cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sneutrino Higgs models explain lepton non-universality in CMS excesses

Recent searches for first-generation leptoquarks and heavy right-handed $W_R$ bosons have seen excesses in final states with electrons and jets. A bizarre property of these excesses is that they appear to violate lepton universality. With these results in mind, we study the phenomenology of supersymmetric models in which the Higgs arises as the sneutrino in an electron supermultiplet. Since the electron is singled out in this approach, one can naturally account for the lepton flavor structure of the excesses. In this work, we show that in such a framework, one can significantly alleviate the tension between the Standard Model and the data and yet evade current constraints from other searches. Lastly we point out that correlated excesses are expected to be seen in future multilepton searches.
The Relationship between Theory of Mind and Intelligence: A Formative g Approach.

Theory of Mind (ToM) is the ability understand that other people’s mental states may be different from one’s own. Psychometric models have shown that individual differences in ToM can largely be attributed to general intelligence (g) (Coyle et al. 2018). Most psychometric models specify g as a reflective latent variable, which is interpreted as a general ability that plays a causal role in a broad range of cognitive tasks, including ToM tasks. However, an alternative approach is to specify g as a formative latent variable, that is, an overall index of cognitive ability that does not represent a psychological attribute (Kovacs and Conway 2016). Here we consider a formative g approach to the relationship between ToM and intelligence. First, we conducted an SEM with reflective g to test the hypothesis that ToM is largely accounted for by a general ability. Next, we conducted a model with formative g to determine whether the relationship between ToM and intelligence is influenced by domain-specific tasks. Finally, we conducted a redundancy analysis to examine the contribution of each g variable. Results suggest that the relationship between ToM and intelligence in this study was influenced by language-based tasks, rather than solely a general ability.
Guilt and Burnout in Medical Students.

Burnout is prevalent among medical students and is correlated with negative feelings, behaviors, and outcomes. Empathy is a desired trait for medical students that has been correlated with reduced ...
The Use of Pressure in Infrared Spectroscopic Studies of Hydrogen Bonding

Until 1965, the use of pressure as a variable in hydrogen bond spectral studies was extremely limited. There were two reasons for this: (1) the high cost and cumbersome nature of high pressure equipment and (2) the early pressure experiments(1) did not show that there was a large frequency shift with increasing pressure for OH vibrations. In fact, Pimentel and McClellan(1) felt that the effect of pressure on OH stretching vibrations was far less important than the effect of other variables such as temperature, concentration, or solvents.
Persistence of Occurrence of Injury: Can Injuries of Preschool Children Predict Injuries of School-Aged Children?

Data regarding 10,394 children from the 1970 British birth cohort were used to assess the consistency of injuries reported by parents as occurring between birth and 5 years of age and injuries reported between 5 and 10 years of age. Children with three or more separate injury events reported between birth and 5 years of age were 5.9 times more likely to have three or more injuries reported between 5 and 10 years of age than children without early injuries (95% confidence interval = 4.4 to 8.0). Children with one or more injuries resulting in hospitalization before 5 years of age were 2.5 times as likely to have one or more admissions to the hospital for injuries after 5 years of age than children with no early hospitalizations for injuries (95% confidence interval = 2.0 to 3.3). Stepwise regression was used to identify other predictors of injury. The number of injuries before 5 years of age were the best predictors of injuries reported between 5 and 10 years of age, followed by male sex, aggressive child behavior, young maternal age, many older, and few younger siblings. The findings of this study are consistent with two other large studies that relied on medical records rather than parental report and that focused on more severe injuries. Children with several of the identified risk factors can be predicted to have high rates of accidental injuries and may benefit from focused intervention.
Measurement of Isochoric P—V—T Behavior of a Nominal 95-Mol.%-Methane—5-Mol.%-Propane Mixture from Near-Ambient to Cryogenic Temperatures

An isochoric P—V—T apparatus which has been used to investigate the P—V—T surfaces of methane [1], ethane [2], and propane[3] has been modified for this work in studying a mixture containing 5.31 mol.% propane in methane. To the approximation allowed in gas mixture preparation techniques and the Pitzer—Curl corresponding states principle this mixture was prepared to describe the P—V—T surface of the average mixture composition studied calorimetrically by Manker et al. [5] and Mather et al. [6]. Their average mixture composition is presented in Table I.
Diagnosis of kernicterus in the neonatal period.

In a series of 882 infants with hemolytic disease of the newborn (erythroblastosis fetalis), 31 infants developed kernicterus. In the neonatal period the diagnosis of kernicterus was established firmly in 65%, remained uncertain in 19% and was not suspected in 16%. This diagnosis was established firmly in the neonatal period when spasticity was moderate to marked. The diagnosis of kernicterus remained uncertain when spasticity was mild and short-lived. This diagnosis was not suspected when spasticity was not observed. Characteristically, a progression of three distinct clinical phases was observed in infants with kernicterus during the neonatal period. A fourth clinical phase appeared later in infancy. The first clinical phase was characterized by hypotonia, lethargy and a poor sucking reflex; the second by spasticity, opisthotonos and fever; the third by the diminution or disappearance of spasticity; and the fourth by the progressive appearance ance of the relatively permanent signs of post-kernicteric extrapyramidal cerebral palsy. The hypotonia, lethargy and poor sucking reflex of the first phase of kernicterus appeared highly significant because of the great importance of this phase concerning the infant9s neurologic prognosis. But these critical signs were nonspecific, being associated also with major pulmonary, cardiovascular and other central nervous system pathology in non-kernicteric infants with hemolytic disease. The spasticity of the second phase indicated with great accuracy that kernicterus had occurred in the first clinical phase. The diagnostic reliability of spasticity was not related to its intensity or duration. A kernicterus-like syndrome related to hemorrhages within the basal ganglia was the only observed exception to the otherwise complete diagnostic reliability of spasticity. The true absence of any spasticity throughout the first week of life appeared to indicate with great reliability in the neonatal period that kernicterus had not occurred. The lessening or disappearance of spasticity in the third clinical phase erroneously led to diagnostic uncertainty in the neonatal period concerning the presence or absence of kernicterus. It is hoped that accuracy in the diagnosis of the presence or absence of kernicterus in the neonatal period may be increased by an understanding of the three neonatal clinical phases, their cardinal signs, their progression and the diagnostic problems of each phase.
SLIC: scheduled linear image compositing for parallel volume rendering

Parallel volume rendering offers a feasible solution to the large data visualization problem by distributing both the data and rendering calculations among multiple computers connected by a network. In sort-last parallel volume rendering, each processor generates an image of its assigned subvolume, which is blended together with other images to derive the final image. Improving the efficiency of this compositing step, which requires interprocesssor communication, is the key to scalable, interactive rendering. The recent trend of using hardware-accelerated volume rendering demands further acceleration of the image compositing step. We present a new optimized parallel image compositing algorithm and its performance on a PC cluster. Our test results show that this new algorithm offers significant savings over previous algorithms in both communication and compositing costs. On a 64-node PC cluster with a 100BaseT network interconnect, we can achieve interactive rendering rates for images at resolutions up to 1024x1024 pixels at several frames per second.
The Costs Of Bankruptcy

Our paper explores a comprehensive sample of small and large corporate bankruptcies in Arizona and New York from 1995-2001. We find that bankruptcy costs are very heterogeneous and sensitive to measurement method. Still, Chapter 7 liquidations appear no faster or cheaper (in terms of direct expense) than Chapter 11 bankruptcies. But Chapter 11 seems to preserve assets better, and thereby allows creditors to recover relatively more. Our paper also provides a large number of further empirical regularities.
The Life and Times of Adenoviruses

With Wallace Rowe et al.'s and Hilleman and Werner's isolations of viruses, subsequently termed "adenoviruses," a new area of research opened for me and gradually for many others. I was quickly able to associate the viruses with diseases in humans, and then our attention turned to the structure of the virion and how it replicated. Many virologists entered these areas of adenovirus research, for they were the central themes for most virologists at that time. We obtained more and more knowledge of the structure of the virion, its genome, and how it replicated and killed cells in culture so that they could no longer divide, although the virus infection did not lyse the infected cells, but we did not have the slightest idea how Ad5 produced disease in vivo. Then Wallace Clyde's timely note appeared, and we entered an exciting and profitable new field: an investigation of the mechanism by which Ad5 produces pneumonia. It must again be emphasized that the pneumonia that WtAd5 produces in cotton rats is pathologically very similar to that induced in humans. One of our earliest sets of experiments in the cotton rats was designed to determine whether region E3 was really nonessential even though the genes contained therein were not required for viral replication. We soon demonstrated that deletion of the E3 region produced a mutant that induced a highly pathogenic viral pneumonia. The potential role in pathogenesis of each of the genes within the E3 region was then investigated. Of maximum importance was the finding that deletion of the 19-kDa gene near the 5' end of the region produced a severe inflammatory response. This result led to the discovery that the E3 19-kDa protein regulated expression of the MHC factor on the surface of infected cells, and deletion of this gene produced a marked increase in MHC on the surfaces of infected cells and, therefore, a marked increase in the response of cytotoxic T cells. In addition, deletion of the gene encoding the 14.7-kDa protein, which was situated at the 3' end of the E3 region, resulted in an increase in polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the inflammatory response. A number of these findings led to hypotheses that could not be tested in the cotton rat since the necessary reagents were not available. Fortunately, our findings that only early viral genes are required to produce full pathogenesis led us to test mice because we had shown in a culture of mouse cells that all of the early viral genes are expressed. The C57BL/6N mouse proved to be an excellent host in which Ad5 produced full pulmonary inflammation. Thus, it was possible to test our hypotheses and to demonstrate their validity, showing that the virus induces cytokine elaboration, as well as to demonstrate the role of cytotoxic T cells in permitting Ad5 to produce persistent infections in lymphoid cells of organs such as the adenoid, from which the first adenovirus was isolated, and which had immediately led to my interest in investigating it and helping to develop the story of adenoviruses.
Dynamic response of a molded leaded package in wire bonding assembly process

In this paper, a 3-D finite element (FE) model was established to simulate the dynamic vibration in lead frame of molded leaded package (MLP during wire bonding process. The dynamic vibration response in the MLP will be examined. Four lead frame design options are investigated for their dynamic response during the wire bonding process. Two different wire bonding ultrasonic vibration directions are studied. Different wire bonding clamping methods are considered. Different polymer tape materials under lead frame are checked as well. Finally, the ball stitch on ball (BSOB) wire bonding and normal wire bonding process are compared. The FEA modeling results show that all of these factors have impacted on the neighbor leads' vibration response significantly. BSOB wire bonding method is a good method to reduce neighbor lead vibration for all four lead frame design options. This study helps to improve assembly yield in wire bonding process of a lead frame MLP.
The sensitivity of Japanese bank stock returns to economic factors

Abstract The sensitivity of Japanese bank stock returns to market return innovations (shocks), innovations in Japanese government bond returns, trade-weighted yen exchange rate return innovations, and interest rate spread changes are examined. Japanese bank stock returns are found to be significantly and usually negatively related to long-term interest rate innovations in 34% of all regressions. Market β's are found to be always highly significant, while few of the exchange rate return β's and spread β's are significant. Cross-sectional differences in the market and bond return β's are examined. Japanese main banks are generally found to assume more risk, based on market β's.
Measuring dissimilarity in online health search activities

There is growing evidence of the use of the Internet to obtain critical health information as well as increased diversity of user groups. While users of web-based information often report their reliance on healthcare providers for validation of information, it has yet to be determined if this is universally true across all types of information or user groups. In some cases consumers may aggregate in places where they trust web information (relative to provider-based information), such as areas of unsettled diagnostic methods or ambiguous treatment protocols. To date little research has been done to identify and differentiate clusters of health consumers and their similarities related to type of information sought. Data from a study of consumer Web search activity in a post-intervention era serves as a natural experiment, and can identify whether clusters of "digitally underserved groups" persist in the US, following national efforts to eliminate barriers to health information access. This exploratory technology assessment study seeks to differentiate and delineate specific information behaviors, across targeted healthcare subgroups. Doing so allows the design of more effective strategies to promote the use of the Web as a health education and health promotion tool, under the envisioned shared decisionmaking, consumer-centric health information model, critical to the proposed US national health information infrastructure.
The Spread of Bureaucratic Oversight Mechanisms across Intergovernmental Organizations

The study asks why so many intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) have established recently offices and policies intended to facilitate the oversight of their bureaucracies. It begins from a set of hypotheses derived from the principal-agent (PA) literature, a natural starting point for answering this question. It then considers explanations based on norms and institutional diffusion to offer a more complete explanation of developments. The study argues that the empowerment of democratic norms and institutional diffusion processes across IGOs have altered member-states’ preferences and allowed them to overcome collective action problems involved in the adoption of oversight mechanisms. The hypotheses are tested across more than 70 organizations. The results suggest that arguments extracted from the PA literature and the one on norms allow us to understand which IGOs are more likely to have bureaucratic oversight mechanisms. On the other hand, models that also take into account diffusion processes allow us to understand better when such mechanisms are adopted.
A virtual network for reorganizable neural architectures

Summary form only given. The authors propose a hardware-implementable, virtually connected, reconfigurable network architecture that has a high degree of fault tolerance. This architecture provides the neurons the ability of self-organization, and a neuron can establish a new synaptic connection that can be either excitatory or inhibitory, replacing a weakened old synapse. Cells are grouped into small partitions called cell cluster, and the communications among cells are limited within their influence regions. A message broadcasting algorithm which effectively limits the reach of the cells within their influence regions is described, and some illustrations of the fault tolerance characteristic of the architecture are given. By combining the cell clusters with the communication algorithm, a network with virtually no limit in size can be constructed. >
Deconstructing Differences in African‐American and European‐American Adolescents' Perspectives on U.S. History

Recent proposals for reforming the K–12 history curriculum have recommended revising the traditional narrative on U.S. history by including the historical experiences of diverse racial groups. The ...
Reduction of the quantum content of endplate potentials by atropine.

Postsynaptische Potentiale der Muskelfasern (EPP) des isolierten Rattenzwerchfells wurden intrazellular abgeleitet. Die statistische Analyse zeigt, dass der Mengenanteil von EPP bei Anwesenheit von Atropin vermindert ist und zwar simultan mit der postsynaptischen Blockade. Die Erholung des presynaptischen Effektes ist viel langsamer als diejenige des postsynaptischen.
Damage risk: an evaluation of the effects of exposure to 85 versus 90 dBA of noise.

The purpose of this study was to compare the damage risk of 85 and 90 dBA of white noise for equivalent full-day exposures. The damage risk of the two noise levels was determined by comparing the t...
The Smoking Debate: a Look At the Issues Surrounding Smoking Bans in Restaurants

There is currently a debate over whether smoking should be banned in restaurants and other public places. The public health officials are concerned about employees and customers being exposed to secondhand smoke. Restaurant owners feel they should be allowed to determine their own policies based on market conditions. The purpose of this study is to examine the issues in the smoking debate based on a survey of restaurant operators and a survey of customers in a city where a smoking ban was about to go into effect. All viewpoints were considered and conclusions were drawn based on the empirical evidence.
Variation in the composition of Lake Bonneville marl: a potential key to lake-level fluctuations and paleoclimate

Lake Bonneville marl provides a stratigraphic record of lake history preserved in its carbonate minerals and stable isotopes. We have analyzed the marl in shallow cores taken at three localities in the Bonneville basin. Chronology for the cores is provided by dated volcanic ashes, ostracode biostratigraphy, and a distinctive lithologic unit believed to have been deposited during and immediately after the Bonneville Flood.
Lateral mobility of a lipid analog in the membrane of irreversible sickle erythrocytes.

Abstract The major feature of sickle cell anemia is the tendency of erythrocytes to sickle when exposed to decreased oxygen tension and to unsickle when reoxygenated. Irreversible sickle cells (ISCs) are sickle erythrocytes which retain bipolar elongated shapes despite reoxygenation. ISCs are believed to owe their biophysical abnormalities to acquired membrane alterations which decrease membrane deformability. While increased membrane surface viscosity has been measured in ISCs, the lateral dynamics of membrane lipids in these cells have not heretofore been examined. We have measured the lateral diffusion of the lipid analog 3,3′-dioctadecylindocyanine iodide (DiI) in the plasma membrane of intact normal erythrocytes, reversible sickle cells (RSCs), and irreversible sickle cells by fluorescence photobleaching recovery (FPR). The diffusion coefficients ± standard errors of the mean of DiI in intact normal red blood cells (RBCs), RSCs,and ISCs at 37°C are (8.06 ± 0.29) · 10−9cells (RBCs), RSCs,and ISCs at 37°C are (8.06 ± 0.29) · 10−cm2 · s−1, (7.74 ± 0.22) · 10−9cm2 · s−1cm2 · s−1, (7.74 ± 0.22) · 10−9cm2 · s and (7.29 ± 0.24) · 10−9cm2 · s−1, respectively. A similar decrease in the diffusion coefficient of DiI in the plasma membranes of the three cell types was observed at 4, 10, 17, 23, and 30°C. ANOVA analysis of the changes in DiI diffusion showed significant differences between the RBC and ISC membranes at all temperatures examined. The characteristic breaks in Arrhenius plots of the diffusion coefficients for the RBCs, RSCs, and ISCs occurred at 20, 19, and 18.6°C, respectively. Photobleaching recovery data were used to estimate (Boullier, J.A., Melnykovich, G. and Barisas, B.G. (1982) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 692, 278–286) the microviscosities of the plasma membranes of the three cell types at 25°C. We find significant differences between our microviscosity values and those obtained in previous fluorescence depolarization studies. However, both methods indicate qualitatively similar differences in membrane microviscosity amoung the various cell types.
Polarization sensing of fluorophores in tissues for drug compliance monitoring.

Abstract We used a new method, polarization sensing, to monitor the concentration of the fluorophore rhodamine 800 in an intralipid suspension and in chicken tissue. Rhodamine 800 (Rh800) could be excited at 648 nm using a laser pointer. We developed a simple device for measuring the combined emission from a highly polarized reference film and the unpolarized or orthogonally polarized emission of Rh800 from the scattering intralipid or tissue. The concentration of Rh800 in this medium was revealed by large changes in the polarization (P) with values of P ranging from 0.8 to −0.9. It is possible to vary the sensitive Rh800 concentration range by variation of the detected emission wavelengths, orientation of the excitation polarizer, or fluorophore concentration in the reference film. Polarization sensing of fluorophores in tissue requires only steady-state detection, and can be accomplished with simple and/or portable electronics. Such devices may find use in electronic detection of ingested medicines based on transdermal detection of nontoxic long-wavelength fluorophores.
Phonon propagation in ferromagnetic resonance

Abstract In addition to the known electromagnetic transmission mode in thick ferromagnetic foils, a new transmission resonance effect is described which, following the work of Blackstead and collaborators, is conjectured to be excited through magnetoelastic coupling. It appears that this new transmission signal is propagated through the sample via phonon-magnon modes.
Apatite and Octa-Calcium Phosphate: Effects of Carbon Dioxide and Halogens on Formation

Octa-calcium phosphate forms instead of apatite under a high partial pressure of CO2in solution almost neutral in pH, containing chloride ions or wholly lacking halogens. However, in solutions containing fluoride ions, apatite forms under the same conditions. Fluoride also increase the crystallinity of the formed apatite.
Polymer neural interface with dual-sided electrodes for neural stimulation and recording

We present here a demonstration of a dual-sided, 4-layer metal, polyimide-based electrode array suitable for neural stimulation and recording. The fabrication process outlined here utilizes simple polymer and metal deposition and etching steps, with no potentially harmful backside etches or long exposures to extremely toxic chemicals. These polyimide-based electrode arrays have been tested to ensure they are fully biocompatible and suitable for long-term implantation; their flexibility minimizes the injury and glial scarring that can occur at the implantation site. The creation of dual-side electrode arrays with more than two layers of trace metal enables the fabrication of neural probes with more electrodes without a significant increase in probe size. This allows for more stimulation/recording sites without inducing additional injury and glial scarring.
Thermal stability of polyurethanes based on vegetable oils

A series of polyurethanes from polyols derived from soybean, corn, safflower, sunflower, peanut, olive, canola, and castor oil were prepared, and their thermal stability in air and nitrogen assessed by thermogravimetric analysis, FTIR, and GC/MS. Oil-based polyurethanes generally had better initial thermal stability (below 10% weight loss) in air than the polypropylene oxide-based polyurethane, while the latter was more stable in nitrogen at the initial stage of degradation. If weight loss at a higher conversion is taken as the criterion of stability, then oil polyurethanes have better thermal stability both in air and in nitrogen. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 77: 1723–1734, 2000
Visibility as related to atmospheric aerosol constituents

Abstract A laboratory and field study was performed to assess the contribution to visibility reduction of both light scattering and absorption by air pollutant particles and gases. Gaseous precursors to important visibility-reducing aerosol species were measured. Emphasis was placed on minimizing sampling artifacts for nitrate and sulfate since previous visibility studies were generally subject to substantial errors from these sources. Optical techniques for measuring the particle absorption coefficient and elemental carbon were evaluated. The aerosol species measured were fine and coarse particulate mass, sulfate, nitrate and elemental carbon, plus organic carbon and ammonium ion. The gases measured were nitric acid, NH3, SO2, NO2 and O3. Sampling was done at San Jose, Riverside and downtown Los Angeles. The light-scattering efficiency of fine particulate nitrate appeared to be higher than that of sulfate, in contrast to the findings of most prior studies. At all sites light scattering by sulfate, nitrate and elemental carbon particles contributed more than half of the light extinction. Light absorption by particles, due almost exclusively to elemental carbon, contributed 10–20% of the extinction.
Pairing due to Spin Fluctuations in Layered Organic Superconductors

I show that, for a $\ensuremath{\kappa}$-type organic $(\mathrm{B}\mathrm{E}\mathrm{D}\mathrm{T}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{T}\mathrm{T}\mathrm{F}{)}_{2}X$ molecular crystal, a superconducting state with ${T}_{\mathrm{c}}\ensuremath{\approx}10\mathrm{K}$ and gap nodes on the Fermi surface can be caused by short-ranged antiferromagnetic spin fluctuations. Using a two-band description for the antibonding orbitals on a BEDT-TTF dimer of the $\ensuremath{\kappa}$-type salt, and an intermediate local Coulomb repulsion between two holes on one dimer, the magnetic interaction and the superconducting gap function are determined self consistently within the fluctuation-exchange approximation. The pairing interaction is predominantly caused by interband coupling and additionally affected by spin excitations of the quasi-one-dimensional band.
rax, Hes1, and notch1 promote the formation of Müller glia by postnatal retinal progenitor cells.

We are interested in the mechanisms of glial cell development in the vertebrate central nervous system. We have identified genes that can direct the formation of glia in the retina. rax, a homeobox gene, Hes1, a basic helix-loop-helix gene, and notch1, a transmembrane receptor gene, are expressed in retinal progenitor cells, downregulated in differentiated neurons, and expressed in Muller glia. Retroviral transduction of any of these genes resulted in expression of glial markers. In contrast, misexpression of a dominant-negative Hes1 gene reduced the number of glia. Cotransfection of rax with reporter constructs containing the Hes1 or notch1 regulatory regions led to the upregulation of reporter transcription. These data suggest a regulatory heirarchy that controls the formation of glia at the expense of neurons.
Looking at the Impact of the Flipped Classroom Model of Instruction on Undergraduate Multimedia Students at CSUN

Scholars and practitioners have reported the positive outcomes of a flipped, or inverted, approach to instruction (Baker, 2000; Lage, Platt, & Treglia, 2000; Bergmann, 2011; Wright, 2011; Pearson, 2012; Butt, 2012; Bates, 2012). While many of the reports are anecdotal, the sheer number of instructors that have reported successful implementation of the strategy provides some evidence of its powerful use as an instructional method. This study provides a detailed case in which one approach of the Flipped Classroom Model of Instruction was applied in two classes at California State University Northridge. Student reports suggest that the approach provided an engaging learning experience, was effective in helping students learn the content, and increased self-efficacy in their ability to learn independently. Additionally, challenges and potential solutions to those challenges are discussed.
Ultra low dielectric, self-cleansing and highly oleophobic POSS-PFCP aryl ether polymer composites

Ultra low dielectric constant (k = 1.53) materials with self-cleansing properties were synthesized via incorporation of fluorodecyl-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (FD-POSS) into recently synthesized perfluorocyclopentenyl (PFCP) aryl ether polymers. Incorporation of fluorine rich, high free volume, and low surface energy POSS into a semifluorinated PFCP polymer matrix at various weight percentages resulted in a dramatic drop in dielectric constant, as well as a significant increase in hydrophobicity and oleophobicity of the system. These ultra-low dielectric self-cleansing materials (θtilt = 38°) were fabricated into electrospun mats from a solvent blend of fluorinated FD-POSS with PFCP polymers.
DTI-based muscle fiber tracking of the quadriceps mechanism in lateral patellar dislocation

Purpose—To determine the feasibility of utilizing diffusion tensor MRI (DT-MRI) based muscle fiber tracking to create biomechanical models of the quadriceps mechanism in healthy subjects and those with chronic lateral patellar dislocation (LPD). Materials and Methods—Four healthy (average 14.5 years old; BMI 21.8) and four chronic LPD (average 17.3 years old; BMI 22.4) females underwent DT and axial T1W MRI of the thighs. The anatomical and physiologic cross sectional areas (ACSA and PCSA, respectively) and pennation angle were calculated of the vastus lateralis oblique (VLO) and vastus medialis oblique (VMO) muscles. The predicted resultant force vector on the patella was calculated. Results—The VLO pennation angles in healthy and LPD subjects were 18.7 and 14.5°, respectively (p=0.141). The VMO pennation angles in healthy and LPD subjects were 11.4 and 14.8°, respectively (p=0.02). The ACSA and PCSA VLO:VMO ratios in healthy and LPD subjects were 1.9:1.6 and 2.1:1.6, respectively (p=0.025 and 0.202, respectively). Regardless of whether ACSA or PCSA was used to predict resultant lateral force vectors, the values differed between healthy and LPD subjects (~2 and ~5.3°, respectively; p<0.05). Conclusion—Chronic LPD patients had more laterally directed predicted resultant force vectors than healthy subjects. Our preliminary results suggest that biomechanical models of the quadriceps mechanism in patients with chronic LPD and healthy subjects can be created in healthy subjects and patients with chronic LPD using DT-MRI.
Fishing for sustainability: the effects of indirect and direct persuasion

Websites and technologies that promote sustainable behavior often employ direct persuasion by being open about persuasive intent. We examined the use of indirect persuasion, methods that do not make persuasive intent clear. We built two variants of a recipe website designed to induce changes in users: one using direct persuasion and the other using indirect methods. We measured the effects of each site on users' attitudes and actions towards the environment. Preliminary results show that the direct style influenced actions while the indirect style influenced attitudes. We discuss the implications of this dissociation for research and applications.
A Taxonomy of Censors and Anti-Censors Part II: Anti-Censorship Technologies

This paper presents a conceptual study of Internet anti-censorship technologies. It begins with an overview of previous research on Internet anti-censorship systems and discusses their social, political and technological dimensions. Then for deployed Internet anti-censorship technologies, a taxonomy of their principles and techniques is presented, followed by a discussion of observed trends and implications. Based on the observations, the paper concludes with a discussion on the most critical design features to enable a successful and effective system.
High resolution magneto-optical studies of the intermediate state in thin film superconductors

Abstract The structure of the intermediate state in superconducting lead films has been investigated as a function of magnetic field and film thickness. The detection system utilized the high specific Faraday rotation in thin films of a mixture of EuS and EuF 2 in combination with a polarizing microscope, yielding a resolution of about 1 μm. The thickness of the Pb films ranged between 0.7 and 9 μm, thus including the critical film thickness at which the transition from the intermediate state to the vortex state occurs. At low fields a liquid-like mixed state of multi-quanta flux tubes was observed which appeared to be stable up to increasing magnetic fields with decreasing film thickness. The diameter of these flux tubes varied approximately with the square root of the film thickness. At intermediate fields the intermediate state pattern was found to persist down to a film thickness of 0.7 μm, the smallest thickness investigated. The periodicity length of the intermediate state structure was in reasonable agreement with the non-branching model of Landau. Just below H c , small superconducting domains were observed in increasing field, whereas long threads of superconducting material were formed abruptly in decreasing field. These superconducting threads were absent in the specimentsthinner than 1–2μ, being replaced by a liquid-like mixed state of superconducting tubes. After the passage of a sufficiently high electrical current through the specimen, the flux structure was found to be rearranged into long domains oriented predominantly perpendicular to the current, leading to current hysteresis effects. Finally, some dynamic observations were made during current induced flux flow.
Measurement of membrane potentials (ψ) of erythrocytes and white adipocytes by the accumulation of triphenylmethylphosphonium cation

The accumulation of the lipophilic cation, triphenylmethylphosphonium, has been employed to determine the resting membrane potential in human erythrocytes, turkey erythrocytes, and rat white adipocytes. The triphenylmethylphosphonium cation equilibrates rapidly in human erythrocytes in the presence of low concentrations of the hydrophobic anion, tetraphenylborate. Tetraphenylborate does not accelerate the uptake of triphenylmethylphosphonium ion by adipocytes. The cell associatedvs. extracellular distribution of the triphenylmethylphosphonium ion is proportional to changes in membrane potential. The distribution of this ion reflects the membrane potential determining concentration of the ion with dominant permeability in a “Nernst” fashion. The resting membrane potentials for the human erythrocyte, turkey erythrocyte, and rat white adipocyte were found to be −8.4±1.3, −16.8±1.1, and −58.3±5.0 mV, respectively, values which compare favorably with values obtained by other methods. In addition, changes in membrane potential can be assessed by following triphenylmethylphosphonium uptake without determining the intracellular water space. The method has been successfully applied to a study of hormonally induced changes in membrane potential of rat white adipocytes.
Five-a-Day Keeps the Doctor Away: Employee and Managerial Impressions of Implementing a Healthy Dining Option

Chronic illnesses account for three-quarters of healthcare costs in the United States and are generally statistically correlated with bad diet and lack of physical activity. The 5 A Day program can be adopted by hospitality organizations that want to offer their employees more healthy meal choices at work. The goal of the program is to provide the employees with the information and support to improve their eating habits and practice healthier lifestyles. A 5 A Day program has begun at a hotel-casino in the Southwestern U.S. On the first day of this program, a survey was administered to employees that intended to identify the amount of fruits and vegetables currently consumed by employees, their awareness of recommendations about how much of these products to consume, as well as if there are any differences between eating habits among the different groups based on their demographics. The company was also interested in knowing what motivates employees to eat healthier meals. Descriptive statistics and chi-s...
An evaluation of contourography as a technique for electrocardiographic data compression

Abstract Contourography is a technique to reduce large volumes of ECG data to a form which can be more easily reviewed. More than 700 hours of taped ECG information from patients with acute ischemic episodes have been reviewed and the advantages and limitations of the method examined. Gross changes in cardiac rate, rhythm, and wave form are easily identified. The contourographic technique is useful in demonstrating abrupt or phasic changes in cardiac rate and rhythm occurring on a steady-state background, demonstrating trend changes, and identifying data which should be subjected to more detailed analysis. ECG wave-form changes can usually be identified. Modifications to increase the usefulness of the method and the potentiality for “on-line” processing of the information are considered.
The photogalvanovoltaic cell

Abstract A novel type of photoelectrochemical cell based on a unique combination of a photogalvanic and photovoltaic effect has been constructed. The feasibility of such a photo-galvano-voltaic (PGV) cell for light conversion is demonstrated.
A multi-expertise application-driven class

In this paper we report on our experience of teaching a multi-expertise application-driven course in which upper-level undergraduate and entry-level graduate students from computer science, computer graphics technology, and educational science worked together to design, develop and evaluate a distance learning system. We describe the activities pursued in the class, the interactions between the various groups of students, as well as the challenges and advantages ensuing from the great variety of student backgrounds. The success of the course is measured in two ways. First, the class achieved the goal of building a distance learning system that surpasses the state of the art by improving the integration of the remote students into regular on-campus learning. Second, a survey conducted at the end of the course indicates that the application-driven, collaborative, and multi-expertise structure of the class provided a uniquely effective learning experience.
The effect of in utero administration of buthionine sulfoximine on rat development

Abstract Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide that is thought to be an essential cell component playing an important role as a cellular antioxidant and scavenger of free radicals. GSH depletion has been shown to render cells more sensitive to various insults. GSH has a protective effect. GSH levels can be decreased by inhibition of its synthesis with buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), which inhibits γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase. Several studies have shown that treatment with BSO enhances the toxicity of some drugs and radiation. A previous study indicated that the effects of BSO on the developing embryo were short lived and did not persist to birth. In the above-mentioned study, mothers were treated with BSO only on days 10 and 11 of gestation. The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of BSO administration on GSH depletion throughout pregnancy on the developing rat. Timed pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were placed on a liquid BioServ diet containing BSO starting on day 1 of pregnancy. The mothers received a daily dose of BSO ranging from 2 to 6 mmol/kg/24 h. The mothers were maintained on the diet until gestation day 21 when they were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital and the pups delivered by Cesarean section. GSH levels were measured in brain and liver, and various parameters relating to development were assessed. A dose-response curve showed that a maximum depletion (86%) of GSH in the mother's liver was produced by the 6 mmol/kg dose of BSO. However, no change was seen in brain GSH levels of the mothers. GSH levels in brain and liver of the offspring were decreased by 60% and 66%, respectively. No significant effect of treatment with BSO was observed on growth-related parameters, such as body or brain weight. A significant decrease in neuron-specific enolase (NSE) activity in cerebellum and an increase in liver γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activity were observed in pups born to mothers treated with BSO. A decrease in NSE activity consistent with delayed development was observed. Therefore, we conclude that although a decrease in GSH may not produce obvious or observable teratogenic effects, it may produce a delay in development and may have a permissive role in teratogenic effects produced by other drugs by virtue of GSH depletion.
Testosterone and the Control of Gonadotropin Secretion in the Male Rhesus Monkey (Macaca mulatto)

Plasma levels of testosterone (T) and estradiol (E) were determined in intact adult male rhesus monkeys before bilateral castration. Beginning on the day of orchidectomy, the precastration diurnal patterns in plasma T concentrations were replicated quantitatively by the sc implantation of T-containing Silastic capsules and by sc injections of T in oil. Preoperative plasma E levels were replicated by the sc implantation of E-containing Silastic capsules. Replacement with T and E maintained serum LH and FSH concentrations within or below the preoperative control ranges. Replacement with T alone also maintained circulating gonadotropins at concentrations similar to those observed before castration. Withdrawal of T replacement, while maintaining plasma E at precastration levels, resulted in a rise in circulating LH and FSH to concentrations approximating those observed when all steroid treatment was discontinued. These findings fail to provide evidence in support of the “inhibin” hypothesis and suggest that t...
Diagnosis of renal tumors on needle biopsy specimens by histological and molecular analysis

Purpose: We diagnosed the subtypes of renal cell carcinoma on needle core biopsies using a combination of histopathology and a molecular diagnostic algorithm.Materials and Methods: Core biopsies were taken of renal tumors following nephrectomy. RNA was extracted and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed for 4 gene products to differentiate among renal cell carcinoma subtypes. Histopathological diagnosis was achieved on a second core before and after obtaining the molecular diagnostic algorithm results.Results: Based on the nephrectomy diagnosis 6 of 77 renal masses were nonneoplastic and 71 were tumors, including 65 renal cell carcinoma/oncocytomas. The overall diagnostic accuracy using histology and our molecular diagnostic algorithm combined was 90.0% (70 of 77). Side by side comparison of histology vs molecular diagnostic algorithm was feasible for 60 classifiable renal cell carcinoma/oncocytomas (31 clear cell, 14 papillary renal cell carcinoma, 6 chromophobe renal cell carcin...
Ultrafast Studies of Stannane Activation by Triplet Organometallic Photoproducts

The activation of Sn–H bonds in tributylstannane by three triplet organometallic photoproducts (Fe(CO)4, CpCo(CO), and CpV(CO)3) has been studied using picosecond time-resolved infrared spectroscop...
Modeling and comparison of different edge radiation suppression methods in printed circuit boards

This paper investigates and compares eight most frequently used edge radiation suppression methods. Optimization and improvement for each method are discussed to achieve better radiation suppression performance. In addition, many helpful design guidelines are obtained through a comprehensive comparison of these methods, to guide better EMC design for PCB. Base on this work, one can get a good guideline for the selection of edge radiation suppression method.
Secure Cyberspace: Answering the Call for Intelligent Action

As information technology permeates all societal layers and its use crosses increasingly national boundaries, information security has become of paramount importance. Understanding what motivates information security is part of the hard work in planning the mechanisms that will assure it. Arguably, ubiquitous networking—for a wide range of personal, commerce, enterprise, and national purposes—is responsible for many recent productivity gains. But with this convenience has come vulnerability to those who seek to do damage or benefit illegally. Today's dynamic technology marketplace—with product generations now measured in months—gives increased choice of functionality and style to millions of potential buyers and their escalating expectations. However, with every new device comes at least some segment of the user population that doesn't understand new functionality and, consequently, experiences decreased reliability and reduced privacy.
Investigations on Adsorption-Dependent Optical Thickness Changes of Molecular Sieve Zeolite Thin Films for Chemical Sensor Development

Molecular sieve zeolites are capable of selectively adsorbing molecular species into their nanoporous structures. Using whitelight interferometry, the changes in optical thickness of b-oriented MFI zeolite thin films have been measured as a function of organic vapor partial pressure in the surrounding environment. The adsorption induced optical thickness changes of the oriented MFI zeolite films were found to be reversible and monotonically dependent on the organic concentration level. The quantitative results of this study are useful for designing optical fiber-based chemical sensors for in-situ detections.
Simultaneous Beam Shaping and Dispersion Tuning for Femtosecond Optical Vortex Beams

Vortex beams have been produced with sub 20-fs pulses using a prism pair and a computer generated holographic grating. The device combines comparatively high throughput, large bandwidth and GVD tuning capability.