cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adolescence, Empathy, and the Gender Gap in Delinquency:

I propose the gender gap in delinquency is linked to adolescents’ orientation to gender-normative behavior and empathic development. I use longitudinal data on 1,525 youth from the Denver Youth Sur...
Shifts in the visual media campaigns of AQAP and ISIS after high death and high publicity attacks

Extreme militant groups use their media campaigns to share information, recruit and radicalize followers, share worldviews, and seek public diplomacy ends. While previous research documents that va...
Sex differences in Alzheimer's-related Tau biomarkers and a mediating effect of testosterone.

Women show greater pathological Tau biomarkers than men along the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) continuum, particularly among apolipoprotein e-E4 (APOE4) carriers; however, the reason for this sex difference in unknown. Sex differences often indicate an underlying role of sex hormones. We examined whether testosterone levels might influence this sex difference and the modifying role of APOE4 status. Analyses included 172 participants (25 cognitively normal, 97 mild cognitive impairment, 50 AD participants) from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (34% female, 54% APOE4 carriers, aged 55–90). We examined the separate and interactive effects of plasma testosterone levels and APOE4 on cerebrospinal fluid phosphorylated-tau181 (p-Tau) levels in the overall sample and the sex difference in p-Tau levels before and after adjusting for testosterone. A significant APOE4-by-testosterone interaction revealed that lower testosterone levels related to higher p-Tau levels among APOE4 carriers regardless of sex. As expected, women had higher p-Tau levels than men among APOE4 carriers only, yet this difference was eliminated upon adjustment for testosterone. Results suggest that testosterone is protective against p-Tau particularly among APOE4 carriers. The lower testosterone levels that typically characterize women may predispose them to pathological Tau, particularly among female APOE4 carriers.
Current Jump Mechanism and Suppression in Paralleled Three-level Inverters with Space Vector Modulation

In paralleled three-phase three-level voltage source inverters, sometimes the currents of paralleled inverters need to be separately adjusted to control power sharing, and the reference vectors will differ in phase and amplitude. In other cases, although the current references of the paralleled inverters are set to be the same, the d-axis and q-axis current closed-loop control outputs of each converter cannot be exactly the same due to the asymmetry in hardware or software. As a result, the reference vector of each inverter may also be different in terms of phase and amplitude. When conventional three-level space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) is applied, periodical jump can be observed in the phase current of each inverter and the zero sequence circulating current (ZSCC). This paper investigates the current jump phenomenon in paralleled three-level inverters with space vector modulation (SVM). The mechanism that causes the current jump is illustrated. A modulation method to eliminate this current jump is proposed. Simulation and experimental results are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method and conducted analysis.
Streamlining Time Spent in Alternative Developmental Mathematics Pathways: Increasing Access to College-Level Mathematics Courses by Altering Placement Procedures

Developmental mathematics, which is designed to prepare students for college-level mathematics courses, can be a barrier to students’ success. In the United States, the majority of students placed into developmental mathematics courses fail to complete the developmental sequence. Alternative mathematics pathways offer some benefits when integrated with “just-in- time support” or expedited instruction on specific prerequisite concepts needed solely for the current lesson. This study compares two statistics courses taught at a public community college: a complete course taught in one semester and a two-semester version with just-in-time develop- mental content integrated into the course. The study found that students placed into the one- semester statistics course accumulated significantly more credits after one and two years of college. These students also completed an associate’s degree within two years at a significantly higher rate than students placed into the two-semester statistics course. The study also found students deemed non-proficient by the college’s placement exam, who also had a strong high school average were significantly more likely to earn a grade of A- or higher or a grade of B- or higher compared to students originally deemed proficient.
A Motivational Sequence Model of High School Ensemble Students’ Intentions to Continue Participating in Music:

Grounded in a hierarchical model of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation (HMIEM), the primary aim of this study was to test a full motivational sequence at the contextual level in a high school ensem...
Revenue management and resource allocation for communication satellite operators

Thesis: Ph. D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, September, 2020
Biology and control of Dendrolimus kikuchii Matsumura

Dendrolimus kikuchii Matsumura is a serious pest damaging Pinus massoniana in high altitude zone in Fujian province. This pest develops two generations a year, overwintering with larvae. The control test showed that the application of the compound biologic pesticide DCPV 5×10 7 PIB/ml + Bacillus thuringiensis 1.6×10 7 spores/ml + Beauveria bassiana 1.2×10 5 spores/ml was effective. Beauveria bassiana dust can be used in large pine forest for precaution. Smoke agent may be effective when the pest occurred seriously.
The relationship between air pollutants and maternal socioeconomic factors on preterm birth in California urban counties

Preterm birth is the leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality in the U.S. and disparities among racial and ethnic groups persist. While etiologies of preterm birth have not been fully elucidated, it is probable that environmental and social factors play a role. We hypothesized that there is an interactive association between exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) or ozone (O3) and neighborhood socioeconomic factors that increase the risk of preterm birth. We conducted a retrospective study using geocoded birth certificate data between 2007 and 2011, daily ambient air quality data on PM2.5 and O3, and American Community Survey (2007–2011 5-year estimates) data to assess census tract-level socioeconomic factors in California urban counties. Our study found a small positive association between maternal exposures to PM2.5 and O3 and preterm birth that varied by gestational exposure period. In mixed-effects models, we found an increase in the risk of preterm birth for a one-unit change in PM2.5 averaged across the entire pregnancy (AOR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.02) and O3 during 3-months pre-pregnancy (AOR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.04). Interaction between census tract-level factors and air pollutants showed an increase in the risk of preterm birth among mothers living in higher socioeconomic areas, though, a fixed cohort bias sensitivity analysis showed these associations were not significant. These findings substantiate previous studies that showed associations between air pollution and preterm birth, even as pollution levels have decreased. This study has important implications for policy decisions and may help inform research on potential mechanisms of preterm birth.
Mindfulness-Based Virtual Reality Intervention for Children and Young Adults with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Pilot Feasibility and Acceptability Study.

The aim of this pilot study was to assess: (1) the feasibility and acceptability of a Mindfulness-Based Virtual Reality (MBVR) intervention among children and young adults with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), and (2) the preliminary efficacy of MBVR on key psychological (anxiety) and physical (pain) outcomes. Participants were 62 children to young adults with IBD (M = 15.6 years; 69.4% Crohn’s disease; 58% male) recruited from an outpatient pediatric IBD clinic. Participants completed a baseline assessment, underwent the 6-min MBVR intervention, completed a post-intervention assessment and study satisfaction survey, and provided qualitative feedback. Results suggest strong feasibility and acceptability. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction with MBVR including high levels of enjoyment (M = 4.38; range 1–5) and relaxation (M = 4.35; range 1–5). Qualitative data revealed several key themes including participants interest in using MBVR in IBD medical settings (e.g., hospitalizations, IBD procedures, IBD treatments), as well as in their daily lives to support stress and symptom management. Preliminary analyses demonstrated improvements in anxiety (t = 4.79, p = 0.001) and pain (t = 3.72, p < 0.001) following MBVR. These findings provide initial support for the feasibility and acceptability of MBVR among children and young adults with IBD. Results also suggest MBVR may improve key IBD outcomes (e.g., anxiety, pain) and highlight the importance of conducting a randomized controlled trial and more rigorous research to determine intervention efficacy.
A novel economical friendly treatment approach: Composite hydrogels

There are many chemical indicators of drinking water pollution. These include heavy metals, radioactive materials, inorganic chemicals, organic chemicals, disinfectants, and disinfectant additives. Common methods for removing these contaminants from aqueous solutions include chemical precipitation, membrane processes, ion exchange processes, biological processes, adsorption, and chemical reactions. Each of these methods has limitations in application. Many studies have been performed on the use of graphene in filters. Graphite oxide (GO) platelets were prepared using a modified Hummers method. By employing GO platelets, GO/poly (acrylic acid – maleic acid) superabsorbent composites were synthesized by a free radical polymerization of acrylic acid and maleic acid as a monomer, using N, N -methylenebisacrylamide as cross-linker and ammonium persulfate as initiator. The well-dispersed GO platelets in the polymer networks result in a significant improvement in absorbencies in distilled water solutions. The superabsorbent nanocomposite also exhibits a superior water-retention ability compared with the control under the same conditions. GO/P(AA-MA) composite was investigated using felid emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR); GO/P (AA-MA) composite is a highly effective absorbent of crystal violet (CV) and can be used to remove CV from aqueous solution. The kinetics of dye adsorption has been studied in terms of pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order rate expression. The results indicated that the adsorption process followed two models and demonstrated that intraparticle diffusion plays a significant role in the adsorption mechanism.
Scanning Tunneling Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy Studies of Conducting Polymer Films

The techniques of scanning tunneling microscopy, tunneling spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy have been used to study the nanometer-scale morphology of conducting polymer films. Scanning tunneling microscopy and atomic force microscopy allow for images to be obtained with molecular or atomic resolution on these surfaces. The technique of tunneling spectroscopy allows for the study of the local electronic structure on surfaces. In this report, we have investigated the surface structure of aniline, hydroxyaniline and borate functionalized aniline thin films.
Ecological relationships between landscape change and plant guilds in depressional wetlands

Plant guilds used to measure the relationships between wetlandplant community characteristics and landscape change around 31 depressionalwetlands in central Ohio, USA. Characteristics of certain plant guilds withineach wetland site are correlated with changes in: (a) area of urban land cover,forest, grassland, agriculture, and open-water in the local vicinity ofthe wetland; (b) inter-wetland distance; and (c) wetland size (area).Taxa richness is negatively correlated with inter-wetland distance forall plant guilds, except submersed herbaceous plants. Taxa richness of thesubmersed herbaceous plant guild (usually less than 20% of the totalnumber of plant species at a wetland) is positively correlated with the area ofopen-water in the local landscape and with the areaofthe wetland site itself. Significant positive correlationsalso exist between the area of open-water in the vicinity of the wetlandand the proportion of submersed herbaceous plant taxa at the site, the numberofnative submersed herbaceous plant species, the submersed herbaceous plantperennial-to-annual ratio, and the number ofavian-dispersed submersed herbaceous plant species at a site. Theresults suggest that (a) the dominance of submersed herbaceousplantspecies at a site is related to dispersal constraints between wetlands, and (b)the relatively slower physiological response of woody plants to local landscapechange may result in their contribution to greater ‘ecologicalinertia’ in the plant community as a whole. For these reasons,relationships between the plant community and land cover change may not alwaysbe observed unless analyzed at the level of plant-guild.
Intracranial peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors of the cavernous sinus: a diagnostic peculiarity.

Abstract Peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors (pPNETs) are aggressive, poorly differentiated neoplasms that occur in children and young adults. These tumors are associated with a peak incide...
Lack of a relationship between urinary albumin excretion rate and insulin resistance in patients with non—insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

The study was performed to determine the relationship between urinary albumin excretion (UAE) and resistance to insulin-mediated glucose disposal in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Twenty-five non-obese male patients were enrolled; UAE rates were determined on two 24-hour urine collections, and resistance to insulin-mediated glucose disposal was quantified by measurement of steady-state plasma glucose (SSPG) and steady-state plasma insulin concentrations during the last 30 minutes of a 180-minute infusion of somatostatin, insulin, and glucose. Twenty-four-hour urine UAE rates varied from 6 to 112 microgram/min, and microalbuminuria (> 20 microgram/min) was present in seven of 25 patients. SSPG concentration ranged from 158 to 419 mg/dL, and there was no relationship between UAE rates and SSPG concentration (r = .16, P = NS). Furthermore, the mean SSPG concentration was not significantly different in seven patients with microalbuminuria compared with 18 normoalbuminuric subjects (318 +/- 20 v 298 +/- 17 mg/dL). Thus, resistance to insulin-mediated glucose disposal occurs in patients with NIDDM in the absence of microalbuminuria, and we could not detect any relationship between UAE and insulin resistance in this population.
Tools for Outreach Presentations

We present resources we have constructed and culled from the internet that can be used in computing outreach visits in K--12 classrooms, especially high schools. We have used such tools at about 100 schools, reaching several thousand students, and achieving positive attitudinal responses in surveys of several hundred of these students.
Evidence of Solar-Cycle Variations in the Solar Wind

Solar-wind observations are presented from July 1965 through June 1971 that show the first evidence for long-term variations in the solar wind associated with changes in the solar-cycle. The observations indicate that the frequency of high-speed streams in the solar wind and their duration vary over the solar cycle. There are more days associated with high-speed streams during solar maximum than during solar minimum. The yearly average of the solar-wind speed varies over the solar cycle and is highest at solar maximum. These measurements also provide the first direct observational evidence for changes in the solar wind which can account for the solar-cycle modulation of the cosmic-ray intensity.
Toward an encompassing theory of business marketing relationships (BMRS) and interpersonal commercial relationships (ICRS): An empirical generalization

Abstract This paper explores business marketing relationships (BMRs) and interpersonal commercial relationships (ICRs). The literature in these two areas is analyzed to develop an overarching theoretical understanding of how marketing relationships function in the marketplace. The authors create empirical generalizations by analyzing the interrelationships among constructs that researchers have studied in a variety of operationalizations and settings during the past decade. This analysis is used to build a conceptual model for marketing relationships as they are studied in BMRs and ICRs. The authors then compare the models in order to develop a higher-level conceptual understanding of relational phenomena.
Contact Analysis Between a Moving Solid and the Boundary of Its Swept Volume

The modeling of many practical problems in design and manufacturing involving moving objects relies on sweeps and their boundaries, which are mathematically described by the envelopes to the family of shapes generated by the moving object. In many problems, such as the design and analysis of higher pairs or tool path planning, contact changes between the moving object and the boundary of its swept volume become critical because they often translate into functional changes of the system under consideration. However, the difficulty of this task quickly escalates beyond the reach of existing approaches as the complexity of the shape and motion increases. We recently proposed a sweep boundary evaluator for general sweeps in conjunction with efficient point sampling and surface reconstruction algorithms that relies on our novel point membership classification (PMC) test for general solid sweeps. In this paper we describe a new approach that automates the prediction of changes in the state of contact between a shape of arbitrary complexity moving according to an affine motion, and the boundary of its swept set. We show that we can predict when and where such contact changes occur with only minimal additional computational cost by exploiting the data output by our sweep boundary evaluator. We discuss the problem and the associated computational issues in a 2D framework, and we conclude by discussing the extension of our approach to 3D moving objects.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Damage accumulation and wear of fibrous composites

A microscopic equation of wear rate has been constructed based on the physics of damage accumulation during sliding wear. The equation incorporates the effect of roughness as well as other structural and tribological parameters. Various factors affecting the wear rate have been identified. The experimental data of roughness vs. wear rate have been shown to support the proposed analysis under certain assumptions.
Health Risks and Benefits of Seafood Consumption

Seafood is an important source of dietary protein worldwide, especially for coastal and island dwellers who now comprise 70% of the world’s population. Besides being high in protein and providing 40% of the world’s protein intake, seafood is low in cholesterol and saturated fatty acids and contains unique long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Two seafood PUFAs, eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) inhibit platelet aggregation and reduce mortality from myocardial infarction (MI) and ischemic stroke. Although the United States (U.S.) scientific community has recommended a Mediterranean-type diet, based on beneficial PUFAs in seafood, the European scientific community has cautioned that the increasing methylmercury levels in seafood may counteract any cardioprotective effects of PUFAs and actually increase risks of MI. This review describes the health benefits of seafood consumption and makes recommendations for the safe selection and preparation of seafood. In addition, this review describes the burden of seafood-borne diseases, separates seafood-borne toxic, heavy metal, and pesticide poisonings from seafood-borne infectious diseases; and makes recommendations for the management and prevention of seafood-borne illnesses. With the exception of some of the toxic seafood-borne illnesses, most seafood-borne infectious diseases, heavy metal poisonings, and pesticide poisonings can be prevented by careful selection and preparation of fresh seafood and adherence to weekly seafood consumption advisories, especially for those at highest risk of methylmercury poisoning, such as women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or of child-bearing age, and children age seven and younger. A balanced diet combining protein from a variety of sources, including carefully selected and prepared seafood, along with natural antioxidants from fruits and vegetables is recommended to prevent seafood-borne diseases and to promote health and longevity.
Greedy-Type Approximation inBanach Spaces and Applications

We continue to study the efficiency of approximation and convergence of greedy-type algorithms in uniformly smooth Banach spaces. Two greedy-type approximation methods, the Weak Chebyshev Greedy Algorithm (WCGA) and the Weak Relaxed Greedy Algorithm (WRGA), have been introduced and studied in [24]. These methods (WCGA and WRGA) are very general approximation methods that work well in an arbitrary uniformly smooth Banach space $X$ for any dictionary ${\Cal D}$. It turns out that these general approximation methods are also very good for specific dictionaries. It has been observed in [7] that the WCGA and WRGA provide constructive methods in $m$-term trigonometric approximation in $L_p$, $p\in[2,\infty)$, which realize an optimal rate of $m$-term approximation for different function classes. In [25] the WCGA and WRGA have been used in constructing deterministic cubature formulas for a wide variety of function classes with error estimates similar to those for the Monte Carlo Method. The WCGA and WRGA can be considered as a constructive deterministic alternative to (or substitute for) some powerful probabilistic methods. This observation encourages us to continue a thorough study of the WCGA and WRGA. In this paper we study modifications of the WCGA and WRGA that are motivated by numerical applications. In these modifications we are able to perform steps of the WCGA (or WRGA) approximately with some controlled errors. We prove that the modified versions of the {\it WCGA and WRGA perform as well as the WCGA and WRGA}. We give two applications of greedy-type algorithms. First, we use them to provide a constructive proof of optimal estimates for best $m$-term trigonometric approximation in the uniform norm. Second, we use them to construct deterministic sets of points $\{\xi^1,\ldots,\xi^m\} \subset [0,1]^d$ with the $L_p$ discrepancy less than $Cp^{1/2}m^{-1/2}$, $C$ is an effective absolute constant.
The Great Lakes: An Example of International Cooperation to Control Lake Pollution

The history of international cooperation efforts between the United States of America and Canada to control and abate pollution of the North American Great Lakes began in the early 1900's. The more than seventy years of joint efforts fall into three phases: 1) an early concern with bacterial contamination, 2) an intermediate era dealing with eutrophication issues, and 3) the current period in which residue forming toxic substancesof anthropogenic origin are of chief concern. The magnitude of the problem and complex arrangement of jurisdictions mandated a concerted effort of both countries to find the solutions for the preservation of their boundary waters. Combined activities toward pollution control have resulted in a number of positive accomplishments in the reduction of phosphorus concentrations, and in future management issues relative to toxic xenobiotic substances. It is evident that the only effective solution to the problem lies in continued international cooperation.
Establishing Learning Curves for Surgical Residents Using Cumulative Summation (CUSUM) Analysis

Background The assessment of technical proficiency is of paramount importance in the training of surgical residents. The fact that technical proficiency is underrepresented in the context of the ACGME outcomes project is evidenced in that proficiency skills comprise less than 5% of all assessments that evaluate residents. In this study, we use Cumulative Summation Analysis (CUSUM) as a visual objective analytic tool to determine performance accuracy and establish learning curves for PGY-1s in surgery. Methods From April 2001 to May 2002, 11 surgical residents completed a 1-month anesthesia rotation. Each resident was asked to complete a preoperative airway assessment followed by endotracheal intubation with induction of anesthesia. Airway assessment was performed independently by a resident and a licensed anesthesiologist or certified anesthetist with the modified Mallampati Score. Data were sequentially collected and plotted for summated successes and failures. Results The average intern required approximately 19 intubation attempts to complete the learning curve experience. There was no learning curve for airway assessment. Conclusions The CUSUM analysis is an effective objective tool to define learning curves for technical skills. Vital information is provided for surgical programs that place residents in positions to manage airways, and limitless potential for defining the learning curves for technical skills is provided. (Curr Surg 62:330–334. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of the Association of Program Directors in Surgery.)
The effect on selectivity of the macroscopic distribution of the components in a dual function catalyst

Abstract This paper is concerned with the effect on selectivity of the macroscopic distribution of the components X and Y of a dual function catalyst. Three catalyst formulations are considered: (1) catalyst I where catalyst X 1: distributed at the pore mouth, (2) catalyst II where catalyst Y is distributed at the pore mouth, and (3) nonporous catalyst III where catalysts X and Y are mixed together. The selectivities of each catalyst are compared for the consecutive reaction scheme A X → k 1 B Y → k 2 C X → k 1 D and factors influencing the optimum catalyst composition are discussed. The results show that under certain circumstances the macroscopic distribution of catalyst functions greatly affects the yields of intermediate products and suggest that the macroscopic distribution of functions can be an important variable in catalyst design.
The history of leukemia therapy - A personal journey

Abstract The advances in leukemia therapy which occurred during one professional lifetime of the author is described, and forms the basis for projecting the probable progress which will occur in a subsequent professional lifetime. These advances in leukemia therapy have rapidly found application to ‘solid tumors,' suggesting that the road to cancer control will be led by discoveries made in leukemia biology, treatment, and prevention.
Managerial turnover and the theory of short-termism

Abstract This paper presents a novel theory of managerial short-termism that is based on managerial turnover. The key feature is that if managers' rewards are based on current profitability, and there is some probability of managerial turnover, then rational own-reward maximizing managers may choose projects that have intrinsically lower net present values but yield higher returns in the earlier part of their lives. This is because managers recognize that the existence of turnover means that there is some probability they won't be around to enjoy the returns generated by long-term projects.
Adjacent Gauche Stabilization in Linear Alkanes: Implications for Polymer Models and Conformational Analysis

High-level ab initio quantum mechanical calculations are used to study various gauche conformational energies of n-pentane to n-decane. The destabilizing "pentane effect" (adjacent gauche states of opposite sign) for alkanes is confirmed, but the energies were found to depend slightly on chain length. In contrast, introducing an adjacent gauche of the same sign requires only 0.22-0.37 kcal/mol, approximately half of the single gauche state energy. This adjacent gauche stabilization should be taken into account when formulating or analyzing rotational isomeric models, carrying out conformational analysis, and developing force fields for alkanes, lipids, and related polymers.
Approaches to identify genes for complex human diseases: lessons from Mendelian disorders.

The focus of most molecular genetics research is the identification of genes involved in human disease. In the 20th century, genetics progressed from the rediscovery of Mendel's Laws to the identification of nearly every Mendelian genetic disease. At this pace, the genetic component of all complex human diseases could be identified by the end of the 21st century, and rational therapies could be developed. However, it is clear that no one approach will identify the genes for all diseases with a genetic component, because multiple mechanisms are involved in altering human phenotypes, including common alleles with small to moderate effects, rare alleles with moderate to large effects, complex gene-gene and gene-environment interactions, genomic alterations, and noninherited genetic effects. The knowledge gained from the study of Mendelian diseases may be applied to future research that combines linkage-based, association-based, and sequence-based approaches to detect most disease alleles. The technology to complete these studies is at hand and requires that modest improvements be applied on a wide scale. Improved analytical tools, phenotypic characterizations, and functional analyses will enable complete understanding of the genetic basis of complex diseases.
Microcontact printing of proteins inside microstructures.

Microfluidic devices are well suited for the miniaturization of biological assays, in particular when only small volumes of samples and reagents are available, short time to results is desirable, and multiple analytes are to be detected. Microfluidic networks (MFNs), which fill by means of capillary forces, have already been used to detect important biological analytes with high sensitivity and in a combinatorial fashion. These MFNs were coated with Au, onto which a hydrophilic, protein-repellent monolayer of thiolated poly(ethyleneglycol) (HS−PEG) was self-assembled, and the binding sites for analytes were present on a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) sealing cover. We report here a set of simple methods to extend previous work on MFNs by integrating binding sites for analytes inside the microstructures of MFNs using microcontact printing (μCP). First, fluorescently labeled antibodies (Abs) were microcontact-printed from stamps onto planar model surfaces such as glass, Si, Si/SiO2, Au, and Au derivatized wi...
Zur Interpretation des Paramagnetismus der Eisengruppe

Die von A. Sommerfeld und dem Verfasser fruher gegebenen Formeln fur die Suszeptibilitat enthalten die Aufspaltungen der Grundterme der Spektren der betreffenden Ionen. In dieser Arbeit werden die Aufspaltungen mittels der relativistischen Dublettformel berechnet. Die auf diesem Wege rein spektroskopisch erhaltenen Magnetonenzahlen stimmen in keinem Falle mit den beobachteten uberein. Auch bei den seltenen Erden scheint sich derselbe Effekt bemerkbar zu machen. Verschiedene mogliche Erklarungen dieser Diskrepanz werden diskutiert.
An Interdisciplinary Approach to the Introductory Psychology Course

Professors from four departments developed a model for an interdisciplinary student experience where the whole was greater than the sum of its parts.
The composition of the maintenance diet alters flavor-preference conditioning by intragastric fat infusions in rats.

Prior studies indicate that intragastric (IG) fat infusions condition only weak flavor preferences in chow-fed rats using brief daily training sessions. The present study attempted to facilitate fat conditioning by feeding rats a high-fat maintenance diet or by adding an oily flavor to the conditioning stimuli. In Experiment 1, rats were fed restricted rations of either a chow-corn oil mixture (48% energy as fat, HF group) or regular chow (12% fat, LF group). During 1-bottle training sessions, drinking a flavored (CS+, e.g., cherry) saccharin solution was paired with IG fat (7.1% corn oil emulsion). On other days, an alternate flavor (CS-, e.g., grape) was paired with IG water. In subsequent 2-bottle tests between the CS+ and CS- flavors, the HF rats displayed a stronger CS+ preference than the LF rats (90% vs. 62%). Experiment 2 tested the effect of a semisynthetic HF maintenance diet (48% fat energy), using a conditioning procedure similar to that of Experiment 1. The rats displayed only a moderate (72%) CS+ preference. When switched to the chow-oil maintenance diet and retrained with new CS flavors, they developed a 90% CS+ preference. In Experiment 3, chow-fed rats were trained and tested with oily CSs (i.e., 2% corn oil was added to flavored saccharin solutions). They failed to show a preference for the CS+ paired with IG oil. Thus, increasing the level of fat in the maintenance diet can greatly enhance preference conditioning with IG fat, but the amplitude of the effect is influenced by the composition of the high-fat food. In contrast, adding a fatty flavor to the conditioning stimuli did not improve fat conditioning.
Balancing performance and efficiency in a robotic fish with evolutionary multiobjective optimization

In this paper, we apply evolutionary multiobjective optimization to the design of a robotic fish with a flexible caudal fin. Specifically, we use the NSGA-II algorithm to discover solutions (physical dimensions, flexibility, and control parameters) that optimize both swimming performance and power efficiency. The optimization is conducted in a custom simulation environment based on an accurate yet computationally-efficient model of hydrodynamics. The results of these simulations reveal general principles that can be applied in the design of robotic fish morphology and control. To verify that the simulation results are physically relevant, we selected several of the evolved solutions, fabricated flexible caudal fins using a multi-material 3D printer, and attached them to a robotic fish prototype. Experimental results, conducted in a large water tank, correspond reasonably well to simulation results in both swimming performance and power efficiency, demonstrating the usefulness of evolutionary computation methods to this application domain.
Review of the NICE guidance on bacterial meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia

Bacterial meningitis still causes significant morbidity and mortality in children and meningococcal disease is the leading cause of infectious death in children in the UK. This article summarises the key recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guideline1 and highlights areas that may represent a change of practice for some clinicians. Differences between this guideline and the Scottish intercollegiate guideline (SIGN) on meningitis2 (table 1) have been highlighted. The NICE recommendations are shown in italics. The key areas covered by the guideline are described below; however, not all are reviewed within this article. View this table: Table 1 Points that differ between guidance in NICE1 and SIGN2 guidelines The guideline covers The guideline does not cover ### How may this guideline change your practice? Important recommendations within the guideline based upon consensus opinion:
The Role of Human Factors Guidelines in Designing Usable Systems: A Case Study of Operating Room Equipment

Recently, the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) adopted human engineering guidelines which represent the first formal compilation of general human factors materials for use by medical equipment designers. The applicability of these guidelines was addressed by evaluating a new microprocessor based device based on the AAMI guidelines and again using broader principles and techniques from human-computer interaction (HCI). While the device met the majority of applicable guideline recommendations, the second review identified more substantive human engineering deficiencies not addressed by the AAMI recommendations. Examples included hidden modes of operation, inconsistent signal-action mapping, complex resetting sequences, and violations of expectations. Application of these HCI issues predict confusion in using the device and limitations in diagnosing and correcting problems. Interviews with users of the device confirmed these predictions by finding that participants had major ...
Flow rates at signalized intersections under cold winter conditions

Based on headway data collected under subfreezing conditions, with ice, snow, or frost present, saturation flow rates at signalized intersections were found to be substantially lower than the rates suggested in the Highway Capacity Manual of 1985. A reduction in flow rates on the order of 20% is proposed. A review of available U.S. and Canadian data indicated similar reductions. It was concluded that such reductions should be taken into account for level of service and capacity for areas where temperatures below freezing are encountered for substantial parts of the year. Even when these conditions are encountered for only a few days a year, it may be beneficial to assess levels of service and capacity, based on reduced saturation flow rates, to better understand the operation of the intersections and mitigate the effects of inclement weather.
Cyclic variation in fetal heart rate and sympathetic activity.

Abstract The effects of α- and β-adrenergic blockade on electrocortical activity-related cyclic variability in fetal heart rate and mean arterial pressure were investigated in eight fetal lambs between 119 and 138 days of gestation. In the absence of adrenergic blockade, fetal heart rate during high-voltage slow activity was significantly higher than that during low-voltage fast activity. Propranolol (2.0 mg/hr) produced a decrease in fetal heart rate, but the decrease was only statistically significant during high-voltage slow activity. Phentolamine (5.0 mg/hr) induced a significant increase in fetal heart rate with a small but statistically significant decrease in mean arterial pressure. The cyclic variability in fetal heart rate between low-voltage fast activity and high-voltage slow activity was abolished by propranolol and enhanced by phentolamine. These results indicate that the cyclic variability in the fetal heart rate associated with electrocortical activity can be accounted for by cyclic fluctuation in sympathetic activity.
Speckle analysis using signal to noise ratios based on fractional order moments

The SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) of the echo envelope image is a monotonically-increasing function of scatterer number density. Various SNRs, like amplitude SNR and intensity SNR, can be used to quantify the scatterer density. The problem of using a SNR based on higher order moments like the intensity SNR is that they require large sample sizes to obtain estimates with high confidence (the variance of the estimate becomes large for higher moments). In this paper, we consider SNRs based on fractional order moments (moments of order less than 1), and obtain mathematical analyses of their properties using the K distribution, which has been shown to be a good model for the density function of backscatter echo envelope signal. Statistics of SNRs based on fractional moment are derived and appear to be more robust and useful than the amplitude and intensity SNRs previously studied. The SNRs based on fractional order moments have greater dynamic range and the sample size requirements are smaller than those for integral order moment SNRs, like amplitude SNR or intensity SNR. Thus, SNRs based on fractional order moments could be used to better quantify the variations in scatterer density which can be used for tissue classification problems.
Synthesis of Mesocellular Silica Foams with Tunable Window and Cell Dimensions

Polystyrene microspheres coated with cationic surfactants are easily prepared by microemulsion polymerization. These microspheres can be used in place of surfactants to synthesize porous silica foams. The nature of the foams depends strongly upon the synthesis conditions. Under basic catalysis, “closed-cell” foams are obtained. Under acidic catalysis, open-cell foams are obtained. The windows that connect the cells of the open-cell foams are believed to arise from direct contact between adjacent spherical templates. These silica foams resemble dense aerogels.
Raman investigation of high-pressure “disorder—order” phase transitions in NH4Br and NH4Cl

Abstract NH 4 Br II—V and NH 4 Br V—IV phase transitions and the associated Raman spectra are reported. The spectrum of NH 4 Br V and the changes accompanying the NH 4 Br V—IV transition are shown to be similar to the spectrum of “disrodered” NH 4 Cl “II” and to the changes at “disorder—order” NH 4 Cl “II”—IV transition.
One Voice for Health Education: Can This be Achieved?

The need for one voice for health education and health educators has been discussed for some time. Recently, it has become a more prevalent topic at professional meetings. This article discusses the role of professional associations and the process of professionalization, professional associations for health educators, the Coalition of Health Education Organizations, and current issues with possible alternative solutions. The solutions proposed include merging existing associations, fostering greater understanding of the purposes of various professional organiza tions, adopting a new approach for selecting memberships, and strengthening the role and function of the Coalition of National Health Education Organizations. A final point discussed is the importance of health educators belonging to at least one professional association to indicate their support of the profession.
Management of Critical Illness Polyneuropathy and Myopathy

A syndrome of generalized weakness, areflexia, and difficulty with weaning from a ventilator is a common clinical presentation in the critically ill patient, especially in the setting of sepsis, multiorgan failure, and hyperglycemia. At first believed to be a manifestation of nerve (critical illness neuropathy, CIN) or muscle (critical illness myopathy, CIM) dysfunction, our current conceptualization is as a spectrum (critical illness neuromuscular abnormalities, CINMA) that varies in extent and site(s) of involvement, but often a similar clinical presentation. Signs and symptoms of CINMA must be identified early to foster recovery and limit morbidity and mortality. The medical history is crucial in excluding preexisting neuromuscular conditions and electrodiagnostic testing helps to establish the diagnosis and prognostication. A stepwise approach to the management of a patient with CINMA is outlined, but avoiding potential medications, and ensuring supportive care are the primary interventions to consider. Recently intensive insulin therapy for hyperglycemia has been shown to lower the risk of CINMA and decrease the time of ventilatory support, but with a greater risk of hypoglycemia. Future therapeutic interventions will require a better understanding of disease pathogenesis, but may target proinflammatory cytokine and free-radical pathways, muscle gene expression, ion channel function, or proteolytic muscle protein mechanisms. Rehabilitation is an equally essential component in a patient's management. Although prognosis depends on the extent of the underlying muscle and nerve damage, mild persistent deficits are common and severe disability may be persistent.
Vitamin K2, a naturally occurring menaquinone, exerts therapeutic effects on both hormone-dependent and hormone-independent prostate cancer cells

In recent years, several studies have shown that vitamin k2 (VK2) has anticancer activity in a variety of cancer cells. The antitumor effects of VK2 in prostate cancer are currently not known. In the present study, we sought to characterize the anticancer potential of VK2 in both androgen-dependent and -independent prostate cancer cells. Our investigations show that VK2 is able to suppress viability of androgen-dependent and androgen-independent prostate cancer cells via caspase-3 and -8 dependent apoptosis. We also show that VK2 treatment reduces androgen receptor expression and PSA secretion in androgen-dependent prostate cancer cells. Our results also implicate VK2 as a potential anti-inflammatory agent, as several inflammatory genes are downregulated in prostate cancer cells following treatment with VK2. Additionally, AKT and NF-kB levels in prostate cancer cells are reduced significantly when treated with VK2. These findings correlated with the results of the Boyden chamber and angiogenesis assay, as VK2 treatment reduced cell migration and angiogenesis potential of prostate cancer cells. Finally, in a nude mice model, VK2 administration resulted in significant inhibition of both androgen-dependent and androgen-independent tumor growth. Overall, our results suggest that VK2 may be a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of prostate cancer.
Data mining techniques to study voting patterns in the US

This paper presents data mining techniques that can be used to study voting patterns in the United States House of Representatives and shows how the results can be interpreted. We processed the raw data available at http://clerk.house.gov, performed t-weight calculations, an attribute relevance study, association rule mining, and decision tree analysis and present and interpret interesting results. WEKA and SQL Server 2005 were used for mining association rules and decision tree analysis.
Multiple scattering Xα calculations on the Σ and it electron shape resonances in chloroethylenes and fluoroethylenes

Abstract The continuum OS MS Xα method is used to interpret the multiple resonances observed in the electron transmission spectra of tetrachloroethylene and 1,1-dichloroethylene. Good agreement with experiment is found for these molecules and for their fluorine analogues which exhibit one shape resonance. Dissociative electron attachment studies on the halogenoethylenes are interpreted in detail.
Sequence of chicken cβ7 tubulin: Analysis of a complete set of vertebrate β-tubulin isotypes

Abstract In chicken, β-tubulin is encoded by a family of seven genes. We have now isolated and sequenced overlapping cDNA clones corresponding to gene cβ7 (previously designated cβ4′), the only chicken β-tubulin not previously characterized. The inferred amino acid sequence of cβ7 tubulin is identical with the class I β-tubulin isotype found in human, mouse and rat. Moreover, cβ7 is highly expressed in almost all tissue and cell types in chicken, a pattern similar to those of the genes for class I β-tubulin isotypes in other vertebrates. Comparison of the complete family of chicken β-tubulin gene sequences reveals that the heterogeneity of β-tubulin polypeptides encoded in a higher eukaryote is confined to six distinct β-tubulin isotypes. Five of these are members of evolutionarily conserved isotypic classes (I to V), whereas the sixth represents a divergent erythroid-specific tubulin whose sequence has not been conserved.