cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Affinity spaces, literacies and classrooms: tensions and opportunities

Building communicative competence in textual and multimodal literacies has become a linchpin of learning, of engagement with the world, and of participation in online and blended spaces. Young creators now compose online and with digital tools, often in what we call “user-generated content affinity spaces” – interest-based spaces that focus on creating and sharing self-made content. Such spaces focus on processes of developing users' creations and sharing the products with an audience. These spaces have been inspirations for teachers to reinvigorate classroom practices and expose students to learning opportunities for creation and critique. But questions remain about models of participation in such spaces, especially those that idealise youth who are the most highly engaged while ignoring those whose participation is less visible. Here, we share three experiences of bringing user-generated content affinity spaces into more formal learning environments and reflect on the tensions emerging from these efforts. We end by outlining steps to develop theory and interventions to navigate tensions and propel the field forward.
Progress in grid oscillators

The grid oscillator is a planar structure that can combine a very large number of millimeterwave solid-state active devices. A 100-MESFET hybrid grid model is demonstrated at 5 GHz. The transistors in the grid self-lock with an effective radiated power (ERP) of 24 Watts and a conversion efficiency of 20%. An equivalent embedding circuit for a device in an infinite grid is found using symmetry. This equivalent circuit predicts the frequency of oscillation. Quasioptical injection-locking of the grid oscillator with an external signal has been demonstrated and analyzed.
Adjunctive Therapy Approaches for Ischemic Stroke: Innovations to Expand Time Window of Treatment

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) thrombolysis remains the gold standard treatment for ischemic stroke. A time-constrained therapeutic window, with the drug to be given within 4.5 h after stroke onset, and lethal side effects associated with delayed treatment, most notably hemorrhagic transformation (HT), limit the clinical use of tPA. Co-administering tPA with other agents, including drug or non-drug interventions, has been proposed as a practical strategy to address the limitations of tPA. Here, we discuss the pharmacological and non-drug approaches that were examined to mitigate the complications—especially HT—associated with delayed tPA treatment. The pharmacological treatments include those that preserve the blood-brain barrier (e.g., atovarstatin, batimastat, candesartan, cilostazol, fasudil, minocycline, etc.), enhance vascularization and protect the cerebrovasculature (e.g., coumarin derivate IMM-H004 and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF)), and exert their effects through other modes of action (e.g., oxygen transporters, ascorbic acid, etc.). The non-drug approaches include stem cell treatments and gas therapy with multi-pronged biological effects. Co-administering tPA with the abovementioned therapies showed promise in attenuating delayed tPA-induced side effects and stroke-induced neurological and behavioral deficits. Thus, adjunctive treatment approach is an innovative therapeutic modality that can address the limitations of tPA treatment and potentially expand the time window for ischemic stroke therapy.
Camptocormia: Etiology, diagnosis, and treatment response.

Background We sought to determine the etiologies, diagnostic testing, and management of a retrospective cohort of patients with camptocormia evaluated at a single center. Methods We reviewed medical records of all adult patients evaluated at Mayo Clinic Rochester with a diagnosis of camptocormia from 2000 to 2014. Demographic and clinical data were abstracted and analyzed. Results There were 276 patients (58.0% male), with mean age at presentation of 68.6 (±12.7) years. An etiology was identified in 98.2%. The most common etiologies were idiopathic Parkinson disease (22.5%), idiopathic axial myopathy (14.1%), and degenerative joint disease without fixed deformity (13.0%). We also identified several rare causes of camptocormia. Investigations included spine imaging, needle and surface EMG, and muscle biopsy. Most patients received physical therapy and orthotic support with limited benefit. Limited improvement of camptocormia was seen where a treatable etiology was identified. Conclusions An etiology can be identified in almost all cases of camptocormia. Most cases are due to 3 common disorders: Parkinson disease, axial myopathy, and degenerative joint disease. A diagnostic and treatment algorithm is proposed.
“The Road Not Taken”: A Study of Moral Intensity, Whistleblowing, and Regret

Despite attempts to encourage whistleblowing, lingering reluctance to report questionable acts remains frustratingly apparent. Our objective is to examine the regret a professional anticipates when...
Public Transit Accessibility: Blind Passengers Speak Out

Riding public transit can be confusing for everyone, especially in an unfamiliar environment. One needs to figure out which transportation lines to take to reach a destination, when and where to catch a bus or a train, when to exit, and how to negotiate transfers. For those with sensorial or cognitive disabilities, these problems become even more daunting. Several technological approaches have been proposed to facilitate use of public transit for everyone. For any assistive technology to be successful, though, it is imperative that it is developed from the ground up with a clear understanding of the intended users’ needs and requirements, and possibly with a direct participation of these users throughout the project lifecycle. In this study, we conduct a focus group with blind participants, designed to highlight the main issues, problems, and limitations with the current transit system in our local area as well as the perception of the participants our proposed RouteMe2 technology [1]. We found two core categories of issues faced by blind travelers: (1) spatial/location awareness, and (2) temporal/time awareness. Configurability and accessibility were the most desired features requested for a new transit information app.
ApproximatelyN-representable density functional density matrices: The case of largeN

Density matrices approximatelyN-representable by a correlated determinant wavefunction (CDWF) have been previously derived. For the case of helium it had been shown how to obtain these density matrices as density functionals. Here it is shown that the same procedures, used for helium, generalize to the case for the number of electronsN-large. The result is a procedure for obtaining approximately CDWFN-representable density matrices which are functionals of the density for largeN.
Globalización, crisis y escenarios de futuro

No abstract available. ECA Estudios Centroamericanos, Vol. 63, No. 715-716, 2008: 331-344.
Opioid Use Disorder, Stigma, and Transplantation: A Call to Action.

Should people with opioid use disorder who are being treated with opioid agonist therapy be deemed ineligible for organ transplant? This commentary proposes an answer.
Characterization of Volatile Organic Compound Metabolites in Cigarette Smokers, Electronic Nicotine Device Users, Dual Users, and Nonusers of Tobacco.

Introduction Limited research exists about the possible cardiovascular effects of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). We therefore sought to compare exposure to known or potentially cardiotoxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in ENDS users, smokers, and dual users. Methods A total of 371 individuals from the Cardiovascular Injury due to Tobacco Use study, a cross-sectional study of healthy participants aged 21-45 years, were categorized as nonusers of tobacco (n = 87), sole ENDS users (n = 17), cigarette smokers (n = 237), and dual users (n = 30) based on 30-day self-reported tobacco product use patterns. Participants provided urine samples for VOC and nicotine metabolite measurement. We assessed associations between tobacco product use and VOC metabolite measures using multivariable-adjusted linear regression models. Results Mean (SD) age of the population was 32 (±6.8) years, 55% men. Mean urinary cotinine level in nonusers of tobacco was 2.6 ng/mg creatinine, whereas cotinine levels were similar across all tobacco product use categories (851.6-910.9 ng/mg creatinine). In multivariable-adjusted models, sole ENDS users had higher levels of metabolites of acrolein, acrylamide, acrylonitrile, and xylene compared with nonusers of tobacco, but lower levels of most VOC metabolites compared with cigarette smokers or dual users. In direct comparison of cigarettes smokers and dual users, we found lower levels of metabolites of styrene and xylene in dual users. Conclusion Although sole ENDS use may be associated with lower VOC exposure compared to cigarette smoking, further study is required to determine the potential health effects of the higher levels of certain reactive aldehydes, including acrolein, in ENDS users compared with nonusers of tobacco. Implications ENDS use in conjunction with other tobacco products may not significantly reduce exposure to VOC, but sole use does generally reduce some VOC exposure and warrants more in-depth studies.
Encouraging (and Even Requiring) Prosecutors to Be Second-Look Sentencers

This essay, adapted from a keynote speech at a 2010 symposium at Temple University School of Law, explains why prosecutors may make inaccurate initial sentencing judgments when engaging in their first-look sentencing decision-making early in a criminal prosecution and argues that the extraordinary sentencing power often possessed by prosecutors alone seems contrary to fundamental tenets of our constitutional and political structure. Against this backdrop, the essay contends: (1) that "second-look" mechanisms should be built into all modem sentencing systems, and (2) that prosecutors should be given the power and a formal responsibility to engage in some type of formalized second-look sentencing decision-making.
Open Door Laminoplasty – Hinge Creation and Fracture Avoidance: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

This surgical video demonstrates a technique for an open-door laminoplasty with its associated risks.1-3 The key to maintaining a strong hinge that can be opened without fracture lies in gradual, slow drilling of the hinge followed by sequential, progressively wider opening of the laminoplasty. This is in contradistinction to a single opening maneuver, which "cracks" the hinge and can result in fracture and disconnection of the lamina from the spine. We present our technique of C4-6 right-sided open-door laminoplasty. A C3 laminectomy is performed instead of a laminoplasty in order to prevent any muscular dissection of C2. This not only maintains the strong muscular attachment to C2, but it also helps alleviate postoperative pain since the muscles are maintained.4-6 The top of C7 is drilled to decompress the C6-7 level, and the C7 spinous process, along with its strong attachment to T1, is maintained to prevent kyphosis. The video highlights methods for maintaining key muscular and ligamentous attachments (C2 muscles and C7-T1 ligament) to decrease kyphosis risk, progressive hinge opening to help mitigate the risk of hinge fracture, and methods to help decrease postoperative pain (avoiding laminoplasty of C3, maintaining muscular and ligamentous attachments as stated above, and contouring the spinous processes in a manner that avoids protrusion into the paraspinal muscles). We have received informed consent of this patient to submit this video.
The PATHS curriculum: Thirty-five years and counting

Abstract The PATHS curriculum, first written in the early 1980s, is a comprehensive, multiyear, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) program taught by teachers to preschool and elementary-age children in their classrooms. PATHS is a universal program for all children and promotes both prevention and intervention. Over the past 3½ decades, more than 45 research studies have documented the effectiveness of PATHS in significantly reducing risk factors and increasing protective factors in a variety of domains (e.g., self-control, emotional literacy, problem-solving skills, prosocial relationships, executive brain functioning, behavior, classroom atmosphere, and academics). In this chapter, we describe the PATHS program, its conceptual domains, generalization to academics, and the substantial body of research that documents a variety of successes with PATHS implementations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and other countries.
Deer browsing effects on temperate forest soil nitrogen cycling shift from positive to negative across fertility gradients

Herbivores impact soil biogeochemical processes, often increasing nutrient cycling rates under high nutrient availability and decreasing nutrient cycling rates under low nutrient availability. Thes...
Robustness of vortex-bound Majorana zero modes against correlated disorder

We investigate the effect of correlated disorder on Majorana zero modes (MZMs) bound to magnetic vortices in two-dimensional topological superconductors. By starting from a lattice model of interacting fermions with a ${p}_{x}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}i{p}_{y}$ superconducting ground state in the disorder-free limit, we use perturbation theory to describe the enhancement of the Majorana localization length at weak disorder and a self-consistent numerical solution to understand the breakdown of the MZMs at strong disorder. We find that correlated disorder has a much stronger effect on the MZMs than uncorrelated disorder and that it is most detrimental if the disorder correlation length $\ensuremath{\ell}$ is on the same order as the superconducting coherence length $\ensuremath{\xi}$. In contrast, MZMs can survive stronger disorder for $\ensuremath{\ell}\ensuremath{\ll}\ensuremath{\xi}$ as random variations cancel each other within the length scale of $\ensuremath{\xi}$, while an MZM may survive up to very strong disorder for $\ensuremath{\ell}\ensuremath{\gg}\ensuremath{\xi}$ if it is located in a favorable domain of the given disorder realization.
Long-Term Patient Experience Following Acutely Successful Ablation of Supraventricular Tachycardia Substrate in Children

Definitive treatment of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) substrate involves catheter ablation. While objective success rates have been well established, long-term subjective patient experiences have not been well described. We quantify a subjective cure rate and characterize long-term patient experience after acutely successful ablation. A cross-sectional survey of pediatric patients with accessory pathways or atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia who underwent acutely successful ablation from 2008 to 2012 was performed. Data were obtained from medical records and patient surveys. Patients with congenital heart disease other than patent ductus arteriosus, patent foramen ovale, or coronary artery abnormalities were excluded. Statistical analyses included Student’s t-test and χ2 analysis for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Surveys were sent to 153 patients of which 147 responded with median follow-up of 7.2 (IQR 6.1–8.5) years. Of the 147 responders, 124 (84%) patients reported cure with a male predominance. Symptoms were present in 130/147 (88%) patients pre-ablation and in 53/147 (36%) post-ablation. Among those with post-ablation symptoms, 50/53 (94%) reported symptomatic improvement. Recurrence occurred in 23/147 (16%) patients and was more prevalent following cryoablation. Ablation of SVT substrate can be curative with excellent long-term results and patient satisfaction. Long-term subjective cure rate is high and there is a substantial decrease in symptoms post-ablation. Many patients continue to have symptoms following ablation; however, the majority of these patients consider themselves cured and symptoms can be attributed to other etiologies. Recurrence is uncommon and occurs more frequently following cryoablation.
Large Thermal Tuning of Polymer-Embedded Silicon Nitride Nanobeam Cavity

We experimentally demonstrate a thermally tunable polymer-embedded silicon nitride nanobeam cavity with a tuning efficiency of 44 pm/°C and 0.13 nm/mW in the near-visible wavelength range. The demonstrated resonator paves the path for the future development of low-power reconfigurable silicon nitride integrated photonics platform.
The impostor phenomenon and work–family conflict: An assessment of higher education:

Top faculty are often at risk for experiencing the impostor phenomenon (IP) in the competitive landscape of higher education. Similarly, work–family conflict (WFC) impacts many individuals who work...
Shaping field for deep tissue microscopy

Information capacity of a lossless image-forming system is a conserved property determined by two imaging parameters – the resolution and the field of view (FOV). Adaptive optics improves the former by manipulating the phase, or wavefront, in the pupil plane. Here we describe a homologous approach, namely adaptive field microscopy, which aims to enhance the FOV by controlling the phase, or defocus, in the focal plane. In deep tissue imaging, the useful FOV can be severely limited if the region of interest is buried in a thick sample and not perpendicular to the optic axis. One must acquire many z-scans and reconstruct by post-processing, which exposes tissue to excessive radiation and is also time consuming. We demonstrate the effective FOV can be substantially enhanced by dynamic control of the image plane. Specifically, the tilt of the image plane is continuously adjusted in situ to match the oblique orientation of the sample plane within tissue. The utility of adaptive field microscopy is tested for imaging tissue with non-planar morphology. Ocular tissue of small animals was imaged by two-photon excited fluorescence. Our results show that adaptive field microscopy can utilize the full FOV. The freedom to adjust the image plane to account for the geometrical variations of sample could be extremely useful for 3D biological imaging. Furthermore, it could facilitate rapid surveillance of cellular features within deep tissue while avoiding photo damages, making it suitable for in vivo imaging.
“It’s about a Life Worth Living”: Rosalie A. Kane, PhD, Pioneer of Quality of Life Measurement in Long-Term Care

This contribution to the special issue celebrating Dr. Kane's legacy in the Journal of Gerontological Social Work highlights her significant scholarly achievements in the measurement of quality of life in long-term care. Following a synthesis of Dr. Kane's groundbreaking work in this area, we summarize how her study of the measurement of quality of life has served as the foundation for significant practice/policy advancements. We conclude that Dr. Kane and her ongoing legacy in the rigorous measurement of quality of life has achieved her ultimate aspiration: the elevation of quality of life as the central concern when selecting, using, delivering, and valuing long-term care.
The consequences of internal displacement on civil war violence: Evidence from Syria

Abstract How do flows of internally displaced persons (IDPs) affect wartime violence? We argue that government and rebel forces respond to IDP flows in different ways, which condition where and when they employ violence. State responses are driven by the need to identify insurgents and their civilian supporters, and depend on how much information they have about where IDPs are coming from and where they are seeking to resettle. Rebel responses are driven by their need to monitor and control civilian movements, which leads to more violence against civilians in transit areas heavily trafficked by IDPs. Drawing on novel subnational data from Syria, we employ social network analysis to examine migration flow characteristics beyond aggregate IDP inflows and outflows. We find that the greater the local clustering of IDP flows – i.e., the less complex and diverse displacement movements are – the more pro-government combatants are able to detect IDPs’ origins and destinations, and the higher the number of civilian killings. Transit locations, meanwhile, become epicenters of rebel violence against civilians. While scholars have found that more information about civilian behavior causes combatants to employ more selective violence, our results suggest that more information about displacement prompts more collective violence from governments. The findings also indicate that governments respond to IDP flows after movement, whereas rebels respond to IDP flows during movement. This underscores the importance of focusing on how armed groups respond to displacement flows in order to better understand the consequences of population movements in wartime.
Back gate bias effect and layout dependence on Random Telegraph Noise in FDSOI technologies

The effect of back gate bias and device layout design on Random Telegraph Noise (RTN) behavior is discussed. The effect of RTN on multi-PC fingers fully-depleted Silicon on Insulator (FDSOI) devices were studied in both front gate (FG) and front gate connected to back-gate ( $\text{FG}+\text{BG}$ ) condition. Lower RTN induced gate voltage variation is noticed in $\text{FG}+\text{BG}$ condition than FG. In addition, higher amplitude variation occurs in single-PC devices. Similar level of RTN induced gate voltage variation mean is observed in comparison with bulk FinFET, although the distributions are different.
Learning Data Analysis with MetaR

The analysis of biological data is an important part of modern biological and medical research. Many statistical and computational tools are available for statisticians and data scientists, providing them with both computational power and flexibility. However, these tools are often not suitable for biomedical researchers performing data processing and simple analyses. Learning to code is indeed challenging and quite difficult when coming from a non-technical background.This chapter introduces MetaR, a tool designed to help biologists and clinicians to learn, and perform, the basis of data analysis. Originally created as an educational software, it eventually evolved into a mature and stable Domain Specific Language (DSL) used to support various aspects of a research project up to the creation of figures suitable for scientific publications. MetaR generates to R code, but users do not even see it. By providing high-level abstractions, MetaR hides most of the details of each step in the data analysis process. Because of its capability to blend scripting and graphical elements, it provides a novel approach to the practice of analyzing data. Simplified executions and syntax-completion are additional features that make MetaR easy to use for beginners. Language composition is available for advanced users that wish to contribute and extend the project.In our data-rich age, there is a great divide between biomedical researchers and data analysts. MetaR has proved to be an educational bridge between these two worlds.
Gas Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for the Selective Detection of Glycols and Glycerol in the Liquids and Aerosols of E-Cigarette, or Vaping, Products.

The long-term health effects of using e-cigarette, or vaping, products (EVPs; also known as e-cigarettes, electronic nicotine delivery systems, and vape pens) remain largely unknown. The inhalation of excipients, such as propylene glycol (PG) and glycerin (GLY), may have long-term health effects. In addition to the direct health effects of PG and GLY, glycerin-containing products can be contaminated with toxic ethylene glycol (EG) and diethylene glycol (DEG). To assess this issue, we developed a simple, versatile, high-throughput isotope dilution gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for quantifying these common excipients and contaminants. The method is applicable to both the liquid contents and machine-generated aerosols of EVPs. Our rigorous method validation demonstrates that the new method is specific, precise, accurate, and rugged/robust. The calibration range is linear from 0.1-7 mg for the excipients and 2.5-1,000 µg for the contaminants. These ranges encompass expected excipients levels in EVP e-liquids and their machine-generated aerosols and the relevant maximum residue safety limit of 1 mg/g, or 0.1% (w/w), for the contaminants. The calculated limits of detection for PG, GLY, EG, and DEG were determined as 0.0109 mg, 0.0132 mg, 0.250 µg, and 0.100 µg, respectively. The method was applied to the aerosol emissions analysis of 141 EVPs associated with the 2019 lung injury outbreak, and found typical levels of PG (120.28-689.35 mg/g of aerosol) and GLY (116.83-845.96 mg/g of aerosol) in all nicotine-containing products; PG (81.58-491.92 mg/g of aerosol) and GLY (303.86-823.47 mg/g of aerosol) in 13% of cannabidiol (CBD) products; PG (74.02-220.18 mg/g of aerosol) and GLY (596.43-859.81 mg/g of aerosol) in products with neither nicotine nor CBD; and none detected in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products. No products contained glycol contaminants above the recommended maximum residue safety limit.
Assessing Freshman Library Skills and Attitudes Before Program Development

Abstract College and university libraries are being called upon to use outcomes assessment to demonstrate their impact on student learning. Despite this trend, little has been reported in the literature on the value of pre-instruction assessment of freshmen before initiating program change, development, or assessment. This study reports on one library's attempt at pre-instruction assessment of incoming freshmen. The advantages of establishing a baseline of freshman library skills are reviewed. Also offered are suggestions for those libraries that are considering similar assessment projects.
Transplantation of fetal spinal cord tissue into acute and chronic hemisection and contusion lesions of the adult rat spinal cord.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses and examines: (1) the pattern of axonal connectivity established with fetal homotopic (that is, spinal cord) grafts into the acutely injured spinal cord, (2) the influence of an existing histopathology on survival of these transplants and their integration with the host spinal cord in chronic lesions, and (3) the feasibility of transplantation into chronic, contusion lesions. It is feasible to transplant embryonic central nervous system (CNS) tissue into various lesions of the adult spinal cord, including those, which may ultimately shed light on the potential clinical application of intraspinal transplantation. These studies also establish a useful neuroanatomical framework for physiological and behavioral tests of the functional impact of these grafts in acute and chronic hemisected and contused spinal cords. While, evidence exists for some axonal connectivity between host and graft, it is still uncertain that an optimal setting has been established under any of these lesion conditions, as indicated in part by the variable glial responses seen in individual transplant recipients. However, intraspinal transplantation has begun to stimulate new avenues of investigation, which will undoubtedly facilitate a more in-depth understanding of the complex biology of the injured spinal cord.
3-(4-Bromo-phen-yl)cyclo-pent-2-en-1-one.

In the title compound, C11H9BrO, the cyclo­pentenone ring is almost planar with an r.m.s. deviation of 0.0097 A. The largest inter-ring torsion angles [2.4 (3), 1.3 (3) and 3.53 (2)°] reveal only a very small twist between the rings, and suggest that the two rings are conjugated. The mol­ecule is slightly bowed, as shown by the small dihedral angle between the rings [5.3 (1)°]. The crystal packing pattern consists of parallel sheets that stack parallel to the ac plane. Each sheet consists of mol­ecules that pack side-to-side with the same relative orientation of phenyl and cyclo­pentenone rings along the a- and c-axis directions. Slipped side-to-side, face-to-face and edge-to-face inter­actions exist between pairs of sheets with edge-to-edge and edge-to-face O⋯H—C(sp2) weak hydrogen-bond contacts. A relatively short edge-to-face contact (2.77 A) also exists between pairs of sheets.
The academic Radiologist's clinical productivity : An update

Rationale and Objectives The purpose of this project was to further understand the academic radiologist’s clinical workload with comparison to the prior studies in the past decade. This updated data is very important in determining faculty staffing requirements. Materials and Methods A survey performed by the Society of Chairmen of Academic Radiology Departments (SCARD) collected data in 2003 for radiologists in 23 departments. This data included Current Procedure Terminology (CPT) codes by radiologist. The CPT codes were converted into relative value units (RVUs) per full-time equivalent (FTE) faculty. By grouping the CPT codes into similar examination categories, adjustment factors were created for the RVU values for each CPT in order to compensate for workload variations. These adjustment factors are identical to the adjustments made in 2001 except for a new factor for nuclear medicine. Results Overall, the average clinical workload in 2003 was 5,872 RVU/FTE, a 32% increase compared to 4,458 RVU/FTE in 1998 and 55% increase compared to 3,790 RVU/FTE in 1996. The average number of examinations per FTE had a smaller (17%) increase since 1998. The adjustment factors remain very similar to those presented in 2001. The only change was a new adjustment factor of 1.3 for nuclear medicine. Conclusions Clinical workload as measured by RVU/FTE and adjusted RVU/FTE are very useful for determining optimal staffing in subspecialty sections and in the department as a whole. The workload continues to increase, but more in examination complexity than in numbers of procedures overall.
Performance of Size-Changing Algorithms in Stackable File Systems

Stackable file systems can provide extensible file system functionality with minimal performance overhead and development cost. However, previous approaches are limited in the functionality they provide. In particular, they do not support size-changing algorithms, which are important and useful for many applications, such as compression and security. We propose fast index files, a technique for efficient support of size-changing algorithms in stackable file systems. Fast index files provide a page mapping between file system layers in a way that can be used with any size-changing algorithm. Index files are designed to be recoverable if lost and add less than 0.1% disk space overhead. We have implemented fast indexing using portable stackable templates, and we have used this system to build several example file systems with size-changing algorithms. We demonstrate that fast index files have very low overhead for typical workloads, only 2.3% over other stacked file systems. Our system can deliver much better performance on size-changing algorithms than user-level applications, as much as five times faster.
Understanding Search Engines: Mathematical Modeling and Text Retrieval

A discussion of many of the key design issues for building search engines. It emphasizes the important roles that applied mathematics can play in improving information retrieval. The authors discuss not only important data structures, algorithms and software, but also user-centred issues such as interfaces, manual indexing, and document preparation. The authors bridge the gap between applied mathematics and information retrieval. They discuss some of the current problems in information retrieval that may not be familiar to applied mathematicians and computer scientists and present some of the driving computational methods (SVD, SDD) for automated conceptual indexing. This book introduces topics in a non-technical way and provides insights into common problems found in information retrieval. The more mathematical details are provided in sidebars or offset from the regular text.
The (Honest) Truth About Dishonesty: How We Lie to Everyone—Especially Ourselves

Everybody lies, whether we realize it or not, and if you deny it, then you’re lying to yourself. Lying is innate, affecting nearly every decision we make and even those that we haven’t made yet. Ou...
Chemical tuning of band alignments for Cu/HfO2 interfaces

First-principles density functional theory is used to explore the possibility of tuning effective work function of high dielectric/metal gate stacks. Using HfO/Cu as an example, we demonstrate that the effective work function of the stack can be tuned in a range of 3.2 eV by incorporating a metallic monolayer at the interface. The calculations reveal that the interfacial charge transfer from the metallic monolayer to the oxide plays a key role in tuning the effective work function. The interfacial charge transfer not only depends on the ionic bonding between the O atoms and the metal monolayer, but it can also be affected by the metallic bonding between the gate Cu atoms and the metal monolayer. The weaker the metallic bonding, the stronger the interfacial dipole moment, and the greater the effective work function modulation. A linear correlation between the interfacial charge transfer and the valence band offset is observed which can be rationalized by an analogy to a parallel plate capacitor. We also find a correlation between interfacial atomic rearrangements and the interfacial charge transfer. The general chemical tuning trends established in this study could potentially provide a valuable guide for designing novel gate materials in conjunction with high-k dielectrics.
Midazolam use in the emergency department

Midazolam is the first water-soluble benzodiazepine. As with other benzodiazepines it has amnestic, sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic, and anticonvulsant properties. Midazolam is about two to four times more potent than diazepam. Midazolam has been extensively used for a variety of outpatient procedures, but there has been no documentation of its safety in emergency department patients. The authors retrospectively reviewed all patients receiving midazolam during a 2-year period at the University of Cincinnati Center for Emergency Care. The study population consisted of 389 patients (men 56%; women 44%) with an average age of 33.3 years. Midazolam was used intravenously for sedation before a wide variety of painful procedures and for agitation control. The average dose was 3.86 mg, with a range of 0.5 mg to 20.0 mg. The majority of patients (79.2%) received narcotics or sedative/hypnotic agents in addition to midazolam. There was an overall complication rate of 1.0%. Two patients (0.5%) developed clinically significant respiratory depression after midazolam use. Both patients had also received fentanyl citrate and the respiratory depression was reversed with naloxone. Two patients (0.5%) receiving several other drugs developed short periods of hypotension. There were no apparent long term sequelae. The authors conclude that midazolam can be safely used in the emergency department setting. Careful dosing and titration to the desired clinical effects is mandatory. Patients should be closely monitored to maximize safety.
Secessionist minorities and external involvement

Instances of external state involvement in seven postwar secessionist movements—those of Katanga, Biafra, the Southern Sudan, Bangladesh, Iraqi Kurdistan, Eritrea, and the Moro region of the Philippines—were analyzed to shed light on the patterns of interaction between the international system and secessionist minorities. Examined and tested were numerous assumptions of conventional wisdom on the subject, as well as a variety of other relevant questions concerning the constraints on, content of, and reasons for involvement. The results were contrary to many of the common assumptions. For example, given the international regime's norm against involvement with groups that threaten territorial integrity, external state support of these groups was more extensive than would be expected; and support was given for diverse reasons, rather than based solely on the prospects for tangible gain. Additional results of this study suggest a series of hypotheses for further examination.
New signatures for dark-matter detectors

A new direct signal results, because of capture by Earth, if weakly interacting massive particles (WIMP's) compose the galactic-halo dark matter. The scattering signal from trapped particles can exceed that of halo WIMP's by up to four orders of magnitude, depending on Earth's interior temperature, if energy thresholds in the 10\char21{}30-eV range can be attained. However, the indirect signal due to annihilations of trapped particles is suppressed compared to previous estimates. Finally we drastically revise estimates of the direct halo signal due to WIMP's with spin-dependent cross sections, based on recent European Muon Collaboration deep-inelastic scattering data.
Diversity of Bacterial Communities in Container Habitats of Mosquitoes

We investigated the bacterial diversity of microbial communities in water-filled, human-made and natural container habitats of the mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in suburban landscapes of New Orleans, Louisiana in 2003. We collected water samples from three classes of containers, including tires (n = 12), cemetery urns (n = 23), and miscellaneous containers that included two tree holes (n = 19). Total genomic DNA was extracted from water samples, and 16S ribosomal DNA fragments (operational taxonomic units, OTUs) were amplified by PCR and separated by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). The bacterial communities in containers represented diverse DGGE-DNA banding patterns that were not related to the class of container or to the local spatial distribution of containers. Mean richness and evenness of OTUs were highest in water samples from tires. Bacterial phylotypes were identified by comparative sequence analysis of 90 16S rDNA DGGE band amplicons. The majority of sequences were placed in five major taxa: Alpha-, Beta- and Gammaproteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Cyanobacteria, Firmicutes, and an unclassified group; Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were the predominant heterotrophic bacteria in containers. The bacterial communities in human-made containers consisted mainly of undescribed species, and a phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA sequences suggested that species composition was independent of both container type and the spatial distribution of containers. Comparative PCR-based, cultivation-independent rRNA surveys of microbial communities associated with mosquito habitats can provide significant insight into community organization and dynamics of bacterial species.
Evaluating health and safety knowledge of preschoolers: assessing their early start to being health smart

Abstract Introduction: The purpose of this study was to establish the validity, reliability, and utilization of a revised and expanded Preschool Health and Safety Knowledge Assessment (PHASKA), an instrument evaluating health and safety knowledge of young children, on a diverse group of preschool children. Methods: This study included 308 children (133 boys and 175 girls) ranging in age from 28 to 80 months (M = 53.7 months). The PHASKA was administered to children at 6 preschools and 5 health fairs on an individual basis. Results: Scores on the PHASKA ranged from 1 to 49 (out of a possible 50 points), with a mean score of 37.25. Ninety-seven percent of the children older than age 3 years completed the assessment. No significant differences attributable to gender were found. However, significant age group differences were found [F (7, 300) = 31.09, P Discussion: Preschoolers' scores on the PHASKA showed significant improvement with age, supporting the assertion that preschoolers are ready and willing learners of health and safety knowledge. Children rapidly gain health and safety knowledge between 3½ and 5½ years of age and master much of this content by their sixth birthday. The PHASKA was shown to be appropriate for determining health and safety knowledge scores for preschool-aged children. J Pediatr Health Care. (2000). 14 , 160–165.
Revisiting the generation of cross-polarization in rectangular patch antennas: A near-field approach

In this work, the cross-polarized radiation from a rectangular patch antenna was studied as a consequence of the asymmetries (or disturbances) in the near field of the antenna. It was shown that the asymmetry of the probe location results in asymmetry in the near fields in the vicinity of the antenna, causing high cross-polarized radiation in the H plane of the antenna. These near-field disturbances show a varying trend with the variation of the frequency or dimensional parameters of the antenna, which ultimately affects the far-field cross-polarized radiation. Having developed the near-field model of the cross-polarized radiation, this approach is then applied to two important known configurations with low cross-polarized radiation, namely, differential feeding (for a single patch antenna) and rotational feeding (for an array antenna). The new approach presented here provides an insightful, visualization-based understanding of the cross-polarized radiation from a rectangular patch antenna.
Depiction of intracranial vessels with MRA: utility of magnetization transfer saturation and gadolinium.

Purpose: The purpose of this work was to quantitate the individual and combined effects of magnetization transfer (MT) saturation and gadolinium (Gd) on the visualization of intracranial vessels with MR angiography (MRA). Method: Thirty-five subjects underwent two three-dimensional time-of-flight MRA sequences without and with MT and/or Gd. There were 14 MR angiograms without Gd or MT, 18 with MT only, 17 with Gd only, and 21 with both Gd and MT. On a projection image, a region of interest was drawn to delineate the arteries in the middle cerebral artery territory. The total area of blood vessels in the region of interest was calculated for each MR angiogram. Mean vessel areas for the four types of MRA were compared with analysis of variance. Results: MRA with either MT or Gd alone showed significantly more vessel area than MRA without either (p < 0.05). MRA with MT alone and MRA with Gd alone were not different from each other (p = 0.29). The improvement in vessel area measured by using MT and Gd together was significantly more than expected from the cumulative improvement of adding each alone (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Combining MT and Gd synergistically improved the visualization of intracranial vessels on MRA.
Developing the BS-ISA: lessons learned and future directions - sponsored by NSF grant # DUE-0516192

In April 2004, Kennesaw State University was designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education by the DHS and the NSA. As a benefit of the program CAE institutions are eligible for a special NSF Grant program: the Federal Cyber Service: Scholarship for Service program which provides funds to CAE schools to a) support capacity building, and b) to provide scholarships for information security students. In Fall 2005, KSU received its first capacity building grant. Working collaboratively with Savannah State University, KSU's project was to fully develop and implement the BS in Information Security and Assurance at KSU and to assist in the development of an InfoSec concentration at Savannah State. This paper presents some of the preliminary lessons learned from the project, and expectations for future directions.
Theoretical and experimental design of site-specific applicators and heating protocols for interstitial ultrasound thermal therapy

Theoretical and experimental approaches were used to develop and evaluate site-specific designs of internally cooled direct coupled (ICDC) and catheter-cooled (CC) ultrasound applicators for thermal coagulation of disease in the prostate, liver, brain, and uterus. The diameter of an interstitial applicator can influence its clinical practicality and effectiveness as well as application site. One purpose of this study was to determine whether the use of larger ultrasound transducers and the inherent increase in applicator size could be justified by potentially producing larger lesion diameters. A second purpose was to explore how the response of tissue acoustic attenuation to heating effects lesion size and preferred applicator configuration. Four applicator configurations and sizes were studied using ex vivo tissue experiments in liver and beef and using acoustic and biothermal simulations. Transmission attenuation measurements showed a 6 to 8 fold increase in baseline tissue attenution inside interstitial ultrasound lesions. Formation of these high attenuation zones in lesions reduced potential lesion size. Larger applicators produced lesions with radial penetration depths superior to their smaller counterparts at power levels in the 20-40W /cm range. The higher cooling rates along the outer surface of the larger diameter applicators due to their greater surface area was a dominant factor in increasing lesion size. The higher cooling rates pushed the maximum temperature farther from the applicator surface and reduced the formation of high acoustic attenuation tissue zones. Acoustic and biothermal simulations matched the experimental data well and were applied to model these applicators within sites of clinical interest such as prostate, uterine fibroid, brain, and normal liver. Lesions of 3.9 to 4.7cm diameter were predicted for moderately perfused tissues such as prostate and fibroid and 2.8 to 3.2cm for highly perfused tissues such as normal liver. Feedback control to reduce maximum tissue temperatures helped to decrease formation of sound-blocking high attenuation zones. This work was supported by a gift from the Oxnard Foundation and Johnson & Johnson.
Literature in criminal justice education

Abstract Although generally accepted as an interdisciplinary field, criminal justice has focused on the social sciences. Criminal justice education, if it is to remain vital and growing, has to experiment with courses involving material beyond the social sciences. Using examples found in many law schools, criminal justice instructors can employ the art or humanity of literature in their classes. Fiction, especially short stories and one-act dramas, can be inserted into core courses or used as the basis for a special course on criminal justice and literature. The new approach offered by literature encourages students to reexamine various aspects of the criminal justice system.
Luciferase inhibition by a novel naphthoquinone

The novel naphthoquinone 12,13-dihydro-N-methyl-6,11,13-trioxo-5H-benzo[4,5]cyclohepta[1,2-b]naphthalen-5,12-imine (hereafter called TU100) was created as a potential chemotherapeutic agent. Previous work showed it is an irreversible inhibitor of type I and II topoisomerases that alkylates specific enzyme thiols. While analyzing the effect of TU100 on cancer cells, we discovered it is a potent inhibitor of luciferase derived from both Photinus pyralis (fireflies) and Renilla reniformis (sea pansy). Pre-incubation experiments showed that TU100 does not irreversibly inactivate luciferase, indicating its mechanism is different from that observed with topoisomerases. Firefly luciferase generates light using ATP and luciferin as substrates (bioluminescence). An examination of TU100 inhibition at varying substrate concentrations revealed the drug is uncompetitive with respect to ATP and competitive with respect to luciferin. The TU100 binding constant (K(I)) is 2.5±0.7 μM as determined by Dixon plot analysis. These data suggest TU100 specifically binds the luciferase-ATP complex and prevents its interaction with luciferin. Given the novel structure of TU100, unique mechanism of action, and ability to target luciferase from different species, these results identify TU100 as an important new reagent for investigating and regulating bioluminescent enzymes.