablation facility. The cathode is a metal annulus that surrounds the opening of the well. The anode is a metal pad that fills the bottom of the well. Advantages of this topology include intrinsic two-dimensional sensing, thick robust electrodes, and large localized image charge on the cathodes. We have fabricated 5 cm×5 cm micro-well detectors with segmented anodes (1-d) and with both anodes and cathodes segmented (2-d), and have demonstrated: • stable, proportional operation at gas gains in excess of 30,000 in Ar- and Xe-based gases; • FWHM energy resolution of 20% at 6 keV in P-10; • preliminary 1-d spatial resolution of ⩽150 μm (rms) in P-10; and • the capability of MWDs to produce 2-dimensional images. We report on the design, fabrication, and testing of 1-d, 2-d, and pixelized micro-well detectors.
The Impact Of Sentencing Guidelines On Corrections

Determinate sentencing and sentencing guidelines have resulted in prison population increases in several states. Initial results of the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines showed greater uniformity and less sentence disparity, with no significant prison population increases. Public and political pressure led the 1989 legislature to increase sentences for drug offenses, sexual assault and homicide. This study examines some of the effects which those changes have had on corrections. Initial results show dramatic increases in drug offender admissions; total admissions exceed the projected growth; and corrections officers express concern about crowding, prison gangs and security problems.
The Development of a Transdiagnostic, Cognitive Behavioral Group Intervention for Childhood Anxiety Disorders and Co-Occurring Depression Symptoms

Abstract Anxiety and depression are highly prevalent and frequently comorbid classes of disorder associated with significant impairment in youth. While current transdiagnostic protocols address a range of potential anxiety and depression symptoms among adult and adolescent populations, there are few similar treatment options for school-aged children with symptoms of these emotional disorders. Such a protocol could be of particular benefit to children experiencing emergent anxiety and depressive symptoms prior to adolescence, as these youth may be at risk for a more severe and protracted course of illness. For this reason, Emotion Detectives, a cognitive behavioral group treatment program, was developed as a downward extension of existent transdiagnostic protocols for emotional disorders in older populations (e.g., Barlow et al., 2010; Ehrenreich et al., 2008) for use with children ages 7 to 12 and their families. This paper will discuss the theoretical basis for Emotion Detectives and provide a description of its 15-session protocol, its unique and developmentally sensitive features, and case studies of 2 children enrolled in an ongoing open trial.
Multipurpose surgical robot as a laparoscope assistant.

This study demonstrates the effectiveness of a new, compact surgical robot at improving laparoscope guidance. Currently, the assistant guiding the laparoscope camera tends to be less experienced and requires physical and verbal direction from the surgeon. Human guidance has disadvantages of fatigue and shakiness leading to inconsistency in the field of view. This study investigates whether replacing the assistant with a compact robot can improve the stability of the surgeon’s field of view and also reduce crowding at the operating table. A compact robot based on a bevel-geared “spherical mechanism” with 4 degrees of freedom and capable of full dexterity through a 15-mm port was designed and built. The robot was mounted on the standard railing of the operating table and used to manipulate a laparoscope through a supraumbilical port in a porcine model via a joystick controlled externally by a surgeon. The process was videotaped externally via digital video recorder and internally via laparoscope. Robot position data were also recorded within the robot’s motion control software. The robot effectively manipulated the laparoscope in all directions to provide a clear and consistent view of liver, small intestine, and spleen. Its range of motion was commensurate with typical motions executed by a human assistant and was well controlled with the joystick. Qualitative analysis of the video suggested that this method of laparoscope guidance provides highly stable imaging during laparoscopic surgery, which was confirmed by robot position data. Because the robot was table-mounted and compact in design, it increased standing room around the operation table and did not interfere with the workspace of other surgical instruments. The study results also suggest that this robotic method may be combined with flexible endoscopes for highly dexterous visualization with more degrees of freedom.