cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonsmooth Lagrangian Mechanics and Variational Collision Integrators

Variational techniques are used to analyze the problem of rigid-body dynamics with impacts. The theory of smooth Lagrangian mechanics is extended to a nonsmooth context appropriate for colli- sions, and it is shown in what sense the system is symplectic and satisfies a Noether-style momentum conservation theorem. Discretizations of this nonsmooth mechanics are developed by using the methodology of vari- ational discrete mechanics. This leads to variational integrators which are symplectic-momentum preserving and are consistent with the jump conditions given in the continuous theory. Specific examples of these methods are tested numerically, and the long-time stable energy behavior typical of variational methods is demonstrated.
A Combination of Hand-held Models and Computer Imaging Programs Helps Students Answer Oral Questions about Molecular Structure and Function: A Controlled Investigation of Student Learning

We conducted a controlled investigation to examine whether a combination of computer imagery and tactile tools helps introductory cell biology laboratory undergraduate students better learn about protein structure/function relationships as compared with computer imagery alone. In all five laboratory sections, students used the molecular imaging program, Protein Explorer (PE). In the three experimental sections, three-dimensional physical models were made available to the students, in addition to PE. Student learning was assessed via oral and written research summaries and videotaped interviews. Differences between the experimental and control group students were not found in our typical course assessments such as research papers, but rather were revealed during one-on-one interviews with students at the end of the semester. A subset of students in the experimental group produced superior answers to some higher-order interview questions as compared with students in the control group. During the interview, students in both groups preferred to use either the hand-held models alone or in combination with the PE imaging program. Students typically did not use any tools when answering knowledge (lower-level thinking) questions, but when challenged with higher-level thinking questions, students in both the control and experimental groups elected to use the models.
Hardware software tri-design of encryption for mobile communication units

We explore the design space of field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors and ASICs-hardware-software tri-design-in the framework of encryption for hand-held communication units. The IDEA (International Data Encryption Algorithm) is used to show the tradeoffs for the suggested technologies. The measures for comparing different options are: performance, programmability and power (P/sup 3/). More specifically we use the performance to power, or operations to energy ratio MOPS/Watt and Mbits/s/Watt to compare processors, FPGAs and ASICs. We compare the latest digital signal processor (DSP) from Texas Instruments to Xilinx XC4000 series FPGAs. Many DSP-like applications perform very well on FPGAs. We show the benefits and limitations of FPGA technology for IDEA.
ABC relaxation theory and the factor structure of relaxation states, recalled relaxation activities, dispositions, and motivations.

ABC Relaxation Theory proposes 15 psychological relaxation-related states (R-States): Sleepiness, Disengagement, Physical Relaxation, Mental Quiet, Rested/Refreshed, At Ease/At Peace, Energized, Aware, Joy, Thankfulness and Love, Prayerfulness, Childlike Innocence, Awe and Wonder, Mystery, and Timeless/Boundless/Infinite. The present study summarizes the results of 13 separate factor analyses of immediate relaxation-related states, states associated with recalled relaxation activities, relaxation dispositions, and relaxation motivations on a combined sample of 1,904 individuals (group average ages ranged from 28-40 yr.). Four exploratory factor analyses of Smith Relaxation Inventories yielded 15 items that most consistently and exclusively load (generally at least .70) on six replicated factors. These items included happy, joyful, energized, rested, at peace, warm, limp, silent, quiet, dozing, drowsy, prayerful, mystery, distant, and indifferent. Subsequent factor analyses restricted to these items and specifying six factors were performed on 13 different data sets. Each yielded the same six-factor solution: Factor 1: Centered Positive Affect, Factor 2: Sleepiness, Factor 3: Disengagement, Factor 4: Physical Relaxation, Factor 5: Mental Quiet, and Factor 6: Spiritual. Implications for ABC Relaxation Theory are discussed.
Electric and magnetic properties of TiCo and related compositions

Abstract A series of compositions surrounding TiCo, from 48 to 52 at. per cent cobalt, have been investigated. Microstructural and X-ray powder diffraction studies of several heat treatments indicate the stoichiometric TiCo is not congruently melting. High-temperature X-ray measurements show these compositions to be in the ordered B2 structure up to at least 1100°K. Electrical resistivity, magnetic susceptibility, and thermoelectric power were measured. Residual resistivity ratio shows a maximum at about 49.50 per cent for all heat-treating conditions. The largest value obtained was 58. The magnetic susceptibility follows a Curie-Weiss relation with a large negative Weiss constant (−499°K for 50.0 per cent). All compositions had n-type thermoelectric power of about 20 μV °C . The results are discussed in terms of the effect of atomic ordering on the properties of transition metal compounds using the concept of the average valence electron number. It is suggested that the energy bands responsible for the properties of these materials may be constructed according to the procedures of Goodenough.
Power signature analysis of the SPECpower_ssj2008 benchmark

As the power consumption of a server system becomes a mainstream concern in enterprise environments, understanding the system's power behavior at varying utilization levels provides us a key to select appropriate energy-efficiency optimizations. In this work, we present an in-depth analysis of 177 SPECpower_ssj2008 results published between 2007–2010 to understand the changes of server's power behavior over time. In particular, we identified simple nonlinear functions appropriate for modeling the power behavior of today's, aggressively power-managed, machines. We consider this work as an important first step towards developing capability for power signature analysis of a high-end computer system.
Recent Deformation along the Offshore Malibu Coast, Dume, and Related Faults West of Point Dume, Southern California

Offshore faults west of Point Dume, southern California, are part of an important regional fault system that extends for about 200 km, from near the city of Los Angeles westward along the south flank of the Santa Monica Mountains and through the northern Channel Islands. This boundary fault system separates the western Transverse Ranges, on the north, from the California Continental Borderland, on the south. Previous research showed that the fault system includes many active fault strands; consequently, the entire system is considered a serious potential earthquake hazard to nearby Los Angeles. We present an integrated analysis of multichannel seismic- and high-resolution seismic-reflection data and multibeam-bathymetric information to focus on the central part of the fault system that lies west of Point Dume. We show that some of the main offshore faults have cumulative displacements of 3–5 km, and many faults are currently active because they deform the seafloor or very shallow sediment layers. The main offshore fault is the Dume fault, a large north-dipping reverse fault. In the eastern part of the study area, this fault offsets the seafloor, showing Holocene displacement. Onshore, the Malibu Coast fault dips steeply north, is active, and shows left-oblique slip. The probable offshore extension of this fault is a large fault that dips steeply in its upper part but flattens at depth. High-resolution seismic data show that this fault deforms shallow sediment making up the Hueneme fan complex, indicating Holocene activity. A structure near Sycamore knoll strikes transversely to the main faults and could be important to the analysis of the regional earthquake hazard because the structure might form a boundary between earthquake-rupture segments.
Fiber-optic ladder networks for inverse decoding coherent CDMA

Coherent fiber-optic networks are used to improve upon incoherent CDMA schemes. If a single-channel network is used between transmitters and receivers, standard coherent correlation takes place. If several parallel spatial channels (fibers and/or polarizations) are used, ideal inverse decoding can be implemented, with perfect delta -function response of the matched decoder. The two-channel case is studied in detail. The rules for finding inverses of a given coding network and the relationship between matched networks for one-channel decoding and two-channel inverse decoding are given. Phase and frequency differences among stations imply that unwanted signals add up incoherently. The ideal two-channel network with inverse decoding has no loss due to encoding/decoding, only inevitable loss due to the broadcast network. In experiments using a single fiber between a transmitter and a receiver by orthogonal polarizations, delta -function inverse response was observed. >
Three Types of Peer Tutoring Effects on the Attitudes of Students with Learning Disabilities and Their Regular Class Peers

This study compared the effects of three types of tutoring treatments on the attitudes of students with learning disabilities and of regular class students, ranging from kindergarten to sixth grade (n = 124), using a pre-post, control group design. Multivariate analysis of covariance indicated pre-post gains by all treatment groups on peer attitudes as well as attitudes about school and learning. Univariate analysis indicated that those who tutored tended to experience the greatest attitudinal improvements.
Investigation of Dynamic Behaviors of Low-Level Dissipation at ${\rm YBa}_{2}{\rm Cu}_{3}{\rm O}_{7}$ Grain Boundaries Using Low-Temperature Near-Field Scanning Microwave Microscopy

Near-field scanning microwave microscopy (NSMM) provides a unique nondestructive approach for detection of local dissipation with high sensitivity and high spatial resolution. With recently improved NSMM probes of spatial resolution of up to 400 nm ( ~ 10-6 wavelength), detection of dissipation was achieved on YBCO microbridges at currents more than three orders of magnitude below the Jc(T). In this work, we report characterization of the dynamic behavior of low-level dissipation at the grain boundary of YBa2Cu3O7-δ microbridges as function of time and applied electrical current. On higher-angle grain boundary, the dissipation develops rapidly with increasing current and shows approximately linear dependence on current. On lower-angle grain boundary, nonlinear features were observed and attributed to bi-modal pattern of dissipation evolution of nucleation of isolated hot spots and their evolution. Comparison with the similar NSMM+IV measurement made on the “bulk” part of the same YBa2Cu3O7-δ microbridges on a reduced temperature scale shows higher dissipation on the grain boundary can be mostly attributed to the lower Tc values on grain boundaries.
Free Carrier Lifetime in a-Si,Ge:H Alloys

The lifetime of carriers injected optically in the extended states of amorphous silicon-germanium alloys has been measured by time-resolved pump and probe optical techniques using either a femtosecond dye laser or a picosecond free electron laser. When Ninj > 1018 cm-3, the lifetime of the carriers is in the picosecond time domain. Our results are comparable to what we have observed previously in a-Si:H and very recently in a-Si,C:H. There are two lifetime regimes: at high densities, the recombination is bimolecular and nonradiative, whereas at lower densities, the recombination tends to be monomolecular but still nonradiative. The origin of these lifetimes is discussed.
Does the Descriptive Representation of Gender Influence Accountability for Substantive Representation

Does the descriptive representation of gender affect how constituents respond to their legislators' substantive policy records? Previous work offers two distinctly opposing theories: the first, that descriptive representation may weaken accountability for substantive representation, if it leads female constituents to misperceive the incumbent's positions or give them a “free pass” on policy congruence; the second, that it may strengthen accountability, if it leads female constituents to pay greater attention to the incumbent and his or her record. Using survey data from three electoral cycles, I show that women are more likely to correctly identify their U.S. senators' policy records and weigh that record more heavily in their evaluations when they are represented by women. The descriptive representation of gender thus strengthens the links between the policy positions legislators take in office and how they are evaluated by their constituents.
The Relationship between Vocabulary and Literacy When Intelligence is Held Constant

(1950). The Relationship between Vocabulary and Literacy When Intelligence is Held Constant. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 31, No. 2, pp. 299-301.
The CAT model: Extensions and moderators of dominance in technology acceptance

Recently, Kulviwat et al. (2007) proposed a new model, Consumer Acceptance of Technology (CAT), that was shown to significantly improve the prediction of intentions to adopt high tech products by integrating affect constructs and an additional cognitive construct into the well-known Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The purpose of the current study is to examine issues that were beyond the scope of the first article. In particular, the dominance dimension of a fect did not previously show the expected positive effect on attitudes toward adopting technology. The current study clarifies the role of dominance in technology acceptance by uncovering a significant interaction it has with another construct within CAT. In addition, CAT is explored across different types of consumer tasks performed with a high-tech innovation and is expanded by including a measure of social influence felt by the consumer. Finally, the CAT model is further validated using additional statistical analyses not applied in the initial publication. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Three-body interactions in solid parahydrogen

Abstract We use coupled-cluster ab initio methods to evaluate the non-pairwise-additive interactions in clusters of three parahydrogen (pH2) molecules. For acute triangular (pH2)3 geometries that play a prominent role in solid pH2, these interactions lower substantially the trimer’s total interaction energy. Our findings suggest that a widely-used effective pair potential for solid pH2 derives its accuracy from a fortuitous cancellation of errors at small intermolecular distances.
Everything is Animated: Pervasive Media and the Networked Subject

In a world of pervasive media and ubiquitous computing, this article asks what happens as everything (objects, subjects, and actions) moves toward animation across a network. How do media and mediation affect our sense of agency? I argue that the contemporary subject, as described by real-world media practice and animated film, exists within a space of accelerated mediation that distorts self-perception. I use the example of A Scanner Darkly, the 2006 Richard Linklater film, to discuss the effects of pervasive media and how it affects the parameters of self-reflection and agency. The importance of A Scanner Darkly to my argument is that it provides a vision of pervasive mediation in which subjects and objects collide. In A Scanner Darkly, I focus on the use of rotoscoping animation as visual effect and conceptual filter. Effectively, as I argue, animation is used in this case to illustrate the loss of face-to-face engagement – the impossibility of the unmediated encounter. In the first section of the arti...
Trimline Mapping from Multispectral Landsat ETM+ Imagery

Multispectral Landsat ETM+ imagery is used to study the ice-marginal region in the vicinity of Jakobshavn Isfjord, west Greenland. In particular, the trimline indicating margin retreat since the maximum stand attained during the Little Ice Age maximum is reconstructed, and compared with earlier maps based on aerial photogrammetry and ground surveys. Applying supervised classification, fourteen different surface types were identified, ranging from snow and ice, debris-covered ice and water with differing turbidities, to different types of vegetative landcover. After similar classes were merged into five, distinctively different classes, a digitized geomorphologic map was used to assess the accuracy of the classification. The positional accuracy of the trimline was checked by using results from a GPS survey along northern slope of the Jakobshavn fjord. By merging three spectral bands with the panchromatic band, a pan-sharpened image with a spatial resolution of 15 m is obtained that clearly shows morphological features on the ice surface, as well as increased resolution of glacial geomorphology.
Nation on a Platter: the Culture and Politics of Food and Cuisine in Colonial Bengal

This paper examines themes related to cooking, food, nutrition, and the relationship between dietary practice and health in late-nineteenth century and early-twentieth century Bengal, and argues that food and cuisine represented a vibrant site on which a complex rhetorical struggle between colonialism and nationalism was played out. Insofar as they carried symbolic meanings and ‘civilisational attributes’, cooking and eating transcended their functionality and became cultural practices, with a strong ideological-pedagogical content. The Bengali/Indian kitchen, so strongly reviled in European colonialist discourses as a veritable purgatory, became a critically important symbolic space in the emerging ideology of domesticity during the colonial period. The gastronomic excesses of gluttonous British officials—crucial in asserting the physical superiority of a ‘masculine’ Raj—became an object of ridicule in Bengali culinary texts, signifying the grossness of a materialistic. The cooking and eating of food thus became deeply implicated in the cultural politics of bhadralok nationalism.
Echocardiographic Manifestations of Constrictive Pericarditis: Abnormal Septal Motion

Constrictive pericarditis may be difficult to differentiate from various forms of cardiomyopathy. Thus far, no distinctive echocardiographic features have been described for this entity. We have studied echocardiograms from five patients prior to and following surgery for moderate to severe constrictive pericarditis as documented by physical examination, cardiac catheterization, and findings at surgery. In all five patients a consistent and distinctive echocardiographic feature was paradoxic septal motion which could be documented along the entire interventricular septum from the aortic root to the apex of the heart. This type of abnormal septal motion was similar to that observed in conditions of right ventricular volume overload. Echocardiograms performed nine days to 15 weeks postoperatively were unchanged, except in one patient in whom partial normalization of septal motion could be documented. Measurements and observations also were made of chamber size, valve motion, wall motion, and the myocardium-pericardium interface. It is concluded that paradoxic septal motion is a sensitive, although not specific, indicator of constrictive pericarditis. Finally, while these data do not explain this type of paradoxic septal motion, they do indicate that it is not specific for right ventricular volume overload conditions.
Determination of hydrogen in oxygen containing zirconium hydrides by the hydrogen evolution method

Hydrogen absorbed by pure zirconium can be determined quantitatively with a precision of better than ±1.4 mg or 16 ml per g of the sample, if the latter is dissolved in HP solution, the volume of hydrogen measured, and eq. 5 with R=0 is applied. For hydrogen and oxygen containing solid solutions the residue (ZrO2) left after dissolution has to be collected, weighed, and the full eq. 5 has to be used. The precision of such determinations is about ±16 ml hydrogen per g of the alloy. Oxygen containing samples, if the hydrogen is absorbed at elevated temperatures, always leave the oxygen in the form of ZrO2 which is insoluble in dilute HF solution. However, if hydrogen diffuses into oxygen containing Zr at low temperatures (e.g. room) then it may happen that ZrO2 of smaller grain size (especially in the α-solid solution region) will dissolve completely in the acid and if so, applying eq. 5, will result in too small an amount of absorbed hydrogen. This is a definite limitation of the method.
Gene transfer in the kidney

Gene transfer approaches offer the promise of revolutionizing medicine. In this review, we focus on the current and future prospects of somatic gene transfer into the kidney. The advantages and disadvantages of current vector systems are described, and the ex vivo and in vitro approaches applicable to the kidney are reviewed. We discuss uses of gene transfer approaches to dissect the pathogenesis of kidney disease and the future directions and applications of gene transfer to combat kidney destruction.
Signal integration by Ca 2+ regulates intestinal stem-cell activity

Somatic stem cells maintain tissue homeostasis by dynamically adjusting proliferation and differentiation in response to stress and metabolic cues. Here we identify Ca(2+) signalling as a central regulator of intestinal stem cell (ISC) activity in Drosophila. We show that dietary L-glutamate stimulates ISC division and gut growth. The metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) is required in ISCs for this response, and for an associated modulation of cytosolic Ca(2+) oscillations that results in sustained high cytosolic Ca(2+) concentrations. High cytosolic Ca(2+) concentrations induce ISC proliferation by regulating Calcineurin and CREB-regulated transcriptional co-activator (Crtc). In response to a wide range of dietary and stress stimuli, ISCs reversibly transition between Ca(2+) oscillation states that represent poised or activated modes of proliferation, respectively. We propose that the dynamic regulation of intracellular Ca(2+) levels allows effective integration of diverse mitogenic signals in ISCs to adapt their proliferative activity to the needs of the tissue.
Book Review: S. Ann Dunham, 'Surviving Against the Odds: Village Industry in Indonesia'

Review of “Surviving Against the Odds: Village Industry in Indonesia”, the post-humously published book by the late mother of President Barack Obama, S. Ann Dunham. The book is based on Dunham's dissertation fieldwork in Central Java, mostly carried out in the mid-1980s.
Clinical studies of topiramate.

Topiramate had well-documented efficacy as an adjunctive agent for partial-onset seizures in 5 double-blind, parallel trials, reducing seizure frequency by 35-47% at 400 mg/day, the optimal dose for most patients. It can also be used as monotherapy for partial-onset seizures. A broad spectrum of action is suggested by studies showing efficacy against a variety of generalized-onset seizure types, including primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures and the component seizures of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. The major adverse effects of topiramate are of CNS origin. Psychomotor slowing is most common, but disappears in most patients with time or dosage adjustments; 11-28% of patients discontinue the drug because of side effects. No serious skin, liver or blood toxicity has been identified. Efficacy and adverse effect profiles are similar for children and adults. Introduction at rates not exceeding 25-50 mg increases per week will minimize adverse effects and be satisfactory for most adults.
Abstract 4953: Interaction of vitamin E compounds with docosahexaenoic acid on induction of apoptosis in human triple negative breast cancer cells

Successful treatment of triple negative (ER-, PR-, HER2-) breast cancers (TNBC) remains elusive because of the limitations of currently available chemotherapeutic agents for TNBC, drug resistance and drug toxicities. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, has been shown to exhibit anticancer actions both in vitro and in vivo in a variety of cancers, including human breast cancer. Here, we report that DHA induces apoptosis in TNBC cell lines, which is associated with cleavage of caspase-8 and -9. DHA induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress evidenced by the increased levels of ER stress markers, GRP78, CHOP, and spliced XBP-1, and induced increased levels of death receptor DR5 protein expression. siRNAs to CHOP and DR5 blocked DHA-induced apoptosis and siRNA to CHOP blocked DHA-induced upregulation of DR5, indicating that DHA induces ER stress mediated death receptor dependent apoptosis in TNBC cells via CHOP. Furthermore, our data show that DHA mediated increases in levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptosis and ER stress can be blocked by antioxidants; N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) and alpha-tocopherol (αT) indicating that ROS plays a critical role in DHA-induced apoptosis and ER stress. In contrast to αT, gamma-tocotrienol (γT3), another form of vitamin E, cooperated with DHA to induce apoptosis and ER stress in TNBC cells. siRNAs to CHOP and DR5 blocked the combination effects mediated by DHA + γT3 on induction of apoptosis and ER stress. Taken together, our data, for the first time, demonstrate that DHA induces apoptosis in TNBC cells via activation of an ER stress mediated DR5 dependent pro-apoptotic pathway. Our data also show that different forms of vitamin E exhibit different combinational effects on DHA-induced apoptosis; namely, blockage by αT and enhancement by γT3. (Funding for these studies was provided by the Clayton Foundation for Research). Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4953. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4953
Identification of two types of inspiratory pacemaker neurons in the isolated respiratory neural network of mice.

In the respiratory network of mice, we characterized with the whole cell patch-clamp technique pacemaker properties in neurons discharging in phase with inspiration. The respiratory network was iso...
"Not Homeless Yet. I'm Kind of Couch Surfing": Finding Identities for People at a Homeless Shelter.

The meanings of homelessness are fluid and socially constructed, providing resources and limitations for individuals to negotiate their identities and relationships in everyday life. In this study, we examine the strategies and corresponding resources utilized by people who are homeless to cope with the labeling of a homeless identity and to redefine their identities. We used constant comparative analysis to examine in-depth interviews with 16 participants (male = 11, female = 5) who access a local homeless shelter in the southwest United States for resources. We identified three strategies that homeless people adopt to cope with the labeling of homeless identity: (a) differentiating oneself from others who are homeless, (b) prioritizing certain aspects of life, and (c) embracing the status of homelessness. Although these strategies have been identified in previous literature, the authors extend this line of research by identifying the common resources people who are homeless utilize when adopting these s...
Mutant KRAS Enhances Tumor Cell Fitness by Upregulating Stress Granules.

There is growing evidence that stress-coping mechanisms represent tumor cell vulnerabilities that may function as therapeutically beneficial targets. Recent work has delineated an integrated stress adaptation mechanism that is characterized by the formation of cytoplasmic mRNA and protein foci, termed stress granules (SGs). Here, we demonstrate that SGs are markedly elevated in mutant KRAS cells following exposure to stress-inducing stimuli. The upregulation of SGs by mutant KRAS is dependent on the production of the signaling lipid molecule 15-deoxy-delta 12,14 prostaglandin J2 (15-d-PGJ2) and confers cytoprotection against stress stimuli and chemotherapeutic agents. The secretion of 15-d-PGJ2 by mutant KRAS cells is sufficient to enhance SG formation and stress resistance in cancer cells that are wild-type for KRAS. Our findings identify a mutant KRAS-dependent cell non-autonomous mechanism that may afford the establishment of a stress-resistant niche that encompasses different tumor subclones. These results should inform the design of strategies to eradicate tumor cell communities.
Sexual Behavior as a Risk Factor for Sexually Transmitted Disease

Sexuality is an important aspect of human behavior. It is central to people’s intimate personal lives and psychology. In addition, gender is a pivotal factor in personal identity; it determines the subjective experience of life and one’s options in life both biologically and socially. Sexuality is also of fundamental significance to society, since it is the mechanism of societal survival. Consequently, all cultures have well established, elaborate, and firm rules and norms regulating sexual behavior and all aspects of social conduct related to sexual behavior. The norms and values surrounding sexuality may vary greatly across cultures. What behaviors are allowed, who can have sexual intercourse with whom, to what extent sexuality is an appropriate subject matter for social discussion, and among which members of society are all specified by culture and tend to vary across societies. Yet, some behavioral proscriptions are similar across societies. For example, in many cultures, sexual unions between older men and younger women are acceptable, while unions between older women and younger men are not condoned. Similarly, in many societies, having multiple sex partners is an acceptable, even desirable behavior for men, while the same behavior is considered unacceptable for women.
Short- and long-term stability of alpha asymmetry in infants: Baseline and affective measures.

Asymmetry in cortical activity was tested for short- and long-term stability during the first year of life. Infants (N = 129) completed a total of four laboratory visits: two visits occurred about 1 week apart when infants were 6 months old, and two visits occurred about 1 week apart when infants were 12 months of age. At each laboratory visit, EEG readings were taken during five 1-min, neutral baselines as well as during a negative and a positive emotion-eliciting task. The stability of hemispheric asymmetry was assessed at midfrontal (F3/4, F7/8) and parietal (P3/4) electrode sites. Asymmetry in baseline and fear-eliciting episodes showed moderate short-term stability. Long-term stability was apparent when assessments were composited at 6 months and 12 months. Frontal asymmetry was greater than parietal asymmetry for baseline recordings. There was minimal evidence for stability in asymmetry during positive emotion tasks. Results are discussed with regard to the collection and interpretation of alpha asymmetry measures during infancy.
Anticancer activity profiling of parthenolide analogs generated via P450-mediated chemoenzymatic synthesis.

Abstract The plant-derived sesquiterpene lactone parthenolide (PTL) was recently found to possess promising anticancer activity but elaboration of this natural product scaffold for optimization of its pharmacological properties has proven challenging via available chemical methods. In this work, P450-catalyzed C–H hydroxylation of positions C9 and C14 in PTL was coupled to carbamoylation chemistry to yield a panel of novel carbamate-based PTL analogs (‘parthenologs’). These compounds, along with a series of other C9- and C14-functionalized parthenologs obtained via O–H acylation, alkylation, and metal-catalyzed carbene insertion, were profiled for their cytotoxicity against a diverse panel of human cancer cell lines. These studies led to the discovery of several parthenologs with significantly improved anticancer activity (2–14-fold) compared to the parent molecule. Most interestingly, two PTL analogs with high cytotoxicity (LC 50 ∼ 1–3 μM) against T cell leukemia (Jurkat), mantle cell lymphoma (JeKo-1), and adenocarcinoma (HeLa) cells as well as a carbamate derivative with potent activity (LC 50 = 0.6 μM) against neuroblastoma cells (SK-N-MC) were obtained. In addition, these analyses resulted in the identification of parthenologs featuring both a broad spectrum and tumor cell-specific anticancer activity profile, thus providing valuable probes for the future investigation of biomolecular targets that can affect cell viability across multiple as well as specific types of human cancers. Altogether, these results highlight the potential of P450-mediated chemoenzymatic C–H functionalization toward tuning and improving the anticancer activity of the natural product parthenolide.
Batteries: Polymers switch for safety

Ensuring safety during operation is a major issue in the development of lithium-ion batteries. Coating the electrode current collector with thermoresponsive polymer composites is now shown to rapidly shut the battery down when it overheats, and to quickly resume its function when normal operating conditions return.
Startup and control of high efficiency 48/1V sigma converter

48V voltage regulator modules (VRMs) are critical for telecom power supplies, and is becoming popular for future data centers. By using a novel sigma converter topology, an outstanding performance in terms of efficiency (94%) and power density (420 W/in3) have been demonstrated in [11]. Both the efficiency and power density are much higher than state-of-art solutions. The sigma converter is a quasi-parallel converter comprises an unregulated LLC converter (LLC_DCX) and a regulated buck converter connected in series from the input side and in parallel from the output side. However, the start-up and control is quite challenging for sigma converters and have not been solved properly yet. The soft startup of LLC-DCX is challenging due to excessive stress in the resonant tank, in addition, the regulated buck converter uses low voltage devices to guarantee high efficiency. This require a proper startup mechanism for the sigma converter to avoid these excessive stresses in the LLC-DCX and any over voltages across the buck converter devices. In this paper, a soft startup mechanism is proposed combining the simplified optimal trajectory control (SOTC) for soft startup of the LLC-DCX and digital voltage mode controller for the buck converter implemented with a low cost microcontroller. The proposed mechanism was experimentally tested on a 48/1V prototype using 60MHZ MCU TMS320F28025 achieving a fast and soft startup with limited stresses on both LLC-DCX and buck converter.
Primate Bioenergetics: An Evolutionary Perspective

Energy dynamics represent an important interface between an organism and its environment. A variety of factors, including body mass, locomotor strategy, and foraging behavior, determine an animal’s energy demands. Body mass is the most important determinant in predicting metabolic costs both for resting metabolic rate (RMR; the amount of energy used by an inactive animal under thermoneutral conditions) (Kleiber, 1961) and total daily energy costs (TEE or FMR) (Nagy, 1987; Nagy et al., 1999). The Kleiber (1961) scaling relationship correlates RMR with adult body mass and demonstrates that RMR scales to the three-quarters power of body mass in mammals, from the very small (e.g., mice) to the very large (e.g., elephants). While most mammals have RMRs predicted by body size, certain groups (e.g., marsupials, edentates) deviate significantly from this relationship. Primates as a group do not significantly differ from the mammalian scaling relationship, though there exists a great deal of variation within the order. For example, strepsirrhines differ from other primates in having depressed RMRs from those predicted for their size based on the Kleiber
How Does My Online Course & Online Teaching Show Quality?

Stearns Center-Digital Learning is committed to supporting excellence in online education, to meet/exceed research-based quality standards for online teaching and learning. To help Mason faculty and departments identify online quality, we have piloted a self-assessment tool for faculty, â€œHow Does My Online Course Show Quality?â€Â The quality indicators in the self-assessment represent standards that are research-based and recognized by leading organizations for online quality, e.g., Online Learning Consortium and Quality Matters. The self-assessment presents quality indicators for 9 categories for Online Course Design (1. Course Overview and Navigation; 2. Learning Outcomes; 3. Accessibility; 4. Course Materials & Resources) and Online Teaching & Learner Support (5. Instructor Presence & Communication; 6. Learning Activities; 7. Grading and Feedback; 8. Learner Support; 9. Technology Support).Â For each category, we provide a list of possible examples showing evidence for quality.Â In the self-assessment, faculty first reviews the indicators and examples; then prepares a brief narrative for each of the 9 quality categories, describing the specific evidence for quality in their online course; identifying a stand-out practice from their course for each category; and listing anything that they would like to improve, enhance, or explore before teaching the online course again.Â The Online Teaching & Learner Support categories of the self-assessment may be used separately, for faculty teaching an already-developed online course. The self-assessment framework also may be revised for use as a peer-review tool, for departments to review quality of online courses and online teaching.
Thermal conductivity of MICP-treated sands at varying degrees of saturation

The efficiency of energy piles and ground source heat pumps depends on the thermal conductivity of surrounding soils. This paper presents results obtained from a series of soil column experiments t...
Inkjet-Printed Silver Electrode Array for in-vivo Electrocorticography

Electrocorticography (ECoG) is an important neuroscientific tool for acquiring information about brain states and mesoscopic neural activity. Additionally, the use of ECoG and the higher resolution technique micro-ECoG (µECoG) show promise in Brain-Machine Interface (BMI) applications for motor and speech prosthetics. Commercially available µECoG arrays made through photolithographic and vapor-deposition processes allow neuroscientists to incorporate µECoG into their studies, however, these electrode arrays can be expensive and do not lend themselves to easy reconfigurability for experiment-specific electrode layouts. Here we show a process for patterning µECoG electrode arrays using inkjet printing on a 50 µm thick PET substrate. With inkjet printing, we achieve electrode active areas with 300 µm diameters and interconnects with a 500 µm pitch. These electrode arrays demonstrate an average impedance of 2.5 kΩ at 100 Hz and were used to record local field potentials from the mouse somatosensory cortex with signal-to-noise ratios between 30-45 dB. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of using inkjet-patterned µECoG electrode arrays in future neuroscientific studies. Furthermore, we expect printed µECoG arrays to be compatible with roll-to-roll processing for high-throughput and low-cost manufacturing, decreasing the cost-barrier for neuroscientists seeking to incorporate customizable µECoG electrode arrays into their experimental design.
LGBTQ-Parent Immigrant Families: We’re Here, We’re Queer, We’re Invisible

While much of the literature on immigration focuses on immigrant families, they are largely assumed to be cisgender and heterosexual. The psychological literature is devoid of research on LGBTQ-parent immigrant families, perhaps reflecting an implicit bias by researchers that exclude LGBTQ people from their schemas for families. In order to provide an overview of LGBTQ-parent immigrant families without an adequate research base, this chapter draws from the literature on LGBTQ immigrants as well as the literature on heterosexual, cisgender immigrant families in an attempt to make conclusions about relevant issues LGBTQ-parent immigrant families face. This chapter first provides a brief overview of how immigrant populations to the USA have changed over time as a result of immigration policy. Next, the literature on LGBTQ immigrants is reviewed. Since there is little mention of LGBTQ-parent immigrant families in the psychological literature, relevant themes from the broader immigrant family literature will be presented. Finally, research on LGBTQ immigrant families without children is reviewed with attention to LGBTQ-parent immigrant families where appropriate. Recommendations for future research and implications for practice are provided.
Factors Influencing Willingness to Pool in Ride-Hailing Trips:

In the past decade, transportation network companies (TNCs) such as Uber, Lyft, and Via have established themselves as a viable transportation alternative to other modes. However, the popularity of...
Atypical processing of tones and phonemes in Rett Syndrome as biomarkers of disease progression

Due to severe motor impairments and the lack of expressive language abilities seen in most patients with Rett Syndrome (RTT), it has proven extremely difficult to obtain accurate measures of auditory processing capabilities in this population. Here, we examined early auditory cortical processing of pure tones and more complex phonemes in females with Rett Syndrome (RTT), by recording high-density auditory evoked potentials (AEP), which allow for objective evaluation of the timing and severity of processing deficits along the auditory processing hierarchy. We compared AEPs of 12 females with RTT to those of 21 typically developing (TD) peers aged 4–21 years, interrogating the first four major components of the AEP (P1: 60–90 ms; N1: 100–130 ms; P2: 135–165 ms; and N2: 245–275 ms). Atypicalities were evident in RTT at the initial stage of processing. Whereas the P1 showed increased amplitude to phonemic inputs relative to tones in TD participants, this modulation by stimulus complexity was absent in RTT. Interestingly, the subsequent N1 did not differ between groups, whereas the following P2 was hugely diminished in RTT, regardless of stimulus complexity. The N2 was similarly smaller in RTT and did not differ as a function of stimulus type. The P2 effect was remarkably robust in differentiating between groups with near perfect separation between the two groups despite the wide age range of our samples. Given this robustness, along with the observation that P2 amplitude was significantly associated with RTT symptom severity, the P2 has the potential to serve as a monitoring, treatment response, or even surrogate endpoint biomarker. Compellingly, the reduction of P2 in patients with RTT mimics findings in animal models of RTT, providing a translational bridge between pre-clinical and human research.
The Constitutional Jurisprudence of Justice Kennedy on Speech

Justice Kennedy’s basic principles in free speech cases are supporting political freedom, supporting individual autonomy, and protecting freedom to teach, learn and innovate. Given these principles, his opinions in free speech cases protect free speech from government regulation unless the government can provide strong reasons for any restrictive action and show that the means it has chosen to carry out its purposes are closely tailored to its goals. At a minimum, judicial review is by strict scrutiny for content-based regulations, and intermediate review for content neutral time, place, and manner regulations. In some cases, Justice Kennedy has indicated a preference for a stronger, absolute rule of unconstitutionality for content-based regulations which do not fall into one of the traditional exceptions of free speech doctrine, such as obscenity, defamation, words tantamount to an act otherwise criminal, impairing some other constitutional right, an incitement to lawless action, or speech calculated to bring about imminent harm that the state has substantive power to regulate. Given his entire body of decisions regarding the freedom of speech over his quarter century on the Court, no Justice on the modern Court has been more consistently protective of the First Amendment freedom of speech than Justice Kennedy.
Wireless Channel and Electromagnetic Environments for Through-the-earth (TTE) Communications in an Underground Coal Mine

Through-the-earth (TTE) communication systems are useful for post-disaster emergency communications due to their likelihood of surviving a mine disaster. The wireless channel and electromagnetic environment (EME) are two primary factors that affect the performance of a TTE system and have not been well understood. This paper reports measurements made in an active coal mine to characterize the wireless channel and EME of a TTE system operating at frequencies up to 25 KHz. TTE transmissions were successfully demonstrated in a mine location with a depth of 567m (1860 ft) by using ground rods installed on the surface and existing roof bolts in the underground mine as electrodes. The results show that the EME in the mine is dominated by the 60-Hz signal and its harmonics for both the surface and the underground environments. The signal attenuation caused by the channel increases for frequencies greater than 90 Hz. This paper provides a measured data set pertaining to realistic EMEs and channels that an E-field TTE system operator or system designer can reference when implementing similar technologies in a mining environment.
Risk of left atrial appendage thrombus and stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation and mitral regurgitation.

Objective To investigate the association of mitral regurgitation (MR) on thromboembolic risk of patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) undergoing transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE)-guided cardioversion. Methods Data for consecutive patients who underwent TEE-guided cardioversion for NVAF between 2000 and 2012 were analysed. MR severity was assessed by Doppler echocardiography and classified as ≤mild, moderate or severe. Left atrial appendage emptying velocities were averaged for five consecutive cycles. Multivariable regression models were used to identify independent predictors of left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT) and stroke. Results 2950 patients (age, 69.3±12.2 years, 67% men) were analysed. 2173 (73.7%) had ≤mild MR; 631 (21.4%), moderate MR; and 146 (4.9%), severe MR. Patients with moderate (age, 72.4±10.7 years) and severe (age, 72.8±12.1 years) MR were older than those with ≤mild MR (age, 68.2±12.5 years). The prevalence of LAAT was 1.5% (n=43). CHA2DS2-VASc scores (≤mild MR, 3.0±1.6; moderate MR, 3.5±1.5; severe MR, 3.9±1.5; p Conclusions Among patients with NVAF, the presence or severity of MR was not associated with a decreased risk of LAAT or stroke.