cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Online teaching, student success, and retention in political science courses

The face of higher education is changing. One major trend is the fact that students are taking an increasing proportion of their courses online. That is, a growing number of students at not-for-profit private and public colleges and universities are taking some of their course work online and completing other parts in face-to-face courses. What impact does this mix of online and in-person course modalities have on student success? We answer this question by looking at political science majors at a large public university in the USA, taking into account demographics, achievement, and the mix of course modalities the students take (n = 1173). Through descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and predicted probabilities, we analyze how the mix of course modalities students enroll in impacts student success and retention. Results indicate that the success of all students declines as they take a greater proportion of their course load online. As universities seek to address this trend in higher education, they need to be particularly sensitive to ways to increase the success of online learners. Considering the needs of online learners is particularly relevant in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has prompted the shift to online education across the USA and elsewhere, a trend that is likely to continue in the future.
Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms and Cannabis Misuse: The Explanatory Role of Cannabis Use Motives.

The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the unique explanatory role of cannabis use motives above the effects of each other, for the relationship between obsessive-compulsive sympto...
Identifiability of Priors from Bounded Sample Sizes with Applications to Transfer Learning

We explore a transfer learning setting, in which a finite sequence of target concepts are sampled independently with an unknown distribution from a known family. We study the total number of labeled examples required to learn all targets to an arbitrary specified expected accuracy, focusing on the asymptotics in the number of tasks and the desired accuracy. Our primary interest is formally understanding the fundamental benefits of transfer learning, compared to learning each target independently from the others. Our approach to the transfer problem is general, in the sense that it can be used with a variety of learning protocols. The key insight driving our approach is that the distribution of the target concepts is identifiable from the joint distribution over a number of random labeled data points equal the Vapnik-Chervonenkis dimension of the concept space. This is not necessarily the case for the joint distribution over any smaller number of points. This work has particularly interesting implications when applied to active learning methods.
Power efficient hardware accelerators for machine learning, combinatorial optimization, and pattern matching applications

It appears increasingly likely that future performance gains in computing will only be possible by developing novel architectures and circuits, especially those that can efficiently utilize emerging devices in addition to CMOS. I will describe my team’s efforts to co-design across algorithms and architectures to find gains in speed and power. We have utilized the analog and non-volatile nature of memristors to build a Classical Annealer for solving optimization problems more rapidly and at lower energy than current digital systems or Quantum Annealers under development. The presence of intrinsic analog noise in the circuits can be effectively harnessed and dampened as needed in the computing. In another work, we have developed new circuits and assembled architectures that accelerate Finite Automata, enabling rapid pattern matching used in applications from network security to genomics. We forecast significant improvement over CPUs, GPUs, and custom ASICs using the above systems. I will describe the work spanning devices, chip demonstrations, and performance benchmarking.
The pulmonary pathology of COVID-19

A growing number of international postmortem studies identify acute and organizing diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) as the main pathologic feature of lung injury in patients with COVID-19. Other forms of acute lung injury, including organizing pneumonia, and acute fibrinous and organizing pneumonia are seen. Acute neutrophilic infiltrates have been observed, most frequently as the manifestation of a superimposed bacterial pneumonia. SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in type I and type II pneumocytes and bronchial epithelial cells using electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and in situ hybridization, and likewise, viral transcripts were localized with RNA probes in pneumocytes. However, the presence of true viral cytopathic effect seen with light microscopy remains to be defined. Interestingly, vascular changes are frequently observed in association with DAD, which include severe endothelial injury/endothelialitis, hemorrhage, and thrombotic and microangiopathic vasculopathy. Since similar vascular changes also occur in cases of DAD independent of the etiology, whether the vascular pathology in COVID lungs has unique features and represents a separate pathologic process is under investigation.
Abstract 17284: Geographic Variation in Cardiovascular Health Among American Adults

Background: There are longstanding and pervasive geographic disparities in cardiovascular (CV) health in the US. We sought to evaluate the contemporary trends in CV risk factors by census regions f...
Constructing large-scale complex aquifer systems with big well log data: Louisiana model

Abstract This study introduces a lithofacies modeling method to construct a complex Louisiana stratigraphy model up to depth of 900 m using more than 114,000 well logs. Lithofacies intervals in one well log can be as many as 76. Louisiana comprises a number of interconnected aquifer systems and distinct geological features, such as angular unconformities, domes, and faults. The method contains processes of tessellation, discretization, translation, and interpolation to accommodate these geological features. First, the model domain is tessellated into tiles. Formations have the same dip direction within the same tile, but may have varying dip angles. Each tile is then discretized into computational cells. The data of well logs in and around a tile are translated to a non-dipping domain. A tile-lithofacies model for each tile is then constructed by interpolating well log data in the non-dipping domain. Tile-lithofacies models for all tiles are generated concurrently through parallel computing. Finally, the tile-lithofacies models are back-translated to the dipping domain and are assembled to form a complex lithofacies model. The method was applied to construct a Louisiana stratigraphy model as deep as 800 m. The model revealed two different depositional patterns in southeastern Louisiana likely due to depositional dissimilarity of the ancestral Mississippi River and Tennessee River. The major recharge zones appear to be in northwestern, southeastern, and west-central Louisiana. These recharge zones represent essential outcrop zones for Louisiana's principal aquifers. The model confirmed hydraulic connections of the Mississippi River and the Red River to their underlying alluvial sands. Hydraulic connections among different aquifer systems were also revealed. The Louisiana lithofacies model offers valuable information to improve current knowledge about Louisiana's geology and demonstrates a method potential for large-scale lithofacies modeling.
Metabolic Surgery Outcomes in U.S. Patients with Class I Obesity.

Background: Although numerous studies outside the United States (U.S.) have explored weight loss and comorbidity resolution among patients with class I obesity (body mass index [BMI] 30–34.9 kg/m2)...
Restoration of Aged Hematopoietic Cells by Their Young Counterparts Through Instructive Microvesicle Release

This study addresses the potential to reverse age-associated morbidity by establishing methods to restore the aged hematopoietic system. Parabiotic animal models indicated that young secretome could restore aged tissues, leading us to establish a heterochronic transwell system with aged mobilized peripheral blood (MPB), co-cultured with young MPB or umbilical cord blood (UCB) cells. Functional studies and omics approaches indicate that the miRNA cargo of microvesicles (MVs) restores the aged hematopoietic system. The in vitro findings were validated in immune deficient (NSG) mice carrying an aged hematopoietic system, improving aged hallmarks such as increased lymphoid:myeloid ratio, decreased inflammation and cellular senescence. Elevated MYC and E2F pathways, and decreased p53 were key to hematopoietic restoration. These processes require four restorative miRs that target the genes for transcription/differentiation, namely PAX and phosphatase PPMIF. These miRs when introduced in aged cells were sufficient to restore the aged hematopoietic system in NSG mice. The aged MPBs were the drivers of their own restoration, as evidenced by the changes from distinct baseline miR profiles in MPBs and UCB to comparable expressions after exposure to aged MPBs. Restorative natural killer cells eliminated dormant breast cancer cells in vivo, indicating the broad relevance of this cellular paradigm - preventing and reversing age-associated disorders such as clearance of early malignancies and enhanced responses to vaccine and infection.
Role of Ultrasound in Managing Cervical Polyps During Pregnancy.

No definitive management guidelines exist for cervical polyps during pregnancy. Ultrasound can aid in creating a treatment plan by assessing the type of polyp and source of symptomatology. Three pregnant patients in the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy presented with polyps. On examination, the polyps ranged from 2 to 6 cm in size. In all cases, the origin of the cervical polyps was first identified on ultrasound. Polypectomies were performed with no complications. All patients subsequently had uncomplicated normal spontaneous vaginal deliveries at term. Ultrasounds can help localize the source of symptomatology to polyps versus placental pathology. Additionally, ultrasound can determine the origin and type of polyp for creating an individualized, safe treatment plan during pregnancy.
Evolution of the plandemic communication network among serial participants on Twitter

The coronavirus pandemic has been accompanied by the spread of misinformation on social media. The Plandemic conspiracy theory holds that the pandemic outbreak was planned to create a new social or...
Mexiletine and False Positive Urine Drug Screen for Amphetamine: A Case Review

Advanced heart failure patients commonly suffer from ventricular arrhythmias which can be managed by antiarrhythmic drugs like mexiletine. These ventricular arrhythmias can be complicated by illicit drug use which alter outcomes and can potentially impact the patient-physician relationship through countertransference. However, mexiletine can lead to false positive urine drug screen testing for amphetamine, and these false-positive urine drug screen test results can affect the decision-making process. Health care providers should be aware of this fact and should either use confirmatory testing or look for confounding compounds in patients who deny using illicit substances and have a positive urine drug screen. Our patient is 64 years old who arrived at the emergency department after experiencing a shock by his intracardiac defibrillator. The patient tested positive for amphetamine on his urine drug screen and was later ruled out by confirmatory quantitative testing.
Trigonometrische Funktionen zeichnen

Wie die meisten Graphen geht der Graph von sin(x) = y nach rechts und links immer weiter. Wir fliegen uber ein elektronisches Feld von Graphen, wenn wir einen Graph in DERIVE betrachten. Wir sehen nur einen kleinen Teil davon. Indem wir F9 oder F10 drucken, gehen wir naher heran oder gehen weiter weg, um einen groseren Teil des Graphen zu sehen. Zuerst offnen wir ein Graphikfenster und zeichnen einen trigonometrischen Graph.
Optically Based Flame Detection in the NASA Langley 8-FT High Temperature Wind Tunnel

Two optically based flame-detection systems have been developed for use in NASA Langley's 8-Foot High-Temperature Tunnel (8-ft HTT). These systems are used to detect the presence and stability of the main-burner and pilot-level flames during facility operation. System design considerations will be discussed, and a detailed description of the system components and circuit diagrams will be provided in the Appendices of this report. A more detailed description of the manufacturing process used in the fabrication of the fiber-optic probes is covered in NASA TM-2001-211233.
Imaging of Normal and Atherosclerotic Arteries by Acoustic Microscopy

Atherosclerotic vascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in this country. A technique that accurately diagnoses atherosclerotic lesions and is capable of detecting regression of such lesions, will be of considerable value to both the clinician and researcher. Intravascular ultrasound which uses high frequency transducers has been shown to be a useful technique in the diagnosis of atherosclerosis.
Volatile compounds in wheat cultivars from several locations in kansas

Abstract Five cultivars of wheat grain harvested at six Agricultural Experiment Station plots across Kansas in 1992 and 1993 were analyzed for volatiles by using a purge and trap instrument interfaced to a gas chromatograph equipped with infrared and mass spectrometric detectors. Even though odors of most of the samples were normal, more than 100 compounds were observed. Alcohols were most abundant, followed in order by aldehydes, alkanes, alkylbenzenes, ketones, methyl esters, naphthalenes, terpenes, and other miscellaneous compounds. Amounts of some volatiles differed among locations and cultivars, but none of the differences appeared to be associated with intrinsic properties of the cultivars themselves. Evidence for slight insect infestation was found in the 1992 samples.
Characteristics of Ethanol and Acetaldehyde Oxidation on Flavin and Pyridine Nucleotide Fluorescence Changes in Perfused Rat Liver

Abstract Data presented in this paper describe how the percentage decomposition of the catalase-H2O2 intermediate by methanol and ethanol as determined from absorbance changes (660 to 640 nm) through a lobe of the perfused rat liver can be used to calculate the intracellular ethanol concentration. Values obtained were similar to those measured in the effluent fluid from the liver. Using this technique, a value of 0.09 mm for the apparent Km of alcohol dehydrogenase in situ for ethanol and a Vmax value of 1.25 µmol per min per g, wet weight of liver were calculated. The hepatic ethanol concentration giving half-maximal reduction of the pyridine nucleotides as determined from pyridine nucleotide fluorescence changes (366-nm excitation, 460-nm emission) was 0.07 mm. When arterial fluid ethanol concentrations were used, the apparent Km for ethanol was about 0.4 mm. The apparent Km values for ethanol measured in situ are 5- to 20-fold lower than values measured with isolated rat liver alcohol dehydrogenase, indicating that ethanol metabolism by the liver is not directly limited by alcohol dehydrogenase activity but rather by the rate of reoxidation of cytosolic NADH. At the low rates of hydrogen peroxide production observed in substrate-free perfused livers, rates of ethanol oxidation via alcohol dehydrogenase calculated from the different effectiveness of ethanol and methanol in decomposing the catalase-H2O2 intermediate were similar to rates of ethanol uptake measured directly from arteriovenous concentration differences. Changes of flavin and pyridine nucleotide fluorescence as measured by surface fluorometry were compared with changes in the ratios of lactate to pyruvate and β-hydroxybutyrate to acetoacetate in the effluent fluid perfusing the liver. Titrations with octanoate to reduce the pyridine nucleotides in the mitochondrial compartment showed that the oxidation-reduction state of the fluorescent flavoproteins was in rapid equilibrium with the ratio of β-hydroxybutyrate to acetoacetate. A comparison of pyridine nucleotide oxidation-reduction changes during ethanol infusion, and titrations with acetaldehyde in the absence and presence of 4-methylpyrazole (an inhibitor of alcohol dehydrogenase), showed that at acetaldehyde concentrations above 0.2 to 0.4 mm a dismutation between alcohol and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase occurred in the cytosolic compartment. At lower acetaldehyde concentrations commensurate with those occurring during ethanol oxidation, the evidence indicates that acetaldehyde is normally oxidized in the mitochondrial compartment.
Incomplete Bacteriophage-like Particles in Ultraviolet-irradiated Haemophilus

Incomplete phagelike particles were found in competent and incompetent cells of Haemophilus influenzae Rd (transformable) lysed after exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
Morse homology for generating functions of Lagrangian submanifolds

The purpose of the paper is to give an alternative construction and the proof of the main properties of symplectic invariants developed by Viterbo. Our approach is based on Morse homology theory. This is a st;ep towards relating the "finite dimensional" symplectic invariants constructed via generating functions to the "infinite dimensional" ones constructed via Floer theory in Y.-G. Oh, Symplectic topology as the geometry of action functional. I, J. Diff. Geom. 46 (1997), 499-577.
Warm Organized Rain Systems over the Tropical Eastern Pacific

AbstractThis study uses 16-yr Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) radar precipitation feature (RPF) data to characterize warm rain systems in the tropics with large horizontal extensions, referred to as warm organized rain systems. The systems are selected by specifying the RPFs with minimum infrared brightness temperature warmer than 0°C and rain area greater than 500 km2. ERA-Interim atmospheric fields and SST from NOAA are analyzed to highlight the environmental characteristics of warm organized rain systems.Warm organized systems occur over specific oceanic regions, including the eastern Pacific ITCZ, the eastern part of the SPCZ, and coastal regions. In contrast with ubiquitous warm isolated RPFs, warm organized systems have greater near-surface radar reflectivity. The rainfall amounts generated by warm organized systems are greater in winter than in summer.Composite analyses indicate that warm organized RPFs prefer to coexist with a dry midtroposphere associated with a strong upper-level desc...
Mixture designs applied to the study of the liquid chromatographic separation of l-phenylalanine, l-tyrosine and l-tryptophan

Abstract Mixture designs were used to improve the separation of l -phenylalanine, l -tyrosine and l -tryptophan on a C18 bonded stationary phase. The pH of the mobile phase and retnetion time of each amino acid were measured for 35 mobile phase formulations containing various concentrations of H3PO4, NaH2PO4, NaClO4, sodium 1-octane-sulfonate and methanold. A non-linear six-parameter model was used to describe the measure pH as a function of the eluent composition with a standard error of estimate of 0.10 pH unit. A different non-linear ten-parameter model was used to describe the measured retention time as a function of eluent composition for each of the three amino acids with a standard error of estimate of 0.08 min. This last model was then used to predict the composition for which the separation would be optimum. The optimum separation was confirmed experimentally.
Radiation induced interface trap limited storage times in 10 micron cutoff wavelength (Hg,Cd)Te MIS capacitors

Dark storage times were measured as a function of temperature over a temperature range of 50 to 80 K for 10- mu m cutoff wavelength (77 K) p-type (Hg,Cd)Te/anodic oxide/ZnS metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) capacitors prior to and after Co-60 gamma irradiation to doses of 5*10/sup 5/ and 1*10/sup 6/ rad (Si). The radiation-induced interface trap density near midgap for these doses was 8*10/sup 11/ and 1.6*10/sup 12//eV-cm/sup 2/, respectively. A decrease in the storage time was observed for both doses and is attributed to thermal generation through the radiation-induced interface traps and to interface-trap-assisted tunneling. The radiation-induced dark current responsible for the storage time degradation is 1.8*10/sup -4/ A/cm/sup 2/ at 50 K after a dose of 1*10/sup 6/ rad (Si). >
Resin-modified glass-ionomer cement (RM-GIC) may provide greater caries preventive effect compared with composite resin, but high-quality studies are needed.

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Caries-preventive effect of resin-modified glass-ionomer cement (RM-GIC) versus composite resin: a quantitative systematic review. Yengopal V, Mickenautsch S. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent 2011;12(1):5-14. Reviewer David G. Pendrys, DDS, PhD Purpose/Question Does light-cured resin-modified glass-ionomer cement provide a better caries preventive effect as compared with composite resin? Source of Funding Information not available Type of Study/Design Systematic review Level of Evidence Level 2: Limited-quality, patient-oriented evidence Strength Of Recommendation Grade Grade B: Inconsistent, limited-quality patient-oriented evidence
Optimal oblique light illumination for photoacoustic microscopy beyond the diffusion limit

To image beyond the quasi-ballistic photon regime, photoacoustic tomography systems must rely on diffuse photons; however, there still exists an optimal illumination pattern that results in the largest number of photons reaching a target at a given depth. Many photoacoustic imaging systems incorporate weak optical focusing through oblique or dark-field illumination, but these systems are not often optimized for deep light delivery. Multiple parameters and constraints, particularly for in vivo imaging, need to be considered to determine the optimal illumination scheme for a given system: beam diameter, incident angle, pulse repetition rate, laser fluence, and target depth. Monte Carlo simulations of varied beam geometries and incident angles show the best optical illumination schemes for different imaging depths. Further an analytic model based on the diffusion theory provides a rapid method of determining the optimal beam size and incident angle for a given target depth and agrees well with the simulations. The results reveal the most efficient optical focal position to maximize the number of photons delivered to a target depth, therein maximizing the PA signal. The principles and results discussed here are not limited to the system investigated, but can be applied to other system configurations to improve the photoacoustic signal strength.
VGP Award becomes Norman Levi Bowen Award

The Executive Committee of the VGP Section has decided to rename the VGP Award the Norman Levi Bowen Award. Renaming the award honors both Bowen and the recipient by having his or her name associated with that of such a giant. Although Bowen was an experimental petrologist, his work markedly influenced the fields of geochemistry and volcanology. Therefore the Committee believes that having Bowen's name associated with an award from the VGP Section is most fitting.
Simultaneous in situ measurement of the size, temperature and velocity of particles in a combustion environment

An in situ method for measuring simultaneously the size, temperature and velocity of pulverized fuel particles is described. Particle size is obtained by imaging a moving, incandescent particle onto a coded aperture and observing the transmitted light. A specially designed aperture yields a double-pulse signal in response to a passing particle. The ratio of the heights of the two pulses yields a measure of particle size that is independent of temperature, emissivity and refractive index. Particle temperature is obtained simultaneously by measuring the transmitted light in two wavelength bands and applying ratio (two-color) pyrometry to these signals. Velocity is measured from the same signals by transit timing. The system is operated as a single particle counter to generate the joint distribution of particle size, temperature and velocity. Since this method uses optical imaging, it is limited to applications where the particle size range of primary interest is 10 ..mu..m or larger, and the number density does not exceed 10/sup 4//cm/sup 3/. In addition to this constraint, the minimum particle size and temperature that can be measured is determined by shot noise in the optical detection process. The system is evaluated in a flow reactor using size-classified pulverized fuel particles. 9more » references, 4 figures, 4 tables.« less
Shaping the Architecture of the U.S. Information and Communication Technology Architecture: A Political Economic Analysis1

How did political economy help shape the revolution in telecommunications and computer networking? We offer three arguments concerning the impact of political economy and policy on the architecture of the U.S. information and communication technology infrastructure. First, it tilted toward an architectural principle of “modularity” that influenced the paths of both the telecom equipment, computer equipment and software, and computer networking markets. Second, it created multiple network infrastructures for telecommunications when other countries either tried to retain a monopoly infrastructure or limit the number of competitors. Third, it propelled a particular architecture for computing (intelligence at the edge of the network) and the full realization of the potential benefits of the Internet. The particular policy mix for competition matters, and this policy mix reflects fundamentals of political economy.
Recent Trends in Chemistry Instrumentation Requests by Undergraduate Institutions to NSF’s RUI Program

The type of chemistry instruments funded as part of the Research in Undergraduate Institutions (RUI) Program at the National Science Foundation is summarized for proposals funded in 2006-2010. The data provided report on the success rate of RUI proposals, the average size of awards, the average duration of awards, and the percentage of the budget allocated to instruments. Information is given both for new and for experienced principle investigators.
Volatile Psychological Dynamics in Social Interactions Attitudes and Emotions React Asymmetrically to Interaction Shifts Between Agreement and Disagreement

Does agreement or disagreement alone strongly influence people’s thoughts and emotions, or does cognitive and affective reaction relate more to shifts in agreement and disagreement? The present study investigated how attitudes and emotions respond to the evolution of different patterns of agreement and disagreement in an interaction. Combining conventional methods with novel dynamic systems techniques, we found that people’s attitudes and emotional valence undergo significant change and become less stable when disagreement replaces agreement in an interaction. However, the same reaction does not occur when agreement replaces disagreement. Findings also reveal that the attitudes and emotions do not respond to disagreement alone, but react to the interaction transitioning from an exchange based on agreement to one defined by disagreement. These results provide insight into how attitudes and emotions evolve as social interactions undergo change and confirm key ideas from dynamic systems theories about social...
Issues in dental and surgical management of the pregnant patient

Abstract The “echo boom” of the 1980s has increased the incidence of pregnancy in our patient population. When a gravid patient has an urgent or emergent problem, knowledge of the unique aspects of pregnancy is necessary for optimal patient care. Maternal health is protected by an appreciation of the physiologic changes and demands of pregnancy. Fetal well-being is protected by avoidance of teratogens, fetal anoxia, and premature labor. Attention to these factors allows the clinician to provide treatment with minimal maternal or fetal risk
Gravitational radiation from traveling waves on D strings

Boundary states that preserve supersymmetry are constructed for fractional D strings with traveling waves on a ${\mathbf{C}}^{3}/{\mathbf{Z}}_{2}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{\mathbf{Z}}_{2}$ orbifold. The gravitational radiation emitted between two D strings with antiparallel traveling waves is calculated.
Tactile sensing and force control for robotic applications

The purpose of this work is to employ multiple modular control laws to enable a robot to move through a constrained environment and recognize the objects that are encountered. The two major tasks assigned to the robot are data collection for navigation and object recognition. These basic functions are the tasks involved in accomplishing many robotic applications. Data is collected in the work space by sensing the position of objects of interest. The robot has the capability to sense position in two ways. The robot may touch the end effector to a point in the work space and note the position of the contact point. The robot may also identify objects visually through use of a camera. The advantage of the system presented here is the modular design of the controllers. The system may operate using only one or a combination of the sensors. The decision regarding which sensors are appropriate is made according to the environmental conditions and the task requirements. The system makes this decision by computing an associated numerical measure of the confidence of success and processing cost for each sensor. The system is tested using two different experimental situations to show that the decision criteria applies in general. The system determines how to use the sensors to gather data in an inspection experiment and a maze navigation experiment.
Dynamics of hyperthermal energy ion–surface collisions: dissociative and non-dissociative scattering of ethanol cations from a self-assembled monolayer surface of fluorinated alkyl thiol on Au (1 1 1)

Abstract Dissociation and inelastic scattering of ethanol molecular ions from self-assembled monolayer (SAM) surface of fluorinated alkyl thiol on an Au (1 1 1) monocrystal have been studied at 28.9 and 52.9 eV collision energies. A single dynamics mechanism for quasi-inelastic scattering was found at both energies. Ions recoil nearly parallel to the surface with very small kinetic energy losses of the order of ≤2 eV. Dissociation dynamics features for the main dissociation channel, loss of methyl radical, are dramatically different from that of inelastically scattered primary ions and are different at the two collision energies studied. At 28.9 eV two energetically and angularly resolved features are observed, one corresponding to the loss of very large amounts (nearly all) of ion’s translational energy and the other appearing to gain energy (superelastic scattering). This dynamics feature is interpreted as delayed dissociation of ions transmitted through the energy analyzer as molecular ions. This implies a lifetime of such excited ions of more than 5 μs. The same dynamics features are observed at 52.9 eV ion energy except that a second inelastic process begins to compete with the nearly fully inelastic process. Moreover, at this energy the delayed ion dissociation mechanism is the dominant mechanism. The hypothesis that collision of ethanol cations with the SAM surface initially involves collision of the ion with a single end group of the SAM polymer chain provides a useful rationale for the observed dynamics. Support for this hypothesis is provided by Newton diagrams, which summarize momentum conservation relationships in terms of a common center-of-mass, CM eff , which provides a basis for describing scattering mechanisms for this system. Observation of three energetically distinct scattering processes suggests uniquely different ion–surface interactions contributing to surface-induced dissociation of ethanol ions. Preliminary experiments with Ar + scattered from the same surface exhibit very similar dynamics features to that observed for ethanol cations. Finally, we note that intensities of scattered primary or fragment ions never approach the specular angle at the energies investigated here.
Novel Anti-platelet Agents in Acute Coronary Syndrome: Mechanisms of Action and Opportunities to Tailor Therapy

Dual anti-platelet therapy, most commonly aspirin and clopidogrel, has been the standard of care for over a decade in patients who have experienced acute coronary syndrome, particularly when treated with coronary stenting. However, residual risk in patients receiving dual anti-platelet therapy post-acute coronary syndrome raises an unmet need for alternative therapy to clopidogrel. Consequently, novel anti-platelets agents including the P2Y12 receptor antagonists, such as prasugrel and ticagrelor, have emerged. Furthermore, using new methods to assess genetic polymorphisms and functional phenotypic assessments of platelet reactivity may become important in the development of personalized medicine and in developing tailored approaches to individual treatment. While robust large-scale evidence for genotypic- and phenotypic-guided therapy in improving outcomes is currently lacking, tremendous interest from various stakeholders including researchers, funding agencies, and industry continues to spur research endeavors in this arena. Further investigation is required in this emerging field to potentially offer improved platelet inhibition that may optimize cardioprotection and minimize bleeding risk in patients with acute coronary syndrome.
Sexual dichromatism in convict cichlids: the ethological significance of female ventral coloration.

Abstract Female convict cichlids,Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum, typically develop orange ventral coloration which males do not. We investigated the behavioural significance of this sexual dichromatism using both live and dummy stimulus fish. In our experiments, males were insensitive to variation in ventral coloration. Females, however, appeared to use this colour pattern as a visual cue. Females directed significantly more behaviour, including aggressive behaviour, towards more brightly coloured stimulus fish, as well as towards dummies with orange ventral coloration compared with those without. Bright females displayed the least aggression towards an intruding female of intermediate coloration. Thus, sexual dichromatism in the convict cichlid is shown to affect intrasexual aggression among females.
Grain sorghum canopy temperature as influenced by clouds

Abstract Canopy temperature of irrigated grain sorghum [ Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench ] was monitored using an infrared thermometer during short-term changes in solar radiation. Canopy temperature is defined as the blackbody temperature that would produce the same radiation level that enters the instrument field-of-view from the crop canopy. Canopy temperature fluctuations of 3° C within 3 min were observed. These fluctuations followed closely the fluctuation in solar radiation. Due to the sudden changes in canopy temperature caused by radiation changes, care should be taken when attempting to estimate canopy temperature using infrared thermometry on days of variable radiation. The data indicated that on the descent portion of a radiation change approximately 1 to 2 min were required for near steady-state canopy temperature. Less time was required for steady-state conditions on the ascent portion of a radiation change.
The Life Course Perspective on Drug Use: A Conceptual Framework for Understanding Drug Use Trajectories

This article discusses the life course perspective on drug use, including conceptual and analytic issues involved in developing the life course framework to explain how drug use trajectories develop during an individual's lifetime and how this knowledge can guide new research and approaches to management of drug dependence. Central concepts include trajectories marked by transitions and social capital and turning points influencing changes. The life course perspective offers an organizing framework for classifying varying drug use trajectories, identifying critical events and factors contributing to the persistence or change in drug use, analytically ordering events that occur during the life span, and determining contributory relationships.
Implementation of both high-hole and electron mobility in strained Si/strained Si 1-y Ge y on relaxed Si 1-x Ge x (x<y) virtual substrate

High-hole and electron mobility in complementary channels in strained silicon (Si) on top of strained Si/sub 0.4/Ge/sub 0.6/, both grown on a relaxed Si/sub 0.7/Ge/sub 0.3/ virtual substrate is shown for the first time. The buried Si/sub 0.4/Ge/sub 0.6/ serves as a high-mobility p-channel, and the strained-Si cap serves as a high-mobility n-channel. The effective mobility, measured in devices with a 20-/spl mu/m gate length and 3.8-nm gate oxide, shows about 2.2/spl sim/2.5 and 2.0 times enhancement in hole and electron mobility, respectively, across a wide vertical field range. In addition, it is found that as the Si cap thickness decreased, PMOS transistors exhibited increased mobility especially at medium- and high-hole density in this heterostructure.
CEDATS: A cognitive experimental design and testing system

CEDATS (cognitive experimental design and testing system) is a set of programs that allows students and instructors to easily create unique experiments even though they may have no experience with computers or knowledge of any programming language. Designs including up to six independent variables may be created, and from 24 to 31 stimulus presentation parameters may be manipulated or controlled. Responses and response times are recorded and printed and/or stored on disk.
Forecasting of Pakistan's Net Electricity Energy Consumption on the Basis of Energy Pathway Scenarios

Abstract Power Sector pathways for Pakistan is developed in this paper to depict the future challenges & aspects associated with its forecasting and planning on basis of modeling tools. Major pathways will be taken for further study in predicting focus on energy source for power generation. Three scenarios (BAU, NC & GF) will be discussed over a 20 years period (2011 to 2030) and the results from these scenarios will highlight our focus on fossil fuels or either renewable for future endeavors. The result will provide the forecasting of power sector up to 2030 on basis of electric consumers growth, level of activities, final energy intensity, forecasted growth & other factors. Therefore, the overall result will indicate efficient factors for future evaluation of policies on energy planning. The result also provides the vision for other developing countries in the region to make strategy for renewable energy expansion on massive scale.
Calculation of steady viscoelastic flow using a multimode Maxwell model : application of the explicitly elliptic momentum equation (EEME) formulation

Abstract The finite element method based on the explicitly elliptic momentum equation (EEME) formulation for solution of viscoelastic flow problem is extended to the calculation of flows using a multimode upper convected Maxwell (UCM) model. The generalized EEME for the multimode model makes explicit the elliptic character of momentum transport in creeping flows. Mixed finite-element approximations for the velocity, pressure and stress are used to discretize the EEME and continuity equations by Galerkin's method and the constitutive equation by the streamline-upwind Petrov-Galerkin (SUPG) technique. Sample calculations are described for a two-mode model for flow between eccentric rotating cylinders. The numerical method is stable and the solutions convergent with mesh refinement. The flow structure predicted for a single-mode UCM model is largely unchanged by the addition of the second mode, although the magnitude of the stresses is affected significantly.
Qualitative analysis of the all-cause black-white mortality crossover.

To date, despite decades of investigations and the relative abundance of mortality data, our understanding of the phenomenon of ‘mortality crossover’ remains inadequate. We propose a methodology for transforming mortality data from the ‘age-domain’ to the ‘time-domain’. We then introduce a model of selection partially offset by mobility, to simulate the dynamics of vulnerability in a population cohort that is heterogeneous in health and death. Using our model of vulnerability simulating the dynamics of mortality in the time-domain, we compare the mortality experience of the Black and White populations of the United States, identify the significance of selection and mobility as potential factors producing the crossover phenomenon, and make diagnostic use of them.
ANCF finite element/multibody system formulation of the ligament/bone insertion site constraints

The focus of this investigation is to study the mechanics of the knee joint using new ligament/bone insertion site constraint models that require the integration of multibody system and large displacement finite element algorithms. Two different sets of clamped end conditions at the ligament/bone insertion site are examined using nonlinear large displacement absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) finite elements. The first set of end conditions, called the partially clamped joint, eliminates only the translations and rotations at a point, allowing for the cross section stretch and shear at the ligament/bone connection. The second joint, called the fully clamped joint, eliminates all the translation, rotation, and deformation degrees of freedom of the cross section at the ligament/bone insertion site. In the case of the fully clamped joint, the gradient vectors do not change their length and orientation, allowing for the use of the constant strain assumptions. The partially clamped joint, on the other hand, allows for the change in length and relative orientation of the gradient vectors at the bone/ligament insertion site, leading to the cross section deformation induced by knee movements. Nanson's formula is applied as a measure of the deformation of the cross section in the case of the partially clamped joint. In this study, the major bones in the knee joint consisting of the femur, tibia, and fibula are modeled as rigid bodies while the ligaments structures are modeled using the large displacement ANCF finite elements. Two different ANCF finite element models are developed in this investigation: the first model employs the fully parameterized three-dimensional beam element while the second model employs the three-dimensional cable element. The three-dimensional fully parameterized beam element allows for a straight forward implementation of a neo-Hookean constitutive model that can be used to accurately predict the large displacement as experienced in knee flexation and rotation. At the ligament bone insertion site, the ANCF fully parameterized beam element is used to define a fully or partially constrained joint while the ANCF cable element can only be used to define one joint type. The fully and partially clamped joint constraints are satisfied at the position, velocity, and acceleration levels using a dynamic formulation that is based on an optimum sparse matrix structure. The approach described in this investigation can be used to develop more realistic models of the knee and is applicable to future research studies on ligaments, muscles, and soft tissues. In particular, the partially clamped joint representation of the ligament/bone insertion site constraints can be used to develop improved structural mechanics models of the knee.
Balancing vectors in the max norm

Let v1, ..., v n be vectors inR n of max norm at most one. It is proven that there exists a choice of signs for which all partial sums have max norm at mostKn 1/2. It is further shown that such a choice of signs must be anticipatory—there is no way to choose thei-th sign without knowledge of v j forj>i.
On order overspecification for a direct adaptive pole placer

Indirect adaptive pole placers combining plant parameter estimation and algebraic solution of the pole placement problem require, at least, a minimal convergent plant parameterization to avoid requesting infinite controller gains. This is impossible if the plant order is overspecified. A new direct adaptive pole placer, based on the inclusion by Elliott of the Bezout identity in the prediction error, is shown in this paper to, at least sometimes, bypass this restriction.
Phase Transition in a Model Gravitating System

We present recent developments in the study of an interacting gravitational system of concentric, spherical, mass shells. The existence of two distinct phases is demonstrated. The nature of the transition in the microcanonical, canonical, and grand canonical ensembles is studied both theoretically in terms of mean field theory and via dynamical simulation. Striking differences are found in each environment, especially the last.
Biology of Apanteles ruficrus, an Imported Parasitoid of Pseudoplusia includens, Trichoplusia ni, and Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Apanteles ruficrus (Haliday), a gregarious braconid parasitoid, was reared from Chrysodeixis argentifera collections taken in Queensland, Australia, and imported into the United States, where laboratory studies were conducted to determine its basic biology. A. ruficrus prefers 3-day-old larvae of the soybean looper, Pseudoplusia includens Walker, and develops in the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni Hubner, and the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith). It attacks at least four other lepidopterous larvae. Mean developmental time from oviposition to larval emergence is 13.2 days at 28°C. Pupal development time ranges from 3 to 6 days. Mated adult males and females live about 20 and 18 days, respectively, whereas nonmated males live 18 days and females 20 days.
Crisis, Connections, and Class: How Social Ties Affect Household Welfare

Summary In this paper, I illustrate the effects of different types of social ties on the welfare of Indonesian households and draw out implications for debates around state and community development efforts, empirical analysis, and project design. Guided by social capital theory, the analysis indicates that certain social ties can be a means of improving welfare for poor families. The distribution of different ties varies with socio-economic class, however, and each type is linked to distinct resources. The distribution of ties may be shifting in Indonesia, with greater access for poor households to state-sponsored ties and accompanying resources.
Estimates and confidence intervals for median and mean life in the proportional hazard model

SUMMARY Estimation procedures and confidence intervals are given for the median and mean survival time in the proportional hazard regression model. For median survival, the methods apply to censored data. The procedures are based on Cox's partial likelihood estimates of the linear model parameters in the log linear proportional hazard model and on Breslow's estimate of the baseline hazard function. The asymptotic properties of these semiparametric estimates are developed and they are compared with the optimal parametric estimates for the Weibull regression model. For the parameter values considered, the more generally valid semiparametric estimate of mean survival loses little efficiency relative to the optimal parametric estimates in this model unless the Weibull shape parameter is close to zero. The efficiency loss for the semiparametric estimate of median survival is greater but not severe unless censoring is heavy. We also compare the optimal parametric estimates of mean and median survival with the Weibull shape parameter known and unknown and find that the efficiency loss for the unknown shape estimate is small.