cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Scalable event-based performance measurement in high-end environments

We are developing a novel performance measurement technique to address the scalability challenges of event-based tracing on high-end computing systems. We collect the information needed to diagnose performance problems that traditionally require traces, but at a greatly reduced data volume. Performance analysis working on today's high-end systems require event-based measurements to correctly identify the root cause of a number of the complex performance problems that arise on these highly parallel systems. These high-end-architectures contain tens to hundreds of thousands of processors, pushing application scalability challenges to new heights. Unfortunately, the collection of event-based data presents scalability challenges itself: the added measurement instructions and tool activities perturb the target application; and the large volume of collected data increases tool overhead, and results in data files that are difficult to store and analyze.
Non-thermal free carrier formation in organic photovoltaic polymer blends

Ultrafast visible pump - infrared probe spectroscopy is used to examine the dynamics of free carrier formation following photoinduced electron transfer in an organic photovoltaic polymer blend. The carbonyl (C=O) stretch of the functionalized fullerene, PCBM, is probed as a local vibrational reporter of the dynamics in a blend with a conjugated polymer, CN-MEH-PPV. It has been determined that PCBM molecules at the interfaces of PCBM and polymer phases possess higher frequency carbonyl vibrational modes while molecules in the centers of PCBM domains have lower frequency modes. The shift in frequency of the carbonyl stretching mode is used to directly resolve the dynamics of free carrier formation that occur on the few picosecond timescale. The fast dynamics suggest that the presence of an interfacial dipole causes the charge carriers to experience a smaller Coulombic potential than that which would be predicted from the dielectric properties of the materials. The free carrier formation dynamics are temperature independent indicating that excess vibrational energy remaining for a short period of time after the
Farming Systems and Nutritional Quality of Crops—A Brief Review

ABSTRACT Farming systems and management practices impact soil chemical, physical and biological properties. Consequently, changes on soil properties are expected to affect nutritional quality of crops. Increasing demand for healthy and nutritious food and call for environmentally sound and sustainable agricultural practices have drawn attention of many policy makers, environmentalists, researchers, growers, and other stakeholders in the past decades. Therefore, a clear understanding of the relationships between farming systems and nutritional quality of crops is very important in designing agricultural management strategies which will enhance environmental quality and sustainability while improving the nutritional quality of crops. Although information regarding the environmental soundness and agricultural productivity of alternative farming systems such as the organic (no synthetic fertilizer and chemical pesticides use) and low-input (reduced amount of chemical fertilizers and pesticides use) production...
ELASTIC-PLASTIC ANALYSIS OF A WHEEL ROLLING ON A RIGID TRACK

A consistent finite element model for a circular wheel is developed based on triangular and quasi-triangular domains and a piecewise linear displacement field. The minimum stress-rate principle of plasticity is used to obtain the solution of this two-dimensional continuum problem with internal unloading. A piecewise approximation of the Tresca yield condition is used. Elastic-plastic solutions of a wheel rolling on a rigid track under its own weight and a hub load are obtained for the first few revolutions until a steady state condition is reached. Shake-down conditions for the wheel are demonstrated.
The prevalence of somatization in primary care.

Abstract The authors define somatization as an idiom of distress in which patients with psychosocial and emotional problems articulate their distress primarily through physical symptomatology. Studies are then reviewed to demonstrate the inordinate amount of time and energy these patients cost the health care practitioner as well as the frequency of misdiagnosis. Iatrogenic harm is a common problem in somatizing patients due to unnecessary tests, hospitalizations, surgeries as well as the development of chronic illness behavior. It is essential that psychiatrists working in consultationliaison begin to develop research in the area of somatization especially at the primary care level.
Diurnal variation of the ion temperature

Diurnal variations of ion temperature by Thomson scatter spectra in height range 250 to 475 km
Inductive versus polarization effects on ionization potentials

Abstract Substituent effects on ionization potentials are interpreted using ground-state and final-state orbital energies. In particular, the influence of methylation upon the ionization potential of NH 3 is studied. In this case, ground-state effects are found to be far more important than polarization effects.
Nuclear structure of194Pt

The decay of194Ir has been thoroughly studied resulting in the construction of a decay scheme consisting of 26 excited states and 69 transitions. Nine new levels and 29 new transitions were added to the previously known scheme. Of these, levels at 1,893.6 and 2,053.0 keV as well as 9γ-ray transitions are new to the194Pt level scheme. Preciseγ-ray energy and intensity measurements as well as quantitative coincidence measurements were performed, and the internal conversion spectrum was investigated with a Si(Li) detector. Directional correlation measurements were performed for selected cascades with the major result being the unique assignment of 0+ to the new level at 1,893.6 keV. The structure was interpreted within the framework of the PPQ model as well as the effective-core picture including nuclear triaxiality.
The effects of composition and microstructure on electrical degradation in BaTiO3

Abstract The electrical degradation of BaTiO3 of different Ba/Ti ratios and different grain sizes has been studied. TiO2 −rich compositions degrade more rapidly than stoichiometric or BaO-rich samples. Variation in grain size from 1–10 μm has no effect on the degradation rate of undoped BaTiO3 with Ba/Ti = 1.000.
mRNA and cytoskeletal filaments

Abstract The localization of some mRNAs to distinct intracellular regions is achieved through interactions of the mRNA with cytoskeletal filaments. RNA—cytoskeletal interactions exist that influence the transport, anchoring and translation of mRNA. Recent analysis of RNA movements in living cells suggests the formation of RNA granules and their active transport along microtubules. The anchoring and translation of mRNA may be mediated by interactions with orthogonal networks of F-actin and elongation factor 1α.
Vibrational absorption and circular dichroism in 2,3-d2-oxirane. Interpretation of the observed intensities

Abstract Vibrational absorption and circular dichroism intensities due to the CH stretching vibrations of 2,3-d2-oxirane are interpreted by deriving semi-classical expressions involving the charge reorganization.
On the surface brightness and geometric albedo of some Martian areas

High-quality photographs of Mars (red, yellow, green, and blue) are used to analyze the surface, limb, and south-polar-cap brightness of Mars. The surface brightness can be fitted with the Lommel-Seeliger reflection law. For the limb and polar-cap brightness, the method suggested by Lumme (1974) has been used to correct for smearing effects. It is found that the brightness increases noticeably when approaching the limb, that the upper limit to optical thickness of the atmosphere in the blue is 0.16, and that the corresponding single-scattering albedo is 0.55, both with uncertainties of about 15%. Values for the geometric albedo and the phase function (at 37-deg phase angle) are also obtained for both the atmosphere and the ground for a central meridian of 0 deg. The south polar cap in September 1973 was nearly circular, with a radius of about 8 deg (heliocentric longitude of 0 deg) and geometric albedos of 0.68 (red), 0.68 (yellow), 0.60 (green), and 0.53 (blue).
The use of an interim CEO during succession episodes and firm performance

Our study investigates an unexplored succession process—interim CEO successions. We define an interim CEO succession as a case where the title of chief executive officer is vacated by the incumbent and the board of directors has not announced a permanent successor, but instead designates a particular individual as ‘interim CEO,’ or ‘acting CEO,’ or ‘CEO until a permanent successor is named.’ Theory predicts that interim CEO successions will lead to the type of disruption that can harm firm performance, even after a permanent successor is appointed. Our data show that interim CEO succession processes are widely employed by publicly-traded U.S. firms, and that they are associated with lower performance during the period in which the interim serves. However, whether the interim CEO also simultaneously serves as chairman moderates the impact of this type of succession on firm performance, as well as on long-term firm survival. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enthalpies of formation of Me3U (Me = Ru, Rh, Pd) by high-temperature reaction calorimetry

The standard molar enthalpy of formation of Pd3U was determined by (solute + solvent) drop calorimetry at (1473 ± 2) K: ΔfH°m(Pd3U, cr, 298.15 K) = −(286.1 ± 21.7) kJ · mol−1. Approximate values for Ru3U, Rh3U, and Pd3U were obtained by direct-synthesis calorimetry at the same temperature. The following values are reported: ΔfH°m(Ru3U, cr, 298.15 K) = −(124.0 ± 4.8) kJ · mol−1; ΔfH°m(Rh3U, cr, 298.15 K) = −(278.8 ± 8.6) kJ · mol−1; and ΔfH°m(Pd3U, cr, 298.15 K) = −(294.7 ± 3.4) kJ · mol−1. The agreement between the two values for Pd3U is very satisfactory. The new calorimetric values are compared with earlier results for the same compounds derived indirectly from vapor-pressure or e.m.f. measurements and with the calorimetric value for Pd3U reported by Wijbenga (J. Chem. Thermodynamics 1982, 14, 483).
Purification from baker's yeast of an activator of DNA photolyase.

Abstract The activity of purified DNA photolyase from Baker's yeast is enhanced by a compound (Activator [III]) obtained from yeast by chloroform extraction, ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration. Thin layer chromatography and spectral data indicate that the compound is homogeneous. Activator III emits at 350 and 440 nm when excited at 290 nm, and emits at 440 nm when excited at 358 nm. After acid hydrolysis, emission at 440 nm is produced only by excitation at 358 nm, indicating that activator (III) contains two separate chromophoric moieties. The chromophore excited by 358 nm light has a pK of 9–11, while the other chromophore has a pK of 4–5, and possibly of 9–11. The enhancement of photolytic activity by activator (III) at a concentration equimolar with that of the enzyme and the similarity of the fluorescent spectra of the activator with that of heat-denatured photolyase, suggests that the activator may be the chromophore associated with the enzyme.
Special Section Guest Editorial: Advances in Remote Sensing Applications for Locust Habitat Monitoring and Management

University of Wyoming, Department of Ecosystem Science & Management, 1000 EastUniversity Avenue, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, United StatesLocusts(Orthoptera:Acrididae)are athreattofoodsecurityworldwide andtothelivelihoodsoffarmers in manycountries.According to the United Nations FoodandAgricultural Organization(FAO), the locust plague that started in April 2012 is threatening “the livelihoods of 13 millionpeople in Madagascar.”
Adhesion Stabilizes Robust Lipid Heterogeneity in Supercritical Membranes at Physiological Temperature

Regions of contact between cells are frequently enriched in or depleted of certain protein or lipid species. Here, we explore a possible physical basis that could contribute to this membrane heterogeneity using a model system of a giant vesicle tethered to a planar supported bilayer. Vesicles contain coexisting liquid-ordered (Lo) and liquid-disordered (Ld) phases at low temperatures and are tethered using trace quantities of adhesion molecules that preferentially partition into one liquid phase. We find that the Ld marker DiI-C12 is enriched or depleted in the adhered region when adhesion molecules partition into Ld or Lo phases, respectively. Remarkably, adhesion stabilizes an extended zone enriched or depleted of DiI-C12 even at temperatures >15°C above the miscibility phase transition when membranes have compositions that are in close proximity to a critical point. A stable adhesion zone is also observed in plasma membrane vesicles isolated from living RBL-2H3 cells, and probe partitioning at 37°C is diminished in vesicles isolated from cells with altered cholesterol levels. Probe partitioning is in good quantitative agreement with predictions of the two-dimensional Ising model with a weak applied field for both types of model membranes. These studies experimentally demonstrate that large and stable domain structure can be mediated by lipids in single-phase membranes with supercritical fluctuations.
A Mean-Variance Framework for Tests of Asset Pricing Models

This article presents a mean-variance framework for likelihood-ratio tests of asset pricing models. A pricing model is tested by examining the position of one or more reference portfolios in sample meanstandard-deviation space. Included are tests of both single-beta and multiple-beta relations, with or without a riskless asset, using either a general or a specific alternative hypothesis. Tests with a factor that is not a portfolio return are also included. The meanvariance framework is illustrated by testing the zerobeta CAPM, a two-beta pricing model, and the consumption-beta model. Many asset pricing models imply a linear relation between the expected return on an asset and covariances between the asset's return and one or more factors. The implications of such models can also be stated in terms of the mean-variance efficiency of a benchmark portfolio. In single-beta pricing relations, the benchmark portfolio can be identified specifically. For exam
Joint source-channel coding for distributed sensor networks

In a decentralized detection system, a number of peripheral nodes gather observations from an environment and communicate relevant information to a fusion center for collective decision making. In systems employing tetherless transmission between the sensor nodes and the fusion center, the presence of communication channels need to be taken into consideration in the design of local sensor signaling schemes. Motivated by the delay and resource constraints omnipresent in most wireless sensor network applications, we design optimal zero-memory joint source-channel codes (JSCC) for a canonical decentralized detection system. Aimed at minimizing the error probability of the fusion center output, we derive necessary conditions for optimal sensors signaling. The conditions enable us to develop an iterative algorithm to construct optimum distributed encoder at local sensors. The JSCC approach is shown to offer optimal performance compared with various alternatives, including the separate source-quantization and channel-encoding. It also exhibits the inherent adaptivity in resource (bit) allocation in response to varying channel conditions.
The effects of limited intent information availability on self-separation in mixed operations

This paper presents the results of a computer simulation of the NASA Autonomous Flight Rules (AFR) concept for airborne self-separation in airspace shared with conventional Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) traffic. This study was designed to determine the impact of varying levels of intent information from IFR aircraft on the performance of AFR conflict detection and resolution. The study used Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) to supply IFR intent, but other methods such as an uplink from a ground-based System Wide Information Management (SWIM) network could alternatively supply this information. The independent variables of the study consist of the number of ADS-B trajectory change reports broadcast by IFR aircraft and the time interval between those reports. The conflict detection and resolution metrics include: the number of conflicts and losses of separation, the average conflict warning time, and the amount of time spent in strategic vs. tactical flight modes (i.e., whether the autoflight system was decoupled from the planned route in the Flight Management System in order to respond to a short-notice traffic conflict). The results show a measurable benefit of broadcasting IFR intent vs. relying on state-only broadcasts. The results of this study will inform ongoing separation assurance research and FAA NextGen design decisions for the sharing of trajectory intent information in the National Airspace System.
Crossing Numbers and Hard Erdös Problems in Discrete Geometry

We show that an old but not well-known lower bound for the crossing number of a graph yields short proofs for a number of bounds in discrete plane geometry which were considered hard before: the number of incidences among points and lines, the maximum number of unit distances among n points, the minimum number of distinct distances among n points.
Almost sure functional limit theorem for the product of partial sums

We prove an almost sure functional limit theorem for the product of partial sums of i.i.d. positive random variables with finite second moment.
Coupled Thermoelasticity of Bars

Several boundary-value problems for semi-infinite bars made of a coupled thermoelastic material are solved by means of new functions. These arise in the solutions as “corrections” to classical tabulated functions such as the error function. However, they are not always small compared to their uncoupled equivalents. It turns out that the numerical differences in the solutions of a specific problem are usually small. But interesting phenomena are still found. The stresses produced in the coupled material are larger than those in the uncoupled one. The temperature generated on the face during impact of identical specimens is less than one might expect on simple intuitive grounds. Its time history is also quite interesting. Stress, strain, and thermal precursors exist but they do not propagate at a unique speed, while discontinuities propagate at the isothermal bar velocity. It is found that there is not much difference between the surface temperatures generated in a constant-velocity problem and one in which a constant acceleration is imposed. The temperature gradients are, however, different in these two problems.
A novel crosslinking method for improved tear resistance and biocompatibility of tissue based biomaterials

Over 300,000 heart valve replacements are performed annually to replace stenotic and regurgitant heart valves. Bioprosthetic heart valves (BHVs), derived from glutaraldehyde crosslinked (GLUT) porcine aortic valve leaflets or bovine pericardium are often used. However, valve failure can occur within 12-15 years due to calcification and/or progressive degeneration. In this study, we have developed a novel fabrication method that utilizes carbodiimide, neomycin trisulfate, and pentagalloyl glucose crosslinking chemistry (TRI) to better stabilize the extracellular matrix of porcine aortic valve leaflets. We demonstrate that TRI treated leaflets show similar biomechanics to GLUT crosslinked leaflets. TRI treated leaflets had better resistance to enzymatic degradation in vitro and demonstrated better tearing toughness after challenged with enzymatic degradation. When implanted subcutaneously in rats for up to 90 days, GLUT control leaflets calcified heavily while TRI treated leaflets resisted calcification, retained more ECM components, and showed better biocompatibility.
NGC 6543. I. Understanding the Anatomy of the Cat’s Eye*

Hubble Space Telescope images of NGC 6543 taken in 1994.7 through a variety of narrowband filters yield a very detailed structure in emission lines of low and moderate ionization. On the whole, the core of NGC 6543 is optically thin to ionizing radiation. As expected, the general ionization state of the nebula decreases with radius; however, some of the fluctuations are unexpectedly large in scale and impressive in their complex geometries. Other sinewy or arclike features near the edge of the core, known as the "caps," "ansae," and "jets," are extremely low in ionization. The images show that they are made up of closely packed complexes of very dense knots whose recombination times are 10 yr. Furthermore, we find thin and perfectly radial features that we interpret as ionization shadows behind many of the dense knots. Image ratios show no detectable microscopic or macroscopic changes in electron temperature Te seen in the [O III] lines even though the densities probably range between 103 and 105 cm-3 in various regions. Finally, no internal variations of extinction or the He+/H+ ratios are found within the core.
An Epizootic Disease of Ferrets Caused by a Filterable Virus.

1. An epizootic disease of ferrets with a very high case fatality rate is described. 2. By the use of suitable material the natural disease can be transmitted experimentally. 3. The primary causative agent of the disease is a filterable virus. 4. Secondary invasion by bacteria of the respiratory tract of infected animals frequently occurs. The most important secondary invader is hemolytic streptococcus. 5. There seems to be no immunological relationship between the virus of the ferret disease and the viruses of canine distemper and of human influenza. 6. Histologically the disease is characterized by cytoplasmic and intranuclear inclusion bodies in epithelial cells of many organs. 7. These inclusion bodies are indistinguishable from those occurring in canine distemper.
The impact of software process improvement on quality: in theory and practice

To remain competitive, software companies must establish practices that enhance quality and advance process management. To this end, they have increasingly turned to software process improvement (SPI) methodologies, of which the ISO 9000 standards and the capability maturity model (CMM) are the best known. The underlying principle of both methodologies is to assess organizational capabilities to produce quality software, but they depend on different underlying processes.Whether the practices advocated by these methodologies lead to high-quality software has been the topic of ongoing debates. Both scholars and practitioners are looking for hard evidence to justify the time and effort required by such guidelines to improve the software-development process and its end product.In this paper, we investigate the impact of SPI methodologies on software quality, first by theoretical comparison and then with empirical data. Our findings reveal that each methodology has had a different level of impact on software quality factors. These findings could help software-development organizations select the methodology or combination that best meets their quality requirement.
Effects of Environmental Degradation on Flexural Failure Strength of Fiber Reinforced Composites

Fiber-reinforced composite laminates are often used in harsh environments that may affect their long-term durability as well as residual strength. In general, environmental degradation is observed as matrix cracking and erosion that leads to deterioration of matrix-dominated properties. In this work, cross-ply laminates of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy were subjected to environmental degradation using controlled ultraviolet radiation (UV) and moisture condensation and the post-exposure mechanical properties were evaluated through elastic modulus and failure strength measurements. Additionally, both degraded and undegraded were subjected to cyclic fatigue loading to investigate possible synergistic effects between environmental degradation and mechanical fatigue. Experimental results show that the degradation results in reduced failure strength. Greater effects of degradation are observed when the materials are tested under flexural as opposed to uniaxial loading. Based on strength measurements and scanning electron microscopy, we identified various damage modes resulting from exposure to UV radiation and moisture condensation, and cyclic loading. The principal mechanisms that lead to reduction in mechanical properties are the loss of fiber confinement due to matrix erosion, due to UV radiation and moisture condensation, and weakened/cracked ply interfaces due to mechanical fatigue. An empirical relationship was established to quantify the specific influence of different damage mechanisms and to clarify the effects of various degradation conditions.
Agility of wireless sensor networks for earthquake monitoring of bridges

Applying wireless sensor networks (WSNs) for bridge monitoring has received considerable interests over the past few years. In this paper two WSN-agility problems are identified based on the deployment experiences of WSNs in earthquake monitoring of bridges: (i) timely capturing the earthquake response of bridges and (ii) quasi-realtime processing of the measured data for bridge modal identification in monitoring the features of the structure. This paper also presents solutions for these problems: a pulse-based media access control scheme for the first problem and a distributed approach to modal identification by spectral methods for the second problem to address the combined agility issues. Results show the effectiveness of the proposed approaches.
Polymer-derived SiCN composites with magnetic properties

Composites consisting of particles of α-iron dispersed in silicon carbonitride (SiCN) were fabricated by a polymer route. The composites had iron inclusions with the same magnetization as bulk iron, but they resisted oxidation up to 500°C and had a hardness of 5-7 GPa. The composites behaved as ferromagnets, albeit with a low susceptibility attributed to the pinning of the domains by imperfect interfaces and to the elastic resistance from the SiCN matrix. This low-cost, low-temperature processing method can be used to make different kinds of ceramic composites with multifunctional properties.
A Nonlocal Multiscale Fatigue Model

A nonlocal multiscale model in time domain is developed for fatigue life predictions. The method is based on the mathematical homogenization theory with almost periodic fields. The almost periodicity reflects the effects of irreversible deformations in time domain in the form of accumulation of damage. Multiple temporal scales are introduced to decompose the original boundary value problem into micro-chronological (temporal unit cell) and macro-chronological (homogenized) problems. A nonlocal Gurson type constitutive law is revisited for cyclic loading, calibrated and validated against fatigue crack propagation experiments on 316L austenitic stainless steel specimens.
Some Examples of Complex Meters and Their Implications for Models of Metric Perception

A music-theoretic discussion of metric structure. Describing a musical passage as "metric" usually implies that one can hear in it an isochronous series of beats and that these beats are hierarchically structured. In some cases, however, one cannot infer a wholly isochronous metric structure from the durations present on the musical surface. In particular, there may be some meters where the beat level of the metric hierarchy consists of a nonisochronous series of durations; these cases are referred to as complex meters, A number of these complex metric structures are presented and discussed. The implications of these structures for various models of metric perception are then considered, with particular reference to their implications for the entrainment model proposed by Jones and Boltz (1989). It is proposed that such meters must be accounted for under an additive rather than multiplicative formalism. The paper concludes with some considerations of how entrainment to complex meters might be tested, as well as the ways in which experiments that focus on complex meters might provide insights into other aspects of temporal perception.
Boundary-layer receptivity for a parabolic leading edge

The effect of the nose radius of a body on boundary-layer receptivity is analysed for the case of a symmetric mean flow past a body with a parabolic leading edge. Asymptotic methods based on large Reynolds number are used, supplemented by numerical results. The Mach number is assumed small, and acoustic free-stream disturbances are considered. The case of free-stream acoustic waves, propagating obliquely to the symmetric mean flow is considered. The body nose radius, rn, enters the theory through a Strouhal number, S = ?rn/U, where ? is the frequency of the acoustic wave and U is the mean flow speed. The finite nose radius dramatically reduces the receptivity level compared to that for a flat plate, the amplitude of the instability waves in the boundary layer being decreased by an order of magnitude when S = 0.3. Oblique acoustic waves produce much higher receptivity levels than acoustic waves propagating parallel to the body chord.
Amino Acid Transport Regulates Blastocyst Implantation

Abstract Mouse blastocyst outgrowth in vitro and probably implantation in vivo require amino acid signaling via the target of rapamycin (TOR) pathway. This signaling does not simply support protein synthesis and trophoblast differentiation. Rather, it regulates development of trophoblast protrusive activity and may act as a developmental checkpoint for implantation. Moreover, intracellular amino acids per se are insufficient to elicit TOR signaling. Instead, de novo transport of amino acids, and particularly of leucine, stimulate mTOR activity at the blastocyst stage. The activity of the broad-scope and yet leucine-selective amino acid transport system B0,+ could produce such increases in intracellular amino acid concentrations. For example, system B0,+ uses a Na+ gradient to drive amino acid uptake, and the Na+ concentration in uterine secretions increases by nearly two-fold about 18 h before implantation. The resultant mTOR signaling could trigger polyamine, insulin-like growth factor II, and nitric oxi...
Management of Genitourinary Tract Pathology Encountered During Inguinal Herniorrhaphy

Complications of the genitourinary tract during and following inguinal herniorrhaphy are rare. On occasion, however, unexpected pathology is found during inguinal exploration, or an inadvertent injury to structures of the genitourinary tract may occur. The ability to recognize unexpected pathological processes or injuries and deal with them appropriately during the operative event minimizes postoperative morbidity. In this chapter, complications involving the bladder, the cord and its structures, the testicle, and the epididymis are explored.
Personal Knowledge Management in Outreach and Instruction

The role of librarians today continues to evolve in response to the needs of their academic community. Personal Knowledge Management PKM is one example of an untapped arena for outreach and instruction for librarians. To fully embrace this new facet of contemporary research and academic work will require librarians to learn new skills and utilize creative, big-picture thinking to create services and guidance for the faculty and students that they serve. This article will provide an introduction to PKM theories, exploring some of the key tools that support PKM practices. The article will present several examples illustrating some of the outreach and instruction opportunities for librarians as well as exploring some of the possible future directions of PKM where librarians could play a vital support role for their academic communities.
PCB126-Induced Disruption in Gluconeogenesis and Fatty Acid Oxidation Precedes Fatty Liver in Male Rats

3,3',4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB126), a dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and a potent aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist, is implicated in the disruption of both carbohydrate and lipid metabolism which ultimately leads to wasting disorders, metabolic disease, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. However, the mechanisms are unclear. Because liver is the target organ for PCB toxicity and responsible for metabolic homeostasis, we hypothesized that early disruption of glucose and lipid homeostasis contributes to later manifestations such as hepatic steatosis. To test this hypothesis, groups of male Sprague Dawley rats, fed on AIN-93G diet, were injected (intraperitoneal.) with a single bolus of PCB126 (5 µmol/kg) at various time intervals between 9 h and 12 days prior to euthanasia. An early decrease in serum glucose and a gradual decrease in serum triglycerides were observed over time. Liver lipid accumulation was most severe at 6 and 12 days of exposure. Transcript levels of cytosolic phosphoenol-pyruvate carboxykinase (Pepck-c/Pck1) and glucose transporter (Glut2/Slc2a2) involved in gluconeogenesis and hepatic glucose transport were time-dependently downregulated between 9 h and 12 days of PCB126 exposure. Additionally, transcript levels of Pparα, and its targets acyl-CoA oxidase (Acox1) and hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase 2 (Hmgcs2), were also downregulated, indicating changes in peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation and ketogenesis. In a separate animal study, we found that the measured changes in the transcript levels of Pepck-c, Glut2, Pparα, Acox1, and Hmgcs2 were also dose dependent. Furthermore, PCB126-induced effects on Pepck-c were demonstrated to be AhR dependent in rat H4IIE hepatocytes. These results indicate that PCB126-induced wasting and steatosis are preceded initially by (1) decreased serum glucose caused by decreased hepatic glucose production, followed by (2) decreased peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation.
Dynamic conductivity scaling in photoexcited V 2 O 3 thin films

Optical-pump terahertz-probe spectroscopy is used to investigate ultrafast far-infrared conductivity dynamics during the insulator-to-metal transition in vanadium sesquioxide $({\mathrm{V}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{3})$. The resultant conductivity increase occurs on a tens of picosecond time scale, exhibiting a strong dependence on the initial temperature and fluence. We have identified a scaling of the conductivity dynamics upon renormalizing the time axis with a simple power law $(\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{\simeq}1/2)$ that depends solely on the initial, final, and conductivity onset temperatures. Qualitative and quantitative considerations indicate that the dynamics arise from nucleation and growth of the metallic phase which can be described by the Avrami model. We show that the temporal scaling arises from spatial scaling of the growth of the metallic volume fraction, highlighting the self-similar nature of the dynamics. Our results illustrate the important role played by mesoscopic effects in phase transition dynamics.
Nonmimetic Knowledge and Innovation Performance: Empirical Evidence from Developing Countries

The knowledge-based view suggests that the innovative performance of a firm is a function of the utilization and recombination of internal and external knowledge. The process of knowledge utilization and recombination to create new products can occur internally, through research and development activities, as well as externally, by making investments in creating links with suppliers, universities, customers, and a wide range of actors in the innovation system. This study focuses on the impact of unique, nonmimetic external knowledge, which is defined as unique technological knowledge that is not tapped by other firms in the new venture's operating environment, on the new venture's innovative performance. The purpose of the research is to investigate whether firms really benefit from utilizing and recombining unique, nonmimetic knowledge in creating innovative products in a developing country context. Drawing on the knowledge-based view and institutional theory, this study argues that entrepreneurs in their utilization and recombination of unique, nonmimetic knowledge are not always successful at creating new products. The empirical context is drawn from the Enterprise Survey produced by the Investment Climate Group of the World Bank. The findings based on a large sample of new ventures in developing countries reveal a curvilinear relationship with marginal diminishing returns between the degree of unique, nonmimetic knowledge and innovative performance. The results also show significant moderating effects of strategic product planning and economic and regulatory policy uncertainty. Specifically, strategic product planning helps in converting very unique, nonmimetic knowledge into new products. In addition, policy uncertainty can also positively moderate the process of recombining and converting unique, nonmimetic knowledge into new products. This study provides a more complete account of how unique, nonmimetic external knowledge affects innovative performance of new ventures in developing countries.
‘Good neighbours make good fences’: Seahorse operations, border externalization and extra-territoriality

In recent years border externalization has emerged as a central policy framework for European Union (EU) border and migration management. New multi-lateral and bi-lateral agreements on border management have been forged between the EU, its member states, and its North African neighbours and neighbours-of-neighbours. In the process, what is meant by the ‘border’ is being transformed with implications for where the border is located, who has jurisdiction over particular spaces, and how border and migration management is undertaken. This paper analyses the spatial logics of EU border externalization practices as they are being applied to and in North and West Africa. It focuses on Operation Seahorse and the transnationally coordinated border control projects and infrastructures implemented by the Guardia Civil of Spain. Seahorse serves as an implementation case of the Migration Routes Initiative, an approach toward migration management emphasizing interregional cooperation between designated origin-transit-d...
Single-Molecule Femtochemistry: Molecular Imaging at the Space-Time Limit

Through a combination of light and electron probes, it may be possible to record single-molecule dynamics with simultaneous sub-Angstrom spatial and femtosecond temporal resolution. Single-molecule femtochemistry is becoming a realistic prospect through a melding of laser spectroscopy and electron microscopy techniques. The paper by Lee et al. in this issue of ACS Nano takes a significant step toward chemical imaging at the space-time limit of chemical processes. By imaging electroluminescence spectra of single porphyrin molecules with submolecular resolution, the authors extract the implicit femtosecond dynamics of the coupled electron orbital–molecular skeletal motion triggered by a reduction–oxidation scattering process.
Mixed-mode oscillations and population bursting in the pre-Bötzinger complex

This study focuses on computational and theoretical investigations of neuronal activity arising in the pre-Botzinger complex (pre-BotC), a medullary region generating the inspiratory phase of breathing in mammals. A progressive increase of neuronal excitability in medullary slices containing the pre-BotC produces mixed-mode oscillations (MMOs) characterized by large amplitude population bursts alternating with a series of small amplitude bursts. Using two different computational models, we demonstrate that MMOs emerge within a heterogeneous excitatory neural network because of progressive neuronal recruitment and synchronization. The MMO pattern depends on the distributed neuronal excitability, the density and weights of network interconnections, and the cellular properties underlying endogenous bursting. Critically, the latter should provide a reduction of spiking frequency within neuronal bursts with increasing burst frequency and a dependence of the after-burst recovery period on burst amplitude. Our study highlights a novel mechanism by which heterogeneity naturally leads to complex dynamics in rhythmic neuronal populations.
Isolation from Cattle of a Virus Related to Human Adenovirus.

SummaryA virus has been isolated from feces of an apparently normal cow that has been identified as an adenovirus related to or identical with an as yet unidentified type of human adenovirus.
Optimal Bayesian Learning of Dose-Response Parameters from a Cohort

There has been a surge of clinical interest in the idea of response-guided dosing (RGD). The goal in RGD is to tailor drug-doses to the stochastic evolution of each individual patient's disease condition over the treatment course. The hope is that this form of individualized therapy will deliver the right dose to the right patient at the right time. Several expert panels have observed that despite the excitement surrounding RGD, quantitative, data-driven decision-making approaches that learn patients' dose-response and incorporate this information into adaptive dosing strategies are lagging behind. This situation is particularly exacerbated in clinical trials. For instance, fixed design clinical studies for estimating the key parameter of a dose-response function might not treat trial patients optimally. Similarly, the dosing strategies employed in clinical trials for RGD often appear ad-hoc. In this paper, we study the problem of finding optimal RGD policies while learning the distribution of a dose-response parameter from a cohort of patients. We provide a Bayesian stochastic dynamic programming (DP) formulation of this problem. Exact solution of Bellman's equations for this problem is computationally intractable. We therefore present two approximate control schemes and mathematically analyze the monotonicity, stationarity, and separability structures of the resulting dosing strategies. These structures are then exploited in efficient, approximate solution of the optimal learning problem. Computer simulations using the Michaelis-Menten dose-response function are included as an example wherein we study the effect of cohort size and prior misspecification on learning, and also compare the performance of various dosing policies.
Fixing the cultural fallacy

ABSTRACTIn this review essay, I place The Asian American Achievement Paradox, by Jennifer Lee and Min Zhou within a broad framework that reaches beyond immigration studies. I consider the book’s main contributions surrounding immigrant hyper-selectivity and stereotype promise in relation to class background, noting how the book makes an important contribution to our understanding of variations in educational achievement within and among ethno-racial groups. I note the relationship between stereotype promise and Robert K. Merton’s classic understanding of ‘self-fulfilling prophecy’. Finally, I draw attention to the way in which race and culture have been conflated thus creating new intellectual challenges for those interested in reaching greater levels of precision in analysis.
Medievalisms in the Postcolonial World: The Idea of ‘the Middle Ages’ Outside Europe. Edited by Kathleen Davis and Nadia Altschul

(2011). Medievalisms in the Postcolonial World: The Idea of ‘the Middle Ages’ Outside Europe. Edited by Kathleen Davis and Nadia Altschul. Cultural and Social History: Vol. 8, No. 2, pp. 282-284.
Environmental Technologies Research and Deployments at Los Alamos National Laboratory

In the summer of 1942, the United States was fully engaged in the prospect of a long war. A group of theorists, under the direction of J. Robert Oppenheimer, met at Berkeley during that summer to develop preliminary plans for designing and building a nuclear weapon. In early October 1942, General. Leslie Groves, commander of the Manhattan District of the Corps of Engineers, learned from scientists in the Office of Scientific Research and Development (OSRD) that they needed a new laboratory to concentrate their scattered theoretical and experimental efforts to design a nuclear weapon. Groves had security concerns and believed a remote site was required, which had a climate permitting yearround construction, provided safety from enemy attack, met specific transportation requirements along with access to adequate power, water, and fuel. The site would also have to provide an adequate testing ground and, for reasons of safety and security, need to be in a sparsely populated area. Oppenheimer proposed Los Alamos, New Mexico, whose primary occupants were the students and staff of the Los Alamos Ranch School, a residential boys' school. The school had a number of buildings suitable for housing scientists, and beautiful views from the mesa top to the east and of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Access to the mesa could easily be controlled by shutting the main entry road, and the road could be widened to accommodate trucks and heavy machinery. Canyons surrounding the site could be used for explosives tests. [1,2] After World War II, the Atomic Energy Commission, predecessor to today’s United States Department of Energy (DOE), and the University of California operated the laboratory to fulfill the nation’s nuclear weapons mission. This mission came at price to the environment. The vast network of weapons facilities owned by DOE, located on thousands of square miles of Federal reservations in 13 States, has produced widespread contamination of the environment with toxic chemicals and radionuclides. [1]
Identification of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) in murine milk

Breast milk is well known for its protective role in the immature intestine of the neonate. This protection may relate to immunocompetent cells, immunoglobulin, and antimicrobial substances. Breast milk also has a role in promoting intestinal maturation; cytokines, growth factors and hormones have been identified in the milk [2,3,4]. We sought to detect tumor necrosis factor alpha and transforming growth factor beta in murine milk by the Western blot technique.
Distance-Dependent Measurements of the Conductance of Porphyrin Nanorods Studied with Conductive Probe Atomic Force Microscopy.

Protocols for nanopatterning porphyrins on Au(111) were developed based on immersion particle lithography. Porphyrins with and without a central metal ion, 5,10,15,20-tetraphenyl-21H,23H-porphyrin (TPP) and 5,10,15,20-tetraphenyl-21H,23H-porphyrin cobalt(II) (CoTPP), were selected for study, which spontaneously formed nanorod geometries depending on concentration parameters. The elongated shapes of the nanorods offers an opportunity for successive distance-dependent conductive probe atomic force microscopy (CP-AFM) measurements along the length of the nanorods. To prepare patterns of TPP and CoTPP nanorods, a mask of silica mesospheres was placed on gold substrates to generate nanoholes within an alkanethiol matrix film. The nanoholes prepared by particle lithography with an immersion step were backfilled with porphyrins by a second immersion step. By controlling the concentration and immersion interval, nanorods of porphyrins were generated with one end of the nanostructure attached to gold within a nano...