cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transfer printed laser induced graphene strain gauges for embedded sensing in fiberglass composites

Abstract The continuous monitoring of strain in fiber-reinforced composites while in service typically requires bonding a network of sensors to the surface of the composite structure. To eliminate such needs, and to reduce bulk and limit additional weight, this work utilizes the transfer printing of laser induced graphene (LIG) strain gauges onto the surface of commercial fiberglass prepreg for the in situ self-sensing of strain. The resultant embedded strain sensor is entirely integrated within the final composite material, therefore reducing weight and eliminating limitations due to external bonding compared to current alternatives. Additionally, the simple printing process used here allows for the customization of the size and sensing requirements for various applications. The LIG strain sensor is shown to be capable of tracking monotonic cyclic strain as shown during tensile loading and unloading of the host composite, while also proving capable of tracking the dynamic motion of the composite which is characterized via frequency response and sinusoidal base excitation. The LIG strain gauge in this work can thus be used for tracking either quasi-static or dynamic variations in strain for the determination of the deformation experienced by the material, as well as the frequency content of the material for structural health monitoring purposes.
Semiconducting character of LaN: Magnitude of the bandgap and origin of the electrical conductivity

Lanthanum nitride (LaN) has attracted research interest in catalysis due to its ability to activate the triple bonds of N2 molecules, enabling efficient and cost-effective synthesis of ammonia from N2 gas. While exciting progress has been made to use LaN in functional applications, the electronic character of LaN (metallic, semi-metallic, or semiconducting) and magnitude of its bandgap have so far not been conclusively determined. Here, we investigate the electronic properties of LaN with hybrid density functional theory calculations. In contrast to previous claims that LaN is semi-metallic, our calculations show that LaN is a direct-bandgap semiconductor with a bandgap value of 0.62 eV at the X point of the Brillouin zone. The dispersive character of the bands near the band edges leads to light electron and hole effective masses, making LaN promising for electronic and optoelectronic applications. Our calculations also reveal that nitrogen vacancies and substitutional oxygen atoms are two unintentional shallow donors with low formation energies that can explain the origin of the previously reported electrical conductivity. Our calculations clarify the semiconducting nature of LaN and reveal candidate unintentional point defects that are likely responsible for its measured electrical conductivity.
Rigid amorphous fraction and crystallinity in cold-crystallized syndiotactic polystyrene: Characterization by differential scanning calorimetry

Abstract The development of rigid amorphous fraction (RAF) in semi-crystalline syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) with increasing crystallinity or crystalline fraction (CF) was investigated using standard differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Bulk sPS samples with crystallinity levels as low as 11% were prepared via melt-quenching of compression-molded sPS; close-to-amorphous bulk sPS samples are difficult to obtain due to the intrinsic high crystallization rate of sPS. Cold-crystallization procedures were conducted on quenched sPS samples by isothermal annealing at different temperatures and timeframes. After cold-crystallization, the CF, RAF, and mobile amorphous fraction (MAF) of sPS samples were determined by DSC analysis based on heat capacity information. With increasing CF during cold-crystallization, RAF was maintained at ~16% in a CF range from 11 to ~25% and then gradually decreased to ~7% when the growth of CF ceased at ~50%. Specific RAF, i.e., the ratio of RAF to CF, exhibited a continuous reduction from 1.4 to 0.1 with increasing CF, indicating increasing crystal perfection and extent of decoupling of amorphous and crystalline regions with increasing cold-crystallization. Effects of sPS polymorphism (α vs. β forms of crystal cells) on RAF were also briefly considered. The α form, understood to be obtained to the exclusion of the β form by sPS cold-crystallization or at increasing levels with decreasing isothermal melt-crystallization temperature, leads to higher specific RAF than the β form at a given CF.
Methamphetamine use among American Indians and Alaska Natives in the United States.

Abstract Background Recent trends show methamphetamine use is increasing in the United States. American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities face health disparities compared to the population overall, including some of the highest rates of illegal drug use. Herein, we examined the prevalence of methamphetamine use among AI/ANs and characteristics associated with methamphetamine use among AI/AN people. Methods We examined past-year methamphetamine use from 2015 to 2019 between AI/ANs and the general non-institutionalized U.S. population using the National Survey of Drug Use and Health. Then, we identify potential subgroups of AI/AN people at elevated risk of methamphetamine use across factors including demographic, social determinants, mental health, and co-occurring substance use. Results A total of 214,505 people, aged 18 or older, were surveyed between 2015 and 2019; 3,075 (0.55%) identified as AI/AN. An estimated 26.2 out of every 1000 AI/ANs used methamphetamine compared to 6.8 out of every 1000 in the general U.S. population. Compared to methamphetamine use in the general population, AI/AN methamphetamine use tends to cluster in rural areas and among those with low income. AI/ANs who use methamphetamine were more likely to be male, middle-aged, low income, have severe mental illness, and misuse other substances than AI/AN people who did not use methamphetamine. Discussion AI/ANs experience a disproportionate amount of methamphetamine use in the U.S. To address this disparity, multifaceted, broad prevention, harm reduction, and treatment efforts are needed that leverage cultural strengths to mitigate the consequences of methamphetamine use.
Nonviral gene editing in cancer immunotherapy

Abstract This chapter discusses the design principles and applications of nonviral delivery systems for clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat/Cas9-based genome editing platforms for potential cancer immunotherapy. It starts by briefly introducing the gene editing technologies and intracellular delivery strategies. It then explains the design principles of representative studies that used nonviral fully-synthetic inorganic and organic nanomaterials for immune-cell-targeted delivery of bioactive components and discusses their potential applications to cancer immunotherapy. Overall, the field of nonviral genome editing systems in cancer immunotherapy is nascent. This area is thus a forefront of biomedical research and deserves further exploration in the future. This chapter also discusses the challenges and opportunities of the development of nonviral genome editing systems in cell-based cancer immunotherapy from a materials science perspective.
Radiative Semileptonic $\bar{B}$ Decays

We consider the form factors for the radiative semileptonic decays $\bar{B}(v) \rightarrow D^{(*)}(v') \ell {\bar \nu}_\ell \gamma$ in the kinematic region where the photon momentum, $k$, is small enough that heavy quark symmetry (HQS) can be applied without the radiated photon changing the heavy quark velocity (i.e., $v^{(\prime)} \cdot k < m_{(b,c)}$). We find that HQS is remarkably powerful, leaving only four new undetermined form factors at leading order in $1/m_{(b,c)}$. In addition, one of them is fixed in terms of the leading order Isgur-Wise function in the kinematic region, $v^{(\prime)}\cdot k < \Lambda_\text{QCD}$.
Indexing it all: The Modern Documentary Subsuming of the Subject and its Mediation of the Real

This paper summarizes some of the themes of my forthcoming book, Indexing it All: The Subject in the Age of Documentation, Information, and Data (forthcoming, MIT Press). The paper presents research on the history and theory of the modern documentary tradition in the 20th and into the 21st centuries, which it views as an episteme with three dominant moments: European Documentation, Information Science and Data Science. In this paper, European Documentation, citation analysis, social computing, android robotics, and social big data are discussed as cases in the dialectical movement of this tradition. Each stage of this development represents higher levels in the subsumption of human agents and texts within increasingly abstract documentary forms of representation. Documentary indexing and indexicality have been major and increasing sources for the social positioning of persons in modernity, with consequences for personal and social psychologies, politics, and for critique and judgment. The story of the modern documentary tradition is a story of the role of indexing (personal, social, and textual positioning through documentary techniques and technologies) and indexicality (the modes of documentary citation and reference that result in such), and how this has shaped and continues to shape what Suzanne Briet termed, “homo documentator” (Briet, 2006).
Short text conceptualization using a probabilistic knowledgebase

Most text mining tasks, including clustering and topic detection, are based on statistical methods that treat text as bags of words. Semantics in the text is largely ignored in the mining process, and mining results often have low interpretability. One particular challenge faced by such approaches lies in short text understanding, as short texts lack enough content from which statistical conclusions can be drawn easily. In this paper, we improve text understanding by using a probabilistic knowledgebase that is as rich as our mental world in terms of the concepts (of worldly facts) it contains. We then develop a Bayesian inference mechanism to conceptualize words and short text. We conducted comprehensive experiments on conceptualizing textual terms, and clustering short pieces of text such as Twitter messages. Compared to purely statistical methods such as latent semantic topic modeling or methods that use existing knowledge-bases (e.g., WordNet, Freebase and Wikipedia), our approach brings significant improvements in short text understanding as reflected by the clustering accuracy.
The Multi-Site Course: Using Technology To Enable Global Course Offerings.

The Stanford University (California) Overseas Studies Program has offered students the opportunity to study abroad for the past 40 years. In the 1998-99 academic year, the program took its first step toward utilizing technology to offer its students multi-site courses--courses taught by a single faculty member with students participating from several overseas centers. This paper focuses on case studies presenting an analysis of the implementation of the multi-site .courses during the 1998-99 academic year. Included in the case studies are background information on the Stanford Overseas Studies Program and its use of technology; a description of the courses; and an analysis of the courses, including a description of the courses structure and technology. The paper concludes with recommendations for others interested in offering similar courses. (Contains 14 references.)
Role of glycosphingolipids in dendritic cell-mediated HIV-1 trans-infection.

Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) are components of the cell membrane that comprise a membrane bound lipid, ceramide, coupled to an extracellular carbohydrate. GSLs impact numerous aspects of membrane biology, including membrane fluidity, curvature, and organization. The role of these molecules in both chronic inflammation and infectious disease and underlying pathogenic mechanisms are just starting to be recognized. As a component of the cell membrane, GSLs are also incorporated into lipid bilayers of diverse enveloped viruses as they bud out from the host cell and can go on to have a significant influence on viral pathogenesis. Dendritic cell (DC) subsets located in the peripheral mucosal tissues are proposed to be one of the earliest cell types that encounter transmitted viruses and help initiate adaptive immune responses against the invading pathogen by interacting with T cells. In turn, viruses, as obligatory intracellular parasites, rely on host cells for completing their replication cycle, and not surprisingly, HIV has evolved to exploit DC biology for the initial transmission event as well as for its dissemination and propagation within the infected host. In this review, we describe the mechanisms by which GSLs impact DC-mediated HIV trans-infection by either modulating virus infectivity, serving as a direct virus particle-associated host-derived ligand for specific interactions with DCs, or modulating the T cell membrane in such a way as to impact viral entry and thereby productive infection of CD4+ T cells.
CHO cell aggregation induced by fibronectin-coated beads. Differences between wild-type and adhesion-variant cells.

Abstract ADvF11 (F11), a Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell variant, is defective in its ability to adhere to fibronectin (Fn)-coated substrata but will adhere to substrata coated with poly- l -lysine, conA or extracellular matrix (ECM) [1]. We have observed that both F11 and CHO wild-type (WT) cells were able to bind 3H-Fn beads in a similar manner; however, only WT cells and not F11 cells aggregate in the presence of Fn beads. Both cell types aggregated similarly in the presence of lectins. Fn-bead-mediated aggregation was blocked by low temperature and aggregation did not occur when formaldehyde-fixed WT cells were used. Colchicine, tetracaine and cytochalasin B were not effective in blocking aggregation induced by Fn beads. These results suggest that: 1. 1. Both WT and F11 cells have surface membrane-binding sites for Fn. 2. 2. The aggregation defect in F11 cells is distal to the initial interaction between the cell surface and Fn, but proximal to the cytoskeletal rearrangements required for cell adhesion.
Photoremodeling of Arterial Wall Reduces Restenosis After Balloon Angioplasty in an Atherosclerotic Rabbit Model

Abstract Objectives. This study evaluated the long-term impact of endoluminal low power red laser light (LPRLL) on restenosis in an atherosclerotic rabbit model. Background. Despite widespread application of balloon angioplasty for treatment of coronary artery disease, restenosis limits its clinical benefits. Restenosis is a complex process and may be partly attributed to the inability of the vascular endothelium to regenerate and cover the denuded area at the site of arterial injury. We previously demonstrated that LPRLL stimulates endothelial cell proliferation in vitro and contributes to rapid endothelial regeneration after balloon injury in nonatherosclerotic rabbits. Methods. Rabbit abdominal aortas (n = 12) were treated in separate zones with balloon dilation and balloon dilation plus laser illumination. Endoluminal laser therapy was performed using a laser-balloon catheter delivering a single dose of 10 mW for 3 min from a helium-neon laser (632 nm). Angiography was performed before and after treatment and was repeated 8 weeks before harvesting the aortas. Results. Quantitative angiographic analysis demonstrated no differences in the minimal lumen diameter (MLD) between the two zones before treatment; an increase in the MLD in both zones after balloon angioplasty and a significant versus slight reduction of the MLD in the balloon treatment versus balloon plus laser zones at 8 weeks. Histologic examination showed a very high level of myointimal hyperplasia in the balloon treatment zones but a minimal level in the LPRLL-treated zones. Morphometric analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in the lumen area, intimal area and intima/media ratio between the balloon versus balloon plus laser treatment sites. Conclusions. Our experimental data indicate that endoluminal irradiation with LPRLL prevents restenosis after balloon angioplasty in an atherosclerotic rabbit model.
Inherited platelet disorders.

Objective To present the latest information on inherited platelet disorders in domestic animals. Data Sources Research articles and reviews spanning 40 years available on PubMed. Human Data Synthesis Information regarding inherited platelet disorders in people is plentiful and often descriptions of human conditions have led to the identification of similar disorders in veterinary species. There are exceptions, however, in which specific inherited platelet disorders were first described in animals with subsequent identification in people. Veterinary Data Synthesis Many inherited platelet disorders have been documented in animals at the functional and molecular level and that information is presented in this review. Conclusions Much progress has been made in the past 20 years in the characterization of inherited platelet disorders in animals at the functional, biochemical, and molecular level. The study of inherited platelet disorders has greatly enhanced the understanding of platelet physiology and has led in some instances to the development of platelet inhibitory medications. Characterization of inherited disorders at the molecular level greatly facilitates diagnosis and identification of affected and heterozygous animals thus avoiding propagation of the defect by breeders. When used with available functional and biochemical diagnostic tests, it significantly enhances the quality of care and case management.
Suboptimal particle filtering for MIMO flat fading channel estimation

SUMMARY Particle filters have been successfully employed to track MIMO flat fading channels for wireless communications. However, an optimal importance density cannot be always found to optimize the performance of a particle filter. A suboptimal importance density such as the prior distribution can be used to reduce the complexity of the particle filtering; however, it has a problem of ignoring the current observations. A class of suboptimal particle filters uses the prior distribution as the important density and moves the predicted particles to the low-error region. In addition, particle filters require knowledge of noise processes to estimate the posterior distribution. This paper presents a suboptimal particle filter that overcomes the drawbacks of the prior importance density and the noise uncertainty by utilizing the swarm behavior in the particle propagation. The presented method will be applied to estimate the channel state information and detect the transmitted symbols of a MIMO wireless communication system under Rayleigh flat fading channel. Computer simulation of a 2 ×2 MIMO system is presented to illustrate the performance of the proposed suboptimal particle filter technique. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of calorie restriction on the production and responsiveness to interleukin 2 in (NZB × NZW)F1 mice

Abstract Calorie restriction preserves the immunologic functions of the autoimmune prone B/W mice and prolongs their life. B/W mice fed normal calories were deficient in production of Interleukin 2 (IL-2) and in responses to exogenous IL-2 after 5 months of age. Calorie restriction leads to the preservation of IL-2 production in the spleen cells of these animals. Furthermore, these calorie-restricted mice responded vigorously to exogenous IL-2 in the thymocyte proliferation assay while mice fed a normal calorie diet lost much of the ability of their thymocytes to respond to IL-2. Whether calorie restriction in preserving the immune function of B/W mice involves IL-2 production and/or IL-2 response requires further analysis.
A Method for Processing Distributed Database Queries

The efficient processing of distributed database queries is of great importance in a distributed database management system. The algorithm-S described in this research is very efficient and low in complexity. The algorithm assumes uniformly distributed data within the attributes of a relation and data independence across attributes. Natural data reductions which occur in nonjoining attributes with iow data multiplicity are recognized. The method can give far more efficient solutions than methods which ignore these reductions. The processing strategies generated exhibit low response time as well as low total transmission time regardless of the cost objective employed.
Driving Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles: Reports from U.S. Drivers of Hybrid Electric Vehicles Converted to Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles

This article examines early users' experiences with plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). At the time that this study was conducted, in the winter and spring of 2007, PHEVs were not yet commercialized. Still, Americans were becoming aware of PHEVs and 25 to 30 vehicles converted from hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) to PHEVs were on the road. In interviews with 23 drivers of these vehicles, the present study explored their motivations for converting an HEV to PHEV operation, how they used and recharged their vehicles, and their visions for future PHEV designs. What drivers think about PHEVs, including the benefits and drawbacks that they perceive, was also investigated. Although today's PHEV drivers may not represent either present mainstream American car buyers or future buyers of PHEVs, their behavior and viewpoints offer hypotheses about what ideas might motivate other consumers and clues about how PHEVs will be used by other consumers and may shape both the PHEV technologies offered in the future a...
Heating, cooling and oxygen consumption rates in Varanus bengalensis

Abstract 1. 1. Heating and cooling rates, and standard metabolic rates of Varanus bengalensis were measured. 2. 2. The cooling to heating ratio was 0.63. 3. 3. The mean oxygen consumption at 30°C (0.051 ml O 2 /g-hr) was higher than expected compared to a lizard of comparable weight. 4. 4. The Q 10 values (standard oxygen consumption) of 6.26 at 10–20°C decreasing to 1.82 at 20–40°C correlate with previously determined values for varanids. 5. 5. This suggests that varanids have the capability of extended activity ranges.
Does rapid volume loading during transesophageal echocardiography differentiate constrictive pericarditis from restrictive cardiomyopathy

Background: Respiratory variation of the pulmonary venous (PV) peak flow velocities can be used to distinguish constrictive pericarditis (constriction) from restrictive cardiomyopathy (restriction). Rapid volume expansion has been used successfully to enhance diastolic pressure equalization in occult constriction. The effect of volume on the respiratory variation in constriction has not been studied previously. This study assessed the utility of volume in enhancing the PV respiratory variation of constriction to further separate it from restriction. Methods: The study population consisted of 15 patients referred to the echocardiography laboratory for further evaluation of clinically suspected diastolic dysfunction. Pulsed-Doppler transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) of the left or right upper pulmonary vein and mitral inflow was performed with respiratory monitoring before and after infusion of 1 liter of normal saline over 5 to 10 minutes. The classification of patients as constriction (n = 8) or restriction (n = 7) was confirmed independently by cardiac catheterization or surgery. Peak velocities of the PV systolic and diastolic waves and the mitral inflow E were measured during inspiration and expiration. A mean of 3–6 respiratory cycles was obtained for each value before and after volume loading. The percent change from expiration to inspiration (%E) was calculated using the formula %E = expiration - inspiration / expiration. Results: At baseline, patients with constrictive pericarditis can be separated reliably from those with restrictive cardiomyopathy based on a higher systolic/diastolic ratio and greater respiratory variation of their PV diastolic flow velocity. There were no complications in any patient due to volume expansion. Although the change from baseline to volume expansion was not statistically significant in either constriction or restriction, the %E of the PV diastolic wave became significantly higher in constriction than in restriction (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Rapid volume expansion is relatively safe during TEE and can be used for further separation of constrictive pericarditis from restrictive cardiomyopathy by significantly enhancing the respiratory variation of the PV diastolic flow velocity in constrictive pericarditis.
PARENTAL BEREAVEMENT: Spiritual Connections With Deceased Children

Of a sample of 43 bereaved parents of pediatric cancer patients, 38 reported experiencing feelings of continued connection with their deceased child. Analysis of the data revealed several consistent themes in the experiences and in their impact on the parental bereavement process. Implications for research and clinical practice are discussed.
Correlation between electrochemical characteristics and thermal stability of advanced lithium-ion batteries in abuse tests—short-circuit tests

Abstract The shutdown function of a separator is an important factor in the safety of advanced lithium-ion batteries (ALB). When a separator without proper shutdown function is used, battery safety would depend on the thermal stability of electrode materials. Results show that thermal stability of a battery, contributed from both the anode and cathode, decreases noticeably after cycling. DSC shows that exothermicity from SEI decomposition and the reaction of the lithiated graphite and electrolyte around 140 °C increases as cycle number increase; main reason is the gradual thickening of passivation film, observed through three-electrode ac impedance measurements. DSC also shows a similar trend of exothermicity for LixCoO2 cathode. The lesser the amount of lithium (x-value) in LixCoO2, the larger the exothermicity and the lower the decomposition temperature. Using a three-electrode system to observe the changes of open-circuit potential in LixCoO2 cathode, thermal instability is a consequence of decreased lithium content as cycle increases.
Photoperiod control of birth timing in the harbour seal (Phoca vitulina)

The harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) has delayed implantation, precise annual birth timing, and significant latitudinal variation in birth timing. The birth timing patterns of four distinct groups of seals, including colonies of P. v. vitulina and colonies and captive individuals of P. v. richardsi, were examined using population-based photoperiod analysis to assess the role of photoperiod in setting annual birth timing. This analysis simultaneously determined the time, relative to birth, at which photoperiod response was likely to occur and the critical photoperiod. Despite marked differences in birth timing patterns, a high level of agreement was found among groups for the timing of photoperiod response. The two subspecies, however, demonstrated significantly divergent critical photoperiods. Eastern Atlantic harbour seals were exposed to a common critical photoperiod of 11.7 h/day on the 268th pre-partum day. Wild Pacific harbour seals were exposed to 14.3 h/day on the 283rd pre-partum day. These times corresponded to the estimated occurrence of blastocyst implantation. Using the above information, three small captive populations were subjected to artificially prolonged photoperiods during the period of embryonic diapause to test whether subsequent birth timing could be delayed. Technical difficulties invalidated results at two sites. At the third and largest colony, the mean pupping date of six individuals was significantly delayed by 10.7days. The precision and latitudinal variation of annual birth timing in the harbour seal are due to a response to photoperiod which occurs immediately prior to blastocyst implantation. The critical photoperiod, however, is divergent among subspecies and, thus, has probably evolved allowing seasonal adaptation. Similar environmental signalling has been described for California sea lions and northern fur seals and represents the likely timing mechanism for most pinniped species.
Nonlinear propagation of high-power, sub-100-fs pulses near the zero-dispersion wavelength of an optical fiber

The propagation of high-peak-power (>10-kW) sub-100-fs pulses near the zero-dispersion wavelength of an optical fiber was studied experimentally. Four-photon mixing and stimulated Raman scattering were observed for fiber lengths greater than 2 m. With pulses as short as 25 fs, four-photon mixing dominates, resulting in efficient conversion of the input pulse spectrum into two coherent spectral bands. This can be used to extend the useful wavelength range of femtosecond lasers in the infrared.
Generating Particle Beams of Controlled Dimensions and Divergence: I. Theory of Particle Motion in Aerodynamic Lenses and Nozzle Expansions

A particle beam is produced when a particle-laden gas expands through a nozzle into a vacuum. This work discusses the theoretical basis of a novel method for producing highly collimated and tightly focused particle beams. The approach is to pass the particle-laden gas through a series of axisymmetric contractions and enlargements (so-called aerodynamic lenses) before the nozzle expansion. Particles are moved closer to the axis by a lens if the particle sizes are less than a critical value and particles can be confined very closely to the axis by using multiple lenses in series. Since particles close to the axis experience small radial drag forces, they stay close to the axis during nozzle expansion and therefore form a narrow particle beam downstream. The major effects that limit the minimum beam width are Brownian motion and lift forces on particles during the nozzle expansion. Simple theoretical models are developed in this work to estimate the minimum particle beam width set by these effects. While the...
Mobile relays based federation of multiple wireless sensor network segments with reduced-latency

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are used to continuously monitor certain area of interest and send data back to the base station for processing. In many applications, WSNs serve in inhospitable environments where multiple node failure may take place causing the network to be divided into disjoint segments. Also, multiple standalone WSNs in some applications may need to be federated to collectively handle an important event that requires data sharing among these networks. A viable approach for establishing connectivity among these network segments is by employing mobile data collectors (MDCs). Few MDCs can be used to create intermittent links among the segments by touring and carrying data. Obviously, the travel path of the MDCs will affect the date delivery latency. In this paper, we present an algorithm to form an intermittent star topology so that the average and maximum delay for delivering the inter-segment traffic is reduced. The performance of the algorithm is validated through simulation.
The Art Library: A New Art Landmark at Rutgers Mall

The Art Library of Rutgers University is located in a new facility on the historic Voorhees Mall. The mall is one of the oldest parts of the University. Some of its buildings date back to the university's early colonial beginnings. The mall is dominated on one end by the administration building, Old Queen's, and on the other end by the New Brunswick Theological Seminary. A historic sculpture of William the Silent presides at one extremity of the mall, while on the other, a modern sculpture in front of the art museum proclaims its contemporary role. The mall serves as the nucleus of an otherwise dispersed university. It is a ceremonial and symbolic place where every year hundreds of new graduates march the traditional path from Old Queen's, past the Art Library to Murray Hall, to receive their diplomas in celebration of the affirmation of their achievement. On this historic mall stands the Art Library: it observes, participates, and educates. The Art Library was transferred in 1966 from Alexander Library to Voorhees Hall, an already existing building and the former main library for the university in New Brunswick. The move was accomplished with the initiative and active participation of the Art History Department under the chairmanship of James Stubblebine. Roger Tarman, a newly hired art librarian, organized the transfer. James Stubblebine expressed his enthusiasm and approval of the new arrangement in his article "Art Finds Home": "Part of the old bookstack area has been made into an art library, with its attractive reading room, which is one of the triumphs of the building." In the same building and at the same time, the Art Gallery was established. This arrangement provided for a working symbiosis among three related but separate parts—the Art Gallery, the Art History Department, and the Art Library—and defined the center of the art community at Rutgers. Although the library was now well-located, the space it occupied had not been specifically planned to accommodate the Art Library's needs.
Interactive effects of sex and psychosocial interventions on work pace and accuracy in a self-paced product-assembly task.

This study was designed to assess the effect of participants' sex and two performance-enhancing interventions on performance in a laboratory-based product-assembly task. The task environment simulated dispensing medications as in a pharmacy. 33 men and 59 women worked in the simulation, completing four sets of orders totaling 114 products. Participants either worked with no interventions, with a copy strip to aid in data entry, or with both the copy strip and bottle sleeves to aid in stimulus selection during assembly. Analysis indicated that accuracy anti pacing improved during the task as a function of the number of interventions available. Also. these improvements were not subject to effects of sex. It was concluded that the interventions tested in this study to aid in performance during product-assembly tasks like filling prescriptions are equally beneficial to both men and women. Ideas for research are discussed.
Studies on chemical carcinogen enhancement of epstein‐barr virus induced transformation of human neonatal and adult peripheral blood lymphocytes

The effects of a wide range of selected chemical carcinogens on the frequency of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-induced transformation have been investigated. The carcinogens tested included direct-acting chemicals and chemicals requiring either activation via reactions with nucleophiles, or cell-mediated enzyme activation. Treatment with some but not all chemicals suspected of being carcinogens resulted in enhanced EBV-induced transformation of neonatal or adult peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). The temporal relationship between carcinogen exposure and EBV infection could dramatically influence the results of the chemical carcinogen-cellular interaction as measured by the cells' ability to subsequently undergo morphologic transformation. This relationship was particularly evident when cells were treated with alkylating agents such as dimethylsulfonate (DMS) or N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG). Beginning at 24 h, and at later times following EBV-infection, cellular transformation became more resistant to the cytotoxic effects of DMS and, in contrast, more sensitive to the cytotoxic effects of MNNG. These diametrically opposed results clearly demonstrate the ability of EBV infection to alter the response of lymphocytes to chemical carcinogens as measured by transformation. The lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) established from carcinogen-treated PBLs had increased cloning efficiency. Furthermore, using radiolabelled, molecularly cloned subgenomic fragments of EBV DNA and DNA-DNA hybridization, we have been able to detect an increased number of EBV genome equivalents in whole-cell and high-molecular-weight cellular DNA extracted from LCLs established from MNNG as well as DMS-treated PBLs. We propose that carcinogen enhancement of EBV-induced transformation is an example of a two-step mechanism of oncogenic transformation in primary human lymphoid cells. The possible significance of these findings in relation to potential development of lymphomas following EBV exposure will be discussed.
The antecedents and consequence of consumer attitudes toward restaurant brands: A comparative study between casual and fine dining restaurants

Abstract This study examined a theoretical model examining interrelationships among three service qualities (i.e., physical environment quality, interactional quality, and outcome quality). In addition, this study investigated the effects of three service qualities on utilitarian and hedonic attitudes toward restaurant brands and the mediating effects of such attitudes in forming brand preference in full-service restaurants. To further understand unique differences, this study conducted a multi-group analysis comparing the proposed relationships between 318 casual and 303 fine dining patrons (621 full-service restaurant patrons in total). In the full-service restaurant setting, the results of data analysis indicated significant interrelationships among three service qualities. Physical environment quality explained a large amount of variation in both interactional and outcome quality. In turn, interactional quality had a positive effect on outcome quality. Physical environment quality had a significant effect only on hedonic attitude. Interactional and outcome qualities had significant effects on utilitarian and hedonic attitudes toward restaurant brands. Finally, utilitarian and hedonic attitudes toward restaurant brands enhanced brand preference. When separately analyzed, the effect of physical environment quality on hedonic attitude became not significant in casual dining segment. Further, the effect of outcome quality on utilitarian attitude became not significant in fine dining segment. Both theoretical and managerial implications of the results are discussed.
Open bedside tracheotomy in the intensive care unit.

Objective: To demonstrate that open bedside tracheotomy is an efficient, safe, and cost-effective procedure. Study Design: Retrospective review of more than 200 open bedside tracheotomies performed at UCLA Medical Center, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, and West Los Angeles VA Medical Center from 1995 to 1998. Methods: The only personnel required for the procedure were an attending or senior resident and a junior resident or intern, as well as the respiratory therapist to withdraw the endotracheal tube. No anesthetist or scrub nurse was present for any of the procedures. The procedure took an average of 15 to 25 minutes. Patients were followed for 30 days after surgery to determine the incidence of complications. Results: The incidence of major complications related to the procedure, including hemorrhage and myocardial infarction, was less than 1%. The incidence of minor complications, including moderate bleeding at the tracheotomy site, was 4%. Overall mortality within 30 days was 8%, but was not related to the tracheotomy for any patients in this series. The charge for the procedure was $233 for the tracheotomy tube supplies and instruments. This cost compares favorably with an average charge of more than $3000 for the procedure in the operating room and about $1000 for a percutaneous tracheotomy kit. Conclusion: Review of our experience demonstrates that open bedside tracheotomies can be performed more efficiently and economically than operating room tracheotomies. The safety of this procedure is comparable to percutaneous tracheotomy but at a decreased cost. Key Words: Tracheotomy, percutaneous tracheotomy
Relationship of Self-Efficacy and Locus of Control Constructs in Predicting College Students' Physical Fitness Behaviors

The purpose of this investigation was to study how elements of Rotter's social learning theory and Bandura's self-efficacy theory jointly predict physical fitness behaviors of college students. The Physical Fitness Opinion Questionnaire was developed to measure locus of control beliefs, self-efficacy, value placed on physical fitness, expectancy of reinforcement, and value of reinforcement specific to physical fitness behaviors. More specifically, this study examined the relations among these five factors in predicting college student health-related physical fitness behavior. Results indicated that specific locus of control measures combined with general values held toward physical fitness were not effective in predicting college students' participation in physical fitness activities. Only self-efficacy and value of specific reinforcement for fitness appeared to predict college students' participation in health-related physical fitness activities.
New lethal skeletal dysplasia with Dandy–Walker malformation, congenital heart defects, abnormal thumbs, hypoplastic genitalia, and distinctive facies†

We report on two sibs with a lethal form of bone dysplasia with distinctive skeletal findings including rhizomelic and mesomelic limb shortening, hooked clavicles, dumbbell femurs, and absence of talus and calcaneus ossification. Other clinical features include Dandy-Walker malformation, congenital heart defects, joint contractures, genital hypoplasia, and distinctive facial features. These sibs appear to have a previously undescribed skeletal dysplasia, which is most likely inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion.
Online health-related fitness courses: a wolf in sheep's clothing or a solution to some common problems?

(2008). Online Health-Related Fitness Courses. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 79, No. 1, pp. 45-52.
Seeing the Forest: Networks and the Global Order

Although A New World Order clearly emerges from Slaughter's study of international organizations and institutions, scholars who are more inclined toward security studies will be equally intrigued by her analysis. More specifically, scholars interested in the structure of the international system, globalization, international institutions, global governance, democracy, and accountability will find much here to challenge them. Accessibly written and addressed to both an academic and wider audiences, the book could be effectively employed in both undergraduate and graduate classrooms. Although clearly informed by Robert Keohane and Joseph Nye's (1977) work on complex interdependence and a neoliberal worldview and value structure, A New World Order also provides a broader constructivist view of world order. Slaughter embarks on a descriptive and prescriptive project with the concept of "disaggregated state" and the role of international networks at its center. As she explains, "appreciating the extent and nature of existing government networks makes it possible to envision a genuinely new world order" (p. 15). The disaggregated state assumption (that is, the idea that governments are "aggregations of distinct institutions with separate roles and capacities") is necessary, she argues, because "the analytical lens of the unitary state obscures the very existence of these different government institutions" (p. 13). The first half of the book provides the empirical foundation for these assertions. Through a series of examples, Slaughter describes the increasing number of governmental networks, which constitute "a pattern of regular and purposive relations among like government units working across the borders that divide countries from one another and that demarcate the 'domestic' from the 'international' sphere" (p. 14). These networks connect international actors horizontally (across national governments) and vertically (between supranational officials and national officials). To establish the importance of governance networks, Slaughter provides examples of networks that link regulators (the "new diplomats"), judges, and legislatures. She examines each type of network by outlining what is "new" about their
On the mechanism of killing of Trypanosoma cruzi by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

The temperature-dependence of some processes involved in the killing of sensitizedT. cruzi epimastigotes by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) was determined. The rate of the reactions was related to the temperature of incubation according to the Arrhenius equation and the apparent energies of activation (Ea) were calculated. The Ea values separated these complex reactions into two groups: one with Ea of about 10 kcal/mol for the phagocytosis of the parasites and the release of lysosomal enzymes by PMN, and the other with Ea of about 22 kcal/mol for the cytotoxicity against sensitizedT. cruzi, the rate of oxygen consumption by PMN, and the lysis of the parasites with added hydrogen peroxide.
Lesquerella seed pretreatment to improve germination

Abstract Lesquerella fendleri is a potential oilseed crop. Seed dormancy, including light requirement, is common in many small-seeded species native to arid and semiarid environments, and may be a major contributor to stand establishment difficulties in Lesquerella. Gibberellic acid (GA3) and potassium nitrate (KNO3) in solutions of water have been shown to be effective moistening agents for improving germination and reducing light requirement of some Lesquerella species. The objectives of this study were to evaluate seed treatments for reducing or eliminating the light requirement of L. fendleri seed and developing methods for effectively applying these treatments. Three different experiments were conducted in a laboratory incubator with controlled photoperiod and temperature. The treatments evaluated included soaking seed for either 4 or 8 h in water, ethanol, methanol, or acetone with and without 100 mg GA3 l−1 or 1–2 g KNO3 l−1, and quick dipping seed in solutions of acetone or methanol with and without 0.1% Tween 20 and GA3. Presoaking the seed in an aqueous solution of 100 mg GA3 l−1 H2O followed by complete drying improved germination in light and appeared to satisfy light requirement when treated seeds were germinated in the dark. Soaking seeds in water alone appeared to satisfy the light requirement under dark conditions suggesting that presoaking in water alone was sufficient to leach out or deactivate the light requiring dormancy factor. Soaking the seeds for 4 h was just as effective as 8 h. Only methanol as a carrier solvent for GA3 in a quick-dip treatment at a concentration of 1000 mg GA3 l−1 showed promise for improving seed germination of L. fendleri in the dark. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the promising seed treatments under field conditions and to test other adjuvants and coatings for applying GA3 to Lesquerella seed for improving seed germination.
Survey on the Use of Lighting Design Software in Architecture and Interior Design Undergraduate Education

With the steady development of global illumination algorithms over the past four decades, lighting design software is no longer the domain of a specialist. Easy to use interface, built-in flexibility, reliable calculation models, and compelling visuals has made today's lighting design software useful to architects and interior designers. However, despite these advantages, the use of lighting design software is not widely included in the undergraduate architecture and interior design education. This paper summarizes the results of an online survey of a sample of accredited architecture and interior design schools in the United States conducted to (a) determine the extent of use of lighting design software in teaching and learning lighting at the undergraduate level and (b) to assess design educators' attitude toward their usefulness in design education. This paper discusses directions for the future based on the survey results.