cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Properties of Zr-Based Bulk Metallic Glass Parts Fabricated by Laser-Foil-Printing Additive Manufacturing

Abstract The application of bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) has been traditionally limited to parts with small dimensions and simple geometries, due to the requirement of fast cooling during the conventional process of casting. This research exemplifies a promising additive manufacturing method, i.e., laser-foil-printing (LFP), to fabricate high-quality BMG parts with large dimensions and complex geometries. In this study, Zr52.5Ti5Al10Ni14.6Cu17.9 BMG parts were fabricated by LFP technology in which MG foils are laser welded layer-by-layer upon a substrate. The mechanical properties of the fabricated BMG parts were measured using micro-indentation, tensile test and four-point bending test, and compared to as-cast BMG parts. Through LFP, as rapid cooling rates can be achieved, fully amorphous and nearly fully dense BMG parts without cracking have been successfully made. The glass transition temperature, crystallization temperature, and melting temperature of the fabricated parts are nearly the same as those of the as-cast parts. Additionally, the fabricated BMG parts exhibit mechanical properties, including micro-hardness, tensile strength, and flexural strength, comparable to the as-cast BMG parts.
A Novel Angiotensin-(1-7) Glycosylated Mas Receptor Agonist for Treating Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Inflammation-Related Memory Dysfunction.

Increasing evidence indicates that decreased brain blood flow, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and proinflammatory mechanisms accelerate neurodegenerative disease progression such as that seen in vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. There is a critical clinical need for safe and effective therapies for the treatment and prevention of cognitive impairment known to occur in patients with VCID and chronic inflammatory diseases such as heart failure (HF), hypertension, and diabetes. This study used our mouse model of VCID/HF to test our novel glycosylated angiotensin-(1-7) peptide Ang-1-6-O-Ser-Glc-NH2 (PNA5) as a therapy to treat VCID and to investigate circulating inflammatory biomarkers that may be involved. We demonstrate that PNA5 has greater brain penetration compared with the native angiotensin-(1-7) peptide. Moreover, after treatment with 1.0/mg/kg, s.c., for 21 days, PNA5 exhibits up to 10 days of sustained cognitive protective effects in our VCID/HF mice that last beyond the peptide half-life. PNA5 reversed object recognition impairment in VCID/HF mice and rescued spatial memory impairment. PNA5 activation of the Mas receptor results in a dose-dependent inhibition of ROS in human endothelial cells. Last, PNA5 treatment decreased VCID/HF-induced activation of brain microglia/macrophages and inhibited circulating tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin (IL)-7, and granulocyte cell-stimulating factor serum levels while increasing that of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. These results suggest that PNA5 is an excellent candidate and “first-in-class” therapy for treating VCID and other inflammation-related brain diseases.
The Gamma-Ray Laser — Status and Issues in 1989

Efforts to demonstrate the feasibility of a gamma-ray laser scored major advances in 1988 and 1989. Culminating with the discovery of giant pumping resonances below 4 MeV for dumping isomeric populations, priority issues were brought into better focus by the lessons learned from a wealth of new results. Perceptions were advanced so greatly that we must reassess the critical issues for the 1990’s. Only the bottom line remains the same. A gamma-ray laser is feasible if the right combination of energy levels occurs in some real material. The likelihood of this favorable arrangement has been markedly increased by the experimental results to date.
Human Performance Modeling for Distracted Driving

This chapter develops a human performance simulation model in the context of distracted driving. The driver’s cognitive demand is quantified using mental workload methods that can capture the additional demand when nomadic devices, such as cell phones, are used while driving and impact performance. Additionally, the cognitive demand of driver’s aids, such as lane departure warnings and blind spot warnings, can be included in the model. These driver’s aids may improve driver performance but also incur an additional mental workload. The human performance model can be used to conduct multiple simulations with different combinations of devices in order to predict the impact on driver performance.
Strategies to reduce the global carbon footprint of plastics

Over the past four decades, global plastics production has quadrupled1. If this trend were to continue, the GHG emissions from plastics would reach 15% of the global carbon budget by 20502. Strategies to mitigate the life-cycle GHG emissions of plastics, however, have not been evaluated on a global scale. Here, we compile a dataset covering ten conventional and five bio-based plastics and their life-cycle GHG emissions under various mitigation strategies. Our results show that the global life-cycle GHG emissions of conventional plastics were 1.7 Gt of CO2-equivalent (CO2e) in 2015, which would grow to 6.5 GtCO2e by 2050 under the current trajectory. However, aggressive application of renewable energy, recycling and demand-management strategies, in concert, has the potential to keep 2050 emissions comparable to 2015 levels. In addition, replacing fossil fuel feedstock with biomass can further reduce emissions and achieve an absolute reduction from the current level. Our study demonstrates the need for integrating energy, materials, recycling and demand-management strategies to curb growing life-cycle GHG emissions from plastics. The life-cycle GHG emissions from plastics are expected to increase. Here, it is shown that an aggressive strategy of decarbonizing energy infrastructure, improving recycling, adopting bio-based plastics and reducing demand is required to keep emissions below 2015 levels.
AdS$_3$ wormholes from a modular bootstrap.

In recent work we computed the path integral of three-dimensional gravity with negative cosmological constant on spaces which are topologically a torus times an interval. Here we employ a modular bootstrap to show that the amplitude is completely fixed by consistency conditions and a few basic inputs from gravity. This bootstrap is notably for an ensemble of CFTs, rather than for a single instance. We also compare the 3d gravity result with the Narain ensemble. The former is well-approximated at low temperature by a random matrix theory ansatz, and we conjecture that this behavior is generic for an ensemble of CFTs at large central charge with a chaotic spectrum of heavy operators.
Broadband Linear-to-Circular Polarization Conversion Enabled by Birefringent Reflective Metasurfaces

We theoretically proposed and experimentally demonstrated a broadband linear-to-circular polarization converter with up to 80% fractional bandwidth and near unity power conversion efficiency at the terahertz regime.
Performance analysis of novel air pollution forecasting system design in a Turkish cement plant via neural and neuro-fuzzy soft computing

Cement is an indispensable raw material of civil construction works although manufacturing methodology with massive energy and heat transfer impacts to environment and human health adversely. Track...
Using Machine Learning to Examine Cyberattack Motivations on Web Defacement Data

Social scientists have long been interested in the motives of hackers, particularly financially motivated attackers. This article analyzes web defacements, a less studied and more public form of cy...
Vertically Integrated Computing Labs Using Open-Source Hardware Generators and Cloud-Hosted FPGAs

The design of computing systems has changed dramatically over the past decade, but most courses in advanced computer architecture remain unchanged. Computer architecture education lies at the intersection between computer science and electrical engineering, with practical exercises in classes based on appropriate levels of abstraction in the computing system design stack. Hardware-centric lab exercises often require broad infrastructure resources and tend to navigate around tedious practical implementation concepts, while software-centric exercises leave a gap between modeling and system implementation implications that students later need to overcome in professional settings. Vertical integration trends in domain-specific compute systems, as well as software-hardware co-design, are often covered in classroom lectures, but are not reflected in laboratory exercises due to complex tooling and simulation infrastructure. We describe our experiences with a joint hardware-software approach to exploring computer architecture concepts in class exercises, by using open- source processor hardware implementations, generator-based hardware design methodologies, and cloud-hosted FPGAs. This approach further enables scaling course enrollment, remote learning and a cross-class collaborative lab ecosystem, creating a connecting thread between computer science and electrical engineering experience-based curricula.
Targeting of uncontrolled hypertension in the emergency department (TOUCHED): Design of a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract Background Uncontrolled or undiagnosed hypertension (HTN) is estimated to be as high as 46% in emergency departments (EDs). Uncontrolled HTN contributes significantly to cardiovascular morbidity and disproportionately affects communities of color. EDs serve high risk populations with uncontrolled conditions that are often missed by other clinical settings and effective interventions for uncontrolled HTN in the ED are critically needed. The ED is well situated to decrease the disparities in HTN control by providing a streamlined intervention to high risk populations that may use the ED as their primary care. Methods Targeting of UnControlled Hypertension in the Emergency Department (TOUCHED), is a two-arm single site randomized controlled trial of 770 adults aged 18–75 presenting to the ED with uncontrolled HTN comparing (1) usual care, versus (2) an Educational and Empowerment (E2) intervention that integrates a Post-Acute Care Hypertension Consultation (PACHT-c) with a mobile health BP self-monitoring kit. The primary outcome is differences in mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) at 6-months post enrollment. Secondary outcomes include differences in mean SBP and mean diastolic BP (DBP) at 3-months and mean DBP at 6-months. Additionally, improvement in cardiovascular risk score, medication adherence, primary care engagement, and HTN knowledge will also be assessed as part of this study. Conclusions The TOUCHED trial will be instrumental in determining the effectiveness of a brief ED-based intervention that is portable to other urban EDs with high-risk populations. Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT03749499 .
Blended Finance for State-led Decarbonization: How Public Interventions Direct Private Finance towards Green Investments

Blended finance has gained traction in recent years as a promising solution to bridge the funding gap in transitioning to a decarbonized economy. Yet, there exists little guidance and knowledge on the “how,” especially in the specific country contexts. This paper examines the Republic of Korea as a case study and the government’s efforts to trigger the introduction and institutionalization of green finance for decarbonizing its economy. Focusing on the design of incentives and institutions by the public sector to manage risks and catalyze private capital, we draw necessary conditions for successful application of blended finance. First, consensus building between public and private investors can facilitate harmonizing and internalizing the concept and practice of green finance. Second, designating a dedicated coordinating agency for green finance activities can reduce fragmentation and promote the efficient allocation of capital in the economy. Third, instituting stringent reporting standards and monitoring and evaluation framework can ensure climate finance is allocated to impactful projects and sectors. Lastly, climate-related sectors, such as energy, should be structurally conducive to private investment and activities. State-led approach may be rapid in execution, but it should also be accompanied by these measures to direct private finance towards green investments and scale the impact.
Progestin Significantly Inhibits Carcinogenesis in the Mogp-TAg Transgenic Mouse Model of Fallopian Tube Cancer.

Recent studies suggest that the fallopian tube epithelium (FTE) harbors the precursor for high grade ovarian cancer, creating opportunities for targeting the FTE for ovarian cancer prevention. Preclinical evidence supports progestins as ovarian cancer preventives, but the effect of progestins on the FTE is not well characterized. The murine oviduct-specific glycoprotein promotor-driven simian virus 40 large T-Antigen (mogp-TAg) transgenic mouse model develops neoplastic lesions in the fallopian tube (FT) in a manner similar to that described in human fallopian and ovarian cancer. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of the progestin Depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) on FT carcinogenesis following treatment for 3 and 7 weeks in 5-week-old mogp-TAg mice. Overall, compared to vehicle-treated mice, the FT of DMPA-treated mice was significantly smaller (p<0.0005), accumulated fewer p53-positive cells, had normal distribution of ciliated cells, less nuclear pleomorphism and epithelial tufting, and had a significantly lower proliferative index (p=0.001). Accumulation of p53 signatures and serous tubal intraepithelial carcinomas (STICs) in the FT was significantly reduced in the DMPA (p<0.0005) treatment group. Moreover, the FT of the DMPA-treated mice developed significantly less adenocarcinoma compared to vehicle (p<0.005) at both treatment time points. DMPA treatment significantly induced cleaved caspase-3 (p<0.0005) in the FTE compared to vehicle suggesting that apoptosis is involved in DMPA-related clearance of abnormal cells from the FT. These data demonstrate that DMPA targets early events in FT carcinogenesis by clearing genetically damaged cells, leading to marked reduction in adenocarcinoma, supporting progestins as chemopreventives for FT and ovarian cancer.
Introduction and Mathematical Preliminaries

The theory of elasticity comprises a consistent set of equations which uniquely describe the state of stress, strain, and displacement at each point within an elastic deformable body. Engineering approaches are often based on a strength-of-materials formulation with its various specialized derivatives such as the theories of rods, beams, plates, and shells. The distinguishing feature between the various alternative approaches and the theory of elasticity is the pointwise, as opposed to sectional description embodied in elasticity. The basic elements of the theory are equilibrium equations relating the stresses; kinematic equations relating the strains and displacements; constitutive equations relating the stresses and strains; boundary conditions relating to the physical domain; and uniqueness constraints relating to the applicability of the solution. In this chapter, the mathematical preliminaries for the presentation, such as vector algebra, integral theorems, indicial notation, and Cartesian tensors, are introduced.
Optimal run quantities for an assembly system with random yields

Abstract An assembly system consists of m production lines, each of which produces a certain type of component. The components are then fed into an assembly stage, where each set of m components, one unit from each different type, are assembled. Due to uncertainties involved in the production lines, the component yields are random. The optimization problem is to find the run quantities of the components, in order to minimize the total setup cost while guarantee at a certain level the probability of achieving a given target yield from the assembly stage. Solution procedures are developed that efficiently solve the problem under convex setup costs and increasing failure rate (IFR) component yield distributions. Also studied are the computation of the expected yield and the effect of variability.
Social Service Delivery Preferences Among African American Women Who Use Crack Cocaine

Abstract African American women involved in high-risk, substance use-related behaviors are affected by extremely high rates of HIV infection. While research has demonstrated that HIV is preventable, in order for prevention efforts to be successful in reducing disparities, perceptions of African American women who use crack cocaine need to be taken into account. This qualitative study presents results of eleven focus groups with eighty-nine African American women respondents presenting their perceptions of service needs and preferences for service delivery. The results indicate two important findings for social service providers: the respondents' lack of a perceived need for HIV prevention services as a spontaneously identified need, and respondents' desires for more basic services such as childcare, safe shelter, basic necessities, and especially substance abuse treatment before they could be approached about HIV prevention services. The findings are relevant for developing gender-and culture-specific pre...
Acoustic Behavior of North Atlantic Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis) Mother-Calf Pairs

Abstract : The long-term goal of this project is to quantify the behavior of mother-calf pairs from the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) to determine a) why mothers and calves are more susceptible to collisions with vessels and, b) determine the vocal behavior of this critical life stage to assess the effectiveness of passive acoustic monitoring to detect mother-calf pairs in important habitat areas.
Application of frequency selective surfaces for inspection of layered structures

Structural health monitoring is important to many industries today. In the case of layered structures (such as composite structures found in the infrastructure and aerospace industries), one failure mechanism that is important to detect is that of delaminations. Numerous nondestructive testing (NDT) methods have been developed for this purpose including acoustic, thermography, microwave, etc. This paper presents a new application of frequency selective surfaces (FSS's) as a potential inspection method for detection of delaminations in layered structures. Simulations and measurements are presented that support the potential of this method to serve as an additional NDT technique for layered structures. The results indicate that FSS's are sensitive to delaminations occurring in the local vicinity of the FSS, but are less sensitive to delaminations occurring at other layer interfaces.
Optical character recognition using a real-time correlator

Abstract A new technique for real time optical character recognition using a joint transform correlator is proposed.This technique employs a special feature-extracted reference image for detecting a wide range of charactersin one step. The proposed system also shows feasibility for feature-extracted pattern recognition. 1 Introduction Optical processors that exploit the massive parallelism of optics and the high accuracy of digital electronicsare desirable for many computationally intensive information processing applications such as pattern recognition. Initial attempts at optical pattern recognition relied on matched filter based correlators which requires complex filter fabrication and meticulous alignment procedures along the optical axis.Among the numerous techniques proposed for optical pattern recognition, the joint transform correlator (JTC) [1] has been found to be attractive for real-time pattern recognition applications. However, a conventional JTC [2] has been found to suffer from poor light efficiency, large correlation sidelobes, andpoor correlation discrimination ability [3, 4]. To alleviate the drawbacks of the classical JTC, a binaryJTC [4] has been proposed which employs nonlinearity at the Fourier plane to binarize the joint power
Corporate Acquisitions: The Merging of Habitual Domains*

This paper illustrates how an understanding of the con­ cepts and issues associated with organizational and individu­ al habitual domains can significantly improve the analysis of acquisition alternatives. Specifically, we stress the impor­ tance of a more comprehensive analysis of acquisitions, one that goes beyond an examination of just financial and eco­ nomic issues and recognizes the importance of the human side of acquisitions. Consideration of the human aspect is im­ portant not only in pre-acquisition analysis but also in how the acquisition is to be eventually implemented . This paper em­ phasizes issues related to the habitual domains of the two or­ ganizations, the fit therein, and the potential costs associated with their assimilation. Based on the same, we develop a framework which can be used for a more comprehensive and effective analysis of acquisition opportunities.
Joint schemes for physical layer security and error correction

The major challenges facing resource constraint wireless devices are error resilience, security and speed. Three joint schemes are presented in this research which could be broadly divided into error correction based and cipher based. The error correction based ciphers take advantage of the properties of LDPC codes and Nordstrom Robinson code. A cipher-based cryptosystem is also presented in this research. The complexity of this scheme is reduced compared to conventional schemes. The securities of the ciphers are analyzed against known-plaintext and chosen-plaintext attacks and are found to be secure. Randomization test was also conducted on these schemes and the results are presented. For the proof of concept, the schemes were implemented in software and hardware and these shows a reduction in hardware usage compared to conventional schemes. As a result, joint schemes for error correction and security provide security to the physical layer of wireless communication systems, a layer in the protocol stack where currently little or no security is implemented. In this physical layer security approach, the properties of powerful error correcting codes are exploited to deliver reliability to the intended parties, high security against eavesdroppers and efficiency in communication system. The notion of a highly secure and reliable physical layer has the potential to significantly change how communication system designers and users think of the physical layer since the error control codes employed in this work will have the dual roles of both reliability and security.
An algorithm for calculating KVAh

The operation of a new algorithm for computing kVAh from kWh and kVArh pulse inputs is described. The algorithm works in close to real time within the meter register to enable display of kVA demand and power factor together with the usual kWh and TOU functions. The algorithm has been tested with pulse input trains representing randomly varying power factors for random periods of time and found to be accurate to within a few tenths of a percent. >
An accelerated back propagation training algorithm

The concept of backpropagation training with a gradual increase in accuracy is presented. The concept may be incorporated with the basic backpropagation algorithm or with the backpropagation algorithm with a momentum weight change to result in significant speed improvements without increasing the size of the network or requiring additional support hardware. Experimental results show that the proposed modification, on the average, doubles the convergence rate of the backpropagation algorithm and the backpropagation algorithm with a momentum weight change. >
Applying impairment criteria to children's psychiatric diagnosis.

Abstract This paper examines the effect of applying impairment criteria using the Children's Global Assessment Scale on rates, agreement between informants, and recall of diagnosis over 2 years in a sample of 220 offspring of depressed and nondepressed parents. The findings show that the offspring of depressed parents, compared with nondepressed parents, were more impaired overall. The rates of most psychiatric disorders in both groups of children were markedly reduced when impairment criteria were applied. The application of impairment criteria improved agreement between mother and child on many of the children's diagnoses and also improved stability of recall of child's diagnosis at 2-year follow-up. Long-term follow-up studies are needed to determine the clinical consequences for children who meet diagnostic criteria for psychiatric disorder but who have minimal functional impairment. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry, 1990, 29, 5:789–795.
COMPARATIVE EFFICIENCY OF STETHOSCOPES.

Abstract Comparisons of stethoscopes disclosed surprisingly large differences in the efficiency of transmission of cardiovascular sounds. Chief determinants of efficiency are the length of the transmission pathway, its total enclosed volume, the internal diameter and the physical characteristics of the tubing, and especially the integrity of the acoustical seal between the auditory canal and the chest wall. Even minimal leaks around ill-fitting earpieces, in the tubing, in the changeover valve, or in the chestpiece not only admit ambient noise into the enclosed acoustical system but grossly impair the transmission of sounds. Measurements of stethoscopic audibility of murmurs demonstrate that the efficiency of the average stethoscope in use can be materially increased, and that a reduction in the levels of ambient noise commonly encountered in wards and examining rooms results in a significant improvement in auscultatory proficiency.
Contesting Patriotism: Culture, Power, and Strategy in the Peace Movement

Lynne M. Woehrle, Patrick G. Coy and Gregory M. Maney, Lanham, MD, Rowman and Littlefield, 2008, x+235 pp., $75.00,, ISBN 978-0-7425-6447-3 (hardback), ISBN 978-0-7425-6448-0 (paperback) This book ...
Adaptations to flooding in plants from river areas

Abstract Flooding frequencies and intensities determine both species composition and the behaviour of individual plants along many rivers in the world. In this context, this paper describes the vegetation zonation associated with the fluctuating water levels of the river Rhine in the eastern part of The Netherlands. To obtain insight into the morphological and physiological processes of plants that have been shown to possess contrasting tolerances to flooding, certain species were chosen as being representative of the vegetation types from the river foreland and subsequently used in experimental studies. These species, of the genera Rumex and Chenopodium, were subjected to various flooding regimes in order to study their adaptive responses upon waterlogging of the soil, submergence and related changing environmental factors. This study has revealed that differential responses towards flooding in plants can be explained, at least partly, by an ability to elongate petioles and stems in order to protrude above the water surface. The hormone ethylene is involved in the regulation of this process. Renewed contact between leaves and the open air after submergence stimulates the formation of a new aerenchymatous root system in the flood-tolerant species. Increased porosity enables the plants to perform longitudinal transport from aerial and photosynthetic oxygen to the rhizosphere. The internal aeration systems of flood-in-olerant species is not sufficient to sustain an aerobic state in the root-soil environment. Another mechanism plants use to survive flooding is to change their timing of reproduction. Two strategies are involved: some species delay their flowering and seed production during flooding periods and survive as vegetative plants; others are able to accelerate flowering during short dry periods in order to produce seeds in the short intervals between two successive floods. The model system in which individual plants serve as indicator species, while additionally representing large groups of co-occurring plants, appears to be a manageable tool in studies on adaptations to flooding.
Remark on the Rate of Decay of Higher Order Derivatives for Solutions to the Navier–Stokes Equations in Rn☆

We present a new derivation of upper bounds for the decay of higher order derivatives of solutions to the unforced Navier–Stokes equations in Rn. The method, based on so-called Gevrey estimates, also yields explicit bounds on the growth of the radius of analyticity of the solution in time. Moreover, under the assumption that the Navier–Stokes solution stays sufficiently close to a solution of the heat equation in the L2 norm—a result known to be true for a large class of initial data—lower bounds on the decay of higher order derivatives can be obtained.
Cloning and nucleotide sequence of the fabD gene encoding malonyl coenzyme A-acyl carrier protein transacylase of Escherichia coli

We report the cloning and nucleotide sequence of the gene encoding malonyl coenzyme A-acyl carrier protein transacylase of Escherichia coli, Malonyl transacylase has been overexpressed 155-fold compared to a wild-type strain, Overexpression of this enzyme alters the fatty acid composition of a wild-type E. coli strain; increased amounts of cis-vaccenate are incorporated into the membrane phospholipids.
Sources of Variation in the Birth Weight of Holstein-Friesian Calves

Summary Data on Holstein-Friesian calves in three unrelated herds were analyzed to determine some of the causes of variation in birth weight and to compare the birth weight of inbred and outbred offspring by the same sire. The mean birth weights of 794 calves were 92.9 lbs. and 85.5 lbs. for the outbreds and inbreds, respectively. Male calves averaged 5.2 lbs. heavier than females and calves from “first calf” heifers were approximately 10 lbs. lighter than were calves from dams of later calving sequence. Herd differences accounted for about 22 per cent, sex for 7 per cent, and calving sequence for 14 per cent of the total variation in birth weight. Season and year had little or no effect on birth weight. Approximately 60 per cent of the remaining variation in birth weight was due to the genotype of the calf. Birth weight declined an average of 0.28 lb. for each increase of one per cent inbreeding, with size of dam constant. The inbreeding effect varied significantly from sire to sire, apparently due to differences in the average birth weight transmitted by different sires. The inbred calves of sires transmitting heavy birth weights tended to be heavier than the outbred calves because of having more of their sires’ genes, which cancels, at least in part, the reduction in birth weight from increased homozygosity.
Association of retinal vessel calibre and visual outcome in eyes with diabetic macular oedema treated with ranibizumab

Association of retinal vessel calibre and visual outcome in eyes with diabetic macular oedema treated with ranibizumab
Delayed otolaryngology referral for voice disorders increases health care costs.

Abstract Background Despite the accepted role of laryngoscopy in assessing patients with laryngeal/voice disorders, controversy surrounds its timing. This study sought to determine how increased time from first primary care to first otolaryngology outpatient visit affected the health care costs of patients with laryngeal/voice disorders. Methods Retrospective analysis of a large, national administrative claims database was performed. Patients had an International Classification of Diseases, 9 th Revision-coded diagnosis of a laryngeal/voice disorder; initially saw a primary care physician and, subsequently, an otolaryngologist as outpatients; and provided 6 months of follow-up data after the first otolaryngology evaluation. The outpatient health care costs accrued from the first primary care outpatient visit through the 6 months after the first otolaryngology outpatient visit were determined. Results There were 260,095 unique patients who saw a primary care physician as an outpatient for a laryngeal/voice disorder, with 8999 (3.5%) subsequently seeing an otolaryngologist and with 6 months postotolaryngology follow-up data. A generalized linear regression model revealed that, compared with patients who saw an otolaryngologist ≤1 month after the first primary care visit, patients in the >1-month and ≤3-months and >3-months time periods had relative mean cost increases of $271.34 (95% confidence interval $115.95-$426.73) and $711.38 (95% confidence interval $428.43-$993.34), respectively. Conclusions Increased time from first primary care to first otolaryngology evaluation is associated with increased outpatient health care costs. Earlier otolaryngology examination may reduce health care expenditures in the evaluation and management of patients with laryngeal/voice disorders.
Electromagnetic ion/ion cyclotron instability - Theory and simulations

Linear theory and 1D and 2D hybrid simulations are employed to study electromagnetic ion/ion cyclotron (EMIIC) instability driven by the relative streaming of two field-aligned ion beams. The characteristics of the instability are studied as a function of beam density, propagation angle, electron-ion temperature ratios, and ion beta. When the propagation angle is near 90 deg the EMIIC instability has the characteristics of an electrostatic instability, while at smaller angles electromagnetic effects play a significant role as does strong beam coupling. The 2D simulations point to a narrowing of the wave spectrum and accompanying coherent effects during the linear growth stage of development. The EMIIC instability is an important effect where ion beta is low such as in the plasma-sheet boundary layer and upstream of slow shocks in the magnetotail.
Drexel's E4 Program: A Different Professional Experience for Engineering Students and Faculty

In 1988, Drexel began a project which involves a comprehensive restructuring of the lower division engineering curriculum. The program provides an early introduction to the central body of knowledge forming the fabric of engineering, the unifying rather than parochial aspects of engineering, experimental methods, the computer as a flexible, powerful professional and intellectual tool, the importance of personal communications skills, and the imperative for continuous, vigorous, life-long learning. The subject matter is organized in four major components replacing and/or integrating material in thirty-seven existing courses in the traditional curriculum. The theme of all activities is a central focus on the students as emerging professional engineers and the faculty as their mentors from the very beginning of their education. To date, 500 students and 50 faculty have participated in the project. Preliminary results of evaluations are encouraging. Retention rates and achievement levels are high. Performance tests indicate that most students develop excellent levels of computer and laboratory skills. Their written and oral presentations demonstrate achievement of superior levels of communication skills. Personal interviews and evaluations indicate that student response is quite positive and they place a high value on faculty participation in a team effort. Both faculty and students indicate that this different experience has given them an insight into the importance and scope of the engineering profession and a sense that its practice can be exciting, rewarding and enjoyable.
NH3 spectral line measurements on Earth and Jupiter using a 10 μm superheterodyne receiver

Measurements of absolute line positions and shapes of eleven absorption lines of NH3 were made using an infrared heterodyne spectrometer. Line profiles were obtained with 5 MHz resolution. NH3 line positions relative to 12C16O2 and 13C16O2 local oscillator laser line emission frequencies were determined to ±3 MHz. Using the obtained data a search list for NH3 spectral lines on Jupiter was generated. Observations of Jovian polar regions in search of NH3 aR(1,1) and sQ(2,1) auroral emission revealed possible strong nonthermal features. The line widths were consistent with low local kinetic temperatures. The relatively high line intensities, determined by local pumping mechanisms, corresponded to temperatures of several hundred Kelvins. Experimental details and implications of these measurements are discussed.
Imaging fiber microarray fluorescent ion sensors based on bulk optode microspheres

Abstract Optical imaging fibers with micrometer-sized wells were used as a sensing platform for the development of microarray optical ion sensors based on selective bulk extraction principles established earlier for optodes. Uniform 10 μm sized microspheres based on plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) containing various combinations of ionophores, fluoroionophores and lipophilic ion-exchangers were prepared for the detection of sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride, and deposited onto the wells of etched fiber bundles. Specifically, sodium sensing particles were based on tert -butylcalix[4]arene tetraacetic acid tetraethylester, potassium particles on 2-dodecyl-2-methyl-1,3-propanediyl bis[ N -[5′-nitro(benzo-15-crown-5)-4′-yl]carbamate] (BME-44), calcium particles on an acrylic derivative of ETH 129 (AU-1) covalently attached to a methacrylic polymer, and chloride particles based on the anticrown ionophore [9]mercuracarborand-3 (MC-3). The fluorescence emission characteristics of individual microspheres were observed from the backside of the fibers and were found to selectively and rapidly change as a function of the sample composition. The optical characteristics of the particles were found to be comparable to that of corresponding thin optode films and particles deposited onto microscope glass slides. The measuring ranges (logarithmic molar concentrations) at pH 7.0 were found as −3 to 0 for sodium, −3.5 to −0.5 for potassium, −7 to −2 for calcium, and −5 to 0.5 for chloride. Selectivities were determined over other common electrolytes and found to be sufficient for physiological applications. The simultaneous deposition of sodium and chloride sensing particles was successfully performed, demonstrating that such microarray sensors are capable of simultaneously sensing multiple analytes. This technology is compatible with other microsphere-based fluorescent sensing principles, forming a promising total analysis platform for a variety of applications.
Preparation of aluminum foam sandwich by rolling-bonding/powder metallurgy foaming technology

Aluminum foam sandwich was prepared by rolling-bonding/powder metallurgical foaming technology, and the effects of rolling on bond strength of face sheet/powders and powder density were studied. Moreover, the foaming agent, TiH2, was heat treated and a certain amount of Mg was added into powder in an attempt to understand how the stability and uniformity of foam was improved. The experimental results show that the foaming precursors with ideal quality were obtained by rolling-bonding process. When rolling reduction is 67%, the consistency of powders reach to 99.87%. Throughout consideration of the bonding of face sheet/core layer powders and deformation characteristic of powders, the optimum rolling reduction is 60%–70%. Cracks and drainage during foaming were inhibited by heat treatment of foaming agent TiH2 and the addition of a certain amount of Mg. The optimum heat treatment way of TiH2 is that heat preserving 1 hour at 450 °C; the amount of adding Mg is 1wt%.
Heritage-Language Literacy Practices: A Case Study of Three Japanese American Families.

This article documents the heritage-language (HL) literacy practices of three Japanese American families residing in a predominantly Anglo and Latino community. Through interviews and observations, this study investigates Japanese children's HL-literacy practices, parental attitudes toward HL literacy, and challenges in HL-literacy development in a setting with minimal access to other HL speakers and resources. The data show that Japanese-literacy practices differed in each family, reflecting the situated nature of literacy and each family's unique needs for literacy. By providing exposure to varied forms of literacy texts and practices, the parents were instrumental in supporting their children's Japanese-literacy skills. Japanese literacy gave the children a strong foundation upon which to build their HL, supported familial relations, and also created channels of communication among family members. Although the parents possessed a focused commitment to achieve native-like HL literacy skills for their ch...
Differential Adhesion of Hydrophobic Bacteria onto Coal and Associated Minerals

The selective adhesion of hydrophobic Mycobacterium phlei to coal particles is responsible for flocculation of fine coal from its associated ash forming minerals. The driving force for the differential adhesion is the hydrophobic interactions between the surface of the organism through its constituents such as fatty acids and coal particles. The effect of Mycobacterium phlei on surface hydrophobicity, surface charge and mechanism of adhesion on coal and associated minerals are controlled by several factors including hydrophobicity and surface and solution chemistry of the system. Adhesion measurements indicate that maximum adhesion occurs below the iso-electric point (IEP) of the coal particles. While massive adhesion of Mycobacterium phlei is observed on coal, only negligible amount of Mycobacterium phlei attached to pyrite and quartz.
Impulsivity, Offending, and the Neighborhood: Investigating the Person-Context Nexus

The traditional trait-based approach to the study of crime has been challenged for its failure to acknowledge differences in the social environments to which individuals are exposed. Similarly, community-level explanations of crime have been criticized for failing to take into account important individual differences between criminals and non-criminals. Ultimately, a full understanding of crime requires the consideration of both individual and environmental differences, perhaps most importantly because they may interact to produce offending behavior. Yet little criminological research has examined if the effects of individual-level characteristics vary by the context in which they are embedded. The current study addresses this gap in the literature by using multivariate, multilevel item response models to examine if the influence of impulsivity on offending differs as a function of neighborhood context. Analyses using data from the Project of Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods reveals that the effects of impulsivity are amplified in neighborhoods with higher levels of socioeconomic status and collective efficacy, and lower levels of criminogenic behavior settings and moral/legal cynicism. Implications of these findings for research and policy are discussed.
Bladder distention activates noradrenergic locus coeruleus neurons by an excitatory amino acid mechanism

The present study was designed to determine the neurotransmitter(s) involved in activation of noradrenergic locus coeruleus neurons by urinary bladder distention. The spontaneous discharge rate of single locus coeruleus neurons was recorded from halothane-anesthetized rats during the physiological challenge of bladder distention. Intrabladder saline infusion (0.5 ml) increased bladder pressure by 77 ± 9.7mmHg (n = 19) and this was associated with an increase in locus coeruleus discharge rate of 53 ± 4.8% (n = 29). Simultaneous recordings of cortical electroencephalographic activity demonstrated that electroencephalographic activation, characterized by a decreased amplitude and tendency to shift from low frequency activity to higher frequency activity, was also associated with bladder distention. The role of corticotropin-releasing factor and excitatory amino acid inputs to the locus coeruleus in activation by bladder distention was tested in rats pretreated with a corticotropin-releasing factor antagonist, or excitatory amino acid antagonists. Intracerebroventricular administration of the corticotropin-releasing factor antagonist did not alter locus coeruleus activation by bladder distention. In contrast, both locus coeruleus activation and electroencephalographic activation associated with bladder distention were prevented by intracerebroventricular administration of kynurenic acid. The same dose of kynurenic acid also prevented locus coeruleus activation by repeated sciatic nerve stimulation, as previously reported. Local administration of kynurenic acid into the locus coeruleus greatly attenuated, but did not completely prevent the increase in locus coeruleus discharge elicited by bladder distention. Finally, locus coeruleus activation by bladder distention appeared to be mediated by excitatory amino acid receptors of the non-N-methyl-d-aspartate subtype because this was prevented by 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione, but not by 2-amino-5-phosphono-pentanoic acid. Taken together, these results implicate excitatory amino acid neurotransmission in locus coeruleus activation by bladder distention, and argue against a role for corticotropin-releasing factor. Additionally, these findings suggest that locus coeruleus activation may be important in arousal associated with bladder distention.
Alzheimer's Disease--Genotypes, Phenotype, and Treatments

What causes Alzheimer9s disease? Selkoe9s Perspective reviews recent research identifying four different genetic causes of Alzheimer9s disease and suggests that all four point toward the deposition of amyloid beta in the brain as the initial trigger for the disease.