cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Technology and ethical/moral dilemmas of higher education in the twenty‐first century

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to plan a relevant, professional development conference for the faculty of a small, private, suburban college in upstate, New York. The Provost and Senior Vice‐President led a college‐wide committee of faculty, administrators, and staff in a survey method to discover the priorities of the faculty, in further development of excellence in teaching and learning.Design/methodology/approach – The committee designed 20 essential questions, and asked faculty to select three questions, in order of priority, to be used to guide the theme of the conference. Faculty members were also given the option to write their own question, if their choices were not reflected in the original list. Of the 207 full‐time faculty members, 155 responded to the survey within a two‐week period.Findings – Of the 155 survey respondents, 22 selected question 11, “In what ways do we weigh the political, ethical and economic implications of technological platforms against their pedagogical potential, ...
Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) status and substrate hydrolysis

Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) hydrolyzes a number of organophosphorus (OP) compounds including insecticides and nerve agents. The in vivo efficacy of PON1 to protect against a specific OP exposure depends on the catalytic efficiency of hydrolysis. The Q192R polymorphism affects the catalytic efficiency of hydrolysis of some substrates and not others. While PON1R192 hydrolyzes paraoxon approximately 9-times as efficiently as PON1Q192, the efficiency is insufficient to provide in vivo protection against paraoxon/parathion exposure. The two PON1192 alloforms have nearly equivalent but higher catalytic efficiencies for hydrolyzing diazoxon (DZO) and provide equivalent in vivo protection against DZO exposures. On the other hand, PON1R192 is significantly more efficient in hydrolyzing chlorpyrifos oxon (CPO) than PON1Q192 and provides better protection against CPO exposure. Thus, for some exposures it is only the level of plasma PON1 that is important, whereas for others it is both plasma level and the PON1192 alloform(s) present in plasma that are important. In no case is the plasma level of PON1 unimportant, provided that the catalytic efficiency is sufficient to protect against the exposure. Two-substrate enzyme assay/analysis protocols that reveal both PON1 plasma levels and PON1192 phenotype (QQ; QR; RR) are designed to optimize the separation of PON1192 phenotypes; however, they have not been optimized for evaluating in vivo rates of OP detoxication. This study describes the adaptation of a non-OP, two-substrate determination of PON1 status to the conversion of the PON1 status data to physiologically relevant rates of DZO and CPO detoxication. Conversion factors were generated for rates of hydrolysis of different substrates.
Packaging and characteristics of a microfluorescence spectroscopy analyzer

The overall objective this work is the development of a miniaturized fluorescence spectroscopy analyzer realized via microfabrication technology. Previously, we reported a MEMS micro grating actuated by a piezoelectric cantilever. For such device to be used in a spectroscopic system, optical characterization of the grating's efficiency and the system's stray light are required. We report here the characterization of the grating cantilever with a MEMS micro lens with the intention of fitting into a packaged micro spectroscopic system. This packaging is accomplished by multi-wafer (silicon) bonding of strategically aligned crystalline planes in order to form the basic geometry of a miniaturized spectroscopy setup. One of these crystalline planes, of silicon, is used as a mirror for folding and compacting the optics at the specific angle of 54.74° (with wafer plane normal). The packaging, microlens, and grating cantilever are position in the designed geometry to accept a self-aligned fiber input from a flash lamp source. The microlens component is presented with beam profilometry of its focusing at a focal length of 7.7 mm. The diffraction is interrogated by a monochromator for quantifying the above said characteristics. The relative efficiency of the grating was 40-70% in the 400-600 nm range. Together these characterized components define the geometry and performance of our micro fluorescence spectroscopy system.
CHILD MALTREATMENT IN FAMILY FOSTER CARE

Predictors of maltreatment of children living in family foster care were sought in characteristics of foster homes. Four characteristics that presented increased risk were identified: homes that had younger foster mothers, homes in which children shared bedrooms with other family members, homes about which case-workers had reservations, and homes that were restricted for placement of certain children. Kinship-care homes were found to present decreased risk.
Translational Control at the Synapse

The strength of synaptic connections can undergo long-lasting changes, and such long-term plasticity is thought to underlie higher brain functions such as learning and memory. De novo synthesis of proteins is required for such plastic changes. This model is now supported by several lines of experimental data. Components of translational machinery have been identified in dendrites, including ribosomes, translational factors, numerous RNAs, and components of posttranslational secretory pathways. Various RNAs have been shown to be actively and rapidly transported to dendrites. Dendritic RNAs typically contain transport-specifying elements (dendritic targeting elements). Such dendritic targeting elements associate with transacting factors to form transport-competent ribonucleoprotein particles. It is assumed that molecular motors mediate transport of such particles along dendritic cytoskeletal elements. Once an mRNA has arrived at its dendritic destination site, appropriate spatiotemporal control of its trans...
Altered Modes of Stem Cell Division Drive Adaptive Intestinal Growth

Throughout life, adult organs continually adapt to variable environmental factors. Adaptive mechanisms must fundamentally differ from homeostatic maintenance, but little is known about how physiological factors elicit tissue remodeling. Here, we show that specialized stem cell responses underlie the adaptive resizing of a mature organ. In the adult Drosophila midgut, intestinal stem cells interpret a nutrient cue to “break homeostasis” and drive growth when food is abundant. Activated in part by niche production of insulin, stem cells direct a growth program through two altered modes of behavior: accelerated division rates and predominance of symmetric division fates. Together, these altered modes produce a net increase in total intestinal cells, which is reversed upon withdrawal of food. Thus, tissue renewal programs are not committed to maintain cellular equilibrium; stem cells can remodel organs in response to physiological triggers.
Central line-associated bloodstream infections in neonates with gastrointestinal conditions: developing a candidate definition for mucosal barrier injury bloodstream infections

Objective. To develop a candidate definition for central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) in neonates with presumed mucosal barrier injury due to gastrointestinal (MBI-GI) conditions and to evaluate epidemiology and microbiology of MBI-GI CLABSI in infants.Design. Multicenter retrospective cohort study.Setting. Neonatal intensive care units from 14 US children’s hospitals and pediatric facilities.Methods. A multidisciplinary focus group developed a candidate MBI-GI CLABSI definition based on presence of an MBI-GI condition, parenteral nutrition (PN) exposure, and an eligible enteric organism. CLABSI surveillance data from participating hospitals were supplemented by chart review to identify MBI-GI conditions and PN exposure.Results. During 2009–2012, 410 CLABSIs occurred in 376 infants. MBI-GI conditions and PN exposure occurred in 149 (40%) and 324 (86%) of these 376 neonates, respectively. The distribution of pathogens was similar among neonates with versus without MBI-GI conditions and PN...
Updated H2SO4-H2O binary homogeneous nucleation look-up tables

[1] The calculated rates of H2SO4-H2O binary homogeneous nucleation (BHN), which is the only nucleation mechanism currently widely used in global aerosol models, are well known to have large uncertainties. Recently, we have reduced the uncertainties in the BHN rates on the basis of a kinetic quasi-unary nucleation (KQUN) model, by taking into account the measured bonding energetics of H2SO4 monomers with hydrated sulfuric acid dimers and trimers. The uncertainties were further reduced by using two independent measurements to constrain the equilibrium constants for monomer hydration. In this paper, we present updated BHN rate look-up tables derived from the improved KQUN model which can be used by anyone to obtain the BHN rates under given conditions. The look-up tables cover a wide range of key parameters that can be found in the atmosphere and laboratory studies, and their usage significantly reduces the computational costs of the BHN rate calculations, which is critical for multidimensional modeling. The look-up tables can also be used by those involved in experiments and field measurements to quickly assess the likeliness of BHN. For quick application, one can obtain the BHN rates and properties of critical clusters by browsing through the tables. A comparison of results based on the look-up tables with those from widely used classical BHN model indicates that, in addition to several orders of magnitude difference in nucleation rates, there also exists substantial difference in the predicted numbers of sulfuric acid molecules in the critical clusters and their dependence on key parameters.
Brazilian Páramos. I. An introduction to the physical environment and vegetation of the campos de altitude

Summary Aim The campos de altitude are a series of cool-humid, grass-dominated formations restricted to the highest summits of the southeastern Brazilian Highlands. Relatively little is known of the ecology, biogeography, or developmental history of this archipelago of mountaintop formations. This contribution presents an overview of our present state of knowledge with respect to the past and present physical environment and vegetation of the campos de altitude. The aim is (1) to introduce an international audience to the natural history of these diminutive yet important ecosystems, and (2) to provide the background for a series of forthcoming contributions that will treat the ecology of the campos de altitude and explore physical and biotic relationships between these ‘Brazilian paramos’ and similar formations in the high mountains of equatorial South and Central America. Location Beginning at altitudes of 1800–2000 m, the campos de altitude are found atop the highest summits of the main ranges of the southeastern Brazilian Highlands, between the states of Santa Catarina and Minas Gerais/Espirito Santo. Methods Drawing upon both original data and previously published results, this contribution reviews what we presently know about the physical environment and vegetation of the campos de altitude, in the context of geographic setting, geology, palaeoclimatology and palaeobotany, modern climate, modern vegetation, and conservation. Results and main conclusions Uplift of the southeastern Brazilian ranges to altitudes high enough to support orographic grasslands may have occurred as early as the middle- to late-Tertiary; pollen records show that campos de altitude have been extant on southeastern summits at least since the Late Pleistocene. The present-day climate of the campos de altitude is cool and (per)humid, but patterns of rainfall, temperature, and frost are distinctly seasonal. Although the flora of the campos de altitude is highly diverse and characterized by a high degree of endemism, the campos de altitude maintain strong floristic similarities to equatorial alpine formations of the Andean and Central American Cordillera; these similarities also extend to climate, soils, and vegetation physiognomy. Anthropogenic fires and grazing are widespread in the campos de altitude and probably contribute significantly to the modern structure of vegetation communities.
Culturally Competent CBT Treating SAD in a Korean Immigrant—A Single Case Analysis

A 21-year-old Korean, single, and immigrant male presented to therapy with significant symptoms of social anxiety disorder (SAD) for treatment at a university training clinic. At the time of intake...
An elusive and often unsuspected cause of stridor or pneumonia (the esophageal foreign body).

Children with esophageal foreign bodies may present with a variety of respiratory symptoms and few, if any, symptoms of esophageal obstruction.Awareness of this presentation by the clinician and radiologist should lead to early diagnosis. This is most important, for if the diagnosis is not secured at an early stage, complications such as esophageal ulceration, esophageal perforation, chronic aspiration pneumonia, and failure to thrive can develop.Early roentgenographic examination of the neck (lateral view with extension and inspiration) and chest is essential and usually all that is needed for the diagnosis.Barium swallow examination may be required in some cases, but potentially hazardous diagnostic procedures such as tracheoscopy and bronchoscopy should be avoided.
Scaling up: Theaster Gates, Jr, and His Toolkit

AbstractIn an informal interview, Lasser and Gates discuss the latter's wide scope of projects and his role as a cultural catalyst, notably in inner-city Chicago. In particular, the tools at Gates' disposal are brought into focus: from traditional potters' and woodworkers' implements to more abstract ones such as Gates' use of “making” and his awareness of history for building relationships, fostering social responsibility, and harnessing the transformative power of creative practice.
Learning to design collaboratively: Participation of student designers in a Community of Innovation

Creativity researchers have drawn on cognitive principles to characterize individual innovation. However, few comprehensive frameworks have been developed to relate social innovation to social cognition research. This article introduces the Communities of Innovation (COI) framework and examines its applications in a culture designed to promote collaborative creativity. Findings included evidence for some aspects of the COI model (flow and hacker ethic, entrepreneurship, collaboration and mentoring, sense of community, and learning through design criticism), moderate support for others (dynamic expertise and idea prototyping), but no evidence for other components (developing adaptable knowledge and expertise, symmetrical expertise within the community, community reflection, shifting interpersonal roles, or benefiting from cultural/educational/skill/other diversity). The majority of the new ideas identified and shared by participants were developed through interaction with others. Implications for refinement of the COI framework and future research are discussed.
Ecotypic variation in root respiration rate among elevational populations ofAbies lasiocarpa andPicea engelmannii

Small trees ofAbies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt. andPicea engelmannii Parry were collected along two elevational transects in the central Rocky Mountains, and the effects of low temperature on their root respiration activity were measured after growth in cool and warm soil temperature treatments.Picea engelmannii roots respired significantly faster than those ofA. lasiocarpa, and trees of both species collected from high elevations respired significantly faster than those from lower elevations. The mean Q10 and mean activation energy of respiration were 2.0 and 47.2 kJ mol-1, respectively; they did not differ between transects, species, elevations of collection, or the soil temperature treatments. The results suggest ecotypic differentiation has occurred along these transects resulting in higher root respiration rates at higher elevations.
Transient accumulation of inositol (1,3,4,5)-tetrakisphosphate in response to α1-adrenergic stimulation in adult cardiac myocytes

To investigate the response to catecholamine stimulation of adult cardiac myocytes and the metabolism of inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate (1,4,5-IP3) and inositol (1,3,4,5)-tetrakisphosphate (IP4), we have employed a procedure developed in our laboratory to directly measure the mass of inositol phosphates after separation of individual isomers of inositol phosphates by high performance liquid chromatography. Control, unstimulated myocytes, contained low levels of inositol (1,4)-bisphosphate (1,4-IP2), inositol (1,3)-bisphosphate (1,3-IP2), inositol (3,4)-bisphosphate (3,4-IP2), inositol (1,3,4)-trisphosphate (1,3,4-IP3), 1,4,5-IP3 and IP4. Stimulation with norepinephrine for 30 seconds produced peak 1,4,5-IP3 and IP4 levels which rapidly returned to basal values by 60 seconds of norepinephrine stimulation. 1,4-IP2, 1,3-IP2 and 1,3,4-IP3 were increased markedly but only after stimulation with norepinephrine for 60 seconds. These results indicate a rapid yet transient increase in 1,4,5-IP3 and IP4 in response to norepinephrine stimulation and are the first quantitative measurements of the isomers of inositol phosphates in cardiac tissue.
Polymeric Particles of Protein Insoluble at pH 5 from Rat Liver

A procedure is given for approximating the volumes of small particles of protein insoluble at pH 5. Among particles smaller than 2.08 x 10(7) cubic angstroms the change in size was linear. The distribution of sizes indicated a polymeric relationship among the particles.
Radiation Coupling with the FUN3D Unstructured-Grid CFD Code

The HARA radiation code is fully-coupled to the FUN3D unstructured-grid CFD code for the purpose of simulating high-energy hypersonic flows. The radiation energy source terms and surface heat transfer, under the tangent slab approximation, are included within the fluid dynamic ow solver. The Fire II flight test, at the Mach-31 1643-second trajectory point, is used as a demonstration case. Comparisons are made with an existing structured-grid capability, the LAURA/HARA coupling. The radiative surface heat transfer rates from the present approach match the benchmark values within 6%. Although radiation coupling is the focus of the present work, convective surface heat transfer rates are also reported, and are seen to vary depending upon the choice of mesh connectivity and FUN3D ux reconstruction algorithm. On a tetrahedral-element mesh the convective heating matches the benchmark at the stagnation point, but under-predicts by 15% on the Fire II shoulder. Conversely, on a mixed-element mesh the convective heating over-predicts at the stagnation point by 20%, but matches the benchmark away from the stagnation region.
Antegrade versus retrograde cerebral perfusion for hemiarch replacement with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest: Does it matter? A propensity-matched analysis

Objective The choice of cerebral perfusion strategy for aortic arch surgery has been debated, and the superiority of antegrade (ACP) or retrograde (RCP) cerebral perfusion has not been shown. We examined the early and late outcomes for ACP versus RCP in proximal (hemi-) arch replacement using deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA). Methods A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database was performed for all patients undergoing elective and nonelective hemiarch replacement at a single referral institution from June 2005 to February 2013. Total arch cases were excluded to limit the analysis to shorter DHCA times and a more uniform patient population for whom clinical equipoise regarding ACP versus RCP exists. A total of 440 procedures were identified, with 360 (82%) using ACP and 80 (18%) using RCP. The endpoints included 30-day/in-hospital and late outcomes. A propensity score with 1:1 matching of 40 pre- and intraoperative variables was used to adjust for differences between the 2 groups. Results All 80 RCP patients were propensity matched to a cohort of 80 similar ACP patients. The pre- and intraoperative characteristics were not significantly different between the 2 groups after matching. No differences were found in 30-day/in-hospital mortality or morbidity outcomes. The only significant difference between the 2 groups was a shorter mean operative time in the RCP cohort ( P = .01). No significant differences were noted in late survival ( P = .90). Conclusions In proximal arch operations using DHCA, equivalent early and late outcomes can be achieved with RCP and ACP, although the mean operative time is significantly less with RCP, likely owing to avoidance of axillary cannulation. Questions remain regarding comparative outcomes with straight DHCA and lesser degrees of hypothermia.
Ionospheric Threat Model Methodology for WAAS

: The ionosphere is the largest remaining error source affecting GPS. It also has some of the least predictable spatial and temporal variations. Consequently, the ionosphere becomes the determining factor in system performance for the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS). Because the ionosphere cannot be observed at all places simultaneously, the confidence bound, termed the grid ionospheric vertical error (GIVE), can be determined only with the aid of a threat model. The threat model is used to restrict the expected ionospheric behavior. A method is needed for accurately describing the limits of the threat model without being overly pessimistic. This paper describes a methodology for using real data to generate worst-case scenarios from which an appropriate threat model can be determined. This threat model must be coupled with a set of metrics that can distinguish well-observed ionospheric regions.
Storage and Absorption in the Digestive System of Carnivorous and Herbivorous Prickleback Fishes (Teleostei: Stichaeidae): Ontogenetic, Dietary, and Phylogenetic Effects

Abstract The effects of ontogeny, diet, and phylogeny on glycogen storage levels and esterase and alkaline phosphatase activities in four related prickleback fishes were determined in situ using quantitative histochemistry. Of these species, Cebidichthys violaceus and Xiphister mucosus shift from carnivory to herbivory at ∼45 mm standard length (SL), whereas Xiphister atropurpureus and Anoplarchus purpurescens remain carnivores. Comparisons between small (30–40 mm SL) and larger (60–75 mm SL) wild‐caught juveniles showed that glycogen storage levels and alkaline phosphatase activity were unchanged with ontogeny. Comparisons between the larger wild‐caught juveniles and juveniles of the same size that had been raised on a high‐protein animal diet revealed that glycogen storage level and alkaline phosphatase activity increased in all species in response to this diet. Esterase activity also increased in response to the high‐protein animal diet in all four species but increased with ontogeny only in C. violace...
EFFICIENT DEPLETION OF ALVEOLAR MACROPHAGES USING INTRATRACHEALLY INHALED AEROSOLS OF LIPOSOME-ENCAPSULATED CLODRONATE

Rat alveolar macrophages (AMs) were depleted via intratracheal inhalation (ITIH) of clodronate-containing liposomes. AM depletion following ITIH delivery of clodronate liposomes was 33.2 +/- 14.2 on day 1, 88.1 +/- 6.2 on day 3, and 91.4 +/- 1.8 on day 4 relative to control rats given saline-containing liposomes. Almost all (approximately 99%) of the AMs remaining at the 3-day time point were peroxidase negative, suggesting that immature macrophages were not recruited from the circulation to replace those undergoing cell death on that day. Only 0.5% +/- 0.5% of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells were neutrophils at this time (normalized to controls). Whole-body inhalation did not induce as much AM depletion at 3 days (37.6% +/- 10.1%) and required larger amounts of liposome-encapsulated clodronate compared to ITIH. Intratracheal instillation (as opposed to inhalation) of clodronate liposomes produced a significant inflammatory response characterized by the influx of both polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and macrophages. In subsequent pilot studies, the response to intratracheally instilled crystalline silica (75 microg) was found to be markedly reduced in rats depleted of AMs by the ITIH method. We conclude that ITIH of clodronate liposomes in rats is both efficient and useful for examining the role of AMs in pulmonary toxicology.
Safety Teams: An Approach to Engage Students in Laboratory Safety.

We developed and implemented a yearlong safety program into our organic chemistry lab courses that aims to enhance student attitudes toward safety and to ensure students learn to recognize, demonstrate, and assess safe laboratory practices. This active, collaborative program involves the use of student “safety teams” and includes hands-on safety training as well as student-led safety presentations, laboratory monitoring, and postlab inspections for each lab session. Although we implemented this program in organic chemistry, one asset of this approach is its portability; it could easily be appropriately modified and implemented in nearly any science laboratory course. This article describes safety teams in detail and provides a preliminary assessment of the program’s effectiveness.
Quantifying the Creativity Support of Digital Tools through the Creativity Support Index

Creativity support tools help people engage creatively with the world, but measuring how well a tool supports creativity is challenging since creativity is ill-defined. To this end, we developed the Creativity Support Index (CSI), which is a psychometric survey designed for evaluating the ability of a creativity support tool to assist a user engaged in creative work. The CSI measures six dimensions of creativity support: Exploration, Expressiveness, Immersion, Enjoyment, Results Worth Effort, and Collaboration. The CSI allows researchers to understand not just how well a tool supports creative work overall, but what aspects of creativity support may need attention. In this article, we present the CSI, along with scenarios for how it can be deployed in a variety of HCI research settings and how the CSI scores can help target design improvements. We also present the iterative, rigorous development and validation process used to create the CSI.
Community violence victimization and aggressive behavior: the moderating effects of coping and social support

Exposure to community violence (CV) as a victim is an established risk factor for exhibiting later aggressive behavior. It is unclear, however, what factors may mitigate this relationship. This study tested the relationship of CV victimization to aggressive behavior, and the roles of coping style and perceived social support in moderating that relationship. Five hundred and fifteen 18–22-year-old men and women completed self-report inventories on CV exposure, aggressive behavior, perceived support from family and friends, and coping strategies. From a prior study, factor analysis of the coping scales yielded three factors of (1) disengagement (i.e., using primarily avoidant strategies), (2) interpersonal (i.e., using primarily emotion-focused strategies) and (3) problem-focused (i.e., using primarily active/approach strategies) coping styles. Results indicated that high CV victimization, high disengagement (i.e., avoidant) and interpersonal (i.e., emotion-focused) coping styles, and low perceived support from friends significantly predicted increased aggression scores. Significant moderating effects indicated that, as CV victimization increased in frequency, aggression scores were highest for those with low perceived friend support and high use of disengagement coping. Findings suggest that avoidant and emotion-focused coping styles are risk factors, and perceived support from friends is a protective factor, for a putative “cycle of violence.” Aggr. Behav. 32:502–515. 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
An end-use approach to reliability investment analysis

Abstract Reliability investments occuring on the customer side of the meter are becoming increasingly important, and warrant consideration when planning utility efforts to improve electricity reliability. This paper presents an end-use approach to the analysis of reliability investments, and suggests that from an economic efficiency perspective, society might prefer a greater emphasis on customer-side reliability investments. The feasibility of this approach is demonstrated using utility-supplied end-use data.
An efficient and provably correct algorithm for the multiscale estimation of image contours by means of polygonal lines

A large portion of image contours is characterized by local properties such as sharp variations of the image intensity across the contour. The integration of local image descriptors estimated by using these local properties into curvilinear descriptors is a difficult problem from a theoretical viewpoint because of the combinatorially large number of possible curvilinear descriptors. To deal with this difficulty, the notion of compressible graphs is introduced and a contour data model is defined leading to an efficient linear-time algorithm which provably recovers contours with an upper bound on the approximation error.
BioNetBuilder: automatic integration of biological networks

BioNetBuilder is an open-source client-server Cytoscape plugin that offers a user-friendly interface to create biological networks integrated from several databases. Users can create networks for ∼1500 organisms, including common model organisms and human. Currently supported databases include: DIP, BIND, Prolinks, KEGG, HPRD, The BioGrid and GO, among others. The BioNetBuilder plugin client is available as a Java Webstart, providing a platform-independent network interface to these public databases. Availability: http://err.bio.nyu.edu/cytoscape/bionetbuilder/ Contact: iliana_avila-campillo@merck.com
Spot friction welding joint strength improvement using localized metal matrix composite formation

This study investigates the application of metal particles in spot friction welding (SFW), a semi-solid state sheet metal joining process, to create the localized metal matrix composite (MMC) for the improvement of lap-shear strength. Ancorsteel® 1000 particles, compressed around the axial center-line of the tool between the upper and lower sheets, was demonstrated to form a localized MMC and effective as the reinforcement particles in aluminum 6111-T4 alloy sheets. Results revealed that the particle MMC in SFW increased the maximum lap-shear by 20%. In the stir-zone, steel particle sizes were significantly reduced due to breaking by mechanical action. Analysis revealed an aluminum-ferrous solid solution formation around the steel particle and aluminum matrix interfaces. In the heat-affected zone along the joint line, steel particles retained their original sizes and reinforced the joint interface. The load deflection curve and cross-section micrographs of the failed lap-shear tensile specimens indicated that, for steel particle MMC samples, the crack path was longer. This was due to a localized MMC forming along the joint interface and was identified as the primary factor responsible for the increase in SFW lap-shear strength.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
8*8 optoelectronic crossbar switch

An optoelectronic crossbar switch has been fabricated and tested at 100–175 Mbit/s. The optoelectronic switching is achieved using bias switched detectors.
Tryptophan-hydroxylase 2 haplotype association with borderline personality disorder and aggression in a sample of patients with personality disorders and healthy controls.

Abstract Background There is a decreased serotonergic function in impulsive aggression and borderline personality disorder (BPD), and genetic association studies suggest a role of serotonergic genes in impulsive aggression and BPD. Only one study has analyzed the association between the tryptophan-hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) gene and BPD. A TPH2 “risk” haplotype has been described that is associated with anxiety, depression and suicidal behavior. Methods We assessed the relationship between the previously identified “risk” haplotype at the TPH2 locus and BPD diagnosis, impulsive aggression, affective lability, and suicidal/parasuicidal behaviors, in a well-characterized clinical sample of 103 healthy controls (HCs) and 251 patients with personality disorders (109 with BPD). A logistic regression including measures of depression, affective lability and aggression scores in predicting “risk” haplotype was conducted. Results The prevalence of the “risk” haplotype was significantly higher in patients with BPD compared to HCs. Those with the “risk” haplotype have higher aggression and affect lability scores and more suicidal/parasuicidal behaviors than those without it. In the logistic regression model, affect lability was the only significant predictor and it correctly classified 83.1% of the subjects as “risk” or “non-risk” haplotype carriers. Conclusions We found an association between the previously described TPH2 “risk” haplotype and BPD diagnosis, affective lability, suicidal/parasuicidal behavior, and aggression scores.
A novel solar simulator based on a super-continuum laser

The design and operation of a novel solar simulator based on a high-power, super-continuum fiber laser is described in this work. The simulator features a multi-sun irradiance with continuous spectral coverage from the visible to the infrared. By use of a prism-based spectral shaper, the simulator can be matched to any desired spectral profile, including the ASTM G-173-03 air-mass 1.5 direct or other global reference spectra. The simulator has been effectively used to measure the efficiency of gallium-arsenide (GaAs) and crystalline silicon (Si) solar cells, showing good agreement with independent measurements. The pulsed temporal characteristic of the simulator was studied and shown to have a negligible influence on measurements of cell efficiency for both GaAs and Si materials. The ability to arbitrarily shape the spectrum of the simulator may find application in multi-junction testing, and the potential for diffraction-limited focusing could enable localized excitation of advanced photovoltaic materials.
Mezzogiorno without the mafia: Modern-day meridionalisti and the making of a ‘space of backwardness’ in eastern Germany

Practices of spatial representation can be revealing indicators of particular brands of nationalized discourse. In this article, the prevalent use of a comparison between eastern Germany and the Italian Mezzogiorno by a specific set of German elites is examined. Anxieties about Germany's place in the European and global economies are accompanied by a spatial vocabulary that uploads these anxieties onto the ongoing project of German unification. Eastern Germany, painted as a homogenized ‘space of backwardness,’ is thereby made out as a key factor inhibiting competitiveness and modernization of the economy.
System architecture modeling for technology portfolio management using ATLAS

Strategic planners and technology portfolio managers have traditionally relied on consensus-based tools, such as analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and quality function deployment (QFD) in planning the funding of technology development. While useful to a certain extent, these tools are limited in their ability to fully quantify the impact of a technology choice on system mass, system reliability, project schedule, and lifecycle cost. The Advanced Technology Lifecycle Analysis System (ATLAS) aims to provide strategic planners a decision support tool for analyzing technology selections within a space exploration architecture (SEA). Using ATLAS, strategic planners can select physics-based system models from a library, configure the systems with technologies and performance parameters, and plan the deployment of a SEA. Key parameters for current and future technologies have been collected from subject-matter experts and other documented sources in the technology tool box (TTB). ATLAS can be used to compare the technical feasibility and economic viability of a set of technology choices for one SEA, and compare it against another set of technology choices or another SEA. System architecture modeling in ATLAS is a multi-step process. First, the modeler defines the system level requirements. Second, the modeler identifies technologies of interest whose impact on an SEA. Third, the system modeling team creates models of architecture elements (e.g. launch vehicles, in-space transfer vehicles, crew vehicles) if they are not already in the model library. Finally, the architecture modeler develops a script for the ATLAS tool to run, and the results for comparison are generated.
SYNAPTIC COMPONENTS OF CEREBELLAR ELECTROCORTICAL ACTIVITY EVOKED BY VARIOUS AFFERENT PATHWAYS

Electrical responses evoked in different regions of the cerebellar cortex of cat by stimulating various cerebello-petal pathways have been analyzed for their component postsynaptic potentials (p.s.p.'s). The principal analytical tools of the present work were pharmacological agents; the selective inactivator of depolarizing (excitatory) axodendritic synapses, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA, or C4); the homologous C6 and C8 ω-amino acids, which inactivate selectively the hyperpolarizing (inhibitory) axodendritic synapses; and the general inactivator of inhibitory synapses, strychnine. Some experiments employed the analytical possibilities of activity cycles. The potentials evoked in one cerebellar region by different exciting pathways may differ markedly in their responses to drugs or may show different types of activity cycle. Also, the potentials evoked in various cortical regions by one cerebello-petal pathway are acted upon differently by the testing drugs. These differences are believed to be due to involvement of different proportions of excitatory and inhibitory, axosomatic and axodendritic p.s.p.'s. The analyses of a number of different responses confirm an earlier conclusion, that the cerebellar cortex is relatively lacking in inhibitory axodendritic p.s.p.'s in comparison with the cerebral cortex. Only the cortex of the paramedian lobule appears to be endowed with a considerable proportion of inhibitory p.s.p.'s, a finding which correlates with other data.
The Importance of Halo Effects in Multi-Attribute Attitude Models:

A simultaneous equation model is used to explain both the overall attitude of heterogeneous individuals towards television shows and also their beliefs about the shows on six relevant attributes. The halo effect (individuals bias their indicated beliefs by their overall attitude) may be the primary reason for the usually good descriptive results of the multi-attribute model.
Time Spent in Household Management: Evidence and Implications

This study investigates time spent in household management, an important “missing ingredient” in time use studies, using data from the American Time Use Survey (ATUS). These data indicate that adults spend an average of just over 1.5 h per week in this function. This figure likely underestimates total management time because (1) management is often done in small blocks, and hence, may be missed; and (2) the ATUS generally fails to capture secondary activities. Thus, efforts to value time spent in household management using these data will similarly produce a low valuation of the household manager role. Notably, measured management time is found to be much more equally distributed among spouses than time spent in core housework tasks.
The effects of mode of development on phylogeography and population structure of North Atlantic Crepidula (Gastropoda: Calyptraeidae).

The mode of development of marine invertebrates is thought to influence levels of population structure and the location of species range endpoints via differences in dispersal ability. To examine these effects, populations of three sympatric clades of sedentary, marine gastropods in the genus Crepidula were sampled along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America. A haplotype tree was constructed for each clade based on 640 bp sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase c subunit I. Examination of the tree topology, and AMOVA analysis show that species with direct development (those hatching as benthic juveniles) have higher levels of population structure than do species with planktonic development. Both species in the direct-developing C. convexa clade have high levels of geographical differentiation, with most populations representing a discrete clade of haplotypes. The planktotrophic species C. fornicata contains two major haplotype clades, both of which include samples from throughout the Atlantic coast. In this species there is no geographical differentiation among haplotypes but AMOVA analysis detects a small but statistically significant level of geographical structure. The population structure within the C. plana species complex appears also to vary with mode of development: C. atrasolea , a direct-developing species, has higher levels of population structure than does C. depressa , a sympatric planktotrophic species. The coincident occurrence of range endpoints and genetic breaks along the east coast of Florida in both direct-developing species and species with planktonic development indicates that this biogeographic break is not due to development-specific mechanisms such as hydrographic effects on larval recruitment.
Design and development of a novel wireless EKG system utilizing the low-power Zigbee standard

Electrocardiography has been in clinical use for the diagnosis and monitoring of heart abnormalities for more than a century. It remains the best and least invasive method for the task it performs. EKG measurement systems have followed trends in technological advancement becoming more reliable, able to perform a wider range of functions and simpler to use as time has progressed. The next step forward for the technological advancement of electrocardiography is a completely wireless system of measurement. Such a system would facilitate the tasks of doctors eliminating the usage of wires in operation theaters, as well as for senior people that need to wear monitoring devices for a continuous tracking of their heart condition. Another need for such a system would arise in war scenarios where the remote monitoring of the heart rate of every soldier would tremendously enhance rescue chances. A low form factor is very important as it can further increase the use of such a device in pediatrics. The electrical impulses within the heart act as a source of voltage, which generates a current flow in the torso and corresponding potentials on the skin. An accurate indication of the frontal projection of the cardiac vector can be provided by three leads/electrodes, one connected at each of the three vertices of the Einthoven triangle, shown in Fig.1. The most basic EKG leads are the 3 standard limb leads, which are bipolar leads which measure the potential difference between the right arm, left arm, and left leg. In this paper we focus on the Standard Limb leads and not the pre-cordial lead configuration. They are positioned as follows [1]:
Increasing engagement and enrollment in breadth-first introductory courses using authentic computing tasks

The breadth-first approach to teaching introductory computer science is one way of dispelling the common misperception that programming is the sole task of the computer scientist. The breadth-first approach is particularly useful in courses for non-majors. Hands-on activities that make up laboratory assignments for these courses tend to focus on learning to program or simulations of program execution. These activities unfortunately fail to build on the foundations laid by a breadth-first approach, and serve to perpetuate the computer science = programming misperception. We have developed a set of laboratory activities which are based on what we call authentic computing tasks: everyday tasks that students want to know how to accomplish. Example tasks include image editing, operating system installation and configuration, and building home computer networks. Explicit connections are made between these authentic computing tasks and the computer science concepts being covered in the lecture portion of the course. The course has experienced dramatic increases in enrollment, and we have evidence that students see the connections, rather than coming to believe that performing computing tasks well is the essence of computer science.
Prospects for Pandemic Influenza Control with Currently Available Vaccines and Antivirals

Since an influenza virus variant of pandemic potential may appear at any time, plans must be made to use currently available vaccines and antivirals most advantageously. Inactivated vaccines remain the principal intervention for the near future, and it can be assumed that quantities available at critical points in the epidemic will be limited unless advances are made in methods of vaccine production. Repeated demonstration of the effectiveness of vaccination of older persons in preventing hospitalization and death confirms that the traditional high-risk groups should be given priority. Since community transmission can be interrupted by vaccinating school-age children, this group may also be targeted. Antivirals in use and under development will almost certainly be active against the pandemic variant. Use during pandemics should be extensive but may be limited by the quantity of drugs available, the logistics of storage and distribution, and the possibility of side effects.
The role of eddies inside pores in the transition from Darcy to Forchheimer flows

[1] We studied the role of intra-pore eddies, from viscous to inertial flows, in modifying continuum-scale flow inside pores. Flow regimes spanning Reynolds NumberRe∼ 0 to 1350 are divided into three zones – one zone follows Darcy flow, and the other two zones describe non-Darcy or Forchheimer flow. During viscous flows, i.e.,Re 1, and their growth leads to the deviation from Darcy's law and the emergence of Forchheimer flow manifested as a characteristic reduction in the apparent hydraulic conductivity Ka. The reduction in Ka is due to the narrowing of the flow channel which is a consequence of the growth in eddies. The two zones of Forchheimer flow correspond to the changes in rate of reduction in Ka, which in turn are due to the changes in eddy growth rate. Since the characteristics of Forchheimer flow are specific to pore geometry, our results partly explain why a variety of Forchheimer models are expected and needed for different porous media.
Polyarteritis Nodosa Presenting as Temporal Arteritis in a 9-Year-Old Child

Summary: A 9-year-old Haitian girl presented initially with monocular blindness and an isolated temporal arteritis, confirmed by angiographic studies and temporal artery biopsy findings. CT and MR studies of the intracranial circulation showed only an enlarged, dense superficial temporal artery. Systemic workup revealed a mildly elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, mild changes in white and red blood cells, and a remote history of sensorineural hearing loss. Pathologic examination of the biopsy specimen narrowed the differential diagnosis to giant cell temporal arteritis and polyarteritis nodosa. Treatment with corticosteroids alone failed, and the child returned 1 month later with severe systemic illness and encephalopathy. MR studies showed multiple cortical and subcortical foci of increased T2 signal, and gyriform enhancement on T1-weighted images. Renal and mesenteric arteriograms showed innumerable tiny aneurysms at branch points in small and medium-sized vessels, typical of polyarteritis nodosa. We found no previous reports of this initial presentation in the pediatric population for either polyarteritis nodosa or giant cell temporal arteritis.