cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simulating Dissent: Mapping the Life Span of Organizational Dissent using Agent-Based Modeling

Organizational dissent is a process that begins long before any disagreement is spoken and continues long after a dissent conversation ends. However, studying the entire dissent process would require extensive data collection across multiple levels of analysis. The present study used agent-based modeling to simulate organizational dissent and demonstrated potential connections between various elements of the dissent process. Goal-directed behaviors and dissent conversations at micro and meso levels shaped macro level dialectics in organizational dissent. Beyond just this particular context, the simulation described here demonstrates how such an approach could be useful in other areas studying communication processes.
Homogeneous ice nucleation from aqueous inorganic/organic particles representative of biomass burning: water activity, freezing temperatures, nucleation rates.

Homogeneous ice nucleation plays an important role in the formation of cirrus clouds with subsequent effects on the global radiative budget. Here we report on homogeneous ice nucleation temperature...
Advances in Light Emission from Group-IV Alloys via Lattice Engineering and n-Type Doping Based on Custom-Designed Chemistries

Intrinsic and n-type Ge1–ySny alloys with y = 0.003–0.11 have been grown on Ge-buffered Si via reactions of Ge3H8 and SnD4 hydrides using UHV-CVD techniques. The films exhibit large thicknesses (t > 600 nm), low dislocation densities (107/cm2), planar surfaces (AFM RMS ≈ 2 for intrinsic films) and mostly relaxed microstructures, making them suitable for subsequent characterization of the emission properties using photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The PL spectra are acquired at room temperature and show tunable and distinct direct and indirect gap emission peaks versus composition. The peak intensity in a given sample is found to increase by exposing the layers to hydrogen plasma, indicating that surface passivation plays an important role in eliminating carrier recombination traps. The PL intensity is further increased by n-type doping with P/As atoms at levels 0.8–7 × 1019 cm–3using P(GeH3)3, P(SiH3)3, and As(SiH3)3 precursors, indicating that desirable direct gap conditions can be approached even at ...
Development of Preparation of Bioactive Peptides from Proteins by Enzymatic Hydrolysis

In this paper,proteins resources of manufacture of active peptides, functional properties of hydrolysates, technics of hydrolysis and manufacture methods from home and abroad are mainly analyzed. Due to its physiologic function particularly, active peptides are widely applied in the fields of health food and feeds.
Sustainable Electrochemical Synthesis of Large Grain- or Catalyst-Sized Iron

Electrolytic production of iron in molten salts by splitting iron oxide into iron metal and O2 is a low-carbon footprint alternative to the massive CO2 emissions associated with conventional carbothermal iron production and permits. This study advances a CO2-free method for iron production, by modifying iron electrosynthesis in molten Li2CO3 to control iron product particle size and by decreasing the electrolyte extracted with the pure iron product. We present the first study of electrolytic iron micro-morphology as formed from iron, and demonstrate it is strongly influenced by the deposition conditions. Particle size and morphology are critical characteristics in a variety of metal applications. In this study, large (~500 µm) iron particles are formed at low current densities during extended electrolysis, or at high Fe(III) concentrations, and small (~10 µm) at high current density and low Fe(III). Deposited Fe is fiber shaped from equal molals of Fe2O3 and Li2O, but particle-like from electrolytes with surplus Li2O. Iron is formed at high current efficiency, and the observed electrolysis potential decreases with (i) the decreasing current density, (ii) addition of Li2O, (iii) the increasing anode area, and (iv) the increasing temperature.
Ultrasonic Scanning During Operation for Renal Calculi

Real-time B-mode ultrasound scanning was used during operations for nephrolithiasis. Scanning was done before pyelotomy or nephrotomy to confirm the presence of calculi. For stones in an intrarenal position, requiring an incision through renal parenchyma for extraction, ultrasound permitted guidance for an exploratory needle to localize the calculi precisely. Once the needle tip was in the proximity of the stone a nephrotomy incision was made along the needle track. This procedure enabled the use of relatively small nephrotomy incisions and reduced search time and tissue manipulation. After calculi were extracted ultrasonography was used to make certain that all stone fragments were removed. Ultrasound was considered helpful in 15 of 16 operations.
Bored in Board-and-Care and Other Settings: Perspectives of Latinos With Schizophrenia.

Author(s): Barrio, Concepcion; Fuentes, Dahlia; Hernandez, Mercedes; Helu-Brown, Paula; Palmer, Barton W
Multidimensional Inverse Scattering Problem with Non-Reflecting Boundary Conditions

We discuss an algorithm for the refraction coefficient recovery in 2-D and 3-D inverse scattering problems. Suppose that a small object is illuminated by plane acoustic waves. Given data on a circular boundary of the region of interest, we employ a Regularized QuasiNewton method (RQN) to construct an iterative recovery algorithm. The main new feature of the method is the utilization of non-reflective boundary conditions. The convergence of the algorithm is established for exact and for noisy data. Explicit estimation of the recovered coefficient is obtained, with a detailed analysis for a cylindrically configured geometry. We also present results of several numerical experiments illustrating the method’s performance.
LIGO and the opening of a unique observational window on the universe.

A unique window on the universe opened on September 14, 2015, with direct detection of gravitational waves by the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) detectors. This event culminated a half-century effort around the globe to develop terrestrial detectors of adequate sensitivity to achieve this goal. It also happened appropriately only a few months before the centennial of Einstein’s final paper introducing the general theory of relativity. This detection provided the surprising discovery of a coalescing pair of “heavy” black holes (more massive than ≃ 25 M_๏) leading to the formation of a spinning ≃ 62 solar mass black hole. One more binary black-hole detection and a significant candidate event demonstrated that a population of such merging binaries is formed in nature with a broad mass spectrum. This unique observational sample has already provided concrete measurements on the coalescence rates and has allowed us to test the theory of general relativity in the strong-field regime. As this nascent field of gravitational-wave astrophysics is emerging we are looking forward to the detection of binary mergers involving neutron stars and their electromagnetic counterparts, as well as continuous-wave sources, supernovae, a stochastic confusion background of compact-object mergers, known sources detected in unexpected ways, and completely unknown sources.
I'll See You in Court…Again: Psychopathology and Hyperlitigious Litigants.

Persistent litigation is a problem in many legal jurisdictions and is costly at individual and systemic levels. This phenomenon is referred to as “querulous” behavior in psychiatric literature, whereas legal discourse refers to it as “vexatious litigation.” We refer to this phenomenon as “hyperlitigious behavior” and those who engage in these actions as “hyperlitigious litigants.” Hyperlitigious litigants and hyperlitigious behavior were once the focus of a considerable amount of psychiatric literature, but research devoted to these topics has declined over the past half century. A review of the published literature on hyperlitigious behavior in European and English-speaking countries highlights geographic differences in the conceptualization and management of this behavior. We provide an alternative framework to consider the motivation to engage in hyperlitigious behavior and suggest three strategies for mental health professionals who interact with these individuals. Finally, we call for a revival of discussions and research within the English-speaking psychiatric community to facilitate more informed decisions regarding the management and treatment of hyperlitigious behavior.
Human Milk Fortifiers Do Not Meet the Current Recommendation for Nutrients in Very Low Birth Weight Infants

Background: Use of multinutrient fortifiers is standard of care for small preterm infants fed exclusively human milk. However, adequacy of human milk fortifiers (HMFs) to meet the recommended intake for macronutrients and micronutrients is now known. Materials and Methods: Nutrient content of human milk fortified according to manufacturer’s recommendations was compared at isocaloric levels for 1 human milk–based (HMF-A), 2 bovine milk protein–based (HMF-B, HMF-C), and 2 preterm infant formulas (PTF-B, PTF-C). In addition, 4 multivitamin supplements were compared. Results: At 130 kcal/kg, intake of macronutrients was similar to the recommendation, although deficient and excess intake of micronutrient occurred with all fortifiers. Four to 9 micronutrients were absent in HMF or PTF (biotin, choline, inositol, carnitine, taurine, molybdenum, iodine, selenium, or chromium). For the remainder, HMF resulted in deficient intake for 1–13 micronutrients, occurring most frequently with HMF-A. Excess micronutrients (...
Reseña del filme “La Llegada”

The following article analyses the American film “Arrival” and its impact on the philosophy of language, destiny, and universal values. It compares the movie’s visual techniques with its thesis, evaluating the science fiction genre in the current day and age.
A systematic review evaluating the role of nurses and processes for delivering early mobility interventions in the intensive care unit.

Abstract Objectives To investigate processes for delivering early mobility interventions in adult intensive care unit patients used in research and quality improvement studies and the role of nurses in early mobility interventions. Methods A systematic review was conducted. Electronic databases PubMED, CINAHL, PEDro, and Cochrane were searched for studies published from 2000 to June 2017 that implemented an early mobility intervention in adult intensive care units. Included studies involved progression to ambulation as a component of the intervention, included the role of the nurse in preparing for or delivering the intervention, and reported at least one patient or organisational outcome measure. The System Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) model, a framework for understanding structure, processes, and healthcare outcomes, was used to evaluate studies. Results 25 studies were included in the final review. Studies consisted of randomised control trials, prospective, retrospective, or mixed designs. A range of processes to support the delivery of early mobility were found. These processes include forming interdisciplinary teams, increasing mobility staff, mobility protocols, interdisciplinary education, champions, communication, and feedback. Conclusion Variation exists in the process of delivering early mobility in the intensive care unit. In particular, further rigorous studies are needed to better understand the role of nurses in implementing early mobility to maintain a patient’s functional status.
Parental history of type 2 diabetes is associated with lower resting energy expenditure in normoglycemic subjects

Objective Resting energy expenditure (REE) is linked to obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). REE and T2DM are inherited traits. Therefore, we investigated the effect of parental T2DM on REE in normoglycemic subjects. Methods Eighty-seven subjects with parental T2DM and 83 subjects without parental T2DM were matched in age, gender, race, BMI, weight and waist circumference. Subjects underwent a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test; REE was determined by indirect calorimetry and body composition was assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Statistical analysis was performed using Student’s t-test, analysis of variance and regression analysis. Results The mean age was 38.8±11.3 years, 57% were females and 53% were African-Americans. The mean BMI was 28.5±6.1 kg/m 2 , waist circumference 91.8±15.1 cm, weight 83.9±20.3 kg, fat mass 31.0%±10.0%, mean fat-free mass (FFM) 54.4±12.9 kg. REE was significantly lower in subjects with parental diabetes, normalized REE 1364.4±263.4Kcal/day vs 1489.4±323.2 Kcal/day, p=0.006 and 29.2±5.3Kcal/kg FFM/day vs 31.9±6.0 Kcal/kg FFM/day, p=0.002. African-Americans had a lower REE compared with Caucasians 28.6±5.4Kcal/kg FFM/day vs 32.6±5.5 Kcal/kg FFM/day, p Conclusion Compared with subjects without parental diabetes, offspring with parental T2DM had lower REE, which was more pronounced in African-Americans. This metabolic alteration could increase the risk of obesity, insulin resistance and dysglycemia.
Coordinate Free scattered Data interpolation.

We discuss the problem of the lack of scale invariance for scattered data interpolation methods. We introduce an affine invariant metric and show how its use can lead to methods that are translation, rotation, and scale invariant.
Adolescence, Affect and Health (PLE: Emotion)

Originally published in 1999, this title covers the entire empirical cycle in adolescent health research and education. It describes in depth the development and evaluation of a health education programme designed to enhance everyday health-related behaviours in an adolescent population, and offers comprehensive reviews of developmental theories of adolescence, ethical and theoretical issues in adolescent health education, and the major theories used in adolescent health research. The research presented here led to the development and testing of a new theory – the Theory of Salient Meanings of Behaviour – which departed from the cognitive theories that had thus far dominated adolescent health education and research, but which had often proved inadequate in describing and predicting adolescent health-related behaviour. The inception, growth, testing, and field testing of this new theory are traced here. The book is designed to appeal to both theoretical and applied scientists in the field of adolescent development, adolescent health and health education. A clear research methodology is set out for the complementary use of a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research methods.
Symposium on political communication and social movements: ships passing in the night*

In this essay I argue that we can begin an interdisciplinary conversation by acknowledging the contributions political communication can make to social movement studies (and visa versa) as well as ...
Reducing Torque Ripple Using Axial Pole Shaping in Interior Permanent Magnet Machines

This article compares various design techniques for torque ripple reduction using a commercial industrial interior permanent magnet machine (IPMM). These design techniques include the traditional skewing, radial pole shaping, and the proposed axial pole shaping. The new axial pole shaping technique achieves a particular flux concentration pattern on the rotor surface along the axial direction through shaping the pole arc radially and axially. The flux concentration pattern was optimized using the differential evolution algorithm. All three design techniques are implemented individually in the same commercial IPMM design. The performance of all the techniques was simulated using finite element method. The comparative study shows that the proposed axial pole shaping can reduce the torque ripple effectively with minimum torque reduction compared to the other two traditional techniques. The predicted results were validated experimentally through a variety of tests in which the measurements show reasonably good agreement with the predicted performance.
Floodplain response to varied flows in a large coastal plain river

Abstract The natural flood pulse maintains river-floodplain ecosystems through the exchange of freshwater resources between the main-stem and floodplain habitats. Few prior studies have quantified the relationship between flows and floodplain response including estimating inundation area, floodwater volumes, and slough connectivity. Floodplain modeling typically uses the flow-stage height relationship at river gauge stations. In this study, we compared a relative elevation model (REM) and the Hydrologic Engineering Center River Analysis System (HEC-RAS 1D) model using events from 2015 and 2016 covering a range of flows from the 1st to the 99th percentile for the Apalachicola River, Florida. Because digital elevation models (DEM) from LiDAR (light detection and ranging) data lack details of riverbed topography, we compared a LiDAR-alone and LiDAR-sonar combined DEM to assess their differences. Estimates from the REM and HEC-RAS models were compared to maps based on Landsat imagery-derived water and vegetation indices. In this river, we found a non-linear relationship between the inundated area and flow, increasing markedly through the 90th flow percentile after which increases are minimal. Inundated areas from both REM and HEC-RAS models were similar for all selected flow levels except at the 74th percentile (708 m3/s) flow at which the REM produced 11% higher inundated area than HEC-RAS. Near the median flows, major sloughs were fully connected with backswamps and low-lying patches being inundated. At the higher flows, only a few anthropogenic features were exposed. Floodplain inundation estimates from Landsat performed poorly, detecting 9% with the modified normalized difference water index (mNDWI) and 41% with the open water likelihood index (OWL). These estimates were much lower than the HEC-RAS model (96% flooded), largely because the satellite is unable to penetrate dense forests and examine the floodplain surface, and the Landsat pixel size is twice the width of floodplain sloughs. The LiDAR-sonar combined DEM produced a higher floodwater volume estimate with the HEC-RAS model than using LiDAR-alone. The difference of 1,368,000 m3 at the 1st percentile (142 m3/s) and 2,825,000 m3 at the 89th percentile (1133 m3/s) demonstrate the limitation of using a LiDAR-alone DEM, which cannot penetrate the water surface, and the importance of surveying floodplains using sonar. Modeling results under predict historical wetting of the floodplain because Corps dredging made the main channel approximately 13% wider from its historical width in 1941. Further, in the past few decades, droughts and low flows have become more common because of varied upstream water uses, resulting in less inundation than in the past. Frequent high flows are required to maintain river-floodplain connectivity, floodplain forests, and other hydroecological functions in the Apalachicola River floodplain. Our findings present a basis to assess the legacy of past and ongoing disturbances, inform potential policy decisions for water and floodplain management, and provide a baseline for further research.
Compatibility of Printed Photopolymers With Nine-Month Immersion in Common High Voltage Insulation Oils

To enable the use of additively manufactured polymer materials as structural and insulating components within high-voltage pulsed power systems, a better understanding of material compatibility with common pulser material environments is required. This work examines the effect of long-duration contact of printed polymeric components with three high-voltage insulating oils (Shell Diala S2 ZX-A, Luminol TRi, and Royco 602) at room temperature (~25 °C). Test pieces printed using stereolithography (SLA) were evaluated for changes in dielectric strength, mechanical properties, and composition after submersion in insulating oil for a nine-month duration. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was used for compositional analysis on neat and polymer-exposed oils to identify compositional changes that occurred in the oil over the course of the exposure period.
Acoustic time-reversal based multi-sensor communication for autonomous structural health monitoring of aerial vehicles

The recurrent monitoring of an aerial vehicle for structural damage detection and identification by acoustic sensors increases its reliability and remaining useful lifetime. In order to reach full structural health monitoring (SHM) autonomy, there is a need to combine sensing and communication functions into smart multifunctional sensors. Through this fusion, the information gathered by the SHM sensors could be transmitted in real time to a central processing unit without any human intervention. To that end, this research paper proposes reusing the existing network of acoustic SHM sensors mounted or embedded in the structure to enable acoustic multi-sensor wireless communication through the structure itself using elastic waves as the carrier signals. By doing so, the proposed acoustic communication system does not generate additional radio-frequency (RF) interference to other RF communication systems on board such as those used for vehicle control and safety-related services. This paper describes the design of the proposed acoustic wireless sensor network for autonomous SHM of aerial vehicles. First, the network topology and sensors placement are described along with the data routing algorithm. Then, the time-reversal based time division multiple access technique is introduced for multi-sensor communication using elastic waves. The data transmission across the elastic channel using time-reversal pulse position modulation is also presented. Finally, the system is evaluated based on the acoustic channel response of the horizontal stabilizer of an Ercoupe 415-C aircraft.
Editorial Commentary: Graft Orientation in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction-Does It Really Matter?

The search for an isometric, anatomic, biomechanically optimal anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction remains elusive. To better approximate the native ACL, surgeons have used a host of different graft options and repair techniques. Surgical techniques involving single-tunnel and double-tunnel (or even triple-tunnel!) fixation sites have been used in an attempt to re-create the "2 (or more) bundles" of the ACL. Transtibial and independent femoral drilling techniques are used in an effort to create a more "anatomic" femoral tunnel placement. Once the anatomic femoral attachment site is identified, there is then a debate on how best to "fill" the attachment site with the surgical graft. These are all important discussions and debates, but one question remains . . . Does any of it really matter?
Detection and Quantification of Slip Along Non-Uniform Frictional Discontinuities Using Digital Image Correlation

A deformation measurement system based on the principles of digital image correlation (DIC) has been developed to evaluate the process of slip along frictional discontinuities. A biaxial compression apparatus is used to impose shear failure on perfectly mated gypsum specimens with nonhomogeneous contact surfaces. The contact surfaces are made by casting gypsum against flat surfaces with different frictional characteristics and consisted of a smooth surface with low frictional strength on the upper half and a rough surface with high frictional strength on the lower half. Design, implementation, and verification of the DIC measurement system are presented in this paper. DIC successfully identified slip as a jump in the displacement field across the discontinuity. Slip is observed to initiate from the smooth surface with minimum frictional resistance and as the shear load is increased, propagates to the rough surface that has higher frictional resistance. DIC clearly exhibits a reduction in fracture’s shear stiffness based on an increase in the rate of relative vertical displacement across the discontinuity, which initiates from the smooth surface and propagates to the rough surface.
School-Based Practices and Preservice Teacher Beliefs About Urban Teaching and Learning

Researchers have long recognized the importance of what teachers need to know, be able to do, and how their beliefs influence their professional decision making and practices. We also know that con...
Computer Simulations of Epitaxial Interfaces

The embedded-atom method was applied in computer simulations to study epitaxial Cu/Ag interfaces in cube-on-cube orientation relationship. Coherent and semicoherent interfaces were studied with inclinations parallel to (001), (011) and (111). The coherent boundary energy depends strongly on the predicted enthalpy of mixing. The interfacial energy for semicoherent boundaries was highly anisotropic, having its largest value (549 mJ/m2) for the (011) interface and its smallest value (231 mJ/m2) for the (111) interface. The periodic elastic relaxations correspond to networks of misfit dislocations lying in the plane of the interface; the maximum displacement in the (011) interface is about one-third the atomic diameter, but only one-eighth the atomic diameter in the (111) interface.
Synthesis and bioconjugation of alkanethiol-stabilized gold bipyramid nanoparticles.

Gold bipyramid nanoparticles are promising for a range of biomedical applications, including biosensing and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), due to their favorable optical properties and ease of chemical functionalization. Here we report improved synthesis methods, including preparation of gold seed particles with an increased shelf life of ~1 month, and preparation of gold bipyramids with significantly shortened synthesis time (< 1 hour). We also report methods for the functionalization and bioconjugation of the gold bipyramids, including functionalization with alkanethiol self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) and bioconjugation with proteins via carbodiimide cross-linking. Binding of specific antibodies to the nanoparticle-bound proteins was subsequently observed via localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) sensing. Rabbit IgG and goat anti-Rabbit IgG antibodies were used as a model system for antibody-antigen interactions. As-synthesized, SAM-functionalized, and bioconjugated bipyramids were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-vis spectroscopy, zeta potential, and dynamic light scattering (DLS).
Multifocal Calvarial Infarction with Epidural Hemorrhage in a Patient with Sickle Cell Vaso-Occlusive Crisis: A Case Report

While primarily a hematologic disease, sickle cell anemia is notorious for its multisystemic manifestations, particularly in episodes of vaso-occlusive crisis. Multifocal acute calvarial infarction with associated epidural hemorrhage has rarely been reported in sickle cell vaso-occlusive crisis. In this article, we reported a unique case of a 15-year-old male presenting with sickle cell vaso-occlusive crisis and neuroimaging findings of multifocal calvarial bone infarction and epidural hemorrhage. Radiologists and clinicians should be cognizant of this rare complication of sickle cell anemia to ensure appropriate diagnosis and timely treatment.
Pediatric Polysomnography: The Patient and Family Perspective

Study Objectives:The gold-standard test used to diagnose childhood obstructive sleep apnea is polysomnography. However, this test requires an overnight stay at a sleep laboratory and the attachment...
The use of intravenous saccharated oxide of iron in obstetrics and gynecology.

Abstract 1. 1. Sixty-seven patients were treated with 500 mg. of intravenous saccharated oxide of iron. 2. 2. The results, in general, were favorable, with an average rise of 2 Gm. of hemoglobin per patient within two weeks. 3. 3. Deleterious reactions to the drug were few and negligible and were seen only following too rapid administration. 4. 4. A good response was seen in 85 per cent of the patients; 6 per cent 5. showed a questionable response; and 9 per cent showed no hematological response at all.
An Extensible I/O Performance Analysis Framework for Distributed Environments

As distributed systems increase in both popularity and scale, it becomes increasingly important to understand as well as to systematically identify performance anomalies and potential opportunities for optimization. However, large scale distributed systems are often complex and non-deterministic due to hardware and software heterogeneity and configurable runtime options that may boost or diminish performance. It is therefore important to be able to disseminate and present the information gleaned from a local system under a common evaluation methodology so that such efforts can be valuable in one environment and provide general guidelines for other environments. Evaluation methodologies can conveniently be encapsulated inside of a common analysis framework that serves as an outer layer upon which appropriate experimental design and relevant workloads (benchmarking and profiling applications) can be supported. In this paper we present ExPerT, an Ex tensible Per formance T oolkit. ExPerT defines a flexible framework from which a set of benchmarking, tracing, and profiling applications can be correlated together in a unified interface. The framework consists primarily of two parts: an extensible module for profiling and benchmarking support, and a unified data discovery tool for information gathering and parsing. We include a case study of disk I/O performance in virtualized distributed environments which demonstrates the flexibility of our framework for selecting benchmark suite, creating experimental design, and performing analysis.
Academic Benefits of Living on Campus

We estimate the academic benefits to college students living on campus and investigate why they may perform better in school. This paper addresses two channels to explain why living on campus may improve academic performance. First, we examine whether on-campus students are more likely to take advantage of university provided resources (libraries, tutors, computer technology, university sponsored extracurricular activities, etc) than off-campus students. Secondly, we examine whether peer influences and interactions, including collaborative studying with friends and/or classmates and engagement in drug and alcohol consumption. Instrumental variables are used to account for the likely endogeneity of students' living decisions. We find evidence that living on campus causes an increase in student performance while they are living on campus, and in subsequent semesters even if they later move off campus. We identify significant peer-effect channels to explain why students that have lived on campus in the past perform better than others, but largely fail to identify channels explaining why students should immediately perform better while they live on campus.
Office Hours: A Memoir and an Interview with Michael S. Harper

I first met Professor Harper in the fall of 1999, as a nervous sopho more. I was paying my way at Brown University through odd jobs for the local oligarchy. So, to the side of my humanities classes, I was earning an auxiliary education in tutoring the distracted chil dren of the very wealthy; cataloguing for an agoraphobic math pro fessor; mowing the lawn (and once, accidentally, the hibiscus) of a mournful divorc?e; and tending the rose garden of a Shakespearean scholar with meticulous prepositions. At night, while my roommate headed to the dorm rooftop with a new stash of marijuana, I dreamt of the Shakespearean's weeds among, beside, down, during and except the rosebushes.
Partitioning analog and digital processing in a single-chip GPS receiver

In the near future, Global Positioning System (GPS) data will be used in a wide variety of portable, mobile electronic devices. Shrinking feature sizes, combined with the need for low-power, lightweight components, will drive an entire GPS receiver onto a single, mixed-signal die. A major design issue in mixed-signal systems is the effect of digital switching noise coupled to sensitive analog circuits through the substrate. A method is proposed for minimizing this effect by partitioning digital and analog processing into separate time blocks. The resulting trade-off between lost signal and increased energy consumption is explored. In particular, a GPS synchronizer design is analyzed with respect to modifications that can be made to increase performance, while minimizing any associated energy penalty.
Contribution of stratospheric cooling to satellite-inferred tropospheric temperature trends

From 1979 to 2001, temperatures observed globally by the mid-tropospheric channel of the satellite-borne Microwave Sounding Unit (MSU channel 2), as well as the inferred temperatures in the lower troposphere, show only small warming trends of less than 0.1 K per decade (refs 1–3). Surface temperatures based on in situ observations however, exhibit a larger warming of ∼0.17 K per decade (refs 4, 5), and global climate models forced by combined anthropogenic and natural factors project an increase in tropospheric temperatures that is somewhat larger than the surface temperature increase6,7,8. Here we show that trends in MSU channel 2 temperatures are weak because the instrument partly records stratospheric temperatures whose large cooling trend9 offsets the contributions of tropospheric warming. We quantify the stratospheric contribution to MSU channel 2 temperatures using MSU channel 4, which records only stratospheric temperatures. The resulting trend of reconstructed tropospheric temperatures from satellite data is physically consistent with the observed surface temperature trend. For the tropics, the tropospheric warming is ∼1.6 times the surface warming, as expected for a moist adiabatic lapse rate.
On &#352;iljak's absolute stability test

Siljak's test is extended to verify nonnegativity of even polynomials and conclude absolute stability in particular cases.
Recent studies on epizootic bovine abortion

Abstract After many years of intensive study, concepts concerning epizootic bovine abortion (EBA) are undergoing fundamental changes. The demonstration that the Ornithodoros coriaceus tick is a natural vector of the infection led to the isolation of a virus which, although not an abortifacient agent per se , appears to be associated in O. coriaceus ticks with an agent which causes what is believed to be EBA. The nature of this agent is as yet unknown. However, such findings provide increasing evidence that an agent, or agents, in addition to the chlamydia which was isolated during the early studies of the disease, are involved etiologically in EBA. Indications are, therefore, that EBA is a disease syndrome, rather than a specific disease entity caused by a single etiologic agent.
Genetic variants in selected pre-microRNA genes and the risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

BACKGROUND: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in microRNAs (miRNAs) may alter the processing, transcription, and expression of miRNAs and, thus, may contribute to cancer development. The authors hypothesized that common polymorphisms in pre-miRNAs are associated individually and (more likely) collectively with the risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). METHODS: The authors genotyped 4 common polymorphisms in pre-miRNAs: Homo sapiens miRNA 146a (hsa-mir-146a) (reference SNP 2910164 [rs2910164]; guanine to cytosine [GC]), hsa-mir-149 (rs2292832; guanine to thymine [GT]), hsa-mir-196a2 (rs11614913; CT), and hsa-mir-499 (rs3746444; adenine to guanine [AG]) in 1109 patients with SCCHN (cases) and in 1130 cancer-free patients (controls) in a non-Hispanic white population that was frequency-matched by age and sex. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to calculate crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Of the 4 SNPs that were studied, the hsa-mir-499 AG and GG genotypes were associated with a reduced risk of SCCHN (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.69-0.99). When the 4 SNPs were combined according to putative risk genotype, the number of observed risk genotypes was associated with an increased risk of SCCHN in a dose-response manner with ORs of 1.0, 1.20, and 1.40 for individuals who had 0 or 1 risk genotypes, 2 or 3 risk genotypes, and 4 risk genotypes, respectively (Ptrend = .037). Specifically, the risk was 1.23-fold (95% CI, 0.98-fold to 1.56-fold) for individuals with 2 to 4 risk genotypes and 1.40-fold (95% CI, 1.02-fold to 1.92-fold) for individuals who had 4 risk genotypes compared with individuals who had 0 or 1 risk genotypes. This risk was more pronounced in men and in patients with oropharyngeal cancer. CONCLUSIONS: The combined risk genotypes of 4 common SNPs in pre-miRNAs were associated significantly with a moderately increased risk of SCCHN. Larger studies are needed to validate the current findings. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Median nerve hamartoma: MR imaging using chemical shift techniques

Magnetic resonance imaging findings of median nerve hamartoma are presented in three patients with palpable wrist masses and median neuropathy. Fat-suppressed T1-weighted images demonstrated adipose tissue separating the neural and fibrous tissue bundles in two of three patients, which results in the distinctive appearance of these tumors on magnetic resonance imaging. Fibrous tissue appeared as enhancing longitudinal bundles within the tumor on gadolinium enhanced fat-suppressed T1-weighted images.
The Effect of the Amorphous and Crystalline States on Preferential Corrosion of Hf from a Cu 75 Hf 20 Dy 05 Alloy

Amorphous solid-solution Cu75Hf20Dy05, which undergoes devitrification without changing composition either locally or globally, was used to examine the effects of structural ordering on corrosion properties in the absence of any accompanying chemical partitioning. Melt spun amorphous Cu75Hf20Dy05 undergoes single-phase devitrification to a Cu51Hf14 phase. The difference in corrosion behavior between these two structures was explored in hydrofluoric acid solutions where preferential dissolution of hafnium occurred. Preferential Hf dissolution occurred more readily in the amorphous alloy compared with its crystalline counterpart. Remaining copper reorganized to form a face-centered cubic (fcc) nanostructure in both conditions, but this process occurred quickly in the amorphous state and more slowly in the crystalline variant. A uniform, nanoporous Cu sponge structure, with a pore diameter of approximately 10 nm, formed after dissolution in the amorphous state. A less uniform, nanoporous structure developed more slowly when occurring from the crystalline state. These differences were traced to the effects of ordering on both dissolution and surface diffusion.
Historical sociology and systems theory in international relations

With good reason scholars of international relations have been partial to systems theorizing. They have long understood that decisions of states to engage in war, to raise tariffs, to deter in one area and appease in another, hinge on what other actors are doing or how the other actors might interpret those states' actions. Units (states or other types of actors) are 'interconnected so that changes in some elements of their relations produce changes in other parts of the system, and the entire system exhibits properties and behaviors that are different from those parts' (ervis, 1997: 6).1 International relations theory has suggested not only that actors engage in complexly organized, mutually influencing behavior but also that they interact with each other in relatively stable and identifiable configurations. Several decades ago, Richard Rosecrance recognized roughly nine patterns of international practice (Rosecrance, 1963). Rather confusingly, but in conformity with the structural functionalist logic of the times, he added notions of disequilibrium, system inputs and outputs to his model, but the logic of his analysis was basically premised on an inductive analysis of state behavior. The established patterns of practices (balancing behavior, management of conflict through such international organizations as the League of Nations) were the defining traits of the international system. It was these patterns that provided constraints and opportunities to individual actors in the system. Similarly, in the systems theorizing of Morton Kaplan (1969), one could likewise distinguish structural functionalist overtones, but also a mode of systems theorizing that bore the stamp of nineteenth-century European balance-of-power politics. Scholars in the British school used a more explicit sociological understanding of the international system by infusing it with a study of international society (Buzan, 1993; Bull, 1977; Jackson, 1990).
Chlorophyll determinations with filter fluorometer: Lamp/filter combination can minimize error1

A correct lamp/filter combination is essential in order to optimize the accuracy of chlorophyll measurements made with filter fluorometers. For example, a nonoptimum lamp in a Sequoia-Turner 111A fluorometer can affect the acid ratio. The magnitude of the acid ratio factor dictates the size of the error propagation from calibration to chlorophyll determination. A low value of the acid ratio causes a greater uncertainty in the chlorophyll determination. As long as the acid ratio is ≥2.0, any error in the acid ratio, which is determined at the time of instrument calibration, is not amplified in the calculations of chlorophyll concentration.
Synthesis and characterization of maltose fatty acid monoesters as biosurfactants

Maltose long-chain fatty acid esters (MFAE), esterified at the 6 and 6′ position, were synthesized with stearic, palmitic, myristic, and oleic groups. Synthesis yields were 15–20% based on initial maltose present, and structural confirmation was obtained using plasma desorption mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. These surfactants have surface tensions in the range of 34–36 dyn/cm at their critical micelle concentrations (CMC) of approximately 10−5–10−6 mol/L. The increased chain lengths have a marked effect, reducing CMC values for MFAE by approximately three orders of magnitude over similar carbohydrate-based dodecyl chain sources. Within chain lengths between 14 and 18 carbons, the rate of change in CMC is significant and decreases with increasing chain length for MFAE. The melting points of MFAE are approximately 40°C, and the heat capacities range from 1.6 to 1.9 J/g·K. These numbers are comparable to those of sucrose esters, indicating their applicability in similar uses. However, because MFAE, unlike sucrose, possess an anomeric carbohydrate carbon position, these surfactants maintain their reducing nature and are susceptible to further derivatization. They are also synthesized from renewable, economical carbohydrates and lipids and may provide an excellent alternative to pertrochemical-derived products.
Microstructure and property analysis of DC magnetron sputtered NiAl–0.6Hf coatings

Abstract In this study NiAl coatings containing 0.6 at.% Hf have been deposited onto CMSX-4® substrates via direct current magnetron sputtering. Microstructural analysis using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) shows that the as deposited coatings consist of a B2 β-NiAl solid solution phase with no evidence of precipitation. However, it was found that the post-deposition annealing conditions had a great influence on the microstructure of the sputtered coatings. In monolithic coatings extracted from their substrates, nanometer-sized precipitates formed at grain boundaries and within the grain interiors during annealing in argon for 1 h at 1273 K. An increase in the annealing time to 4 h resulted in recrystallization and some grain growth. The microstructure changes of the coatings after isothermal oxidation tests were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and XRD analysis. The results showed that the heat treatment conditions and Hf concentration in these coatings had a great influence on their oxidation resistance.
Influence of Imaging on the Negative Appendectomy Rate in Pregnancy

Appendectomy is the most common non-gynecologic surgery performed during pregnancy. Little data exist on the accuracy of imaging studies in the diagnosis of appendicitis in pregnancy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the probability of ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) scan in diagnosing appendicitis in pregnancy, as reflected in the negative appendectomy rate. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 86 pregnant women who underwent an appendectomy between January 1, 1997 and January 1, 2006. Patients were divided into three groups: clinical evaluation, ultrasound, and ultrasound followed by a CT scan. The clinical evaluation group had 13 patients, with a negative appendectomy rate of 54% (7/13). Fifty-five patients underwent an ultrasound alone, with a negative appendectomy rate 36% (20/55). In the ultrasound/CT group (n=13), the negative appendectomy rate was 8% (1/13). There was a significant reduction in the negative appendectomy rate in the ultrasound/CT scan group compared to clinical evaluation group (54 vs 8%, p<0.05). This reduction was not achieved in the ultrasound group when compared to the clinical evaluation group or the ultrasound/CT group (p=0.05). A significant reduction was achieved when the ultrasound/CT group was compared to the patients in the ultrasound only group who had a normal or inconclusive ultrasound (p<0.05). Our data documents a very high negative appendectomy rate in the pregnant patient. We recommend an ultrasound followed by a CT scan in patients with a normal or inconclusive ultrasound.
Hormonal control of somatic embryo development from cultured cells of caraway: interactions of abscisic Acid, zeatin, and gibberellic Acid.

The effects of abscisic acid, zeatin, and gibberellic acid on the development of somatic embryos from cultured cells of caraway ( Carum carvi L.) were observed. Somatic embryos complete development on a basal medium without exogenous hormones, but some are subject to developmental abnormalities including malformed cotyledons and accessory embryos. Both zeatin and gibberellic acid, especially in combination, stimulate growth and increase the frequency of aberrant forms. Zeatin causes the formation of multiple shoots, leafy and abnormal cotyledons, and in the dark, enlarged hypocotyls; gibberellic acid effects root elongation, polycotyledony, and some callus formation. In contrast, abscisic acid, at concentrations which do not inhibit embryo maturation, selectively suppresses abnormal proliferations. With abscisic acid, and especially in the dark, a high percentage of embryos complete development with two fleshy cotyledons on unelongated axes free of accessory embryos. In the light, zeatin eliminates abscisic acid inhibition while gibberellic acid only partially counters its effect, promoting elongated radicles and green rather than white cotyledons. In the dark, zeatin in combination with abscisic acid stimulates extensive callusing. Gibberellic acid does not reverse the effects of abscisic acid but rather enhances them and can counter the disruptive effects of zeatin. The results demonstrate that the balance between abscisic acid on the one hand and zeatin and gibberellic acid on the other can effectively control somatic embryo development and either disrupt or ensure normal maturation.