cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distributed Reforming of Diesel, JP-8, and Other Heavy Hydrocarbon Fuels for Fuel Cell Applications: Challenges and Issues

Reforming diesel, JP-8 (Jet Propellant 8 – standard U.S. military kerosene-based jet fuel), and other heavy hydrocarbon fuels is one option being investigated for providing H2 for distributed mobile and stationary fuel cell systems for military and civilian applications. Unlike natural gas, which is another hydrocarbon fuel being investigated, these fuels are high-boiling-point, multi-component liquids that contain high concentrations of refractory sulfur and aromatic compounds that can negatively impact the efficiency and operating lifetime of the fuel processor. Fuel injection, desulfurization, and carbon deposition are major issues that fuel processor developers must address when designing fuel processors for these fuels. The fuel injection system must prevent direct injection of liquid onto the catalyst surface and poor mixing of the fuel and oxidants (i.e., air and/or steam), both of which can result in excessively high temperatures that can damage or destroy the reforming catalyst. A highly efficient desulfurization process is required that can reduce the sulfur concentration to acceptable levels for both fuel processor and fuel cell catalysts without requiring large amounts of materials or complicated processes, and without generating excessive amounts of disposable waste. Highly active reforming catalysts and the proper choice of operating conditions (i.e., ratio of fuel to oxidant[s], temperature, residence time) are required for effective reforming of aromatic compounds to prevent carbon deposition on the reforming catalyst as well as in the fuel processor downstream of the reformer. In this paper, we will discuss how the chemical and physical properties of these fuels influence the design of the fuel processor focusing on the fuel injection system, the choice of desulfurization process, and the design and operation of the reformer. We will also discuss various approaches and design options for developing highly efficient fuel processors for reforming these fuels for both polymer electrolyte and solid oxide fuel cells.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Test Biases that Hamper Learners with Disabilities

Biases are extraneous features that can influence the validity of tests. For example, factors that affect the performance of learners from ethnic minorities constitute a cultural bias. Biases that can influence the test responses of students with disabilities can originate with experiences other than those that are culturally restricted. Such additional biases can be related to test content, instructional format, motivation or cognitive arousal, competition, and physical access to testing materials and response techniques. Opportunities for estimating the impact of test biases are discussed and recommendations for modifying an evaluation with biased tests are elaborated.
Development of a Kohn-Sham like potential in the self-consistent atomic deformation model

Abstract This is a brief description of how to derive the local ‘atomic’ potentials from the Self-Consistent Atomic Deformation (SCAD) model density functional. Particular attention is paid to the spherically averaged case.
Nω-Hydroxy-L-arginine: A novel arginine analog capable of causing vasorelaxation in bovine intrapulmonary artery

This study describes the effects of N omega-hydroxy-L-arginine (NOHA) on endothelium dependent and endothelium independent relaxation of bovine pulmonary artery. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that NOHA is a biosynthetic intermediate in the production of nitric oxide from arginine. N omega-Hydroxy-L-arginine causes both endothelium dependent and endothelium independent vasorelaxation, similar to that of arginine. This NOHA elicited relaxation was also inhibitable by N-methylarginine, N-nitroarginine and N-aminoarginine.
Dual conductivity/amperometric detection system for microchip capillary electrophoresis.

The performance characteristics and advantages of a new dual electrochemical microchip detection system based on simultaneous conductivity and amperometric measurements are described. The system relies on the combination of a contactless conductivity detector with an end-column thick-film amperometric detector. Such coupling of the conductivity and amperometric detection modes in a single separation channel greatly enhances the sample characterization to offer simultaneous measurements of both ionic and electroactive species, improved reproducibility, and confirmation of peak identity. The simultaneous measurement of nitroaromatic and ionic explosives is used for demonstrating the ability to detect both electroactive and ionic species. Major improvements are also observed for analytes responding at both detectors. For example, the generation of dual response ratios can be used to improve the reproducibility and confirm the peak identity/integrity. Such dual response ratios reflect the distinct redox and c...
Incidentally Discovered Pancreatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia: What Is Its Clinical Significance?

Pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) is a presumed precursor of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We assessed the relationship between incidental PanIN after resection of non-adenocarcinoma lesions and the development of metachronous PDAC in the remnant. We retrospectively reviewed the clinicopathologic data of patients who underwent pancreatectomy for non-PDAC from January 2000 to January 2010. Intraductal papillary mucinous lesions were excluded. All available postoperative imaging and clinical follow-up data were reviewed; the risk of developing PDAC was assessed in patients with a minimum follow-up time of 6 months and with imaging studies available for review. A total of 584 patients were analyzed. Median age was 59 years (range 10–85 years), and 338 (58 %) were female. The most common lesions for which resection was performed were serous cystic neoplasms (17 %), pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (38 %), metastatic tumors (9 %), and mucinous cystic neoplasms (7 %). PanIN was identified in 153 (26 %) patients. The majority of these patients had PanIN-1 or -2 (50 and 41 %, respectively), whereas 13 (8 %) had PanIN-3. Of the 506 (87 %) patients with adequate follow-up (median 3.7 years, range 0.5–12.6 years), 1 patient (0.2 %) with PanIN identified at the time of initial resection developed cancer in the remnant. This occurred 4.4 years after a distal pancreatectomy in the setting of PanIN-1B. No patient with PanIN-3 developed cancer during follow-up. PanIN was identified in 26 % of patients who underwent resection for histopathology other than PDAC. The presence of PanIN of any grade did not result in an appreciable cancer risk in the pancreatic remnant after short-term follow-up.
UAV obstacle avoidance using image processing techniques

Novel algorithms were developed for use on a low-price, consumer four-rotor helicopter with limited on-board computational capacity. Simplified occupancy grid maps, basic wall-following and obstacle avoidance were constructed from laser rangefinder data using image processing primitives in OpenCV. These algorithms generated obstacle free paths along walls in preliminary testing. The resulting system will allow untrained and unskilled users to teleoperate a low-cost flight platform, assembled from commercially available parts for remote exploration in quasi-static indoor environments.
Global optimization by multilevel search

A new approach to the global optimization of functions with extremely rugged graphs is introduced. This multilevel search method is both an algorithm and a meta-algorithm, a logic for regulating optimization done by other algorithms. First, it is examined in the one-dimensional case theoretically and through simple examples. Then, to deal with higher dimensions, multilevel search is combined with the Monte Carlo method; this hybrid algorithm is tested on standard problems and is found to perform extremely well for a derivative-free method.
OPTIMIZATION OF GUAVA JUICE AND POWDER PRODUCTION

Enzyme treatment of guava puree was optimized for yield and clarity by first determining the most effective concentration, then varying both incubation time and temperature. Application of Pectinex Ultra SP-L® was optimal using 700 ppm enzyme for 1.5 h at 50C. Clarified guava juice was clearer (89.6%) when prepared using ultrafiltration (MW cut-off 40-60 kDa) rather than plate and frame filtration (82.8%); however, the latter was higher in both soluble solids and ascorbic acid. Clarified guava juice powders were made using freeze-drying, spray drying and tunnel drying. The freeze-dried product had superior quality; however, the spray-dried product was stable and may be more economical. Sensory panelists ranked the cloudy juice prepared from aseptic guava puree highest, and there were no significant differences between the juices from pasteurized, clear nectar, freeze-dried puree powder or juice powder. Cette etude optimise, dans une premiere partie, le traitement enzymatique (concentration, temps, temperature) pour obtenir un jus de goyave trouble avec un rendement maximum, retenir l'acide ascorbique et maitriser les couts. Elle evalue ensuite l'ultrafiltration et la filtration a plateaux sur le flux, la turbidite, la retention en acide ascorbique et la teneur en solides solubles du jus clarifie. Elle prepare, enfin, des poudres de goyave des methodes de lyophilisation, sechage en aspersion ou en tunnel et evalue les effets de la deshydratation sur les proprietes physicochimiques.
Preparation of Cu-TiN alloy by external nitridation in combination with mechanical alloying

Abstract A copper alloy dispersion strengthened by TiN was prepared by external nitridation in combination with mechanical alloying. After mechanical alloying pure Cu and Ti powders, a Cu-3wt.%Ti solid solution was formed. These powders were nitrided at 1073 K, resulting in a TiN layer on the surface of the copper powders. Further mechanical alloying was very efficient in breaking down the TiN surface layers. A very fine uniform distribution of nanosized TiN was obtained. The resulting copper alloy had a grain size of about 150 nm in diameter after annealing at 1173 K in vacuum for 5.4 ks, and showed a very high room temperature hardness value of 251 kg mm −2 which was independent of annealing temperature below 1173 K.
Understanding Differences in Opinion and ‘Facts’ Between Ombudsmen, Police Chiefs, and Nursing Home Directors

ABSTRACT Past research has considered whether those involved in responding to elder abuse perceive and respond to elder abuse in similar ways. The current research builds on this past research by considering whether differences between the groups are based on opinions or misperceptions. Surveys of 119 police chiefs and 73 nursing home directors from four states, and 205 ombudsmen from twenty-six states were gathered and analyzed. Results suggest that the differences between the groups are based more on misinformation (e.g., beliefs about crime patterns and the quality of nursing homes) rather than opposing philosophies (e.g., beliefs about issues that stem from individuals' values).
Shallow-Solar-Zenith-Angle Control of Topside Ionospheric Parameters

STRONG latitudinal variations in topside ionospheric electron densities and scale heights occurred during the overall sunrise period October 28, 1963, to November 21, 1963 (ref. 1). The raw data of ref. 1 were some 600 ionograms obtained by the Alouette I topside sounder as it traversed above regions near and over the North American continent which was experiencing local sunrise at ionospheric heights. Here I report variations in topside electron densities, scale heights and related parameters at fixed latitudes (45° N, 55° N, 60° N geomagnetic latitude) with solar zenith angle at local sunrise during the time period mentioned
How does a protein unfold on a reversed-phase liquid chromatography surface? ☆

Nuclear magnetic resonance and isotope-exchange techniques were used to study unfolding of lysozyme adsorbed to reversed-phase liquid chromatography surfaces. All surfaces resulted in significant amide exchange, indicating solvent exposure and some loss of native structure. However, none of the surfaces resulted in complete exchange. The greatest amount of structure was preserved on the C4 silica, with the most protection in the α-helix domain. C18 silica and Source RPLC resulted in much greater solvent exposure. No simple correlation was found between chromatographic retention and degree of surface unfolding. Variations in residual conformation may explain the complex retention behavior of proteins vs. small molecules.
Spatial distribution of ectomycorrhizal mats in coniferous forests of the Pacific Northwest, USA

Ectomycorrhizal mats in forest soils have a wide global distribution and have been noted as potentially important elements in forest soil nutrient cycling. To elucidate the relationship between ectomycorrhizal mats and their environment, we undertook field studies and spatial analyses of mat distributions at different spatial scales. We used two experimental approaches to study mat-forming ectomycorrhizal fungi in coniferous forests of the Pacific Northwest in the United States. In the first approach, ectomycorrhizal mats and other forest floor features were mapped in 2 × 10 m plots and digitized into a geographical information system (GIS) for spatial pattern analysis. In order to examine larger-scale phenomena, a second approach involving other sites was taken; soil cores were taken along 30-m transects, and distance to the closest living potential host tree was calculated for each core. Mat patterns were studied at two scales: (1) within-stand level (i.e. variability attributed to distribution of other mat species, forest floor attributes, and understory vegetation); and (2) stand level (i.e. variability expressed along a successional gradient). Mat distribution was influenced by: (1) the proximity of one mat to another; (2) the distance from the mat to the closest living tree; (3) the density of living trees in a stand; and (4) the successional stage of the stand. Although GIS analysis indicated that mats of different morphologies did not physically overlap, there was a tendency for clustering of mats. No apparent correlations were observed between forest floor features and mats located within the 2 × 10 m grids. On the scale of tens of meters, mats decreased with distance from the closest potential host tree. Spatial patterns of mat distributions in harvested sites suggest that these mats may persist at least 2 years after their host trees have been cut. For Gautieria mats, total mat area, size, and frequency differed with stand age. This study has demonstrated the importance of both spatial scaling and forest stand age when the natural distribution of mycorrhizal fungi is examined. Results suggest the need for mat research directed at higher-order scales (e.g. stand and watershed) that will provide accurate information for managing forests to ensure their survival and normal function. ei]J H Graham
Visual Perception of Accelerated Nitrogen Nuclei interacting with the Human Retina

Visual phenomena have now been observed in high-energy nitrogen beams produced at the Berkeley Bevatron. Using a nitrogen beam deflected at about 266 MeV/nucleon, three scientifically trained subjects made a series of observations. These observations confirm earlier hypotheses and argue for electronic excitation in or near the outer segments as the important mechanism. A picture showing a simplified anatomy of the left eye in horizontal section is presented. Three regions where various beam positions intercepted visual nervous structures are indicated.
A simple synthesis of choline alkyl phosphates

Abstract Alkyl (2-dimethylamino)ethyl methyl phosphates are prepared and isomerize smoothly to the corresponding alkyl choline phosphates.
An Induced Sorghum Mutant Population Suitable for Bioenergy Research

The sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] inbred line BTx623 has served as a parent for development of several mapping populations, also providing a source for the generation of DNA libraries for physical mapping, and as the inbred line selected for sorghum genome sequencing. Since genetic mapping, physical mapping and genome sequencing are all based on the same inbred line, these genetic resources have made the genome study of sorghum very efficient. However, in comparison with other model species, there is one important genetic resource still missing in the sorghum research community, a mutant population. A systematically annotated mutant population will facilitate many avenues of research, especially those focusing on functional genomics and bioenergy research. Here we report the generation of a sorghum mutant population derived from the inbred line BTx623 by treatment with the chemical agent ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS). The mutant population consists of 1,600 pedigreed M3 families; each of them was derived from an independent M1 seed. Many lines displayed traits such as brown midrib (bmr), erect leaves (erl), multiple tillers (mtl), and late flowering (lfl), characteristics useful for bioenergy research. Results from our phenotyping and genotyping studies indicate that this mutant population will be a valuable and useful genetic resource for both sorghum functional genomics and bioenergy research.
Crystal Structure and Conformation of a Dipyrrylmethane. The gem -Dimethyl Effect

A crystal structure determination of the new dipyrrylmethane diethyl-2,3,5,5,7,8-hexamethyl-5,10-dihydrodipyrrin-1,9-dicarboxylate (1) is only the third reported for a dipyrrylmethane and the first with a gem-dimethyl group at the bridging carbon atom. Conformation determining torsion angles are compared to those from molecular mechanics calculations and to the corresponding data for an analogous dipyrrylmethane (2) with no gem-dimethyl moiety. The crystal structures of 1 and 2 differ significantly: 1 adopts the +ac,+ac or −ac,−ac conformation, whereas 2 exists in the −ac,+sc conformation in an intermolecularly hydrogen bonded dimer. There is no evidence for hydrogen bonding in crystals of 1, and its ac conformation is unlike that found about the central core of bilirubin (sc,sc). Taken collectively, the data indicate that the presence of a sterically demanding and potentially conformation distorting gem-dimethyl group located at the bridging carbon of a dipyrrylmethane (i) stabilizes a conformation that brings the pyrrole NH groups syn to the gem-dimethyls and (ii) would destabilize the ridge-title conformation of 10,10-dimethylbilirubin.
Nanostructured lasers: Electrons and holes get closer

Nanowires that exhibit very sharp emission due to the formation of quantum states within them have been used to fabricate low threshold current lasers emitting ultraviolet light.
Are we there yet? Design of better conjugated polymers for polymer solar cells

Over the last ten years, polymer solar cells have been developed as an attractive alternative to the traditional silicon photovoltaic devices. Remarkable progress has been made in polymer-fullerene solar cells and several polymers have shown power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) greater than 7%. The most important recent development has been the synthesis of new low bandgap polymers with optimal properties for the solar cells. Herein we provide an overview of the key strategies of optimization of highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels in the design of new low bandgap conjugated polymers. Detailed examples of representative donor polymers, the current state of the art in their solar cell performances and possible future directions for development of new polymers with improved efficiencies are discussed.
Mass fractionation in hydrodynamic escape

We show that mass fractionation occurs during the course of hydrodynamic escape of gases from the atmosphere of an inner planet. Light gases escape more readily than heavy gases. The resultant fractionation as a function of mass yields a linear or concave downward plot in a graph of logarithm of remaining inventory against atomic mass. An episode of hydrodynamic escape early in the history of Mars could have resulted in the mass-dependent depletion of the noble gases observed in the Martian atmosphere, if Mars was initially hydrogen rich. Similarly, a hydrodynamic escape episode early in Earth's history could have yielded a mass-dependent fractionation of the xenon isotopes. The required hydrodynamic escape fluxes and total amounts of hydrogen lost from the planets in these episodes are large, but not impossibly so. The theory of the mass fractionation process is simple, but more work will be needed to put together an internally consistent scenario that reconciles a range of data from different planets. © 1987 Academic Press, Inc.
The immunocytochemical localization of superoxide dismutase in the enterocytes of the avian intestine: the effect of vitamin D3.

Both light microscopical and electron microscopical immunocytochemical techniques were utilized to localize CuZnsuperoxide dismutase (SOD) in the duodenum of normal, rachitic and vitamin-D3-replete chicks. This enzyme catalyses the dismutation of the superoxide anion, a toxic free radical generated during the normal aerobic metabolism of most respiring cells. Light microscopy showed no SOD activity associated with the duodenal enterocytes of normal and rachitic chicks. However, in rachitic animals subsequently treated with vitamin D, i.e. vitamin-D-replete chicks, intense immunoreactivity for the enzyme was seen in association with the apical border of the duodenal absorptive cells. Immunostaining for SOD was not seen in goblet cells. With electron microscopy, immunostaining for SOD activity was identified in association with the apical microvilli and, to a lesser degree, with the terminal web, a well as in association with both lysosomes and peroxisomes. From this report it appears that there is a physiological relationship between vitamin D, SOD and the intestinal absorptive cell. However, the precise relationship must await further clarification.
Tribological reliability of MEMS multilayered thin films

Tribological behaviours of polysilicon and layered metals/polysilicon microstructures are needed to design reliable microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Nanomechanical characterisation of bulk materials of polysilicon and thin films of polysilicon/chromium/gold was carried out in this study. Scratch resistance of these materials were measured using a nano test system. The deformation mechanisms of these materials during nanoscratching were found to be strongly dependent on the loading conditions. In the case of constant load, the scratch depth is proportional to the applied load. Nanoscratch tests with linearly ramping loads suggests that two deformation regimes can be defined; an elasto-plastic regime at low loads, and a fully plastic regime at high loads. Abrupt change of the scratch depth for (Au/Cr/P- Si) tri film revealed the existence of unwanted porosities in the deposited metal films.
Endocrine Analysis of Childhood Monorchism

AbstractPurpose: We characterized follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in boys with surgically documented unilateral absent testes (monorchism) to determine whether measurement of gonadotropin levels could distinguish them from boys with unilateral impalpable cryptorchidism.Materials and Methods: Baseline serum gonadotropin levels were prospectively measured in 43 boys 2 months to 14 years old who presented with a unilateral impalpable testis that was confirmed to be absent at surgery. Control serum specimens were obtained from 63 age matched boys undergoing minor surgery with no evidence of hypospadias, or testicular, hormonal or renal diseases. Serum FSH and LH levels were drawn preoperatively and assayed by double antibody radioimmunoassay. A subgroup of 7 boys with monorchism was also evaluated following gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation and compared to age matched boys with a unilaterally impalpable testis discovered surgically.Results: In the monorch...
Sbil'nikov-Hopf bifurcation

Abstract We derive a 2-parameter Poincare map modeling a 3-dimensional vector flow near the codimension-2 point defined by a Sil'nikov homoclinic orbit to a fixed point undergoing a Hopf bifurcation. In one parameter regime the map reproduces Glendinning and Sparrow's results for the Sil'nikov bifurcation while in another regime it provides new results for a small Hopf cycle with a global reinjection mechanism. The map is analyzed finding primary homoclinic tangencies to the small Hopf cycle. Parameter dependence of periodic orbits associated with these tangencies is described. Global behavior of the tube-like unstable manifold of the Hopf cycle is studied in depth, analytically and numerically, locating its simplest subsidiary tangencies.
Adhesion molecules in cancer: the role of integrins

It has been known for some time that cell adhesion receptors, including members of the integrin family, play an important role in the biology of tumors. Until recently, most of the emphasis in this area of research has concerned the functioning of integrins as adhesive molecules in the invasive and metastatic behavior of malignant cells. Now it has become clear that integrins can function as true receptors capable of transducing signals to the cell interior. Tyrosine phosphorylation seems to be a key aspect of integrin-mediated signal transduction, and a new tyrosine kinase has been described that seems to be important in this process. Evidence is accumulating that integrin-mediated signals can induce gene expression and affect transit through the cell cycle. Thus, the role of integrins in cancer seems not only to involve cell adhesion events, but may also involve the regulation of tumor cell growth and differentiation.
TEACHING FOR RESPONSIBILITY: CONFIRMATION AND THE BOOK OF PROVERBS

Confirmation in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) purports to prepare young church members for responsible participation in the work and worship of the particular congregation. However, empirical data suggests that following confirmation programs, many young people discontinue active participation in the life of the church. It is proposed that a reason for this incongruity may be a pedagogical reliance on homiletic or therapeutic forms of discourse, which effectively undermines the agency of learner and teacher (respectively) in the educational dialogue. This study suggests that a pedagogy based in a “sapiential” mode of discourse discerned through a reading of the forms and stylistic features of the Book of Proverbs promises to honor the agency of both teacher and learner and serve the goal of confirmation in a more congruent manner.
Theory of mind concepts in children's literature

This study examined whether books that are typically read to preschool children contain theory of mind concepts. The parents of 47 preschool children recorded books read by or to their child over a one-week period. The books were analyzed for theory of mind content. It was found that 78% of the books contained internal state language, 34% contained false beliefs, and 43% contained personality descriptors. Thus, theory of mind concepts appear to be an integral part of the literature read to preschool children. These results are discussed in light of recent work on individual differences in theory of mind development.
Religious and Spiritual Issues in Counseling Psychology Training

To explore the kind of training counseling psychology programs provide with respect to religious and spiritual issues, surveys were distributed to training directors or designated representatives of 69 counseling psychology programs in the United States. Responses were received from 40, or 58%, of the programs. Results indicated that programs offered relatively little in the way of formal course work in religious or spiritual issues. In addition, participants indicated that in their programs (a) religion and spirituality were often but not always considered a diversity issue; (b) knowledge about religious and spiritual traditions was not generally seen as important to the expertise of faculty members, practicum supervisors, and therapists; (c) religious and spiritual issues received variable attention in didactic and practicum training; and (d) there was considerable openness to research on religious and spiritual topics. Results are discussed in terms of their relevance to counseling psychology practice,...
The savage city: locating colonial modernity

(2003). The savage city: locating colonial modernity. Nineteenth-Century Contexts: Vol. 25, No. 4, pp. 315-332.
Genetic Algorithms-Based Network Optimization System with Multiple Objectives

In any engineering decision-making process, it is a common problem to formulate a model with multiple objectives and to obtain proper answers. If the objectives are opposing, the problem then becomes finding the best possible design that identifies the best compromise between the opposing objectives. In a pavement management system of a state highway agency, engineers constantly struggle with performance requirements and limited budget. This situation results in an optimization problem with two conflicting objectives. The underlying algorithm of the classic network optimization system was coupled with genetic algorithm (GA) techniques to minimize budget and maximize performance of highway pavement networks in rehabilitation planning. GA is generally considered a powerful methodology in solving multiobjective problems. The data analysis demonstrated that the GA technique is applicable in producing workable solutions to a multiobjective pavement management problem.
Total enterprise simulation performance as a function of Myers-Briggs personality type

This article presents a series of studies designed to research the predictive association between scores on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and performance in the total enterprise simulation. In previous studies by Patz, simulation teams with a high composition of individuals who processed information intuitively and made decisions by thinking (Myers-Briggs types N and T) performed better. Patz found this result across 10 industries, and he reported correlations of greater than. 7. This research, from 12 industries with 99 teams, showed that teams composed of individuals who process information intuitively and use thinking to make decisions did not perform better in total enterprise simulations. The present authors propose that differences in population, game administration, and pedagogical factors may explain the differences between Patz's findings and the present results.
Predicting student performance in a beginning computer science class

This study investigated the relationship between the student's grade in a beginning computer science course and their sex, age, high school and college academic performance, number of mathematics courses, and work experience. Standard measures of cognitive development, cognitive style, and personality factors were also given to 58 students in three sections of the beginning Pascal programming class.Significant relationships were found between the letter grade and the students' college grades, the number of hours worked and the number of high school mathematics classes. Both the Group Embedded Figures Test (GEFT) and the measure of Piagetian intellectual development stages were also significantly correlated with grade in the course. There was no relationship between grade and the personality type, as measured by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI); however, an interesting and distinctive personality profile was evident.
Assessment and Treatment of Abuse Risk in Opioid Prescribing for Chronic Pain

Opioid analgesics provide effective treatment for noncancer pain, but many physicians have concerns about adverse effects, tolerance, and addiction. Misuse of opioids is prominent in patients with chronic back pain and early recognition of misuse risk could help physicians offer adequate patient care while implementing appropriate levels of monitoring to reduce aberrant drug-related behaviors. In this review, we discuss opioid abuse and misuse issues that often arise in the treatment of patients with chronic back pain and present an overview of assessment and treatment strategies that can be effective in improving compliance with the use of prescription opioids for pain. Many persons with chronic back pain have significant medical, psychiatric and substance use comorbidities that affect treatment decisions and a comprehensive evaluation that includes a detailed history, physical, and mental health evaluation is essential. Although there is no “gold standard” for opioid misuse risk assessment, several validated measures have been shown to be useful. Controlled substance agreements, regular urine drug screens, and interventions such as motivational counseling have been shown to help improve patient compliance with opioids and to minimize aberrant drug-related behavior. Finally, we discuss the future of abuse-deterrent opioids and other potential strategies for back pain management.
HIV Integrase Inhibitors Block Replication of Alpha-, Beta-, and Gammaherpesviruses

The catalytic site of the HIV integrase is contained within an RNase H-like fold, and numerous drugs have been devel- oped that bind to this site and inhibit its activity. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) encodes two proteins with potential RNase H-like folds, the infected cell protein 8 (ICP8) DNA-binding protein, which is necessary for viral DNA replication and exhibits recom- binase activity in vitro, and the viral terminase, which is essential for viral DNA cleavage and packaging. Therefore, we hypothe- sized that HIV integrase inhibitors might also inhibit HSV replication by targeting ICP8 and/or the terminase. To test this, we evaluated the effect of 118-D-24, a potent HIV integrase inhibitor, on HSV replication. We found that 118-D-24 inhibited HSV-1 replication in cell culture at submillimolar concentrations. To identify more potent inhibitors of HSV replication, we screened a panel of integrase inhibitors, and one compound with greater anti-HSV-1 activity, XZ45, was chosen for further analysis. XZ45 significantly inhibited HSV-1 and HSV-2 replication in different cell types, with 50% inhibitory concentrations that were ap- proximately 1 M, but exhibited low cytotoxicity, with a 50% cytotoxic concentration greater than 500 M. XZ45 blocked HSV viral DNA replication and late gene expression. XZ45 also inhibited viral recombination in infected cells and ICP8 recombinase activity in vitro. Furthermore, XZ45 inhibited human cytomegalovirus replication and induction of Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvi- rus from latent infection. Our results argue that inhibitors of enzymes with RNase H-like folds may represent a general antiviral strategy, which is useful not only against HIV but also against herpesviruses. IMPORTANCE The herpesviruses cause considerable morbidity and mortality. Nucleoside analogs have served as effective antivi- ral agents against the herpesviruses, but resistance can arise through viral mutation. Second-line anti-herpes drugs have limita- tions in terms of pharmacokinetic properties and/or toxicity, so there is a great need for additional drugs for treatment of her- pesviral infections. This study showed that the HIV integrase inhibitors also block herpesviral infection, raising the important potential of a new class of anti-herpes drugs and the prospect of drugs that combat both HIV and the herpesviruses.
e-Commerce Metrics for Net-Enhanced Organizations: Assessing the Value of e-Commerce to Firm Performance in the Manufacturing Sector

In this study, we developed a set of constructs to measure e-commerce capability in Internet-enhanced organizations. The e-commerce capability metrics consist of four dimensions: information, transaction, customization, and supplier connection. These measures were empirically validated for reliability, content, and construct validity. Then we examined the nomological validity of these e-commerce metrics in terms of their relationships to firm performance, with data from 260 manufacturing companies divided into high IT-intensity and low IT-intensity sectors. Grounded in the dynamic capabilities perspective and the resource-based theory of the firm, a series of hypotheses were developed. After controlling for variations of industry effects and firm size, our empirical analysis found a significant relationship between e-commerce capability and some measures of firm performance (e.g., inventory turnover), indicating that the proposed metrics have demonstrated value for capturing e-commerce effects. However, our analysis showed that e-commerce tends to be associated with the increased cost of goods sold for traditional manufacturing companies, but there is an opposite relationship for technology companies. This result seems to highlight the role of resource complementarity for the business value of e-commerce--traditional companies need enhanced alignment between e-commerce capability and their existing IT infrastructure to reap the benefits of e-commerce.
Towards a Cyber Conflict Taxonomy

This paper seeks to create a practical taxonomy to describe cyber conflict events and the actors involved in them in a manner that is useful to security practitioners and researchers working in the domain of cyber operations. The proposed Cyber Conflict Taxonomy is an extensible network taxonomy organized as a plex data structure. Subjects of the taxonomy are entered as either Events or Entities and are then categorized using the categories and subcategories of Actions or Actors. Each of these categories is further subdivided into increasingly specific subcategories used to describe the defining characteristics of each subject and labeled lateral linkages are used to illustrate the associative relationships between Entities and Events. The categories are organized in both a hierarchical and associative manner to illustrate the relationships between subjects and categories. A prototype of this taxonomy was developed and tested using a test set of recent cyber conflict events and used to explore the relationship and connections between these events and the states, groups or individuals that participated in them. Furthermore, this taxonomy can potentially identify actors across different events based on their similar method of operation, toolsets and target sets.
Natural products that reduce rotavirus infectivity identified by a cell-based moderate-throughput screening assay.

There is widespread interest in the use of innate immune modulators as a defense strategy against infectious pathogens. Using rotavirus as a model system, we developed a cell-based, moderate-throughput screening (MTS) assay to identify compounds that reduce rotavirus infectivity in vitro, toward a long-term goal of discovering immunomodulatory agents that enhance innate responses to viral infection. A natural product library consisting of 280 compounds was screened in the assay and 15 compounds that significantly reduced infectivity without cytotoxicity were identified. Time course analysis of four compounds with previously characterized effects on inflammatory gene expression inhibited replication with pre-treatment times as minimal as 2 hours. Two of these four compounds, α-mangostin and 18-β-glycyrrhetinic acid, activated NFκB and induced IL-8 secretion. The assay is adaptable to other virus systems, and amenable to full automation and adaptation to a high-throughput format. Identification of several compounds with known effects on inflammatory and antiviral gene expression that confer resistance to rotavirus infection in vitro suggests the assay is an appropriate platform for discovery of compounds with potential to amplify innate antiviral responses.
Performance characterization for Gaussian mixture model based motion detection algorithms

Pixelwise Gaussian mixture based background modeling algorithm proposed in S. Stauffer and W.E.L. Grimson (1999 and 2000) has been proved to be robust for many motion detection applications. However, the algorithm is not sensitive to fast motion. One possible solution is to introduce local correlations. Starting from this, this paper proposes to use the Gaussian mixture globally for modeling the distribution of the difference image between the new frame and the estimated background. Experimental evaluation validates the algorithm. Motivated by the demands of selecting the more appropriate algorithm for a specific application, qualitative and quantitative performance comparisons of these two approaches are presented. We proposes three metrics. One is to characterize the pixel level accuracy and the other two are to evaluate the errors in the object level. Pros and cons of both algorithms are summarized.
Priority setting and the ‘neglected’ tropical diseases

In this paper David Canning argues that interventions against 'neglected' tropical diseases should be thought of as investments in human capital and form an integral part of global poverty reduction. He argues that overall burden of disease should not be the criterion for priority setting; if the goal is to maximize health benefits from a fixed health budget then cost-effective interventions should be prioritized. Whilst many people find objectionable the assignment of a monetary value to health, a cost-benefit approach, combining health and economic benefits, would allow the health sector to present arguments to policy makers, based on the rate of return on investment. Since many health interventions in low-income countries have exceptionally high rankings in terms of cost-benefit ratios, this should result in large flows from other sectors to the health sector.
Supporting queries in the O-Raid object-oriented database system

The authors present the query language SQL++ used in the O-Raid object-oriented database system. SQL++ is an extension to the relational query language SQL that adds object-oriented capabilities. It supports object-oriented database capabilities such as subobject referencing, method invocation, navigational queries, and 'implicit joins' while maintaining the relational capabilities and closure property of SQL. SQL++ also has an application program interface that solves the 'impedance mismatch' problem for C++ application programs, allowing them to store and retrieve objects in the database without the need to translate from one data format to another. >
Prevalence and Severity of Urinary Incontinence in Older African American and Caucasian Women

Background. Few studies have investigated the prevalence and severity of urinary incontinence in older African American women. Comparisons of findings with those for older Caucasian women could provide important clues to the etiology of uri­ nary incontinence and be used in planning screening programs and treatment services. Methods. Data are from the first wave of the Asset and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest Old (AHEAD) study. A nation­ ally representative sample of noninstitutionalized adults 70 years of age and older was interviewed. African Americans were oversampled to ensure that there would be enough minority respondents to compare findings across racial groups. Results. A statistically significant relationship was found between race and urinary incontinence in the previous year: 23.02% of the Caucasian women reported incontinence, compared with 16.17% of the African American women. Other factors that appear to increase the likelihood of incontinence include education, age, functional impairment, sensory impairment, stroke, body mass, and reporting by a proxy. Race was not related to the severity (as measured by frequency) of urine loss among incontinent older women. Conclusion. This study identifies or confirms important risk factors for self-reported urinary incontinence in a national con­ text, and suggests factors leading to protection from incontinence. Race is found to relate to incontinence, with older African American women reporting a lower prevalence.
Educación para la modernización: mitos meritrocráticos en China, México, Estados Unidos y Japón

Este articulo critica las concepciones que afirman que la modernizacion economica hace necesaria la meritocracia, y que muestra que los sistemas educativos meritocraticos, lejos de ser economicamente necesarios, retrasan la modernizacion de las economias industrilizadas, pues ensenan curriculos errados a las personas equivocadas. Primero se presenta la justificacion de la educacion meritocratica, basada en la creencia (el mito) de que el talento es necesario para dominar para dominar la tecnologia moderna es escaso. Luego se indica como se aplica esa justificacion en las politicas educativas de China, Mexico, Estados Unidos y Japon, y se muestra como se excluyen a la mayoria de estudiantes de las oportunidades educativas para dominar la tecnologia. Finalmente, se resume la evolucion de esa justificacion para explicar por que es tan popular esa vision mitica.
Insertion of Telomere Repeat Sequence Decreases Plasmid DNA Condensation by Cobalt (III) Hexaammine

Telomere repeat sequence (TRS) DNA is found at the termini of most eukaryotic chromosomes. The sequences are highly repetitive and G-rich (e.g., [C(1-3)A/TG(1-3)]n for the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and are packaged into nonnucleosomal protein-DNA structures in vivo. We have used total intensity light scattering and electron microscopy to monitor the effects of yeast TRS inserts on in vitro DNA condensation by cobalt (III) hexaammine. Insertion of 72 bp of TRS into a 3.3-kb plasmid depresses condensation as seen by light scattering and results in a 22% decrease in condensate thickness as measured by electron microscopy. Analysis of toroidal condensate dimensions suggests that the growth stages of condensation are inhibited by the presence of a TRS insert. The depression in total light scattering intensity is greater when the plasmid is linearized with the TRS at an end (39-49%) than when linearized with the TRS in the interior (18-22%). Circular dichroism of a 95-bp fragment containing the TRS insert gives a spectrum that is intermediate between the A-form and B-form, and the anomalous condensation behavior of the TRS suggests a noncanonical DNA structure. We speculate that under conditions in which the plasmid DNA condenses, the telomeric insert assumes a helical geometry that is similar to the A-form and is incompatible with packing into the otherwise B-form lattice of the condensate interior.
The Collaborative Textbook As Teaching Tool

Creating a Textbook Writing Across the Curriculum activities have been successful not only in improving the art of writing but in fostering a wide variety of other skills critical to collegiate learning, such as conceptual integration (Weiss & Walter, 1980) and interdisciplinary study (Hamilton, 1980). The creation of a collaborative textbook, documents in which student writing representing the bulk of course work is assembled, has been used extensively with young students (Weiss and Walter, 1980). Its use as the exclusive text in a college setting remains unreported in recent educational literature, although this does not mean it is untried. Each semester during the 1992-93 academic year, two sections of undergraduates at Plymouth State College studied introductory psychology without purchasing any text or reserve materials. Students in these sections instead used a Writing-Across-the-Curriculum approach, in which writing and research skills were developed through mutually supporting projects. The students wrote their own textbook after researching key topics, while other students edited their work for accuracy, concepts, and form. All students reviewed and critiqued professional journal research for their semester papers. The students even proposed and wrote the questions on their final examinations. By the end of their term, participants had found, read, and critiqued journal-level research with the familiarity of graduating seniors. They had written an average of two pages of critical essays each week. Three out