cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Laboratory Experiences in Alternative Energy Systems and Their Integration in a Green Curriculum

Alternative energy laboratory experiences in solar PV and wind energy have been developed to help support the “green” concentration recently offered for the first time in the mechanical engineering program at Western New England College. These laboratories, which give students hands-on experience and a better understanding of basic concepts in alternative energy systems, are conducted in a newly developed indoor/outdoor alternative energy laboratory facility. The alternative energy indoor/outdoor laboratory facility includes a fully operation geothermal system, which is used to heat and cool the engineering labs. It also includes six 195 Watt photovoltaic panels, a 30,000 Btu/clear day flat-plate solar collector, a Thermomax evacuated tubes solar collector, as well as a full scale 1 kW wind turbine, which allows for useful power and hot water to be provided to the engineering building. This facility is also fully instrumented for the collection of key performance data and allows for large scale demonstration of alternative energy systems to students. This paper describes the development, operation and capability of the indoor/outdoor alternative energy facilities, as well as a detailed description of solar and wind experiments, and how these are used in support of the “green” concentration within the mechanical engineering curriculum to give engineering graduates greater competency in the design, analysis and application of solar and wind energy systems.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Developer-Driven Threat Modeling: Lessons Learned in the Trenches

This article describes EMC/s real-world experiences with threat modeling, including major challenges encountered, lessons learned, and a description of the company's current developer-driven approach.Threat modeling is a conceptual exercise in which we analyze a system's architecture or design to find security flaws and reduce architectural risk.
A framework for international health care consultations

N urses from the United States are increasingly being asked to assist their colleagues in other countries with the multifaceted tasks of curriculum development, strategic planning, health care interventions, and the often complicated processes of acquiring funds from local and international "agencies." This is clearly an exciting opportunity but requires considerably more talent and foresight than simply visiting another country and giving advice. The role of today's nurse consultant involves sharing information, exchanging ideas, learning from the host country, and being creative, innovative, and flexible in a complex, changing global environment.
Intracellular passage within macrophages affects the trafficking of virulent tubercle bacilli upon reinfection of other macrophages in a serum-dependent manner.

Abstract Setting : The interaction of tubercle bacilli with macrophages is central to understanding of tuberculosis disease. Objective : The objective was to determine whether prior passage within macrophages affects the behavior of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) upon re-entry into other macrophages. Design : Transmission electron microscopy was used to monitor fusion of bacterial phagosomes with late endosomal/lysosomal compartments using thoria as a fluid phase marker. Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used to study bacterial protein expression within macrophages. Results : H37Rv and BCG expressed novel proteins within macrophages. H37Rv also underwent less fusion after intracellular (IC) (24.2±7.7%) than extracellular (XC) (67.4±5.5%) passage when the bacteria entered new macrophages in small clusters. These effects were inhibited by serum, and were not observed with H37Ra or BCG bacteria (78.9±1.6% fused for all conditions). In addition, vacuoles which contained single bacilli were less likely to acquire markers (26.9±2.6%) than those that contained multiple bacilli (77.3±2.8%). Conclusion : These results indicate that phagolysosomal fusion patterns can be modulated by a variety of factors and that virulent Mtb bacteria may express proteins within macrophages that alter their interaction with these host cells.
Formation rules and minority governments

. This research note focuses on the importance of rules for coalition formation in parliamentary democracies. Traditionally, coalition theorists have assumed that only majority coalitions can be winning. The more recent literature has shown that coalitions can be winning even if they do not control more than half of all legislators. However, the literature has continued to overlook the fact that there exist two different types of government formation rules. In this note, the two types—positive and negative rules—are presented and it is shown that minority governments are more frequent in the countries with negative rules.
Data types and program correctness

One of the most important current software issues is reliability, and accordingly, a major criterion of programming language design must be that the language contribute to the production of reliable programs. Although there are other important aspects of software reliability (e.g., fault tolerance), the most fundamental is program correctness: does the program do what it is supposed to do? A language can contribute to this goal by enhancing the provability of its programs. This paper discusses the impact of user-defined data types on program provability.
Effects of roasting and malting on physicochemical properties of select cereals and legumes

ABSTRACT Pearl millet, teff, cowpea, and peanut used in the formulation of experimental weaning foods were evaluated for changes in physicochemical properties resulting from roasting and malting. The particle size index (PSI) value for cowpea was significantly higher, indicating a finer flour than that obtained from pearl millet. Pearl millet and teff flours did not have significantly different PSI values, water absorption index values, or gruel viscosities. Viscosities for control and roasted cowpea gruels (15%, w/v) were significantly higher than those obtained from peanut gruels. Malting had the greatest impact on physicochemical properties for all grains, whereas roasting produced no significant differences from control flours. Malting yielded apparent increases in grain protein content, and malted seeds yielded finer flours with reduced water absorption and pasting qualities.
Choosing the best storage technique for a main memory database system

Alternative partitioning strategies for database storage are examined in the context of a main memory database environment. Possible partitioning techniques are introduced, and the overall approach used to perform analysis is described. Each partitioning technique is examined and ranked on the basis of its performance for eight different properties that affect processing performance. Recommendations for selecting the best approach are provided. >
Direct pituitary effects of estradiol and progesterone on luteinizing hormone release, stores, and subunit messenger ribonucleic acids.

To determine the direct, chronic actions of progesterone (P4) and estrogen (estradiol, E2) on anterior pituitary synthesis and release of LH, 24 western range ewes underwent hypothalamic-pituitary disconnection (HPD) and ovariectomy (OVX) during the breeding season and were pulsed with exogenous GnRH with or without steroid replacement. Sequential blood samples were collected before infusion of GnRH and on Days 7 and 14 of GnRH infusion. Silastic capsules of P4 and/or E2 were implanted s.c. on Day 7 and remained in place throughout the experiment. Control ewes received only GnRH infusion. Blood sampling was centered around three exogenous GnRH pulses. After the final blood sampling, pituitaries were collected and stored at -70 degrees C. Concentrations of LH in serum and pituitaries were determined by RIA. Relative concentrations of LH subunit mRNAs were determined by Fast Blot analysis. Simultaneous implantation of P4 and E2 lowered LH pulse amplitude 70% and mean serum levels 30% compared with controls. Neither steroid alone affected LH release. E2 alone or in combination with P4 lowered LH-beta subunit mRNA concentrations 40% compared with controls while alpha-subunit levels were unchanged. Only E2 alone altered the pituitary content of LH, causing a 60% decrease. We conclude that the combination of P4 and E2 is necessary for inhibition of GnRH-stimulated LH secretion. E2 inhibits GnRH-stimulated LH-beta subunit mRNA concentrations but does not affect alpha-subunit mRNA concentrations. The control of pituitary LH content by P4 and E2 is the result of changes in both LH-beta subunit mRNA concentrations and LH secretion.
The Ombudsman: Do CEOs' Aspirations for Wealth Harm Stockholders?

Increasingly, high-level executives are rewarded not for effective behaviors but for certain outcomes such as stock prices. The primary problem with this prevalent approach, which often gives large sums to CEOs, is that it strengthens any behavior that appear to lead to the outcomes, including fraudulent ones. In addition, board members often have similarly compensated positions in their own companies; therefore, top executives and board members are likely to support each other in pursuit of high pay. However, research has shown that when people aspire to and attain greater wealth, they tend to display poorer psychological well-being and decreased performance. Such compensation tends to undermine intrinsic motivation, which can result in negative consequences for companies and their stockholders.
Data integration by describing sources with constraint databases

We develop a data integration approach for the efficient evaluation of queries over autonomous source databases. The approach is based on some novel applications and extensions of constraint database techniques. We assume the existence of a global database schema. The contents of each data source are described using a set of constraint tuples over the global schema; each such tuple indicates possible contributions from the source. The "source description catalog" (SDC) of a global relation consists of its associated constraint tuples. Such a method of description is advantageous since it is flexible to add new sources and to modify existing ones. In our framework, to evaluate a conjunctive query over the global schema, a plan generator first identifies relevant data sources by "evaluating" the query against the SDCs using techniques of constraint query evaluation; it then formulates an evaluation plan, consisting of some specialized queries over different paths. The evaluation of a query associated with a path is done by a sequence of partial evaluations at data sources along the path, similar to sideways information passing of Datalog; the partially evaluated queries travel along their associated paths. Our SDC based query planning is efficient since it avoids the NP-complete query rewriting process. We can achieve further optimization using techniques such as emptiness test.
High Voltage MOSFET Gate/Bulk Driver Controller for a Microbattery Switch Matrix in a 0.35 µm Microwave SOI Technology

Integrated microbatteries are being currently developed to act as a "micropower" source in microsatellites. The current and voltage rating of the microbattery is fixed. Certain highly miniaturized systems require higher voltages and currents. A switching matrix is designed to achieve the same. The switching matrix is designed using High Voltage Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) structures and bulk isolated H gate transistors. This paper presents a design approach to help attain any random grouping pattern between the microbatteries. In this case, the result is an ability to charge microbatteries in parallel and to discharge microbatteries in parallel or pairs of microbatteries in series. This is achieved by providing the appropriate gate/bulk voltages to the matrix. High Voltage MOS structures are developed which can take higher drain-to-source voltages in a 3.3 V process. The designs are built using Microwave Silicon-on-Insulator process.
Behavioral and metabolic features of repetitive seizures in immature and mature rats

Seizure incidence varies significantly with age, with seizure susceptibility particularly high during the first few years of life. Of significant concern is what effects do brief, repetitive seizures have on the developing brain. We approached this issue by examining the change in seizure threshold, and related markers of neuronal activity and metabolic activity (c-fos mRNA and 2-deoxyglucose [2DG]), as a function of repetitive seizure episodes in immature and mature rats. Starting on postnatal day 15 (P15) (immature) or P60 (adult) rats were given two flurothyl seizures a day for 5 days (nine or ten seizures). The seizure latency profile, our measure of threshold, in immature versus adult rats across the 5-day testing period was different. In immature rats, threshold for the second seizure on each day was significantly lower than for the first seizure, suggesting that there was little refractoriness after the first seizure of the day. In contrast, the mature animal had a significantly longer threshold latency to the second seizure for the first 3 days of testing. The immature animal was also more likely than the adult to exhibit tonic extension as a feature of the first seizure of the day. Following repetitive seizures, more regions of the CNS showed c-fos mRNA expression in the immature animal than adults, suggesting that repetitive seizures in the immature animal activated a greater percentage of the brain. Compared with the effects of a single seizure, repetitive seizures resulted in less 2DG labeling in most regions of the brain (except the hippocampus); in the immature brain this difference was more distinct than in adults. The consequences of repetitive seizures in the immature animal results in distinctly different seizure behavior and neuronal activity pattern (c-fos expression) than that observed in the mature animal.
Failure of Immune Sera to Enhance Significantly Phagocytosis of Staphylococus aureus: Nonspecific Adsorption of Phagocytosis-Promoting Factors

Serum from rabbits immunized with either heat-killed or live nonencapsulated Staphylococcus aureus failed further to enhance phagocytosis and intracellular killing of the homologous organism by either normal rabbit polymorphonuclear leukocytes or monocytes, when compared with normal rabbit serum. These immune sera did, however, show an increase in agglutinating and precipitating antibody level. Adsorption of normal human serum with some gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, yeast, and some inert particles significantly reduced the phagocytosis-promoting factors of the serum. It would seem, then, that nonencapsulated S. aureus differs from other pathogenic bacteria in that the humoral antibacterial factors promoting its phagocytosis and intracellular killing are not significantly enhanced by infection or immunization.
Oral metal contact allergy : a pilot study on the cause of oral squamous cell carcinoma

Background Intraoral metal contact allergy may result in mucositis that mimics lichen planus and the pathogenesis of squamous cell carcinoma. Methods Clinical records of all patients examined in the departments of dermatology and otorhinolaryngology at a tertiary-care academic medical center between June 1994 and June 2000 who had a diagnosis of intraoral squamous cell carcinoma adjacent to a metal dental restoration and who were patch tested with our metal series were reviewed retrospectively. Eleven patients met the inclusion criteria. Results Ten patients (91%) had positive patch tests to metals. In eight (73%), the oral cancer was adjacent to a dental restoration containing a metal to which the patient was allergic. Prevalence of gold, mercury, silver, and copper allergy among these patients was substantially higher than that reported in the available worldwide patch-test clinic population. Conclusion Contact allergy to metal dental restorations may be a risk factor for development of intraoral squamous cell carcinoma.
Extracorporeal Circulation in Hypothermia as Used for Total-Body Washout in Stage IV Hepatic Coma

Abstract The rapid infusion of a refrigerated, buffered albumin electrolyte solution combined with simultaneous exsanguination (total-body washout) is designed to remove the circulating neurotoxic substances that are associated with hepatic coma. This technique thereby permits time for liver regeneration by delaying the patient's death due to progressive encephalopathy. This safe, simple procedure also promptly controls bleeding problems, helps to stabilize blood pressure, and promotes diuresis. No serious complications have been observed, and the procedure now seems indicated when conventional forms of therapy fail to control progressive hepatic coma.
Moving Purchase and Sitting Purchase: Housing Reform and Transition to Homeownership in Beijing

Three decades of China's housing reform have brought about an increasing proportion of owner-occupiers as well as complex housing tenure forms. This study uses the 2001 Beijing Housing Survey data to examine the risk of transition to homeownership for married couples during 1980–2001. Pooled cross-sectional regression and discrete-time logistic models are used to estimate the hazards of ‘sitting purchase’ and ‘moving purchase’. Both models illustrate different time patterns of sitting purchase and moving purchase. Sitting purchase is particularly conducive to long-term occupants with seniority in work units, which alters the relationship between housing tenure and life cycles. People with better education are more likely to become homeowners via sitting purchase, but the spouses' effects differ sharply concerning political capital: only the husband's party membership has a significant positive effect. In addition to party membership, job rank and work unit also play an important role in facilitating the f...
Financial Cycles and Building Booms: A Supply Side Account

In this paper, I undertake a reexamination of recent cycles of boom and bust in the US commercial property markets. I apply aspects of the post-Keynesian investment theory developed by Hyman Minsky...
A Nonverbal Indicator of Attitudes: I. Data From Thailand

207 Thai college students made nonverbal responses to show their attitudes toward 5 abstract concepts and 5 social roles. Compared with American students (tested in the same way) Thai students demonstrated more cross-cultural similarity for abstract concepts than for social roles.
Tracking Alu evolution in New World primates

Alu elements are Short INterspersed Elements (SINEs) in primate genomes that have proven useful as markers for studying genome evolution, population biology and phylogenetics. Most of these applications, however, have been limited to humans and their nearest relatives, chimpanzees. In an effort to expand our understanding of Alu sequence evolution and to increase the applicability of these markers to non-human primate biology, we have analyzed available Alu sequences for loci specific to platyrrhine (New World) primates. Branching patterns along an Alu sequence phylogeny indicate three major classes of platyrrhine-specific Alu sequences. Sequence comparisons further reveal at least three New World monkey-specific subfamilies; Alu Ta7, Alu Ta10, and Alu Ta15. Two of these subfamilies appear to be derived from a gene conversion event that has produced a recently active fusion of Alu Sc- and Alu Sp-type elements. This is a novel mode of origin for new Alu subfamilies. The use of Alu elements as genetic markers in studies of genome evolution, phylogenetics, and population biology has been very productive when applied to humans. The characterization of these three new Alu subfamilies not only increases our understanding of Alu sequence evolution in primates, but also opens the door to the application of these genetic markers outside the hominid lineage.
Stroke treatment and prevention: Five new things

It has been almost 15 years since the publication of the landmark National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke tissue plasminogen activator (NINDS-tPA) trial. The findings of the NINDS-tPA trial soon led to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for IV alteplase (tPA) in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) that transformed the way neurologists approach this devastating disease. Unfortunately, 15 years removed from the NINDS-tPA trial, IV tPA remains the only FDA-approved drug for the treatment of AIS. Although no major clinical breakthrough has occurred in the AIS treatment front, newer trials have increased the spectrum of patients who can be treated, but failed to find better lytic drugs or ways to identify treatable patients using advanced imaging. Major advancements have transpired in the arena of stroke prevention, especially in endovascular therapy and management of atrial fibrillation (AF). This article aims to summarize 5 new topics in stroke treatment, prevention, and poststroke care that have or will soon affect clinical treatment of stroke patients, and to offer critiques and commentary on how the results of the trials presented can be applied to the care of individual stroke patients.
Lysis of a Left Ventricular Thrombus With Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator

A 23-year-old woman with peripartum cardiomyopathy presented with a 2.1 × 2.5-cm pedunculated, mobile, left ventricular thrombus and evidence of systemic embolization. Due to the patient's poor left ventricular function, thrombectomy was not a viable option. Treatment with high-dose IV heparin was initially utilized but was unsuccessful as the thrombus appeared to enlarge on echocardiography. An accelerated weight-adjusted dose of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) successfully lysed the thrombus without evidence of embolization. Although rt-PA has been used for primary lysis of high-risk ventricular thrombi, this is the first documentation of successful lysis of a left ventricular thrombus in a patient with peripartum cardiomyopathy.
Ecosystem-level evapotranspiration and water-use efficiency in the desert biome of Biosphere 2

We estimate whole-system water and carbon fluxes for the desert biome of Biosphere 2 under two different daily-mean CO2 concentrations: 450 ppmv and 850 ppmv. The desert mesocosm occupies an area of approximately 1500 m 2 , has a total atmospheric volume of about 25000 m 3 and contains a heterogeneous distribution of plants and soils. Atmospheric water content and CO2 concentrations were measured continuously using a variety of sensors, including a Li-cor 6262 for CO2 deployed within the experimental area. Daily carbon and water budgets were calculated in the desert biome, isolated from the rest of Biosphere 2 by deploying isolation curtains for 24-h periods. Data collected for six closure periods suggest that elevated CO2 concentration increased whole-system carbon uptake, while evapotranspiration remained constant. As a result, whole-system water-use efficiency (WUE, defined as net ecosystem carbon uptake per unit water transpired) in the Biosphere 2 desert increased by more than 40%. Our measurements investigate soil-plant processes at a medium scale, ideally bridging the gap between traditional controlled-environment growth chambers and open-field studies. © 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
A Snapshot of Serial Rape: An Investigation of Criminal Sophistication and Use of Force on Victim Injury and Severity of the Assault

Prior research on rapes reported to law enforcement has identified criminal sophistication and the use of force against the victim as possible unique identifiers to serial rape versus one-time rape. This study sought to contribute to the current literature on reported serial rape by investigating how the level of criminal sophistication of the rapist and use of force used were associated with two important outcomes of rape: victim injury and overall severity of the assault. In addition, it was evaluated whether rapist and victim ethnicity affected these relationships. A nation-wide sample of serial rape cases reported to law enforcement collected by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was analyzed (108 rapists, 543 victims). Results indicated that serial rapists typically used a limited amount of force against the victim and displayed a high degree of criminal sophistication. In addition, the more criminally sophisticated the perpetrator was, the more sexual acts he performed on his victim. Finally, rapes between a White rapist and White victim were found to exhibit higher levels of criminal sophistication and were more severe in terms of number and types of sexual acts committed. These findings provide a more in-depth understanding of serial rape that can inform both academics and practitioners in the field about contributors to victim injury and severity of the assault.
The Economic and Social Effects of Financial Liberalization: A Primer for Developing Countries

This paper considers the main elements of the standard pattern of financial liberalization that has become widely prevalent in developing countries. The theoretical arguments in favour of such liberalization are considered and critiqued, and the political economy of such measures is discussed. The problems for developing countries, with respect to financial fragility and the greater propensity to crisis, as well as the negative deflationary and developmental effects, are discussed. It is concluded that there is a strong case for developing countries to ensure that their own financial systems are adequately regulated with respect to their own specific requirements.
Children's normative beliefs about aggression and aggressive behavior

Normative beliefs have been defined as self-regulating beliefs about the appropriateness of social behaviors. In 2 studies the authors revised their scale for assessing normative beliefs about aggression, found that it is reliable and valid for use with elementary school children, and investigated the longitudinal relation between normative beliefs about aggression and aggressive behavior in a large sample of elementary school children living in poor urban neighborhoods. Using data obtained in 2 waves of observations 1 year apart, the authors found that children tended to approve more of aggression as they grew older and that this increase appeared to be correlated with increases in aggressive behavior. More important, although individual differences in aggressive behavior predicted subsequent differences in normative beliefs in younger children, individual differences in aggressive behavior were predicted by preceding differences in normative beliefs in older children.
Psychological distress in HIV-1 disease in relationship to hypocholesterolemia.

Objective:Altered levels of serum cholesterol, which are prevalent in early HIV-1 infection, have been associated with disturbances in mood state and behavior. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship of serum cholesterol status and psychological distress in HIV-1 seropositive and seronegative men.Method:The association between serum cholesterol level and psychological distress, measured with the Profile of Mood States (POMS), was examined in 169 individuals (117 HIV-1 seropositive and 52 seronegative homosexual men), controlling for negative life events, social support, coping style, and HIV-1 serostatus.Results:Individuals with hypocholesterolemia (serum cholesterol levels 150 mg/dL (p = 0.01). HIV-1 seropositive men had significantly lower cholesterol levels (p = 0.0001) and higher levels of distress than the seronegative men (p = 0.03). A significant interaction bet...
Sublytic Membrane-Attack-Complex Activation and VEGF Secretion in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

Uncontrolled activation of the alternative complement pathway and secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are thought to be associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Previously, we have shown that in RPE monolayers, oxidative stress induced by H2O2 exposure reduced complement inhibition on the cell surface. The resulting increased level of sublytic complement activation resulted in VEGF release, which disrupted the barrier facility of these cells as determined by transepithelial resistance (TER) measurements. Here, we have asked whether other environmental factors known to be associated with AMD, such as A2E, iron, and smoking, similarly sensitize the RPE to complement attack. Exposure of RPE monolayers with stable TER to A2E, ferric ammonium citrate (FAC), and smoke-extract at pathological concentrations resulted in significant increase in oxidative stress as determined by reactive oxygen species and superoxide measurements. However, an additional challenge with normal human serum only resulted in a decrease in TER in H2O2-exposed cells as reported previously, whereas A2E-, FAC-, and smoke-extract-treated cells were unaffected. Effects on TER were directly correlated with the release of VEGF. Taken together, identifying which AMD-associated stimuli result in sublytic MAC induction of VEGF secretion might offer novel opportunities to selectively inhibit pathological VEGF release.
KCI Technologies, Inc. - Engineering The Future, One Employee At A Time

The company now known as KCI was founded in Baltimore County, Maryland, in 1955 in the basement of one of its cofounders. In 1977, the company was purchased by industrial products conglomerate Walter Kidde & Company and was subsequently merged with three other architectural and engineering firms into an engineering subsidiary that came to be known as Kidde Consultants Inc., or KCI. In 1987, Kidde was purchased by Hanson Trust PLC, a British manufacturing company with diversified holdings worldwide.
Net Neutrality vs. Net Reality: Why an Evidence-Based Approach to Enforcement, and Not More Regulation, Could Protect Innovation on the Web

People have discussed the purpose, structure, and governance of the Internet since its earliest days. More recently, this discussion has sharpened into a debate about whether and how to enforce network neutrality — i.e., access to the Internet on equal terms for all content providers and consumers. Some content providers want the government to adopt regulations to guarantee them fair access to the Internet. Some network owners, like Verizon or Comcast, disagree and think such regulations are unnecessary and could stifle innovation on the Internet. This debate is taking place at a time of radical change in how we access and use the Internet. The convergence of telecommunications technologies means that today we listen to the radio, watch television, and talk with friends and family on the Internet. This new reality stands in stark contrast to the archaic regulatory framework under the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, which treats each form of communication separately.
Expanded Beam Fiber Optic Connectors Increase Optical Link Margin

Present fiber optic connections need to align two or more optical fibers to accuracies of microns (multimode fiber) and tenths of a micron (single more fiber). For connections in rugged applications, consisting of wide temperature ranges, substantial vibration, or in the presence of contaminants, the alignment of normal physical contact connections becomes even more difficult. New expanded beam connectors make fiber optic connections more durable, and help stabilize the transmission of high speed optical signals between systems, boxes, boards, and devices in these harsh environments.
Not Just Academics: Paths of Longitudinal Effects From Parent Involvement to Substance Abuse in Emerging Adulthood

Abstract Purpose By the 12th grade, half of American adolescents have abused an illicit drug at least once (Johnston et al., 2015). Although many substance misuse prevention programs exist, we propose an alternative mechanism for reducing substance use. There is evidence that parent involvement is related to reductions in children's behavior problems which then predict later substance abuse. We examine the Child-Parent Center (CPC) program, an early childhood intervention, as a strategy to impact substance abuse. Methods We conducted a path analysis from CPC to parent involvement through early adolescent problem behaviors and competencies to young adult substance abuse. Participants (N = 1,203; 51.5% female; 93.8% African-American) were assessed from age 3 to 26 years. Results CPC participation initiates a pathway to increased parent involvement and expectations, which positively impact adolescents' competencies and problem behaviors, lowering rates of substance abuse. Conclusions Through early childhood education, increasing early parental involvement and expectations can alter life-course outcomes by providing children with a foundation for positive behaviors and encouraging adaptive functioning in adolescence.
Comment on “Global assessment of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus diversity reveals very low endemism”

Davison et al. (Reports, 28 August 2015, p. 970) claim that virtual taxa of Glomeromycota show little endemism and that endemism that exists is similar to the levels seen in plant families. We show that this is likely due to the conservative species definition rather than to any ecological pattern.
Experience with staffing alternatives in a pediatric teaching institution

Staffing alternatives and recruitment and retention strategies used by the pharmacy department of a pediatric teaching hospital are described. In addition to overtime compensation, the following alternative strategies have been implemented: (1) use of contingent or "on-call" personnel, (2) coverage by management staff, (3) use of temporary agencies, (4) review of ongoing activities, and (5) use of supportive personnel. All these strategies have been effective in compensating for shortages by supplying qualified individuals on an as-needed basis, eliminating nonessential departmental activities, or delegating nonprofessional duties to technicians and other supportive personnel. Effective recruitment and retention strategies include scholarship and training programs, communication with pharmacy staff about management efforts to improve salary and practice opportunities, and insight into the nature of the local competition from chain and mail-order pharmacies. Use of alternate approaches to staffing has helped the pharmacy department at this institution maintain adequate staffing during periods of pharmacist shortages.
Disorders in the initial steps of steroid hormone synthesis

Steroidogenesis begins with cellular internalization of low-density lipoprotein particles and subsequent intracellular processing of cholesterol. Disorders in these steps include Adrenoleukodystrophy, Wolman Disease and its milder variant Cholesterol Ester Storage Disease, and Niemann-Pick Type C Disease, all of which may present with adrenal insufficiency. The means by which cholesterol is directed to steroidogenic mitochondria remains incompletely understood. Once cholesterol reaches the outer mitochondrial membrane, its delivery to the inner mitochondrial membrane is regulated by the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR). Severe StAR mutations cause classic congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia, characterized by lipid accumulation in the adrenal, adrenal insufficiency, and disordered sexual development in 46,XY individuals. The lipoid CAH phenotype, including spontaneous puberty in 46,XX females, is explained by a two-hit model. StAR mutations that retain partial function cause a milder, non-classic disease characterized by glucocorticoid deficiency, with lesser disorders of mineralocorticoid and sex steroid synthesis. Once inside the mitochondria, cholesterol is converted to pregnenolone by the cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme, P450scc, encoded by the CYP11A1 gene. Rare patients with mutations of P450scc are clinically and hormonally indistinguishable from those with lipoid CAH, and may also present as milder non-classic disease. Patients with P450scc defects do not have the massive adrenal hyperplasia that characterizes lipoid CAH, but adrenal imaging may occasionally fail to distinguish these, necessitating DNA sequencing.
Numerical Phenetic and Cladistic Analyses of the Treehopper Tribe Aconophorini (Homoptera: Membracidae: Membracinae)

Phenetic and cladistic relationships among 48 species of the membracine tribe Aconophorini and two outgroups (Darninae and Centrotinae) are explored based on 43 morphological characters. The following analyses are used : UPGMA clustering, principal components analysis, multidimensional scaling, minimum spanning tree, and phylogenetic analysis using parsimony. The evolution of the Aconophorini seems to have involved considerable homoplasy among most characters studies. Nonetheless, the genera Aconophora Fairmaire and Calloconophora Dietrich are stable groups supported by synapomorphies. The genus Guayaquila Goding is apparently paraphyletic, but its recognition is supported by phenetic criteria
Longevity and fecundity of adult Amyelois transitella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) infected by two small RNA viruses

Healthy adults of Amyelois transitella (Walker) lived about 1.5 times longer and laid about 5- to 10-fold more eggs than did stunted, diseased moths. Healthy females paired with healthy males laid significantly more ( P 0.05) from that of stunted females paired with stunted males. Additionally, there was no significant difference ( P > 0.05) in the percent hatch of eggs laid by healthy and diseased females. There was no evidence of transovum transmission of viruses by diseased moths.
Numerical simulation on temperature and stress fields of pressurized cylindrical shell exposed to laser irradiation

The change of the material parameters with temp er ature was considered,then the transient thermodynamic coupling of the pressurize d cylindrical shell exposed to laser irradiation with uniform and Gauss light in tensity under different pre-stress loads was calculated respectively by using finite element method.The temperature and stress fields were obtained,and therm odynamic coupling law was analyzed.The dangerous locations of failure were give n.Calculation results show that stress peak value appears in the interface of h igh temperature area and normal temperature area;the failure first occurs near facular center for Gauss light intensity and in the marginal zone for uniform li ght intensity.
Numerical simulation on steady flow field of variable thrust motor nozzle with pintle

The flow field of the variable thrust motor nozzle with pintle was numerically simulated,and the throat pintle contour was optimized.Under different actuating velocity and free volume of the throat pintle,all the parameters in the flow field were analyzed.The non-coaxial pintle motor was investigated by means of the test.The calculation results show that system performance of slender wedge throat pintle was optimal.Motor pressure depends mainly on actuating velocity and free volume of the throat pintle.The simulation results are close to experimental results,which can provide a reference for development of the variable thrust motor nozzle with pintle.
Impact of implementing an electronic health record on surgical resident work flow, duty hours, and operative experience.

Our objective was to assess the effect of implementing an electronic health record (EHR) on surgical resident work flow, duty hours, and operative experience at a large teaching hospital. In May 20...
The Management of Testicular Tumors in Children

AbstractOf 43 testicular tumors in children seen at the Children’s Hospital Medical Center and Sidney Farber Cancer Institute 33 were malignant. These tumors occurred primarily in young children. Any solid scrotal mass in an infant must be considered malignant until proved otherwise. Primary emphasis is placed on the 20 cases of embryonal cell carcinoma. Of9 patients who underwent only orchiectomy 5 have died, whereas all 11 patients who received combination therapy have survived. We recommend radical inguinal orchiectomy, extended unilateral retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy in repeated courses for 2 years. Radiotherapy is withheld if the lymphadenectomy is negative.
Host Protection by the Antibody-Forming System in Malignancy

We have previously reported, that not only impairment of cell-mediated immunity, but also impairment of bursa dependent, anti-body-producing capacity decreases host defense to tumors induced by the avian reticuloendotheliosis (RE) virus, strain T, indicating that both parts of the immune system have a host-protective function in this malignancy(1, 2). In order to study whether the antibody-forming system may have a host-protective function in oncogenesis in general, unrelated tumors were studied with regard to tumor development in bursectomized and control animals. The tumors chosen for this purpose were tumors induced by XC cells, a Rous sarcoma-derived tumor line, and a chemical carcinogen-induced transplantable fibrosarcoma. The three malignancies chosen for study are of widely different genesis, and convergent results could therefore illustrate a common principle in host defense in oncogenesis.
Changes in Thylakoid Surface Area when Shade Acclimated Helianthus Annuus L. Chloroplasts are Exposed to High P.F.D.

Mature mesophyll cells in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) are capable of dynamic alterations in cell and tissue structure in response to changes in light environment (1,2) and as a normal part of diel behavior (3). Many of these rapid alteration in cell structure are related to changes in irradiance levels and are presumably adaptive (1.2).
Hierarchal Cabal Leadership in the Workplace

Case Studies and Phenomenological studies repeatedly showed that the physical effects of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) are still present in the workplace today. However, what was missing from these studies was how the effects of CTS plague an employee with CTS psychologically, psychosomatically, physically, and sociologically after they have been exposed to repeated hierarchal cabal leadership tactics from their employer in the workplace.
Research and Training to Mitigate the Effects of Implicit Stereotypes and Masculinity Threat on Authority Figures’ Interactions with Adolescents and Non-Whites

In this chapter, Kahn, Goff, and Glaser discuss how masculinity threat (perceived threat to manhood) and implicit racial bias (unconscious racial prejudice) may affect authority figures’ interactions with adolescents, which may lead to disproportionate discipline outcomes for non-White adolescents. The chapter details the theory and development of an intervention program for authority figures (e.g., school police officers, teachers, and school administrators) who interact with adolescents, focused on reducing the impact of implicit racial stereotypes and insecure masculinity on their actions toward adolescents. The authors detail the content of the intervention, which teaches authority figures how to recognize and respond to implicit bias and insecure masculinity in themselves and others. They discuss the pilot intervention implementation and detail recommendations for schools.
Modeling traffic flow using simulation and big data analytics

Improving the efficiency, safety, and cost of road systems is an essential social problem that must be solved as the number of drivers, and the size of mass transit systems increase. Methodologies used for the construction of traffic simulations need to be examined in the context of real world big traffic data. This data can be used to create models for vehicle arrivals, turning behavior, and traffic flow. Our work focuses mainly on generating models for these concepts and using them to drive microscopic traffic simulations built upon real world data. Strengths and weaknesses of various simulation optimization techniques are also considered as a methodology issue, since the nature of traffic systems weakens the effectiveness of some optimization techniques.
FDG PET/CT aids the management of IBD patients suspected of disease flare-up

705 Objectives: To determine if FDG PET/CT findings can help guide management decisions in patients with suspected active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods: Eleven patients with inflammatory bowel disease- 6 Crohn’s disease (CD), 5 ulcerative colitis (UC)- were studied with F-18 FDG PET/CT between April 2005 and September 2007 during the management of suspected disease flare-ups. The scans were scored by an experienced PET physician who was blinded to the clinical information. An abnormal scan was defined as having at least one bowel segment with activity greater than that of the liver. Five bowel regions were assessed: small bowel, ascending, transverse, descending, and rectosigmoid colon. The PET results were compared to clinical disease activity/endoscopy/pathology results and treatment regimen at the time of the study to determine if there was a correlation between scan appearance and clinical course. Results: Six patients (3 CD, 3 UC) had active inflammation requiring an altered treatment regimen. All of these patients had a positive PET scan. Colonoscopy with biopsy was performed in all 6 patients with active inflammation, and there was excellent agreement between these and the PET scan findings. Five patients had stable disease that did not require a treatment change. Of these patients, 4 had a normal scan, and there was one false positive scan. Conclusions: These preliminary data suggest that FDG PET/CT may be helpful in the management of IBD patients suspected of disease flare-up. A positive PET scan is likely to correspond with an abnormal endoscopy, and these patients are expected to require a change in treatment regimen. Research Support: Procter and Gamble Pharmaceuticals
Minimum Planar Multi-sink Cuts with Connectivity Priors

Given is a connected positively weighted undirected planar graph G embedded in the plane, a source vertex s, and a set of sink vertices T. An (s,T)-cut in G corresponds to a cycle or a collection of edge-disjoint cycles in the planar dual graph G * that define a planar region containing s but not T. A cut with a connectivity prior does not separate the vertices in T from each other: we focus on the most natural prior where the cut corresponds to a (simple, i.e., no repeated vertices) cycle in G *. We present an algorithm that finds a minimum simple (s,T)-cut in O(n 4) time for n vertices. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first polynomial-time algorithm for minimum cuts with connectivity priors. Such cuts have applications in computer vision and medical imaging.
Multi-sideband Coherent Raman Generation with Spatial and Temporal Field Shaping

We utilize laser-driven molecular oscillations to modulate light and produce a broadband spectrum of mutually coherent Ramansidebands, aiming toward synthesis of ultrafast optical waveforms with prescribed temporal and spatial shapes.
Intersections between Engineering Ethics and Diversity Issues in Engineering Education

AbstractThis research explores the ethics education of engineering and computing students, reported by faculty, in light of diversity issues. A national online survey with approximately 1,400 respo...
Effects of lysozyme and chitinase on the spherules of Coccidioides immitis in vitro.

Abstract Spherules of Coccidioides immitis strain Silveira produced in vitro were treated with chitinase and lysozyme. The walls of merthiolate-killed mature endosporulating spherules were degraded by chitinase (500 μg/ml) and by lysozyme (100 and 500 μg/ml). Thus, as was visible through the light microscope, the spherule wall was reduced in thickness from 1 to 2 μm to less than 0.5 μm. The degradation was evident also by release of N-acetylglucosamine, three times as much N-acetylglucosamine being released by chitinase in 12 h as was released by lysozyme in 3 days. However, the effect of lysozyme on living mature spherules was in marked contrast to the effect of chitinase in that treatment with lysozyme led to marked reduction in viability. Exposure to lysozyme (500 μg/ml) for 48 h permitted survival of only 0 to 0.2% of spherules. Thinning of the walls was observed only in the larger spherules (25-35 μm) treated with lysozyme. By contrast, chitinase (500 μg/ml) led to complete dissolution of the walls of living mature spherules but the viability of the liberated endospores was unaffected during contact with chitinase for 48 h. Living non-endosporulating immature spherules and free endospores were also rendered nonviable by lysozyme but not by chitinase.