cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Peer Aggression and Victimization on Substance Use in Rural Adolescents.

Prior research has shown relations between peer victimization, aggression, and adolescent substance use. However, there is a need for further research in this area, especially among rural populations, as rural youth have high rates of substance use but less access to mental health resources in their communities. The present study examined relations between peer victimization, aggression, and substance use in a rural sample of 6th–12th graders. Older, nonminority students who endorsed aggression were more likely to have used alcohol only and alcohol plus marijuana, and also had the highest rates of alcohol use. Results highlight the need for multifaceted intervention and prevention programs and further research into the causal relations between peer aggression and substance use.
On the Contributions to the Materials Science Aspects of Phosphazene Chemistry by Professor Christopher W. Allen: The One-Pot Synthesis of Linear Polyphosphazenes

The wide range of applications for the phosphazene compounds has stimulated a major research effort involving several industrial, academic, and national laboratories over the past 40 years. One of Professor Allen’s research areas was to establish fundamental synthetic methods for the commercial preparation of phosphazene polymers, investigate their properties, and develop useful products. In this paper we review some of the materials science aspects of Professor Allen’s research including recent advances on the preparation and polymerization of Cl3PNP(O)Cl2. This work, in particular, has led to a route for the “one-pot” synthesis of stable linear poly(organophosphazenes) as demonstrated through the formation of poly[bis-(2-methoxyethoxyethoxy)phosphazene] (MEEP) and a phosphazene heteropolymer (HPP) containing a balance of hydrophilic and hydrophobic components that allow for control and molecular affinities.
Editor's notice

The Computer Group has decided to publish in alternate months, beginning in July, the Computer Group News. This will contain a guide to current literature, and information about manuscripts available from the repository. In view of this increase in publication activity, the value of the Information Retrieval Catalog Cards in the back of each issue of these TRANSACTIONS, and the value of the Abstracts of Current Computer Literature are being reviewed. If you make use of either of these items, please write to me immediately. If there is little or no response from our readers, the cards and/or the abstracts will probably be discontinued.
Visual Studies and the Iconic Turn

What are the challenges and opportunities posed to the dominant interpretive paradigms of visual studies by the rise of a new fascination with the object? How can the study of visual culture respond to what has been variously termed a `pictorial' or an `iconic' turn? Can this phenomenological concern for the power of the image to determine its own reception be incorporated into approaches that emphasize its political implications? Is it possible to conceive of the image as both a representation and a presentation at the same time?
Using Convex Optimization for Nonparametric Statistical Analysis of Point Processes

Point process models have been shown to be useful in characterizing neural spiking activity as a function of extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Most point process models of neural spiking are parametric as they are often efficiently computable. However, if the actual point process does not lie in the assumed parametric class of functions, misleading inferences can arise. Nonparametric methods are attractive due to fewer assumptions, but most methods require excessively complex algorithms. We propose a computationally efficient method for nonparametric maximum likelihood estimation when the conditional intensity function, which characterizes the point process in its entirety, is assumed to satisfy a Lipschitz continuity condition. We show that by exploiting the structure of the likelihood function of a point process, the problem becomes efficiently solvable via Lagrangian duality and we compare our nonparametric estimation method to the most commonly used parametric approaches on goldfish retinal ganglion neural data. In this example, our nonparametric method gives a superior absolute goodness-of-fit measure than all parametric approaches analyzed.
Multidimensional WKB approach to high-energy elastic scattering at fixed angle

We discuss here the application of a multidimensional WKB method to the Schr\"odinger equation and the Klein-Gordon equation. This method enables us to calculate scattering amplitudes in the limit of large incident momentum $p$ and fixed scattering angle $\ensuremath{\theta}$. As an application, we calculate the scattering amplitude for the Klein-Gordon equation with the potential $\frac{\ensuremath{\alpha}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\lambda}r}}{r}$, and find that in the limit of large $p$ and fixed $\ensuremath{\theta}$, it is equal to the scattering amplitude for a Coulomb potential multiplied by ${(\frac{\ensuremath{\lambda}{e}^{\ensuremath{\gamma}}}{2p})}^{2i\ensuremath{\alpha}}$, where $\ensuremath{\gamma}=0.57721\dots{}$. Our result differs from the eikonal formula, in the high-energy fixed-angle region. We also show that our formula agrees with the eikonal formula for small scattering angles satisfying $1\ensuremath{\gg}\ensuremath{\theta}\ensuremath{\gg}\frac{\ensuremath{\lambda}}{p}$. Thus our formula, together with the eikonal formula, give complete information on the high-energy amplitude for all angles. A side result of the application of the WKB method is a generalized eikonal formula for the case of the Klein-Gordon equation with a four-potential ${A}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}(x)$ which depends not only on space but also on time. This formula holds for the scattering amplitude in the region $p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty}$ with the momentum transfer fixed.
Problem Based Learning in Nursing Education

Background. McMaster University first introduced Problem Based Learning (PBL) in the mid 1960s. However, measuring the relationship between PBL for undergraduate nursing programs and students test performance has not yet been assessed in the USA. Purpose. The main purpose of this paper is to describe the effectiveness of PBL on senior student test performance on content related to PBL in a BSN program. Diabetes mellitus and renal insufficiency were taught by traditional lecture format in the previous years. This was the first year we taught this content by the problem based learning method. Method. Historical control group was used to compare the test performances between the PBL groups and the traditional group using Student&#x2019;s t-test. Result. The mean of diabetes mellitus related questions missed by the PBL group was less than the traditional group (, and ). The mean of renal insufficiency related questions missed by the PBL group was more than the traditional group (, and ). Discussion. This study produced inconclusive findings. Factors that could be attributed to their performance will be discussed.
Design implications from a usability study of GramStain-TutorTM

To examine interface issues in an educational software program, we recruited twenty-two users in health sciences departments for a usability study. Using the GramStain-Tutor™ (GST) CD-ROM, these users performed tasks in navigating the program and using various interactive features. Their actions and comments were recorded with a digital video recorder and an audio recorder. The main results of our study are: (a) the majority of the users did not use the multiple navigational options available in the program; (b) navigational patterns differed based on the training background and content knowledge of the users; (c) several visual cues critical to program use were not discovered by the majority of the users; and (d) icons representing specific functions were not intuitive from users' perspectives. We demonstrated how a usability study of a relatively small number of users can identify specific problems in interface design. We recommend these interface problems be addressed before conducting educational studies that examine how educational software programs affect student learning.
Identification of B2 bradykinin binding sites in the guinea pig nasal turbinate.

Abstract Specific high affinity BK binding sites in the nasal turbinate of the guinea pig have been demonstrated. Specific [ 3 H]BK binding (10–330 pM) was saturable, and nonlinear least squares analysis indicated the presence of a high affinity binding site with a K d value of 60 (50–78) pM and a B max value of 13.1±2.0 fmol/mg protein. In inhibition experiments, D-Phe 7 -BK (a B 2 antagonist) inhibited [ 3 H]BK binding with a K i value of 23 nM, while des-Arg 9 [Leu 8 ]-BK (a B 1 antagonist) had no effect up to a concentration of 10 μM. These studies indicate the presence of B 2 BK receptors in the guinea pig nasal turbinate.
Role of cyclooxygenase products in the regulation of vascular tone and in the endothelial vasodilator function of normal, hypertensive, and hypercholesterolemic humans

Abstract A defective vascular activity of endothelial vasoactive substances is observed in essential hypertension and hypercholesterolemia, and is believed to participate in the vascular abnormalities characteristic of these conditions. The present study aimed to determine the role of cyclooxygenase (COX) products in the maintenance of vascular tone and in the endothelium-mediated vasodilation of healthy subjects, and to investigate their contribution to the endothelial dysfunction of essential hypertensive and hypercholesterolemic patients. The effects of intra-arterial aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid [ASA], 1, 3, and 10 mg/min) were assessed on basal forearm blood flow (strain gauge plethysmography) and on responses to acetylcholine (7.5, 15 and 30 μg/min) and sodium nitroprusside (0.8, 1.6 and 3.2 μg/min) in 24 normal, 23 hypertensive, and 24 hypercholesterolemic subjects. Basal forearm blood flow was not different among the 3 groups (p = 0.95). ASA resulted in a significant reduction of forearm blood flow from baseline in normal (p = 0.003), hypertensive (p = 0.001), and hypercholesterolemic subjects (p = 0.001), without any difference among the 3 groups (p = 0.90). ASA significantly improved the effect of acetylcholine in normal (p = 0.008), hypertensive (p = 0.008), and hypercholesterolemic subjects (p = 0.022), without significant difference among the 3 groups (p = 0.46). ASA did not significantly modify the vasodilator effect of sodium nitroprusside in any of the 3 groups. These findings suggest that in humans, vasodilator prostanoids actively contribute to the maintenance of basal vascular tone, whereas vasoconstrictor products of COX activity limit endothelium-dependent vasodilation. COX products do not appear to play a major role in the endothelial dysfunction of hypertensive or hypercholesterolemic patients.
Pulsed Laser Effects Phenomenology

A comprehensive overview of the phenomenology associated with the interaction of intense laser beams with matter is presented. The beam is assumed to be incident on a solid or liquid target located within a transport medium. The discussion is first categorized by the type of this medium; namely, vacuum, gas, liquid, solid or particulate. Then the dependence of the interaction is further classified by the laser flux, pulselength, wavelength and the target properties. The various classes of behavior are discussed along with the conditions for their occurrence. Classes discussed include: slow bulk heating, transparent vapor from the target surface, secondary energy transport to the ablation surface, laser absorption at the critical surface, shock induced blowoff, photoelectric cross section dependence on temperature and density, laser supported combustion and detonation, contained vaporization and Mie scattering.
A dynamic model of tariffs, output and employment under flexible exchange rates

Abstract A portfolio balance model of the open economy with imperfectly flexible wages and rational expectations is used to analyze the macroeconomic effects of commercial policy. Previous analyses have led to the ‘counterintuitive’ and ‘almost inconceivable’ conclusion that, under flexible exchange rates, a tariff is contractionary. By considering a tariff in a dynamic setting and focusing on the process of adjustment, it is shown that there may exist a tradeoff between a tariffs short-run and long-run effects. In certain circumstances, a tariff imposed under flexible exchange rates increases output and employment initially while reducing them subsequently.
Extended x-ray-absorption fine structure: Direct comparison of absorption and electron yield

Using a simple ionization detector to monitor the total electron yield, we have measured extended x-ray-absorption fine structure above the Ni, Fe, and Cr K edges in the x-ray region. This technique is somewhat surface sensitive; we estimate a sampling depth of about 1000 A\r{}. The fact that these materials do not differ from the bulk over this depth allows direct comparison with conventional absorption measurements. We find that interatomic spacings determined from the yield agree well with those measured by absorption. However, amplitudes differ significantly. These results have implications for the extraction of coordination numbers from the surface-sensitive variants of extended fine structure which monitor the electron yield. Finally, the electron-yield detector used here, employing conventional x-ray monochromators and not requiring elaborate precautions to prepare pristine surfaces, should prove useful in the study of, e.g., plated specimens or catalysts.
Numerical models of caldera deformation: Effects of multiphase and multicomponent hydrothermal fluid flow

[1] Ground surface displacement (GSD) in large calderas is often interpreted as resulting from magma intrusion at depth. Recent advances in geodetic measurements of GSD, notably interferometric synthetic aperture radar, reveal complex and multifaceted deformation patterns that often require complex source models to explain the observed GSD. Although hydrothermal fluids have been discussed as a possible deformation agent, very few quantitative studies addressing the effects of multiphase flow on crustal mechanics have been attempted. Recent increases in the power and availability of computing resources allow robust quantitative assessment of the complex time-variant thermal interplay between aqueous fluid flow and crustal deformation. We carry out numerical simulations of multiphase (liquid-gas), multicomponent (H2O–CO2) hydrothermal fluid flow and poroelastic deformation using a range of realistic physical parameters and processes. Hydrothermal fluid injection, circulation, and gas formation can generate complex, temporally and spatially varying patterns of GSD, with deformation rates, magnitudes, and geometries (including subsidence) similar to those observed in several large calderas. The potential for both rapid and gradual deformation resulting from magma-derived fluids suggests that hydrothermal fluid circulation may help explain deformation episodes at calderas that have not culminated in magmatic eruption.
c-myc oncogene copy number in squamous carcinoma of the head and neck.

Abstract Purpose: Altered resident cellular genetic sequences (oncogenes) may result in malignant transformation, maintenance of tumor growth, and metastatic propensity. In this pilot study, we have elected to probe c-myc oncogene in evaluating specimens from human squamous cell carcinoma. Materials and Methods: Samples were obtained from 24 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The ratio of tumor DNA values to that of control DNA was used to estimate the c-myc copy number. Results: Data from material obtained from eight patients was analyzed to the point of c-myc copy number. Tumors varied from stage II through IV. Five originated in the oral cavity and three in the larynx. Analysis of primary tumors demonstrated that two of eight had increased c-myc copy numbers. Histologically positive neck specimens were encountered in five of the study patients. Three demonstrated elevated c-myc copy numbers, two of which had had increased copy number at the primary site. Conclusion: This study confirms that c-myc amplification can be present in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. c-myc Amplification may also be present in neck metastasis. Oncogene amplification in neck metastasis may indicate an increased metastatic propensity for individual tumor cells demonstrating c-myc amplification.
ESOPHAGEAL DYSMOTILITY: A CAUSE OF CHEST PAIN IN CHILDHOOD MITRAL VALVE PROLAPSE (MVP)

Since the cause of chest discomfort in patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is controversial, we prospectively measured esophageal motility in 14 children, 10 as normal controls and 4 with MVP and chest discomfort. Ages ranged from 10-14 yrs. All had clinical and echocardiographic evidence of MVP and normal left atrial size. None had rhythm disorders. Esophageal manometry was performed with the station pull-through technique and a triple-lumen perfused polyethylene catheter system. 10 wet swallows (3ml water) given at 30 sec. intervals were used to examine the esophageal body. Bernstein acid perfusion tests were performed on all patients. 3 of 4 with MVP and chest discomfort had manometric abnormalities: Diffuse esophageal spasm was present in 1, hypotensive lower esophageal sphincter (<7mm Hg ) in 2. Bernstein tests reproducing chest discomfort were positive in the 2 with hypotensive lower esophageal sphincters. Intensive antacid therapy relieved onest discomfort in 2 patients and dicyclomine was effective in the patient with diffuse esophageal spasm. Control patients had normal esophageal manometric studies with negative Bernstein tests. Conclusions: 1. In some children with MVP, chest discomfort attributed to MVP may be due to esophageal dysmotility. 2. Children with MVP and chest pain may benefit from esophageal manometry and the Bernstein acid perfusion test prior to the initiation of therapy.
40.3: Mercury Free Excimer Lamp for Automotive and Office Automation

In order to meet the demand for an instant and temperature independent light source the tubular mercury free excimer lamp LINEX® was developed. Further characteristics are the OSRAM proprietary pulsed operation for enhanced efficiency [1] and internal high voltage electrodes [2] for improved safety. Technical features of this novel light source will be presented. First applications are LCD backlighting and office automation.
Environmental policy for long-life pavements

This article uses life-cycle assessment to evaluate the role of long-life pavements in achieving environmental goals. The success of such pavements in reducing environmental impacts over their life cycle hinges on their ability to serve their intended purpose for their design life. Those pavements that do serve for their entire design life offer extreme longevity at only a marginal environmental cost. However, the return on the initial environmental investment occurs after many decades of use and is often beyond conventional analysis periods. Evolving performance expectations and demand create uncertainty regarding the ability of long-life pavements to reach environmental goals because time-dependent factors, such as technology shifts and functional obsolescence, affect their ability to serve for their entire design life.
The Politics of Space and Culture in Santiago, Chile’s Street Markets

Recent discussions of contentious politics have focused on struggles in and over space and place. This article builds upon these concerns by using ethnographic, interview, and documentary data to analyze the spatial politics of street market vendors in Santiago, Chile. Drawing upon Lefebvre’s concepts of perceived, conceived, and lived space as well as ideas drawn from research on space and protest, I show how street market vendors build upon spatial routines, a sense of place, political alliances, and scale jumping in their self-defense strategies at the local, national, and international scales. The findings illustrate Lefebvre’s argument that the advance of abstract space (constructed by dominant economic and political elites) provokes resistance by groups who defend and seek to reconstruct lived space.
Exploring Leisure Trip Behaviors of University Women Students: An Investigation of Push and Pull Motivational Models

The current study explores underlying push and pull motivational factors of university women tourists and assesses whether push and pull motivational models are statistically acceptable for this market. A total of 1,226 responses obtained from a Web-survey are used for analysis. Exploratory factor analysis suggests six push and five pull motivational factors. Confirmatory factor analysis then indicate that the push and pull models are statistically acceptable for the university women travel market. From these findings, practical implications are discussed for leisure and travel market.
Oriented spermatozoa in the spermatophore of the palaemonid shrimp, Macrobrachium rosenbergii

Estimates of the degree of orientation of spermatozoa within spermatophores of the freshwater shrimp, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, were made using electron micrographs of ultrathin sections cut transverse and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the spermatophores. Counts of the total number of longitudinal and non-longitudinal profiles of sperm spikes in transverse sections of spermatophores indicated that 67% of the spermatozoa were oriented with their spikes approximately perpendicular to the long axis of the spermatophore. In longitudinal sections, approximately 30% of the sperm spike profiles were oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the spermatophore, leaving approximately 70% of the profiles oriented in planes not parallel to the longitudinal spermatophore axis. Stereologic analyses based on the number of intersections of longitudinally sectioned sperm spike profiles per unit length of test lines placed over photographic images of ultrathin sections cut in both transverse and longitudinal planes of spermatophores gave a Saltykov approximation of 0.607, favoring the view that the spermatozoa were oriented with their spikes perpendicular to the long axis of the spermatophore. This orientation brings many of the sperm bases approximately parallel to the surface of the spermatophore, an orientation which may facilitate normal sperm-egg interaction during fertilization in this species.
Factors associated with the early emergence of intense interests within conceptual domains

Cognitive, home, and family factors that theoretically could influence whether or not preschoolers’ interests were focused on domains characterized by the acquisition of knowledge concerning object concepts (e.g., dinosaurs, horses) were assessed in a short-term longitudinal investigation of 211 4-year-olds. Boys were six times as likely as girls to manifest such interests. Logistic regression analysis indicated that children’s cognitive skills in conjunction with the degree to which families emphasized consistency, communication, educational activities, and provided time for free play were important in determining whether preschoolers would sustain their interests and begin to develop knowledge about conceptual domains. Implications of gender differences in interests aligned with conceptual domains for both the development of childhood expertise and the development of science literacy are considered.
Comparison of time-to-failure of GeSi and Si bipolar transistors

The effects of Ge in the epitaxial-base on the reliability of Si/Ge/sub x/Si/sub 1-x//Si heterojunction bipolar transistors were investigated. The ten-year time-to-failure under emitter-base junction reverse-bias stress was measured at the designed operation voltage by the current-acceleration method and compared to that of Si bipolar junction transistors with no Ge (x=0). The investigation shows that the Ge incorporated by the reduced pressure chemical vapor deposition epitaxial technology to give the ramp-type Ge profile has no adverse effects on the transistor reliability.
Predictive real-time perceptual compression based on eye-gaze-position analysis

This article designs a real-time perceptual compression system (RTPCS) based on eye-gaze-position analysis. Our results indicate that the eye-gaze-position containment metric provides more efficient and effective evaluation of an RTPCS than the eye fixation containment. The presented RTPCS is designed for a network communication scenario with a feedback loop delay. The proposed RTPCS uses human visual system properties to compensate for the delay and to provide high ratios of multimedia compression.
Alternator control algorithm to minimize fuel consumption

The fuel consumption that a vehicle achieves is a function of its conversion efficiency between potential chemical energy, mechanical and electrical energy. By maximizing the global energy conversion efficiency of the entire vehicle, fuel consumption will be minimized. This could be done by minimizing system losses. In this paper, the losses in a drivetrain are analyzed, and it is concluded that the largest share comes from the combustion engine. An algorithm is then introduced that minimizes these losses.
Layered H-matrix based direct matrix inversion of significantly reduced complexity for finite-element-based large-scale electromagnetic analysis

The matrix generated from a finite-element method (FEM) based analysis of electromagnetic problems is sparse, however, it can be computationally challenging to solve the matrix directly. The optimal complexity of the direct solution of an FEM matrix was shown to be O(N1.5) [1] with N being the matrix size. In [2], an H-matrix-based fast direct solver was developed for the FEM based analysis of large-scale electromagnetic problems. In [3], a detailed theoretical analysis was developed for the complexity and accuracy of the H-matrix-based direct FEM solver. It was shown that although the inverse of an FEM matrix is generally dense, it can be computed in O(N log2N) complexity and stored in O(NlogN) memory.
Observations on the Ultrastructure of Uronema spp., Marine Scuticociliates*

SYNOPSIS. Observations of the ultrastructure of marine scuticociliatids, tentatively assigned to the genus Uronema, were made by light, transmission electron, and scanning electron microscopy. Giant, cortically oriented mitochondria filled the subpellicular, intermeridional areas, and were in close association with the epiplasm immediately under the inner alveolar sac membranes. Reconstructions of serial sections of the posterior poles of ciliates indicated that the intermeridional mitochondria could fuse at that point and the entire chondriome might at times be a single organelle. A system of tubules was observed to be intimately associated with the mitochondria in the posterior region. The tubules anastomosed and were directed posteriorly into the region of the nephridial-contractile vacuole system. The outer surfaces were coated with projections arranged in helical patterns. The system may be regarded as a fluid segregation organelle. The tripartite nature of the polar basal body complex observed by silver impregnation was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The 3 structures were the basal body of the caudal cilium and 2 parasomal sacs. A prominent ring around the caudal cilium was observed by scanning electron micrcscopy; it is probably responsible for the silver deposition surrounding the polar basal body complex that can be seen by light microscopy of silver-impregnated specimens. The ultrastructure of the nonmotile caudal cilium and its kinetosome was unremarkable, being like that of the motile, somatic cilia. The micronuclear and macronuclear outer membranes were continuous at several sites. Such interconnections explain the intimate physical relationship between the nuclei during interphase in many ciliates, and could be a structural basis for chemical communication between the 2 nuclear types. Within the cytoplasm surrounding the opening of the cytoproct, numerous clear vesicles were observed. Their position and appearance suggested that the cytoproct may be involved in the elimination of solutions as well as solids. Food vacuoles, cortical microtubules, lamellar vesicles, disc-shaped vesicles, mucocysts, and a contractile vacuole and its pore were also observed.
To Treat or Not to Treat? Pilot Survey for Minor and Rapidly Improving Stroke

Background and Purpose— Minor strokes and rapidly improving stroke symptoms are frequent exclusions for intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator. We explored factors influencing tissue-type plasminogen activator treatment decision for minor strokes/rapidly improving stroke symptoms. Methods— A pilot survey, including 110 case scenarios, was completed by 17 clinicians from 2 academic medical centers. Respondents were asked whether they would treat each case with tissue-type plasminogen activator at 60 minutes after emergency department admission. Cases varied by (1) National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at treatment decision time, (2) symptom pattern over time (improvement or worsening and then improving), (3) type of neurological deficit (3 main domains: motor, visual/sensory/ataxia, and language/neglect), and (4) age/occupation (4 profiles). Logistic regression was used to predict probability of omission (pO). A binomial regression model was used to predict probability of treatment decision. Results— Predicted probability of treatment decision was affected by National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ( P P P =0.334). There were significant, albeit modest, main effects on probability of treatment decision for neurological domains. Responses were most likely omitted ( P =0.027) for cases improvement pattern and language/neglect domain (pO=0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.52–0.89) and with visual/sensory/ataxia domain (pO=0.74; confidence interval, 0.37–0.93) when compared with improvement pattern and motor domain (pO=0.17; confidence interval, 0.06–0.42) and to any worsening and then improving patterns (0.37 Conclusions— This pilot survey provides the first quantitative evidence that National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score is not the only determinant of treatment decision. A National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 2 is the potential equipoise point, with the least consensus on treatment decision. These preliminary findings require validation in larger population surveys.
An X-Band Focussed-Beam Interferometer for Plasma Diagnostics

A microwave interferometer which permits the measurement of phase shift in a plasma independent of propagation path attenuation over a 30-dB dynamic range is described. Results are presented from an experimental evaluation of measurement accuracy of the interferometer instrument.
Transient development of negative absolute minority electron mobility in a GaAsAlGaAs quantum well

Abstract We analyze the time dependent transient current response for a coupled electron-hole system in a GaAsAlGaAs quantum well. In this, we take account of the electron-hole interaction, electron-phonon and hole-phonon interactions as well as treating impurity scattering effects. Furthermore, the electron-electron and hole-hole Coulomb repulsions and associated dynamic screening effects are also incorporated. We examine the electron and hole mobilities in the ballistic regime, followed by their overshoot phenomena and finally saturation. Special attention is given to electron-hole drag which slows down the minority electrons, and at low temperature we trace out in detail the time development of negative absolute minority electron mobility for this system.
The field matching problem: Algorithms and applications

To combine information from heterogeneous sources, equivalent data in the multiple sources must be identified. This task is the field matching problem. Specifically, the task is to determine whether or not two syntactic values are alternative designations of the same semantic entity. For example the addresses Dept. of Comput. Sci. and Eng., University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr. Dept. 0114, La Jolla. CA 92093 and UCSD, Computer Science and Engineering Department, CA 92093-0114 do designate the same department. This paper describes three field matching algorithms, and evaluates their performance on real-world datasets. One proposed method is the well-known Smith-Waterman algorithm for comparing DNA and protein sequences. Several applications of field matching in knowledge discovery are described briefly, including WEBFIND, which is a new software tool that discovers scientific papers published on the worldwide web. WEBFIND uses external information sources to guide its search for authors and papers. Like many other worldwide web tools, WEBFIND needs to solve the field matching problem in order to navigate between information sources.
Health Literacy Explains Racial Disparities in Diabetes Medication Adherence

Although low health literacy and suboptimal medication adherence are more prevalent in racial/ethnic minority groups than Whites, little is known about the relationship between these factors in adults with diabetes, and whether health literacy or numeracy might explain racial/ethnic disparities in diabetes medication adherence. Previous work in HIV suggests health literacy mediates racial differences in adherence to antiretroviral treatment, but no study to date has explored numeracy as a mediator of the relationship between race/ethnicity and medication adherence. This study tested whether health literacy and/or numeracy were related to diabetes medication adherence, and whether either factor explained racial differences in adherence. Using path analytic models, we explored the predicted pathways between racial status, health literacy, diabetes-related numeracy, general numeracy, and adherence to diabetes medications. After adjustment for covariates, African American race was associated with poor medication adherence (r = -0.10, p < .05). Health literacy was associated with adherence (r = .12, p < .02), but diabetes-related numeracy and general numeracy were not related to adherence. Furthermore, health literacy reduced the effect of race on adherence to nonsignificance, such that African American race was no longer directly associated with lower medication adherence (r = -0.09, p = .14). Diabetes medication adherence promotion interventions should address patient health literacy limitations.
Recent Progress in Resistance Change Memory

Resistance change memory (RRAM) is now attracting a lot of attention in parallel with phase change memory (PCM). Both memories are based on materials which exhibit nonvolatile changes in resistivity, through either the motion of charged species (RRAM) or through a crystalline-noncrystalline phase changes (PCM). Phase change memory is now viewed as a relatively near-term solution, while the RRAM has longer-term challenges and opportunities, which a large variety of materials research is addressing on a world-wide scale, mostly in academia. But, even though there are many promising results published, fundamental understanding of many aspects of the nonvolatile switching mechanism(s) or RRAM is still lacking. The authors look at some of the developments in resistance change memory, in particular the two types of RRAM materials: metal sulfides and metal oxides.
Classifying visual fatigue severity based on neurophysiological signals and psychophysiological ratings

This paper presents a neuroergonomics study of visual fatigue associated with visual display tasks. Symptoms of visual fatigue may include tiredness, headaches, eye soreness, eye aches, discomfort when the eyes are open, difficulties in focusing, and blurred vision. These symptoms can be caused by demands on the visual functions, such as focusing and converging of the eyes. A feed forward artificial neural network (FF-ANN) is used to classify visual fatigue based on the subjects' neurophysiological signals and psychophysiological ratings on a simulated sickness questionnaire (SSQ) scale. Inclusive of all data, a classification accuracy of 83.33 % was obtained (with 70% for training, 15% for validating, and 15% for testing from nine subjects), 90.4% accuracy was obtained using eye response data, 86.78% accuracy with eye and EEG response data, and, 84.93% with eye and hemodynamics response data. The FF-ANN model classifies about 16.7 % and 33.33% of severe and moderate ratings based on medium to difficult simulated air traffic control tasks on the SSQ scale.
Integration of Earth observing data with biological and physical science curricula

This paper focuses on experiences gained through projects oriented at the enrichment of biological and physical science curriculum through the incorporation of Earth observing satellite data. The basic premise is that Earth observing satellite images or information and/or measurements derived from images can provide unique insight into science topics and/or can provide another perspective about the topic. It is also thought that remote sensing from space catches the students attention and sparks their interest in the topic being addressed. One project on which this paper is based was oriented at the high school level and another project was oriented at community college academic programs. Both of the projects followed the same general approach which involved the selection of a science topic, statement of the fundamental concepts related to the topic, introduction to Earth observation technology related to the topic, and the illustration of the results of Earth observation that provides information about the topic. These project involved the use of multimedia software to assemble and present the material in the form of text, hypertext, video clips, animation, graphs, and images. These projects involved the development of the material in conjunction with instructors actively teaching the courses to which the science topics pertained. Products were in the form of computer-implemented learning exercises. Once preliminary products were developed, they were distributed to a wide range of instructors of biological and physical science courses for evaluation and feedback before being put into final form. This product will be distributed in the form of a CD and posted on an Internet web site. However, it is thought that the faculty enhancement provided during the course of these projects and the lessons learned during project activities were also valuable products. The object of this paper is to discuss the lessons learned in the process of developing the products in the manner described above and to suggest solutions to some of the problems encountered.
REIT Performance From Real Estate Mutual Fund Holdings

The performance of REITs may determine the level of holdings in real estate mutual funds. My study combines the process of asset composition of REITs with the REITs’ contribution in real estate mutual fund portfolios. There is a 2% to 3% increase in REIT holdings when the dividend yield increases by 1%. The relationship is strongest during the tech bubble period. This will give the investment advisor a look into management of real estate related assets in their respective portfolios.
Leave-One-Out Kernel Optimization for Shadow Detection

The objective of this work is to detect shadows in images. We pose this as the problem of labeling image regions, where each region corresponds to a group of superpixels. To predict the label of each region, we train a kernel Least-Squares SVM for separating shadow and non-shadow regions. The parameters of the kernel and the classifier are jointly learned to minimize the leave-one-out cross validation error. Optimizing the leave-one-out cross validation error is typically difficult, but it can be done efficiently in our framework. Experiments on two challenging shadow datasets, UCF and UIUC, show that our region classifier outperforms more complex methods. We further enhance the performance of the region classifier by embedding it in an MRF framework and adding pairwise contextual cues. This leads to a method that significantly outperforms the state-of-the-art.
Dental opioid prescribing practices and risk mitigation strategy implementation: Identification of potential targets for provider-level intervention.

ABSTRACTBackground: Given the regular use of immediate-release opioids for dental pain management, as well as documented opioid misuse among dental patients, the dental visit may provide a viable point of intervention to screen, identify, and educate patients regarding the risks associated with prescription opioid misuse and diversion. The aims of this statewide survey of dental practitioners were to assess (a) awareness of the scope of prescription opioid misuse and diversion; (b) current opioid prescribing practices; (c) use of and opinions regarding risk mitigation strategies; and (d) use and perceived utility of drug monitoring programs. Methods: This cross-sectional study surveyed dentists (N = 87) participating in statewide professional and alumni organizations. Dentists were invited via e-mail and listserv announcement to participate in a one-time, online, 59-item, self-administered survey. Results: A majority of respondents reported prescribing opioids (n = 66; 75.8%). A minority of respondents (n...
Novel Wnt Regulator NEL-Like Molecule-1 Antagonizes Adipogenesis and Augments Osteogenesis Induced by Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2

The differentiation factor NEL-like molecule-1 (NELL-1) has been reported as osteoinductive in multiple in vivo preclinical models. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 is used clinically for skeletal repair, but in vivo administration can induce abnormal, adipose-filled, poor-quality bone. We demonstrate that NELL-1 combined with BMP2 significantly optimizes osteogenesis in a rodent femoral segmental defect model by minimizing the formation of BMP2-induced adipose-filled cystlike bone. In vitro studies using the mouse bone marrow stromal cell line M2-10B4 and human primary bone marrow stromal cells have confirmed that NELL-1 enhances BMP2-induced osteogenesis and inhibits BMP2-induced adipogenesis. Importantly, the ability of NELL-1 to direct BMP2-treated cells toward osteogenesis and away from adipogenesis requires intact canonical Wnt signaling. Overall, these studies establish the feasibility of combining NELL-1 with BMP2 to improve clinical bone regeneration and provide mechanistic insight into canonical Wnt pathway activity during NELL-1 and BMP2 osteogenesis. The novel abilities of NELL-1 to stimulate Wnt signaling and to repress adipogenesis may highlight new treatment approaches for bone loss in osteoporosis.
Flip-chip Packages with Periphery Cu Pillar Bumps as Wire Bond Replacement—Design, Modeling & Characterization

Cu pillar is an emerging interconnect technology which offers many advantages compared to traditional packaging technologies. This paper presents a novel packaging solution with periphery fine pitch Cu pillar bumps for low cost and high performance Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) devices. Wire bonding has traditionally been the choice for low cost implementation of memory interfaces and high speed transceivers. Migration to Cu pillar technology is mainly driven by increasing demand for IO density and package small form factor. Cu pillar bumps also offer significant improvement on electrical performance compared to wire bonds. This paper presents Cu pillar implementation in an 11×11mm flip chip CSP package. Package design is optimized for serial data transport up to 6.114Gbps to meet CPRI_LVII and PCIe Gen2 compliance requirements. Package design strategy includes die and package co-design, SI/PI modeling and physical layout optimization.
Porous Tantalum Buttress Augments for Severe Acetabular Posterior Column Deficiency.

Abstract In revision total hip arthroplasty (THA), consensus is lacking regarding the optimal method for reconstruction of the most severe acetabular defects. Porous tantalum (TM) buttress augments were designed for the most severe postero-superior defects. The purpose of this study was to report the results of a consecutive series of acetabular reconstructions utilizing TM buttress augments. Eight complex acetabular reconstructions utilizing a TM buttress augment were performed at two centers. All were Paprosky 3A or Paprosky 3B bone loss classification, with severe superior and posterior column deficiency where wedge augments were insufficient for mechanical support. The acetabular cup sizes ranged from 64-78, and a buttress shim was used in 7 of 8 cases. Clinical and radiographic follow-up averaged 16.5 months (range, 10-28) and no cases were lost to follow-up. There were no cases of clinical or radiographic loosening, and no case had required reoperation or revision. All patients except one were ambulating with either no assist device or a single cane at final follow-up. There was one complication of an iliac wing fracture noted incidentally on postoperative x-rays in the lone patient in whom a buttress shim was not used. At short-term follow-up, TM acetabular buttress augments appear to effectively substitute for the use of structural allografts or cages, which would otherwise be used in this challenging setting. The potential for biologic fixation is promising for the durability of these reconstructions; however, longer-term follow-up is required for full evaluation.
Diamagnetic Group 6 Tetrakis(di-tert-butylketimido)metal(IV) Complexes

The addition of 4 equiv of LiN=C-t-Bu(2) to CrCl(3), MoCl(5), and WCl(6) in diethyl ether produced the complexes M(N=C-t-Bu(2))(4) (M = Cr, Mo, W). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies revealed that the molecules have flattened tetrahedral geometries with virtual D(2d) symmetry in the solid state. (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra indicated that the complexes are diamagnetic, and a qualitative MO analysis showed that the orthogonal π-donor and -acceptor orbitals of the ketimide ligand cooperatively split the d(xy) and d(z2) orbitals sufficiently to allow spin pairing in the d(xy) orbital. A more sophisticated quantum-mechanical analysis of Cr(N=C-t-Bu(2))(4) using density functional/molecular mechanics methods confirmed the qualitative analysis by showing that the singlet state is 27 kcal/mol more stable than the triplet state.
Underdeveloped Sources of Understanding in American History

'W~ORK in the history of the United States has taken great steps forward in the accumulation of data and the development of techniques of research and analysis during the past two dozen years. Repeatedly demonstrated has been the fact that more historical knowledge can be gained and more generalizations tested by the use of statistics.' That work has been especially furthered during the past three years by the efforts of the American Historical Association's Committee to Collect the Basic Quantitative Data of American Political History.2 The use and usefulness of archives and manuscripts have been substantially increased, thanks in part to the accomplishments of administrators and scholars like Solon Buck and Ernst Posner and in part to the publication of finding aids like Guide to the Records in the National Archives (Washington, 1948), Alice Smith's Guide to the Manuscripts in the Wisconsin Historical Society (Madison, 1944), Philip Hamer's A Guide to Archives and Manuscripts in the United States (New Haven, 1961), and the National Union Catalog of Manuscript Collections (Hamden, Conn., 1959). Other significant developments have been the spread of oral-history research, the increased publication of documents (encouraged by the reinvigorated National Historical Publications Commission), the heightened inter-
Expected caries preventive benefits of fluoridating L.A. water supplies.

Water fluoridation at the optimal concentration for the geographic area confers the maximum decay preventive benefits. Numerous communities have suboptimal levels of naturally occurring fluoride. The question of how much additional caries preventive benefits would be obtained if these communities fluoridate is of more than academic interest. Using Los Angeles as an example, this paper estimates the additional caries preventive benefits that may be realized in adjusting the fluoride concentration to the ideal.