cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of multiple hardware contexts

Multithreaded processors are used to tolerate long memory latencies. By executing threads loaded in multiple hardware contexts, an otherwise idle processor can keep busy, thus increasing its utilization. However, the larger size of a multi-thread working set can have a negative effect on cache conflict misses. In this paper we evaluate the two phenomena together, examining their combined effect on execution time.The usefulness of multiple hardware contexts depends on: program data locality, cache organization and degree of multiprocessing. Multiple hardware contexts are most effective on programs that have been optimized for data locality. For these programs, execution time dropped with increasing contexts, over widely varying architectures. With unoptimized applications, multiple contexts had limited value. The best performance was seen with only two contexts, and only on uniprocessors and small multiprocessors. The behavior of the unoptimized applications changed more noticeably with variations in cache associativity and cache hierarchy, unlike the optimized programs.As a mechanism for exploiting program parallelism, an additional processor is clearly better than another context. However, there were many configurations for which the addition of a few hardware contexts brought as much or greater performance than a larger multiprocessor with fewer than the optimal number of contexts.
Psychosocial interventions for depression, anxiety, and quality of life in cancer survivors: meta-analyses.

Objective: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and patient education (PE) on commonly reported problems (depression, anxiety, pain, physical functioning, and quality of life (QOL)) in adult cancer survivors. Methods: Meta analyses of randomized controlled trials of CBT and PE were conducted. MEDLINE, PSYCHINFO and the Cochrane Database were searched from 1993-2004. The effects of individual versus group interventions and short ( 8 months) term follow up are also reported. Results: Fifteen studies met quality criteria. The sample size was 1,492 adult cancer survivors with an age range of 18-84. 790 were randomly assigned to intervention groups and 702 to control groups. CBT varied in duration from 4 weekly one-hour sessions to 55 weekly two-hour sessions. PE ranged from a single 20-minute session to 6 weekly one-hour sessions. Follow up ranged from 1 week to 14 months. CBT was effective for depression (ES = 1.2; 95% CI = 0.22-2.19), anxiety (ES = 1.99; 95% CI = 0.69-3.31), and QOL
Reinforced silicone elastomer sheeting, an improved method of temporary abdominal closure in damage control laparotomy.

Abstract Background The ability to massively transfuse and resuscitate critically ill surgical patients has resulted in unprecedented survival and a new set of complications including abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) and the “unclosable” abdomen. Traditional methods of temporary abdominal closure have met with several limitations, not the least of which is a marked delay in achieving definitive fascial closure. Since 1991, we have consistently used reinforced silicone elastomer (Silastic) sheeting as a form of temporary abdominal closure in these settings. We report our results using this technique in a large cohort of critically ill surgical patients. Methods All patients undergoing silicone elastomer temporary abdominal closure since 1991 were identified and their charts abstracted for principal diagnosis and indication for temporary abdominal closure, fluid requirements, number of operations, and time to fascial closure. Time to definitive closure in the respective groups was analyzed using Kaplan-Meir survival curves and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Odds ratios for death were analyzed using logistic regression. Results One hundred thirty-four patients underwent temporary abdominal closure with silicone elastomer over this period and only 62% (83) survived their hospital admission. Trauma and ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm were the most frequent diagnoses. The most frequent indication was edema precluding abdominal closure. The mean crystalloid and blood requirements in the 24 hours preceding temporary abdominal closure were 21 ± 16 L and 15 ± 11 U, respectively. Of survivors, 75% (63 of 83) achieved fascial closure during their index admission. The median time to fascial closure in patients ultimately closed was 5 days. The median time to closure and the proportion of patients ultimately closed varied with the indication for closure with an earlier and greater chance of success in patients who could not tolerate closure (ACS) or could not be closed primarily (edema). Age-adjusted mortality was 5 times (95% confidence interval: 2 to 13) higher in patients developing ACS. Conclusions Nylon reinforced silicone elastomer is a safe, reliable material for temporary abdominal closure in severely ill patients. Primary fascial closure can be obtained in a timely fashion in the majority of patients. The success of obtaining definitive fascial closure depends on the indication for temporary abdominal closure, with visceral edema and ACS having the highest likeliest of early success.
Interactions Between Tidal Flows and Ooid Shoals, Northern Bahamas

Abstract Oolitic strata are common through the geologic record. Ooids generally form in high-energy environments, but it remains unclear how ooids remain in such systems and form geomorphic features such as bars and shoals. Integrating remote sensing, hydrodynamic, bathymetric, granulometric, and field observations of modern tidal systems in the Bahamas provides insight into this fundamental question. Oolitic tidal sands in the northern Abacos display a geomorphic pattern in which bedrock islands restrict and focus tidal flow down a main channel. Within the channel, a shallow shoal separates an ebb-dominated subchannel from a flood-dominated subchannel. Tidal velocities in these subchannels can exceed 1 m/s, enough to transport the oolitic sediments. Hydrodynamics and bathymetry in these subchannels produce a net circular hydrodynamic pattern around the shoal (the "spin cycle"), allowing the sands to remain in motion without being transported out of the ooid "factory." This general pattern is apparent in several other ooid shoal complexes. This concept provides integrated insights into the physical influences impacting the formation, suspension, transport, and deposition of ooids and the resulting geomorphic forms. These results represent first steps toward developing more comprehensive and predictive analogs of spatial heterogeneity in ancient tidally dominated oolitic shoals.
Biochemistry, molecular biology and regulation of starch synthesis.

This chapter reviews starch synthesis in higher plants, with special reference to the steps that can be manipulated to advantage by genetic manipulation. Thus, the enzymology and biochemistry of the various enzymes in the plant, algal and cyanobacterial systems will also be described as these are the potential sites for manipulation of both starch quantity and quality. Regulation of starch synthesis at the enzymatic and cellular levels will also be discussed with emphasis on its relevance to genetic engineering.
Sol—Gel Fabrication of Pb(Zr0.52 Ti0.48)O3 Thin Films Using Lead Acetylacetonate as the Lead Source

Lead zirconium titanate (PZT) thin films of the morphotropic phase boundary composition [Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.43)O3] were deposited on platinum-coated silicon by a modified sol-gel process using lead acetylacetonate as the lead source. The precursor solution for spin coating was prepared from lead acetylacetonate, zirconium n-butoxide, and titanium isopropoxide. The use of lead acetylacetonate instead of the widely used lead acetate trihydrate provided more stability to the PZT precursor solution. Films annealed at 700°C for 12 min formed well-crystallized perovskite phase of Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3. Microstructures of these films indicated the presence of submicrometer grains (0.1 to 0.2 μm). The dielectric constant and loss values of these films measured at 10 kHz were approximately 1200 and 0.04, respectively, while the remanent polarization and coercive field were ∼ 13 μC/cm2 and ∼ 35 kV/cm. Aging of the solution had almost no effect on the dielectric and ferroelectric properties of these films.
Inter-parietal white matter development predicts numerical performance in young children

article i nfo In an effort to understand the role of interhemispheric transfer in numerical development, we investigated the relationship between children's developing knowledge of numbers and the integrity of their white matter connections between the cerebral hemispheres (the corpus callosum). We used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tractography analyses to test the link between the development of the corpus callosum and performance on symbolic and non-symbolic numerical judgment tasks. We were especially interested in the interhemispheric connections of parietal cortex in 6-year-old children, because regions of parietal cortex have been implicated in the development of numerical skills by several prior studies. Our results revealed significant structural differ- ences between children and adults in the fibers of the corpus callosum connecting the left and right parietal lobes. Importantly, these structural differences were predictive of individual differences among children in performance on numerical judgment tasks: children with poor numerical performance relative to their peers exhibited reduced white matter coherence in the fibers passing through the isthmus of the corpus callosum, which connects the parietal hemispheres.
Template fabricated plasmonic nanoholes on analyte-sensitive substrates for real-time vapor sensing

Sensing with nanostructured plasmonic devices has become an important research field due to their proven ability to be extremely sensitive, compact, multiplexed, and compatible with low-cost fabrication techniques. In this paper, we employ a modified template stripping method to produce plasmonic nanohole arrays on analyte-sensitive substrates for real-time vapor sensing. The device operates by exploiting simultaneous plasmonic resonances within the substrate as well as within the vapor being tested. Because the substrate is in contact with vapor due to the open-hole geometry, red-shifts (air-side resonances) and blue-shifts (substrate-side resonances) are seen at the same time during exposure to <10 ppm ethanol vapor in nitrogen. We also show negative control experiments with similar concentrations of m-xylene, as well as multiplex sensing potential with chemically patterned substrates. Our devices could operate as low-cost gas sensors for environmental monitoring, security, or food safety.
Space-time trellis-coded transmissions with parallel sequences over time-varying channels

In this letter, we investigate the performance of space-time trellis codes in a time-varying channel of a multiple-access wireless system where symbols of a user are transmitted using parallel sequences. Using rank and determinant criteria, it is shown that space-time trellis codes originally designed for quasi-static channels are efficient codes for this system as well. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed transmission scheme can exploit spatial and temporal diversities to achieve performance gains at practical decoding complexity levels.
Vav GEFs are required for β2 integrin-dependent functions of neutrophils

Integrin regulation of neutrophils is essential for appropriate adhesion and transmigration into tissues. Vav proteins are Rho family guanine nucleotide exchange factors that become tyrosine phosphorylated in response to adhesion. Using Vav1/Vav3-deficient neutrophils (Vav1/3ko), we show that Vav proteins are required for multiple β2 integrin-dependent functions, including sustained adhesion, spreading, and complement-mediated phagocytosis. These defects are not attributable to a lack of initial β2 activation as Vav1/3ko neutrophils undergo chemoattractant-induced arrest on intercellular adhesion molecule-1 under flow. Accordingly, in vivo, Vav1/3ko leukocytes arrest on venular endothelium yet are unable to sustain adherence. Thus, Vav proteins are specifically required for stable adhesion. β2-induced activation of Cdc42, Rac1, and RhoA is defective in Vav1/3ko neutrophils, and phosphorylation of Pyk2, paxillin, and Akt is also significantly reduced. In contrast, Vav proteins are largely dispensable for G protein-coupled receptor–induced signaling events and chemotaxis. Thus, Vav proteins play an essential role coupling β2 to Rho GTPases and regulating multiple integrin-induced events important in leukocyte adhesion and phagocytosis.
Continued High Prevalence and Adverse Clinical Impact of Human Immunodeficiency Virus–Associated Sensory Neuropathy in the Era of Combination Antiretroviral Therapy: The CHARTER Study

Objective To provide updated estimates of the prevalence and clinical impact of human immunodeficiency virus−associated sensory neuropathy (HIV-SN) and neuropathic pain due to HIV-SN in the combination antiretroviral therapy (CART) era. Design Prospective, cross-sectional analysis. Clinical correlates for HIV-SN and neuropathic pain, including age, exposure to CART, CD4 levels, plasma viral load, hepatitis C virus infection, and alcohol use disorders, were evaluated in univariate and multivariate models. Setting Six US academic medical centers. Patients One thousand five hundred thirty-nine HIV-infected individuals enrolled in the CNS (Central Nervous System) HIV Anti-Retroviral Therapy Effects Research study. Main Outcome Measures The presence of HIV-SN, defined by 1 or more clinical signs (diminished vibration or sharp sensation in the legs and feet; reduced ankle reflexes) in a distal, symmetrical pattern. Neuropathic pain was defined as aching, stabbing, or burning in a similar distribution. The effect on quality of life was assessed with the Medical Outcomes Study HIV Health Survey. Results We found HIV-SN in 881 participants. Of these, 38.0% reported neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain was significantly associated with disability in daily activities, unemployment, and reduced quality of life. Risk factors for HIV-SN after adjustment were advancing age (odds ratio, 2.1 [95% confidence interval, 1.8-2.5] per 10 years), lower CD4 nadir (1.2 [1.1-1.2] per 100-cell decrease), current CART use (1.6 [1.3-2.8]), and past “D-drug” use (specific dideoxynucleoside analogue antiretrovirals) (2.0 [1.3-2.6]). Risk factors for neuropathic pain were past D-drug use and higher CD4 nadir. Conclusions Neuropathic pain and HIV-SN remain prevalent, causing substantial disability and reduced quality of life even with successful CART. The clinical correlates of HIV-SN have changed with the evolution of treatment. These findings argue for redoubled efforts to determine HIV-SN pathogenesis and the development of symptomatic and neuroregenerative therapies.
Immunodetection of a brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens Stål) salivary catalase-like protein into tissues of rice, Oryza sativa

Saliva plays an important role in host plant-phloem-feeding insect molecular interactions. To better elucidate the role of insect saliva, a series of experiments were conducted to establish if catalase from the salivary glands of the brown planthopper (BPH; Nilaparvata lugens Stal) was secreted into rice host plant tissue during feeding. Catalase is the main enzyme that decomposes hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at high concentrations. H2O2 is a part of the free radicals system that mediates important physiological roles including signalling and defence. Previous studies have suggested that H2O2 is involved in the rice endogenous response to BPH feeding. If, the BPH secretes catalase into host plant tissue this will counter the effects of H2O2, from detoxification to interfering with plant signalling and defence mechanisms. When BPHs were fed on a hopper-resistant rice variety for 24 h, catalase activity in the salivary glands increased 3.5-fold compared with hoppers fed on a susceptible rice variety. Further supporting evidence of the effects of BPH catalase was demonstrated by immunodetection analyses where results from two independent sources: BPH-infested rice tissue and BPH-probed artificial diets, suggest that the BPH secretes catalase-like protein during feeding. The possible physiological roles of BPH-secreted catalase are discussed.
Sensitivity of the human circadian pacemaker to nocturnal light: melatonin phase resetting and suppression

Ocular exposure to early morning room light can significantly advance the timing of the human circadian pacemaker. The resetting response to such light has a non-linear relationship to illuminance. The dose-response relationship of the human circadian pacemaker to late evening light of dim to moderate intensity has not been well established. Twenty-three healthy young male and female volunteers took part in a 9 day protocol in which a single experimental light exposure6.5 h in duration was given in the early biological night. The effects of the light exposure on the endogenous circadian phase of the melatonin rhythm and the acute effects of the light exposure on plasma melatonin concentration were calculated. We demonstrate that humans are highly responsive to the phase-delaying effects of light during the early biological night and that both the phase resetting response to light and the acute suppressive effects of light on plasma melatonin follow a logistic dose-response curve, as do many circadian responses to light in mammals. Contrary to expectations, we found that half of the maximal phase-delaying response achieved in response to a single episode of evening bright light ( approximately 9000 lux (lx)) can be obtained with just over 1 % of this light (dim room light of approximately 100 lx). The same held true for the acute suppressive effects of light on plasma melatonin concentrations. This indicates that even small changes in ordinary light exposure during the late evening hours can significantly affect both plasma melatonin concentrations and the entrained phase of the human circadian pacemaker.
Pigeons and people select efficient routes when solving a one-way "traveling salesperson" task.

The authors presented people (Experiment 1) and pigeons (Experiments 2 and 3) with a large number of 1-way traveling salesperson problems that consisted of 3, 4, and 5 identical stimuli (nodes) on a computer monitor. The sequence of nodes that each traveler selected was recorded, and the distance of the route was subsequently determined. The routes the pigeons and people selected were reliably more efficient than those used by a Monte Carlo model given the same problems. The pigeons’ routes were significantly less efficient than a nearest neighbor model of performance, however. In Experiment 3, pigeons were required to select a route that was within the top 33% of all possible solutions for a given problem. The pigeons’ solutions were significantly more efficient than those observed in Experiment 2, in which the behavioral criterion was not imposed. The mechanisms that pigeons and people may have been using to solve the traveling salesperson problems are discussed.
The interplay of structural and optical properties in individual ZnO nanostructures

Semiconductor nanostructures exhibit unique properties distinct from their bulk counterparts by virtue of nanoscale dimensions; in particular, exceptionally large surface area-to-volume ratios relative to that of the bulk produce variations in surface state populations that have numerous consequences on materials properties. Of the low-dimensional semiconductor nanostructures, nanowires offer a unique prospect in nanoscale optoelectronics due to their one-dimensional architecture. Already, many devices based upon individual nanowires have been demonstrated, but questions about how nano-size and structural variations affect the underlying materials properties still remain unanswered. Here, we focus on understanding the growth mechanism and kinetics of ZnO nanowires and related nanowalls, and their effects on nanoscale structural and optical properties.
Atypical Meningiomas: Recurrence, Reoperation, and Radiotherapy

Introduction Atypical meningiomas (World Health Organization [WHO] grade II) represent a therapeutic challenge given their high recurrence rate and greater mortality compared with WHO grade I meningiomas. Traditionally, treatment has entailed attempts at gross total resection with radiation therapy reserved for residual disease or recurrences. Methods We retrospectively reviewed our patient database of atypical meningioma (AM) patients over the past 10 years to assess surgical and radiotherapeutic treatments administered, treatment-related complications, radiographic-clinical progression after treatment, and mortality. We identified 45 patients with AMs and excluded 2 patients with incomplete hospital records. Results The average age of our patients was 59.7 years. Forty-three AM patients underwent a total of 62 surgeries. Thirty patients underwent one initial surgical resection; 8 patients underwent a second resection for recurrence; 4 patients underwent 3 resections; and 1 patient underwent 4 resections for recurrences. The rate of postoperative complication was 12.9% (8/62). Five patients had postoperative wound infections requiring treatment, and 1 patient had a postoperative hematoma requiring surgical evacuation. There was 1 case of wound breakdown in a patient with a previously irradiated scalp and 1 case of lower-extremity venous thrombosis. Clinical follow-up ranged from 11–120 months with average follow-up of 43 months and median follow-up of 65 months. Nineteen patients (44%) developed clinical-radiographic evidence of recurrence at an average of 32.4 months after surgical resection. Of the recurrences, 12 were treated with repeat surgery and radiation therapy, 3 were treated with radiation therapy alone, and 2 with surgery alone. Radiation therapy included Gamma Knife (GK), CyberKnife (CK), intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), or some combination of these. There was one case of symptomatic radiation necrosis (1/15 or 6.6%). The survival rate at last follow-up of our patient cohort was 95.3%. Conclusions Given their high rates of recurrence, AMs require close clinical follow-up and an individualized treatment strategy. Reoperation, radiotherapy, or combination therapy can be effective strategies at managing disease progression while minimizing treatment-related morbidity. Treatment planning that attempts to anticipate future therapies in the form of further surgery or radiotherapy may improve clinical outcomes in these patients. Seventeen patients underwent adjuvant radiation therapy: 7 patients with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), 4 patients with Gamma Knife (GK), and 2 with CyberKnife (CK). Four patients underwent multiple treatments.
Professional Identity Scale in Counseling (PISC): Instrument Development and Validation

This article describes the development and initial validation of the Professional Identity Scale in Counseling (PISC) developed to measure professional identity among diverse counseling professionals in the field of counseling. Based on responses from a sample of 385 participants, exploratory factor analyses yielded six factors. Along with internal consistency and reliability estimates, convergent and discriminant validity were supported. Implications for the profession and future research are addressed.
Promoting the Lasallian Mission through Engagement in Research: A Report of the Fourth Annual International Symposium on Lasallian Research

The authors capture the themes and dynamic atmosphere of the Fourth Annual International Symposium on Lasallian Research in this brief summary. The overview begins with a description of the event purpose and participants; proceeds throuh an outline of program highlights including keynotes, presentations of research exemplars, and connections to thematic research priorities as they continue in development by the International Association of Lasallian Universities; and offer thematic reflections on the more than 30 workshop and roundtable opportunities through which assembled scholars could establish partnerships for future research.
Veno‐Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (V V ECMO): Indications, Preprocedural Considerations, and Technique

Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V V ECMO) has been used for refractory respiratory failure. We describe the indications, technical aspects, and outcomes of placing V V ECMO in adults using a dual-lumen, single-cannula catheter.
Abstract 212: Effect of a High-fat Diet on Endothelial Function in Pregnant Rats

During preeclampsia (PE), placental ischemia increases plasma levels of soluble placental factors that promote endothelial dysfunction. Reports indicate that metabolic factors may also play a role in the pathogenesis of PE. While previous studies have shown that high-fat diet (HFD) results in endothelial dysfunction in normal animals, the effect of HFD on endothelial function during pregnancy is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of HFD on endothelial function in pregnant rats. Twelve week old sprague-dawley rats were fed a normal diet (ND; 13% fat kcal; N=5-8) or HFD (40% fat kcal; N=9-11). After 9 weeks, body weight was greater in HFD: 294 ± 5 g v. ND: 272 ± 6 g (p
Stable organic field-effect transistors for continuous and nondestructive sensing of chemical and biologically relevant molecules in aqueous environment.

The use of organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) as sensors in aqueous media has gained increased attention for environmental monitoring and medical diagnostics. However, stable operation of OFETs in aqueous media is particularly challenging because of electrolytic hydrolysis of water, high ionic conduction through the analyte, and irreversible damage of organic semiconductors when exposed to water. To date, OFET sensors have shown the capability of label-free sensing of various chemical/biological species, but they could only be used once because their operational stability and lifetime while operating in aqueous environments has been poor, and their response times typically slow. Here, we report on OFETs with unprecedented water stability. These OFETs are suitable for the implementation of reusable chemical/biological sensors because they primarily respond to charged species diluted in an aqueous media by rapidly shifting their threshold voltage. These OFET sensors present stable current baselines an...
Lipid bilayer phase transformations detected using microcantilevers.

We report the use of microcantilevers to measure the phase transition temperature (Tm) of supported lipid bilayers or lipid monolayers. During the solid–liquid phase transition, a supported lipid b...
Adult Foster Care: Relief for those who Despair in Nursing Homes

Adult foster care provides an alternative to nursing home care. Residents are cared for in a private home by a caregiver who provides 24 hour supervision. The caregiver receives payment for room and board and for the care services provided. States vary in their regulatory approach but are increasingly viewing this model of care favorably due to the lower costs and preference for this model of care among frail older adults and their families. Opportunities for nurses in this relatively new care environment are numerous ranging from case managementto direct care provision.
Compilation and Construction of Emergency Plan System of Electric Power Telecommunications

Electric power telecommunication system is the backbone and central nervous system of power grids for monitoring,control and management,and is also an important support tool for ensuring the safety,stability and economic operation of power grids.Based on a discussion of emergency plan system framework,it is proposed in this paper to build the emergency plan system of electric power telecommunications in accordance with the combined mode of administrative region and telecommunication speciality.A description is made of the basic structure,core factors,structural types,contents,E-structure,compilation procedures and start-up process of an emergency plan.From the perspective of enhancing the ability of emergency disposal of electric power emergency incidences,the action-type emergency plan should be chosen for power telecommunication emergency plan.Queue theory and simulation technology are used and the corresponding procedures are also proposed for computer simulation of emergency plan of electric power telecommunications.
Technical Approach and Research Prospect of Piezoelectric Energy Harvest from Highway

In order to promote the research and development of piezoelectric eoergy harvest from highway,the technical approach of piezoelectric energy harvest from highway was reviewed for analysis.From the energy harvest efficiency,the mechanical responses of asphalt pavement and cement concrete pavement to traffic load were compared.And piezoelectric material,transducer structure,layout of transducers,design of electrical system and the extension of piezoelectric energy harvest mode were prospected for further research.Comparative analysis of energy conversion performance of different types of piezoelectric ceramics as well as transducers was made.The results show that PZT-5H is more suitable for piezoelectric energy harvest from highway and bridge-type transducer is more efficient for energy harvest and more suitable for coupling with traffic load.
De masonería, diplomacia y otras lealtades fraternales: el rescate de Porfirio Díaz por un hermano masón

This article explores the role that Porfirio Diaz played in Freemasonry and his relationship with such an institution, analyzing one of the stories that proves that Diaz benefited from his Masonic affiliation before he was president of Mexico. This story tells how Diaz managed to smuggle himselfinto Mexico with the help of a brother Mason in 1876, after his brief exile in New Orleans aboard the steamship, "City of Havana". At first, it was widely believed that such a story was simply a legend, part of the folklore that surrounds Freemasonry. However, two witnesses, both Masons, who were in the same boat with Diaz, confirm the veracity of the tale that even William Deslow, the historian of American Freemasonry,, cataloged as a, "not verified" incident.In addition, it studies how Diaz promoted the unification of the Scottish Rite lodges in an institution called The Symbolic Grand Diet. The primary reason why Diaz promoted such unification, as stated in this article, was to carry out his plan of national reconciliation. Diaz knew he had to gain control of Freemasonry to avoid future confrontations and trouble. He didn’t want anybody to interfere with his governmental policy of order and progress. Therefore, the dictator always made sure that neither masonry nor any other institution that had substantial influence in society were out of his control.
Citizenship and the Pursuit of the Worthy Life

What does citizenship have to do with living a worthy human life? Political scientists and philosophers who study the practice of citizenship, including Rawlsian liberals and Niebuhrian realists, have tended to either relegate this question to the private realm or insist that ethical principles must be silenced or seriously compromised in our deliberations as citizens. This book argues that the insulation of public life from the ethical standpoint puts in jeopardy not only our integrity as persons but also the legitimacy and long-term survival of our political communities. In response to this predicament, David Thunder aims to rehabilitate the ethical standpoint in political philosophy, by defending the legitimacy and importance of giving full play to our deepest ethical commitments in our civic roles and developing a set of guidelines for citizens who wish to enact their civic roles with integrity.
The Structure of β″ and β′ in an Aged Mg-Nd Alloy

The structures of the β″ and β′ phases in a Mg-2.35 wt. % Nd alloy aged at 250°C for 3 min, 15 min and 2 hr were investigated using high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy. Both phases consist of different arrangements of Nd atoms including triangular structures and hexagonal rings. In the [0001]Mg orientation, some β′ precipitates also exhibit unexpected D019 stacking, which is explained by a projection artifact of stacking defects visible in the Mg zone axes. The β′ phase appears to nucleate from preexisting s” chains. The β′ phase is coherent and contains the highest strain along the Mg directions, which agrees with the morphology of the precipitates being thinnest along the Mg directions.
Binaural Model Based Adaptive Binaural Noise Reduction

This paper presents an efficient binaural noise reduction scheme built upon the integration of adaptive noise cancellation technique with the perceptual binaural model. In particular, an intermittent ANC is utilized to cancel the noise during the speech pauses detected by a simplified binaural model, which shows an improved VAD detection performance especially in low SNR situations. Delayless subband processing is also incorporated, making it possible to apply ANC only in selected subbands and leading to reduced computational complexity accordingly. Simulations show that our proposed strategy can effectively reduce speech-shaped binaural noises in an efficient way.
mRNA Microarray Analysis in Lymphoma and Leukemia

We have reviewed the ability of gene expression microarrays to characterize subgroups of lymphoma and leukemia, identify expression profiles that correlate with known cytogenetic abnormalities, demonstrate that expression profiles can predict prognosis, new proteins identified for diagnosis and followup, and provided new therapeutic targets for chemotherapy. We can expect that new prognostic models will be designed and tested, incorporating the pathologic diagnosis based on morphology, the molecular gene expression profile, and the clinical assessment (e.g. International prognostic index). In addition, the gene expression profiles will be used to generate correlative and ultimately predictive data for response to particular chemotherapeutic regimens. Translation for clinical usage is likely in a diagnostic fashion in both lymphoma and leukemia.32–35
Chapter 11 – Knowledge and Information Ethics

Chapter Summary High-speed Internet has provided unprecedented opportunities in the information domain. The wealth of information in the Web-based knowledge banks brings about innumerable business prospects. This relentless rush for wealth lowers the information ethics by marketing unsubstantiated and ill-founded information. The rewards had brought a stream of successful dot-com corporations in the 1990 s. The dangers have also brought bankruptcy for most of these corporations. The plunderers are the knowledgeable and skilled few and the victims are the ignorant who are not able to see through the games that Internet exploiters are at play. The boom and bust of the dot-com opportunists is grim reminder of how knowledge cycle has taken the ignorant few to the depth of despair. In this chapter, we suggest that intelligent knowledge processing software should curtail the abuse of the IP networks, much as the network security programs that block the spread of spam and viruses.
Uranyl-chlorite sorption/desorption: evaluation of different U(VI) sequestration processes.

Abstract Sequestration of soluble uranium(VI) in the form of uranyl UO 2 2 + by clay minerals such as chlorite is potentially a major sink for U in U-contaminated environments. We have used batch sorption/desorption experiments combined with U LIII-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy, extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, synchrotron-based microdiffraction, and surface complexation modeling to investigate the dominant sorption process(es) governing uranyl uptake by chlorite. Uranium(VI) sorption is independent of ionic strength, suggesting dominantly inner-sphere sorption, which was supported by selective chemical extraction results. The maximum sorption loadings were 0.28 μmol U g−1 chlorite (at pH 4) and 6.3 μmol U g−1 chlorite (at pH 6.5 and 10). Uranium(VI) uptake as a function of solution composition followed the trends (at pH 6.5): CO3–Ca-free system >CO3–Ca-bearing system >CO3-bearing system; (at pH 10): CO3–Ca-bearing system >CO3–Ca-free system ≈CO3-bearing system. Desorption experiments based on selective chemical extractions indicated that (1) there is little or no weakly bound U(VI) or U(VI)-bearing precipitates, (2) 60–80% of U(VI) inner-sphere sorption complexes are desorbed following a 0.1 M HCl step over 1 week, and (3) 100% desorption of adsorbed U(VI) is accomplished by a 1.0 M HCl step over 1 week. Fits of the EXAFS spectra of the short-term sorption samples indicate that UO 2 2 + forms inner-sphere sorption complexes with carbonate (when present) at [Fe(O,OH)6] octahedral sites in a bidentate, edge-sharing manner. EXAFS-derived structural parameters were used to constrain the type(s) of U(VI)-bearing surface species and were combined with observed batch sorption trends as input for a diffuse double-layer surface complexation model (SCM). This model successfully predicts U(VI) sorption over a range of U(VI) concentrations, pH values, and solution compositions, although it under-predicts U(VI) sorption by up to 10% at the highest U(VI) sorption loadings and at low pH in the CO3–Ca-bearing system. After long-term exposure of chlorite to U(VI) under anaerobic conditions at 90 °C, XANES spectra of these samples indicate 25% U(IV) in the CO3–Ca-free system and CO3-bearing system samples, whereas no U(IV) was detected in the CO3–Ca-bearing system sample. Analysis of the EXAFS spectra, TEM images, and EDS spectra indicated the presence of X-ray amorphous nanoparticulate UO2. The presence of Ca in solution prohibited U(VI) reduction in our long-term sorption experiments.
Stress-induced surface instabilities and defects in thin films sputter deposited on compliant substrates.

Existing analyses predict that thin metal films deposited on compliant substrates are subject to a variety of surface instabilities, such as wrinkles, folds, creases, etc., that become more prominent with increased compressive residual stress. Under compressive stress, cracks have been assumed to form only when the interfacial strength is weak, allowing the film to detach from the substrate. In this work, we demonstrate that cracks also form on surfaces under compressive mismatch strain when the interface is strong. In particular, we consider metal alloy films sputter deposited under bias on elastomers with different thicknesses, curing temperatures or surface treatments. The deposition parameters created residual compressive strains and strong adhesion in the bilayers. Samples without surface treatment formed wrinkles and through-thickness cracks at 0.25–0.4% mismatch strains. Only through-thickness cracks were observed in UV treated samples. The crack spacing was found to decrease by a factor of 4 when the surface was UV treated and by a factor of 3 as the elastomer thickness decreased from 30 to 6 μm. Cracks penetrated through the elastomer, 15–30 times deeper than the film thickness, and formed in all samples with a brittle coating. A numerical model was developed to explain the formation of through-thickness cracks and wrinkles under applied compressive mismatch strains. The model suggests that cracks can initiate from the peak of wrinkles when the critical fracture strength of the coating is exceeded. For the UV treated samples, through-thickness cracks are possibly impacted by the formation of an embrittled near surface PDMS layer.
Staffing Chat Reference with Undergraduate Student Assistants at an Academic Library: A Standards-Based Assessment

Abstract Academic libraries have long experimented with how to staff the reference desk. Recent trends at college and university libraries indicate a shift toward a tiered staffing model, relying on a mix of professional librarians, library paraprofessional staff and often graduate students when available. Fewer academic libraries employ undergraduate students to work at the reference desk. This paper examines the use of undergraduate library assistants specifically to staff chat reference services at an academic library. It analyzes chat transcripts for content and comparative quality between different types of answerers: professional librarians, paraprofessional staff, and undergraduate students. Our analysis of 451 chat reference transcripts determined that undergraduate students can indeed provide satisfactory chat reference services, comparable in quality and content to that of paraprofessional staff and professional librarians. The data suggests that having well-trained undergraduate students staff chat reference is a viable, and even desirable, option for academic libraries.
A New Type of Research Relevance: Career Relevance and Closing the Relevance Gap

Management scholars are expected to produce research that is relevant to management practice and scientifically sound. This dual-mission opens the possibility that research might be scientifically ...
Significant size-charge effects on the biodistribution of nanocomposites in a mouse tumor model system

1096 Background: Nanocomposite (Guest-Host Nanodevices) are a well studied class of nanodevices with several potential medical uses. In particular, they hold great promise for the improvement of cancer imaging and therapy (Balogh L, et al, Chemistry Today 20: 35-40 (2002); Balogh L, et al, PharmaChem 2: 94-99 (2003)). The design of these nanodevices permits the host and guest properties to be individually modified and optimized. The host component consists of Poly(amidoamine) dendrimers that can be made with discrete sizes, and differing surface charges. The guest component consists in this case of elemental gold (Au). Purpose: This study determines, in the first detailed quantitative analysis, the significant effects that the manipulation of the size and surface charge of nanodevices cause on their biodistribution in a mouse melanoma tumor model system. This understanding is critical for the rational design of these devices for use in cancer imaging and treatment. Experimental Procedures: Au nanodevices were fabricated using amine and partially substituted acetamide terminated PAMAM dendrimers with gold incorporation. The gold carrying nanodevices tested include: 5 nm positive surface, and 5 nm negative surface, and 12 nm negative surface nanodevices. One million B16F10 tumor cells were injected s.c. into the dorsal surface of 8-10 week old C57BL/6J mice, and the tumors grown to greater than 500 mm3. Three tumor bearing mice were then injected with each type of nanodevices in PBS, pH 7.2. Mice were euthanized at 1 hour, and 1, 4 days post-injection, and the organs/tissues (blood, lung, heart, liver, kidney, spleen, pancreas, muscle, tumor, and brain) were weighed and collected, lyophilized, and gold quantitation analysis done. Activation of Au nanodevices into Au-198 was achieved by direct neutron irradiation in aqueous solutions. Results: Charge had a significant, but different, effect on Au-Nanocomposite (guest and host) biodistribution, as it did in previous dendrimer (host only) studies (Nigavekar S et al, Pharm. Res. 21: 476-83 (2004)). 5 nm positive surface Au-nanodevice showed significantly high kidney accumulation even out to 4 days. The 5 nm negative surface Au-nanodevice showed significantly high accumulation in the liver and spleen out to 4 days. Size also had a strongly significant effect on biodistribution, with the 5nm negative surface Au nanodevice having longer blood clearance time. The 12 nm negative surface nanodevice, in comparison, showed significantly high levels in the spleen and liver over 4 days. Conclusions: Our studies show that both the size and charge of nanodevices greatly affect their biodistribution patterns in a mouse tumor model system. This has great significance for the design of all nanodevices, targeted and nontargeted, being considered for cancer imaging and therapy.
A Model of the Operator’s Task in Diagnostic Problem Solving

In supervisory control of complex dynamic systems a major part of the problem solving activity is concerned with fault diagnosis. Therefore, operator training for diagnostic problem solving is essential to ensure competent performance. Intelligent computer aids and operator associates can be very effective for training operators in a variety of domains. Development of such computer aids depends on the availability of suitable models of the operator’s task. The task model must incorporate the structure, functions, and behavior of the system in an appropriate form. This paper proposes a methodology for building a normative model of the operator’s task. The proposed model supports qualitative reasoning for schema instantiation based on qualitative values of the system state. The choice of qualitative reasoning makes the model consistent with how human operators function while diagnosing faults. The model uses level of abstraction inherent in the dynamic systems to decompose the operator’s fault diagnosis task into a hierarchy of functions. An application of the model to an existing marine power plant simulator is also presented.
The Transition to a Parent-Caring Role by Adult Children

Research findings indicate that after children are launched from the family of orientation, relationships between parents and children change, both quantitatively and qualitatively; however, the bond between the generations remains strong and highly meaningful, with much interaction, mutual aid and affective feelings (Hages- tad, 1977; Hagestad & Snow, 1977; Hill, Foot, Aldous, Carlson, & MacDonald, 1970; Shanas & Streib, 1965; Shanas, Townsend, Wedderburn, Fritz, & Milhoj, 1968). The modal family form in western societies consists of economically independent households connected to some degree by ties of aid, interaction, and affect. The widespread notion promulgated by the media that elderly in American society are neglected, ignored, and abandoned by their kin is contrary to empirical evidence accumulated over the last two decades about intergenerational helping patterns in old age.
Instructional technology and the structure of education

This article is an extention of “The Proper Study of Instructional Technology” published in ECTJ, 1984, 32, pp. 67–88, and is best understood in that context. By considering instructional technology as a subset of technology rather than as a subset of education, we can examine more freely the institutions of education in relation to their acceptance or rejection of the design and implementation of technologically based instruction. Methods of institutional analysis used in other disciplines can be helpful. For example, a method of organizational analysis developed by Charles Perrow, a sociologist, is used to maintain that education institutions reflect a craft rather than a technology orientation. A legal anlaysis is also used to show how the governance of education reinforces its craft nature. The analyses are intended to stimulate a line of research that uses aspects of the institutions themselves as variables.