cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial disease disrupts hepatic allostasis and lowers the threshold for immune-mediated liver toxicity.

Abstract Objective In individuals with mitochondrial disease, respiratory viral infection can result in metabolic decompensation with mitochondrial hepatopathy. Here, we used a mouse model of liver-specific Complex IV deficiency to study hepatic allostasis during respiratory viral infection. Methods Mice with hepatic cytochrome c oxidase deficiency (LivCox10−/−) were infected with aerosolized influenza, A/PR/8 (PR8), and euthanized on day five after infection following three days of symptoms. This time course is marked by a peak in inflammatory cytokines and mimics the timing of a common clinical scenario in which caregivers may first attempt to manage the illness at home before seeking medical attention. Metabolic decompensation and mitochondrial hepatopathy in mice were characterized by serum hepatic testing, histology, electron microscopy, biochemistry, metabolomics, and bioenergetic profiling. Results Following influenza infection, LivCox10−/− mice displayed marked liver disease including hepatitis, enlarged mitochondria with cristae loss, and hepatic steatosis. This pathophysiology was associated with viremia. Primary hepatocytes from LivCox10−/− mice cocultured with WT Kupffer cells in the presence of PR8 showed enhanced lipid accumulation. Treatment of hepatocytes with recombinant TNFα implicated Kupffer cell-derived TNFα as a precipitant of steatosis in LivCox10−/− mice. Eliminating Kupffer cells or blocking TNFα in vivo during influenza infection mitigated the steatosis and mitochondrial morphologic changes. Conclusions Taken together, our data shift the narrative of metabolic decompensation in mitochondrial hepatopathy beyond the bioenergetic costs of infection to include an underlying susceptibility to immune-mediated damage. Moreover, our work suggests that immune modulation during metabolic decompensation in mitochondrial disease represents a future viable treatment strategy needing further exploration.
Assessing Accuracy of Sampling Schemes to Estimate Snowy Plover Reproductive Success

Like many wildlife species of management concern, the western snowy plover Charadrius nivosus nivosus is the subject of intensive population monitoring. However, intensive monitoring of reproductiv...
The Cost of Academic Focus: Daily School Problems and Biopsychological Adjustment in Chinese American Families

Stress from daily school problems may accumulate and eventually lead to mental health issues in both youth and their parents. With a strong cultural emphasis on school performance, Chinese American families may be particularly vulnerable to such stress. In the current research, Chinese American adolescents (N = 95; Mean age = 13.7 years; 51% girls) and their parents completed daily diary reports of school problems and emotional well-being for 14 continuous days. Adolescents also provided four saliva samples per day for 4 consecutive days. Multilevel modeling analyses showed that youth’s daily school problems predicted their lower happiness, higher distress, and higher total cortisol output above and beyond their emotional well-being and cortisol output the prior day. Moreover, there was a spillover effect such that youth’s school problems also negatively predicted their parents’ emotional well-being. Notably, the negative influence from school problems was moderated by children’s cultural orientation, such that youth who were more oriented toward Chinese (vs. American) culture were more vulnerable to the school problems. Taken together, our results highlight the costs on biopsychological adjustment accompanying the academic focus in Chinese American youth and their parents.
Innovative Bioactive Glass Fiber Technology Accelerates Wound Healing and Minimizes Costs: A Case Series.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and value of a novel borate-based bioactive glass fiber (BBGF) advanced wound matrix in the treatment of chronic wounds. Methods Four patients with chronic wounds that had failed multiple prior treatments were identified and treated with the BBGF technology. Patient demographics, wound characteristics, and prior treatment history were obtained. Costs associated with prior treatments were estimated and recorded using available cost data. Results The average wound duration prior to initiation of BBGF treatment was 391 days. All of the patients had a history of multiple failed interventions, including operative procedures, negative-pressure wound therapy, cellular and/or tissue-based products, dermal grafts, and synthetic wound matrices. Prior interventions resulted in an average estimated cost of $87,750 per patient. All of the patients achieved complete wound closure in an average of 55 days using BBGF treatment. Patients were treated with 3.3 applications of the BBGF product on average, with an average cost of $3,564. The use of the BBGF advanced wound matrix on initial presentation could have saved the healthcare system an average of $84,186 per patient and reduced wound duration by an average of 336 days. Conclusions The BBGF advanced wound matrix resulted in the healing of chronic wounds that had failed multiple prior interventions. In this series of challenging cases, BBGF accelerated healing while minimizing costs and improving patient outcomes. By offering an effective therapy at a low cost, BBGF has the potential to add significant value for both the healthcare system and the patient.
Henry J.-M. Levet: diplomatic travel poet

Henry J.-M. Levet’s poetry has been well-known in the Francophone realm for a century, and he is the subject of a recent major biography (Vitoux 2018, L’Express de Benares: A la Recherche d’Henry J...
Detection of Magnetic Fields toward M17 through the H I Zeeman Effect

We have carried out VLA Zeeman observations of H I absorption lines toward the H II region in the M17 giant molecular cloud complex. The resulting maps have 60'' × 45'' spatial resolution and 0.64 km s-1 velocity separation. The H I absorption lines toward M17 show between 5 and 8 distinct velocity components, which vary spatially in a complex manner across the source. We explore possible physical connections between these components and the M17 region based on calculations of H I column densities, line-of-sight magnetic field strengths, as well as comparisons with a wide array of previous optical, infrared, and radio observations. In particular, an H I component at the same velocity as the southwestern molecular cloud (M17 SW; ~20 km s-1) seems to originate from the edge-on interface between the H II region and M17 SW in unshocked photodissociation region (PDR) gas. We have detected a steep enhancement in the 20 km s-1 H I column density and line-of-sight magnetic field strengths (Blos) toward this boundary. A lower limit for the peak 20 km s-1 H I column density is NHI/Ts≥5.6 × 1019 cm-2 K-1, whereas the peak Blos is ~-450 μG. In addition, blended components at velocities of 11-17 km s-1 appear to originate from shocked gas in the PDR between the H II region and an extension of M17 SW, which partially obscures the southern bar of the H II region. The peak NHI/Ts and Blos for this component are ≥4.4 × 1019 cm−2 K-1 and ~+550 μG, respectively. Comparison of the peak magnetic fields detected toward M17 with virial equilibrium calculations suggest that ≈½ of M17 SW's total support comes from its static magnetic energy, while the other half of its support is supplied by the turbulent kinetic energy (including MHD waves).
Ethnographic photobomb: The materiality of decolonial image manipulation:

Indigenous photobomb memes emerged on social networks as a media practice alongside contemporary activist campaigns, where artists insert pop culture content into digitized ethnographic photographs...
Ordinal Logistic Regression to Automatic Classify Shallow Landslide Risk Level in Sao Paulo City, Brazil

Landslides are natural events that can cause disasters and catastrophes and threaten human lives and assets. Moreover, landslide disasters are more common in developing countries than developed countries. In these countries, more people live in risk-prone areas. Disaster Risk Reduction measures are fundamental to mitigate the risk. In Brazil, public authorities have been mapping these risk areas with inventory-based assessment and classifies the risk into four levels. Pairs of technicians do field inventory and decide on the risk level based on their personal and technical experience. However, the risk areas need to be constantly updated and the inventory-based assessments are not standardized and so carry the technicians’ subjectivity. In this study, we quantify the inventory-based methodology for shallow landslides by developing corresponding mathematical equations that can automatically classify the risk level based on input data regardless of the technicians’ decision. Using a dataset from Sao Paulo city risk mapping and Ordinal Logistic Regression (OLR), we quantify the field methodology by first dividing the dataset into training and test sets, secondly creating equations using training set and accounting for ordinal-fashion, proportionality, and p-value, and lastly, we compared the predictive power of the equations using the test set. Based on the results, we concluded the model 2 has the best predictive power (0.73). In conclusion, this methodology, by more rapidly updating the sector risk levels, standardizes the methodology, diminishes the subjectivity of the mapping, and so can contribute to the prevention of future shallow landslides.
Evaluation of Inpainting and Augmentation for Censored Image Queries

Images can be censored by masking the region(s) of interest with a solid color or pattern. When a censored image is used for classification or matching, the mask itself may impact the results. Recent work in image inpainting and data augmentation provide two different approaches for dealing with censored images. In this paper, we perform an extensive evaluation of these methods to understand if the impact of censoring can be mitigated for image classification and retrieval. Results indicate that modern learning-based inpainting approaches outperform augmentation strategies and that metrics typically used to evaluate inpainting performance (e.g., reconstruction accuracy) do not necessarily correspond to improved classification or retrieval, especially in the case of person-shaped masked regions.
Higher Pain Sensitivity Predicts Efficacy of a Wearable Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Device for Persons With Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Double-Blind Sham-Controlled Trial.

Objectives This study investigated the efficacy of a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) device (Quell®) for persons with symptoms due to fibromyalgia (FM). Materials and methods One hundred nineteen (N = 119) subjects were randomly assigned to use an active (N = 62) or sham (N = 57) TENS for three months. All subjects completed baseline questionnaires and were administered quantitative sensory testing (QST). Subjects completed the Patients' Global Impression of Change (PGIC, primary outcome measure) and other mailed questionnaires (secondary outcome measures) at six weeks and three months. Results The subjects averaged 50.4 ± 13.5 years of age, 93.3% were female, and 79.8% were Caucasian. Most showed benefit from using the TENS, but no differences between groups were found on the primary outcome measure after three months (active 3.87 ± 1.85, sham 3.73 ± 1.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] [-0.60, 0.88], p = 0.707). Those with more hypersensitivity showed most improvement on the PGIC at six weeks (0.22, 95% CI [0.01, 0.43], p = 0.042) and three months (0.20, 95% CI [0.00, 0.41], p = 0.049) and among those with higher sensitivity based on QST, the active TENS group showed the most benefit with TENS compared with the sham treatment (1.20, 95% CI [0.22, 2.18], p = 0.017). No TENS-related serious adverse events were reported. Subjects in the sham group correctly identified their treatment 87.5% of the time, while, surprisingly, subjects in the active group correctly identified their treatment only 17.4% of the time. Conclusion This study found no differences between those who were exposed to maximal-frequency active stimulation or minimal-frequency sham stimulation from a wearable TENS in reducing FM-related symptoms. However, those with greater hypersensitivity showed most benefit from TENS. Additional studies to help determine the role individual differences play in the use of TENS in managing FM-related symptoms are needed.
Age-related Immune-Stromal Networks Inhibit Response to Regenerative Immunotherapies

Aging is associated with immunological changes that compromise response to infections and vaccines, exacerbate inflammatory diseases and could potentially mitigate tissue repair. Indeed, regenerative medicine strategies designed to promote tissue repair are now focusing on the immune system as a therapeutic target due to its role in response to tissue damage and regulation of tissue repair. However, age-related immune changes to the response to damage and the resulting impact on repair remains unknown. Here, we characterized age-related immunological changes that inhibit tissue repair and therapeutic response to a clinical regenerative biological scaffold derived from extracellular matrix (ECM). We found that aging reduced the response of interleukin (IL)4 producing eosinophils and CD4 T cells in a volumetric muscle injury treated with ECM leading to reduced repair and increased fibrosis. Single cell RNA sequencing and cell-cell communication analysis via transcription factor (TF) activation revealed diminished interactions between immune and stromal modules in aging animals. Validation of the age-specific TFs and predicated protein interactions in the tissue and draining lymph nodes found multiple genes activated in old animals only after injury that were primarily related to IL17 signaling. Local inhibition of age-related type 3 immune activation using IL17-neutralizing antibodies restored therapeutic response to ECM and promoted muscle repair in older animals through increased recruitment of IL4 producing immune cells and regenerating muscle fibers. Altogether, innate and adaptive immune changes that occur with aging, in combination with dysregulated stromal communication, contribute to an impaired response to tissue injury which can be overcome with combination immunotherapy.
Health-promoting behaviors in the United States during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The potential negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on health-compromising behaviors including overeating, processed food intake, and alcohol use have been well documented. However, it is possible the COVID-19 pandemic has had positive effects on some health-promoting behaviors like cooking and fruit and vegetable intake. The current study was a preregistered secondary data analysis using data from a U.S. national, crowdsourced study (n = 868) on eating behaviors during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The objectives of the current study were to compare levels of cooking, fruit and vegetable intake, and physical activity among U.S. adults during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic to pre-pandemic levels in reference groups of U.S. adults, and test whether subjective stress from the pandemic was associated with health-promoting behaviors by obesity status. During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, participants cooked more often and ate 0.23 more cups of fruits and vegetables per day, but 28.8% fewer participants met federal physical activity guidelines. Greater COVID-19 stress was minimally to moderately associated with greater cooking, fruit and vegetable intake, and physical activity. The positive association between COVID-19 stress and fruit and vegetable intake was stronger for individuals with obesity. The COVID-19 pandemic might have encouraged U.S. adults, especially those at risk for complications, to engage in some health-promoting behaviors while creating barriers for other behaviors.
The Impact of Social Media on College Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Multinational Review of the Existing Literature.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, both social media use and rates of anxiety and depression among college students have increased significantly. This begs the question, what is the relationship between social media use and college student mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic? Prior studies have found mixed results regarding the relationship between social media use and college student mental health. This relationship has become increasingly complex during the COVID-19 pandemic. We found that excessive or problematic social media use during the COVID-19 pandemic was correlated with worse mental health outcomes that could be mitigated by dialectical thinking, optimism, mindfulness, and cognitive reappraisal. The COVID-19 pandemic acts as a moderator by strengthening the relationship between social media use and mental health. Future studies should consider the impact of social media on college student mental health and concentrate on intervention initiatives to ensure the psychological well-being of college students during a global pandemic outbreak.
A clustering environment for real-time tracking and analysis of Covid-19 case clusters

Spatial surveillance systems can be an effective and efficient way to provide early spatio-temporal warning signals of infectious diseases outbreaks. The development of spatial surveillance systems that can handle near-real time hospital spatial data have proven critical for directing intervention strategies and for risk mitigation during the ongoing monitoring and response to COVID-19. GeoMEDD, a geographic monitoring tool, was developed for such near-real time assessment of emergent localized disease. As the response to COVID-19 changed, moving through phases such as increased scientific understanding, testing variability, vaccine availability and uptake, and new variants, so GeoMEDD has also evolved. Here we present two advances for GeoMEDD; a fully automated cluster environment with a spatial database at its heart and a cluster tracking module to classify clusters based on the transition state of the cluster lifecycle. Our detailed use case analysis shows that these advances have improved local and global cluster analysis, contextual information dissemination, monitoring emergence based on underlying spatial structure and cluster evolution analysis. We believe that the addition of the fully automated cluster environment to GeoMEDD would be particularly beneficial for health institutions as well as governmental health organizations for disease outbreak detection due to the efficiency in data ingestion and analysis, while the addition of the cluster tracking module will advance research into the mechanics behind disease diffusion in space and time.
Diabetes mellitus in Down's Syndrome.

An epidemiologic study by questionnaire was undertaken in Great Britain and the United States, to provide data on diabetes mellitus in Down’s syndrome. Among 20,362 patients with Down’s syndrome, 88 living diabetics were found. A high prevalence of diabetes in the population with Down’s syndrome, particularly In the younger age groups, was noted. In these age groups the prevalence of diabetes in the population with Down’s syndrome exceeded that of the general population by factors 6.8, 3.3, and 3.0. Insufficient data exist to determine the exact statistical significance of these ratios. Further investigation is necessary. Nevertheless, a definitive association between Down’s Syndrome and diabetes mellitus is suggested. The role of prediabetes, autoimmunity and genetics in this association is discussed.
Trauma and Recovery Within Military Culture

The following chapter will highlight the important issues unique to military service members and illustrate how the culture of the military can increase the potential for re-victimization and perpetuate trauma symptoms, when compared to a civilian victim. These differences exist not in the crime itself but the aftermath of recovery. Judith Herman’s theory of trauma, and therapy, will scaffold the second half of the discussion with a focus on neural integration following a sexual victimization.
NMR in Structural and Cell Biology

A knowledge of three-dimensional structure is essential for understanding how macromolecules (proteins, nucleic acids) function. NMR is a powerful solution technique to study three-dimensional structures and dynamics of macromolecules and their complexes at atomic resolution. We briefly summarize the fundamentals involved in NMR structure determination. We show how NMR can be used to elucidate the structures of weak protein–protein complexes as illustrated by complexes of the bacterial phosphotransferase system. Lastly, we briefly review how NMR can be used to probe the structure and dynamics of sparsely populated states of proteins and their complexes that are invisible to any other structural and biophysical technique. Such sparsely populated states are of considerable interest since they are involved in a whole range of biological processes, including molecular recognition, protein folding and assembly.
Effects of acute fasting and age on leptin and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma production relative to fat depot in immature and mature pigs.

Summary Leptin and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) are adipogenic proteins that are actively involved in metabolic homeostasis of fat. Recently, it was reported that fat tissue in humans and rodents differs in metabolic activity relative to anatomical location of the fat tissue (i.e. depots) and animal age. Hence, we hypothesized that leptin and PPARγ production in various fat depots in female pigs differs in response to acute fasting, and that these responses vary with physiological maturity of the animal. Sixteen intact crossbred immature female pigs [prepubertal (PP); 132.2 ± 4.1 days] and 16 sexually mature female pigs (M; 224 ± 7.4 days) housed in an open-air, concrete slab, sheltered barn were randomly assigned to either Control or Fasted treatments. Control pigs (PP, n = 8; M, n = 8) had ad libitum access to feed, while Fasted pigs (PP, n = 8; M, n = 8) were denied access to feed from the onset of the study (0 h) to euthanasia at 72 h. Immediately post-mortem, fat samples were collected from the subcutaneous, pelvic, kidney, and heart (M pigs only) fat depots and analysed for leptin and PPARγ mRNA and protein content. Acute fasting decreased mean leptin mRNA tissue content in a depot specific manner in M pigs (p < 0.01), while mean leptin protein concentrations in fat tissues did not differ with fat depot or age of the pig. Furthermore, acute fasting did not affect mean PPARγ mRNA tissue content in a fat depot or age dependent manner. Mean concentrations of PPARγ protein in fat depots tended to be greater in M vs. PP pigs (p = 0.07). We suggest that these data provide evidence that acute fasting has a greater effect on leptin than PPARγ production in a fat depot dependent manner in M pigs, which may be indicative of changing physiological demands as an animal matures.
TESTING RURAL NURSING THEORY: PERCEPTIONS AND NEEDS OF SERVICE PROVIDERS

The purpose of this study was to validate concepts from rural nursing theory (Long & Weinert, 1989) by exploring the health perceptions and needs of rural adults employed in service industries and living in communities of less than 1,500 persons. Thirty-eight adults in eleven rural communities participated in interviews asking questions about their health and how they responded to their own illnesses and injuries. Naturalistic inquiry using field research techniques was the method used for the study. Four major themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: definition of health, distance and access to resources, the symptom-action-time line process, and choice. For these participants, being healthy meant being able to function whether at work or play. Distance was a major part of their lives, particularly in accessing prescription medications, health care specialists and emergency care. The symptom-action-time-line process was evident in seeking care for illness and injury. A previously unidentified theme in the rural nursing theory was the concept of choice, choice of residence and choice of health care providers (HCP). Participants chose to live in rural communities because of family ties; others had moved in from other states or, having moved to a more densely populated area, chose to return. Choice of HCP was dependent on availability of resources, time of day, weather conditions, and knowledge of the available quality of care. Implications for practice and recommendations for research and rural nursing theory development are discussed.
Prolapse of the urethra: confusion of clinical and anatomic characteristics with sexual abuse.

Sexual abuse is common; in one survey,1 38% of females reported an experience of sexual abuse before 18 years of age. Despite the increasing number of reports,2 there is evidence that many physicians are unable to recognize normal female prepubertal genital anatomy and deviations from it. In one study,3 41% of physicians were unable to recognize the hymen on a photograph of the genitalia; 50% of physicians said that they examined the genitalia more than 50% of the time. An inability to firmly establish a diagnosis of abuse is one reason given by physicians for not reporting their suspicions.4 A lack of familiarity with the genital anatomy of normal preadolescent females and the manifestations of trauma to and infection of the genitalia and rectum may cause physicians to misdiagnose sexual abuse.
Microglia show sex-differences in gene expression patterns over development and following immune challenge: Relevance for sex-differences in neurodevelopmental disorders

Several neuropsychiatric disorders exhibit a marked sex difference in their prevalence and age of onset. Males are likely to have disorders that present early in childhood, including autism and learning disabilities. Females are often diagnosed with disorders that arise around/after puberty, including anxiety and depression. We have shown that early-life infection can adversely impact cognition specifically in adult males, correlating to increased number of amoeboid microglia observed in male hippocampus (HP) during early postnatal development. However, the functional differences between male and female microglia are unknown. We performed whole transcriptome profiling in microglia purified from HP of male and female C57BL/6 mice using Next Generation Sequencing. Microglia were collected at embryonic day 18 (E18), postnatal day 4 (P4), P14, and P60. Additionally, P60 animals were injected with either saline (SAL) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 330 μ g/kg, i.p.) to induce a global inflammatory response. Principal component analysis identified a large group of developmentally co-regulated genes that exhibit sex differences in adult microglia. Adult male microglia were developmentally immature compared to female microglia at baseline, whereas immune activation shifted male microglia towards a female-like expression phenotype. qRT-PCR validation confirmed that male and female microglia follow distinct gene expression patterns after acute peripheral immune challenge. These studies shed light on intrinsic differences between male and female microglia, and will help explain sex-based differences in behavioral and cognitive outcomes.
Water Quality Co-Effects of Greenhouse Gas Mitigation in U.S. Agriculture

This study develops first-order estimates of water quality co-effects of terrestrial greenhouse gas (GHG) emission offset strategies in U.S. agriculture by linking a national level agricultural sector model (ASMGHG) to a national level water quality model (NWPCAM). The simulated policy scenario considers GHG mitigation incentive payments of $25 and $50 per tonne, carbon equivalent to landowners for reducing emissions or enhancing the sequestration of GHG through agricultural and land-use practices. ASMGHG projects that these GHG price incentives could induce widespread conversion of agricultural to forested lands, along with alteration of tillage practices, crop mix on land remaining in agriculture, and livestock management. This study focuses on changes in cropland use and management. The results indicate that through agricultural cropland about 60 to 70 million tonnes of carbon equivalent (MMTCE) emissions can be mitigated annually in the U.S. These responses also lead to a 2% increase in aggregate national water quality, with substantial variation across regions. Such GHG mitigation activities are found to reduce annual nitrogen loadings into the Gulf of Mexico by up to one half of the reduction goals established by the national Watershed Nutrient Task Force for addressing the hypoxia problem.
Using Structured Parent Groups to Provide Parental Support

Discusses effectiveness of parent support groups in helping educators meet rising academic standards
Temporal delineation of sequential HPRT mutations arising in vivo in a T-cell clone with a mutator phenotype.

Abstract Recurrent mutations in vivo in T-lymphocytes identify clonally restricted genomic instabilities in some individuals. Cell-based assays allow initial recognition of clones with mutator phenotypes, but genotypic selection is required to determine frequencies and temporal sequences of potentially independent mutational events isolated only as complex changes in the same allele. The present work illustrates how two single-base insertions in the HPRT gene recovered only as a double event in a cell-based assay were shown to arise as separate in vivo mutations, being individually present at frequencies of ≤10 −4 and ≤10 −5 , respectively, in peripheral blood. Full characterizations of mutator clones will allow elucidation of the earliest events in the emergence of genomic instability in human somatic cells.
Newtons Pen II: an intelligent, sketch-based tutoring system and its sketch processing techniques

We present a pen-based intelligent tutoring system (ITS) for undergraduate Statics which scaffolds students in the construction of free body diagrams and equilibrium equations. Most existing ITSs rely on traditional WIMP (Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointers) interfaces, which often require the student to select the correct answer from among a set of predefined choices. Our system, by contrast, guides students in constructing solutions from scratch, mirroring the way they ordinarily solve problems, which recent research suggests is important for effective instruction. Our system employs several new techniques for sketch understanding, including a simple-to-implement stroke merging technique, a stroke clustering technique, and a technique that uses a Hidden Markov Model to correct interpretation errors in equations. Our tutoring system was deployed in an undergraduate Statics course at our university. Attitudinal surveys indicate that the tutoring system is preferable to traditional WIMP-based systems and is an effective educational tool.
Interdecadal Variation of the Southern Hemisphere Circulation.

Abstract Previous studies examining the seasonal contrast and spatial structure of the interdecadal variation in the Southern Hemisphere (SH) atmospheric circulation and the relationship between this interdecadal variation and cyclone activity have been extended using the SH data generated by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology for 1972–92. The major findings of this study are the following: In addition to the deepening of the circumpolar trough and the increase of midlatitude sea level pressure (SLP) in winter, a zonal wavenumber 3 pattern appears in the high middle latitudes. During summer, the interdecadal change is dominated by three latitudinal zones of SLP anomalies with negative values in low and high latitudes and positive values in midlatitudes. A zonal wavenumber 3 pattern that develops during the winter persists into early spring, while the three latitudinal SLP anomaly zones that emerge in late spring and early summer continue on through the summer. An enhancement of cyclone activity is assoc...
A Time Series Analysis of the Relationship between Inflation Uncertainty and Unemployment

Abstract This paper examines the empirical relationship between inflation uncertainty and unemployment rates. We find supportive evidence of a significant positive association between inflation uncertainty and unemployment, but this relationship depends critically on three factors. First, the inflation uncertainty-unemployment relationship is not significant before the mid-1970s. Second, the inflation uncertainty-unemployment relationship does not hold across all single digit SIC industries. And third, the inflation uncertainty-unemployment relationship is concentrated at business cycle and long-run components of the data, rather than high-frequency components.
Dim-star Tracking for Stellar Interferometry

This paper proposes a new dim-star angle tracking architecture applicable to multibaseline stellar interferometry missions like Space Interferometry Mission (SIM). The proposed architecture is being implemented on SIM's system test bed 3 (STB3) - a 3-baseline stellar interferometer test bed with similar instrument architecture to that of SIM. Preliminary implementation results, analysis and traceability to the flight system are discussed. The proposed dim-star tracking architecture consists of feeding angle tracking information from one of the guide interferometers' back-end cameras to the fast steering mirror on the science interferometer. The information would allow the science interferometer to track its own dim-star, while not having the needed photon-rates to use its own camera as a sensor. One of SIM's requirements for STB3 is to show 20 dB of rejection of induced motion at any frequency between 0.1 and 1 Hz. This level of performance has been reached and is discussed in the results at the end of this paper
Studies of tin Josephson junctions of anomalously high supercurrent

We have studied tin Josephson junctions that have unusually high supercurrents and which exhibit bulk values for superconducting energy gap and critical temperature. We find good agreement with the BCS theory for the temperature dependence of the energy gap and the maximum supercurrent. Our results agree with the prediction, based on strong-coupling theory, that the ratio of gap to critical temperature should be slightly higher than the BCS value. For the maximum supercurrent we find the BCS value in disagreement with the strong-coupling prediction that the supercurrent should not exceed 91% of the BCS value.
Nonlinear response and modelling of RC columns subjected to varying axial load

Abstract This paper presents findings on the effects of nonproportionally varying axial load on the response of RC cross-sections. It is shown that the history of the axial load has a significant effect on the moment-curvature and axial load-bending moment interaction diagrams of RC columns. The results indicate that under uncoupled variations in axial and lateral loads the section capacity can be significantly lower than is deduced from current design interaction diagrams. Thus, the weak-beam strong-column behaviour, which is the objective of current seismic design codes, may be jeopardized. The paper also presents a comprehensive review of different analytical models for RC columns. Advantages and short-comings of these models, especially in the light of representing varying axial loads, are discussed. The effect of varying axial load on the response of RC members and structures is presented. It is shown that the global effect of varying, especially nonproportionally varying, axial load is significant. Possible remedies and recommendations for future experimental and analytical research are presented.
Plasmas observed near local noon in Jupiter's magnetosphere with the Galileo spacecraft

[1] Measurements of electron beams and thermal ions were achieved by the Galileo spacecraft during the later phases of its mission for three outbound passages of the local afternoon and noon sectors of Jupiter's magnetosphere. During the first two passages the spacecraft passed through the rigidly corotating plasma torus with outer boundary near 8 RJ, into the transition region from torus to plasma sheet, and then into the plasma sheet proper at distances beyond ∼25 RJ. Telemetry coverage for the third passage began in the transition region. At the outer boundary of the torus the ion densities and temperatures were ∼500 cm−3 and 106 K. In the transition region the ion densities decreased with increasing distance to 0.1 cm−3, and temperatures increased to 5 × 107 K. In the plasma sheet the ion densities were typically 0.1 cm−3 with temperatures of 108 K. The azimuthal component of plasma flow slows to ∼70% of the corotational value in the transition region. For the first two passages, strong radial flows toward Jupiter increase with increasing radial distances. For the third passage near local noon the plasma flows are considerably more stagnant than those at local evening. The variations in the flow suggest that the solar wind influence extends to radial distances in the range of 10 RJ. Electron beams parallel and antiparallel to the magnetic field were observed during the passages on field lines connected to the main auroral ring in the ionosphere. Major constraints on the heating/acceleration mechanism for the main ring are (1) the presence of the electron beams at and near the equator and (2) previous remote observations of emissions in the vicinity of the atmospheric methane layer. These constraints support a heating mechanism in this layer driven by magnetospheric convection without acceleration by field-aligned electrostatic fields. At radial distances 30–44 RJ near local noon the plasma densities exhibited a System III effect, increasing once per planetary rotation near a longitude 300°. In addition, the finding of thermal ion beams directed parallel to the magnetic field near 20 RJ resolves the problem of radial force balance previously identified with Voyager measurements. That is, the outward centrifugal force for these beams is sufficient to balance the inward radial force of the magnetic field.
The Influence of Training Hispanics in Test Taking on the Psychometric Properties of a Test.

This study examined the effects of training Hispanic college students in test-taking skills on the internal consistency and predictive validity of a test to predict mathematics achievement. Five hundred and thirty-five students were randomly assigned to two groups. Students in the experimental group were instructed in test-taking skills. Students in the control group received information on the college's educational programs. On the basis of the results of a computation test, the students were placed in either a basic skills or an algebra course. The test had slightly lower internal consistency and higher predictive validity for the experimental group.
Isaiah Thomas Invents the Bookstore Chain

We think of bookstore chains—Barnes and Noble, Brentanos, Walden Books, or the defunct Borders—as recent phenomena. But, the roots of franchised bookselling lie deep in American publishing history. A case can be made that late eighteenth century publisher-printer Isaiah Thomas, of Boston and Worcester, Massachusetts, was the originator of the bookstore chain. At his zenith, Thomas and various partners had eleven stores operating in a network reaching from Boston to Albany to Baltimore, with branches in New Hampshire and Vermont. Driving the Thomas publishing-bookselling enterprise was a form of vertical corporate integration of publishing services (all the way from papermaking to distribution of product) that would, under today’s antitrust laws be hard to justify legally. At the time, in the 1790s–1810, Thomas’s multiple interlocking businesses were, nonetheless, truly a bookman’s empire, with bestsellers like almanacs and textbooks leading the way.
Organizing the Fourth Estate Classification of Newspapers at Washington State University

The Washington State University Libraries needed a way to organize its collection of newspapers on microfilm in the humanities/social sciences collection that.would be consistent with the way other microfilms in this collection are filed, which is by call number. Since there currently is no LC classification schedule for newspapers, an LC-like schedule using the undeveloped AN class was designed by one of the serials catalogers as a solution to the problem. For ease of use, it is arranged alphabetically by country within thirteen major geographic regions, with optional expansions for some countries within the schedule and/or in appendices, and includes general usage guidelines.
Comparative Study Between FEA-Based Sequentially-Coupled and Fully-Coupled Thermal Stress Models in a Laser Hardening Process

Numerous mathematical investigations of laser transformation hardening process have been conducted in the past three decades. The commonly used strategy of a sequentially coupled temperature-stress analysis is to first obtain temperature results from the temperature elements in a thermal loading model, followed by the calculations of thermal stresses from the structural elements under structural loading. Temperature is used as a predefined variable (varies with position and time only) as it is assumed to not change by the stress analysis. Fully coupled thermal-stress analysis is needed when the stress analysis is dependent on the temperature distribution and the temperature distribution depends on the stress solution This paper compares these two finite element (FE) based approaches for modeling temperature and thermal stress evolution in laser transformation hardening of hypoeutectoid steels. The dependence of temperature results on stresses and vice versa at higher temperatures involving significant inelastic strains has been demonstrated. Preliminary investigation reveals that under such circumstances thermal and mechanical solutions must be obtained simultaneously rather than sequentially.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Data collection and capture systems for microbial modeling

Microbial modeling experiments require an integrated and efficient design to overcome constraints on time and human resources. The choice of an experimental system is effected by first determining the goals and scope of the model to be constructed. Kinetic studies, for example, require a different approach from single end-point models, such as time to toxin detection or growth probability. Studies have been conducted in liquid broth tubes or batch culture, agar plates, and food matrices. These traditional systems are labor intensive, however, which constrains experimental size, and thus, a model's scope and validity. To maximize experimental size, experimental systems should be automated and linked to electronic data manipulation, analysis, and presentation. Microbial modelers should also consider the relationship between the experimental environmental factors, such as pH,a w, or temperature, and their impact on growth, virulence or toxigenesis determinants. Attaining these goals will increase the probability that the model will accurately predict microbial responses in food systems.
On predicting repair times in a minimal repair process

A minimal repair process is the nonhomogeneous Poisson process generated by the successive repairs of an equipment in which, upon each failure, the equipment is instantaneously restored to its condition immediately prior to failure. Point predictors of a future minimal repair epoch are developed and compared, on the basis of ‘pointwise’ as well as ‘global’ mean squared errors, when the time until first failure of the equipment has exponential distribution with unknown location and scale parameters. Two general approaches are developed for obtaining prediction intervals in any minimal repair process and the two parameter exponential model is considered as a special case
Probing the Earth's Gravity Field by means of Satellite-to-Satellite Tracking

Two satellite-to-satellite tracking (sst) tests are described in detail: (1) the ATS-6/Geos-3 and (2) the ATS-6/Apollo-Soyuz experiment. The main purpose of these two experiments was to track via ATS-6 the Geos-3, as well as the Apollo-Soyuz and to use these tracking data to determine both of the orbits at the same time, each of the orbits alone, and to test the two sst links to study local gravity anomalies. A second purpose was to test communications, command and data transmission from the ground via ATS-6 to these spacecraft and back again to the ground.
Room-Temperature Synthesis of Ag−Ni and Pd−Ni Alloy Nanoparticles

Ni-based alloy nanoparticles (NPs) are synthesized using room-temperature radiolysis. Density functional theory (DFT) and various nanoscale characterization methods are used to provide a strong basis for understanding and describing metastable phase regimes of alloy NPs whose reaction formation is determined by kinetic rather than thermodynamic reaction processes. Two series of nickel alloyed NPs, Ag−Ni and Pd−Ni, are analyzed and characterized via various analytical characterization techniques. Different ratios of Agx−Ni1−x alloy NPs and Pd0.5−Ni0.5 alloy NPs are prepared using a high γ irradiation dose rate. Images from high-angle annular dark-field show that the Ag−Ni NPs are not in a core−shell configuration but, rather, a homogeneous alloy structure. Energy filtered transmission electron microscopy maps further elucidate the homogeneity of the metals in each alloy NP. Of particular interest are the normally immiscible Ag−Ni NPs that have been shown to form core−shell structures in thermodynamically d...
Text-Bullying: Associations With Traditional Bullying and Depression Among New Zealand Adolescents

Bullying via mobile phone text messages (text-bullying) is a growing problem in New Zealand. Little research exists on this important issue. This study examined the nature and prevalence of text-bullying among adolescents. A total of 1,530 students ages 11–18 from three schools in New Zealand participated in this research. Students completed anonymous surveys regarding text-bullying, traditional bullying, and depressive symptoms. Results indicated that 43% of students had experienced at least one incident of text-bullying with 23% of the sample experiencing more frequent text-bullying. The majority of victims of text-bullying were also victims of traditional bullying. Students who were victims of both text message and traditional bullying reported more depressive symptoms than those who experienced traditional bullying only and those not involved in bullying.
Stationary-state oxidized platinum microsensor for selective and on-line monitoring of nitric oxide in biological preparations.

Despite the multifaceted biomedical significance of NO, little progress has been achieved so far in the quantitative understanding of the signal transduction mechanisms where NO is involved. To help progress in this area, we propose a simple electrochemical NO sensor here, consisting of a glass sealed platinum microdisk electrode coated with cellulose acetate to reduce both surface fouling by proteins and response to potential interferences. A differential amperometry protocol is optimized to improve selectivity and provide a stationary oxidation state of the platinum surface, which prevents loss in sensitivity during long-term use. We found the oxidation of NO by O2 second order in [NO] with a rate constant of (8.0 ± 0.4) × 106 M-2 s-1, in good agreement with literature data obtained by other than electrochemical methods. The release rates of NO detected in cultures of activated macrophages were on the order of 20 pmol/(106cells s) and correlated well with the nitrite content determined by the spectropho...