cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trusted Integrated Circuits: A Nondestructive Hidden Characteristics Extraction Approach

We have developed a methodology for unique identification of integrated circuits (ICs) that addresses untrusted fabrication and other security problems. The new method leverages nondestructive gate-level characterization of ICs post-manufacturing, revealing the hidden and unclonable uniqueness of each IC. The IC characterization uses the externally measured leakage currents for multiple input vectors. We have derived several optimization techniques for gate-level characterization. The probability of collision of IDs in presence of intra- and inter-chip correlations is computed. We also introduce a number of novel security and authentication protocols, such as hardware metering , challenge-based authentication and prevention of software piracy , that leverage the extraction of a unique ID for each IC. Experimental evaluations of the proposed approach on a large set of benchmark examples reveals its effectiveness even in presence of measurement errors.
Best practice recommendations for data screening.

Summary Survey respondents differ in their levels of attention and effort when responding to items. There are a number of methods researchers may use to identify respondents who fail to exert sufficient effort in order to increase the rigor of analysis and enhance the trustworthiness of study results. Screening techniques are organized into three general categories, which differ in impact on survey design and potential respondent awareness. Assumptions and considerations regarding appropriate use of screening techniques are discussed along with descriptions of each technique. The utility of each screening technique is a function of survey design and administration. Each technique has the potential to identify different types of insufficient effort. An example dataset is provided to illustrate these differences and familiarize readers with the computation and implementation of the screening techniques. Researchers are encouraged to consider data screening when designing a survey, select screening techniques on the basis of theoretical considerations (or empirical considerations when pilot testing is an option), and report the results of an analysis both before and after employing data screening techniques. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predicting Success in Beginning Instrumental Music Through Use of Selected Tests

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility of using several different variables as predictors of success in beginning instrumental music. The variables were: tests of musical aptitude, academic achievement, intelligence, and psychomotor skills measured by a tapping board, a tachistoscope, a visual choice reaction timer, and a rotary pursuit apparatus. A discriminant function analysis was used to analyze the data. All variables were found to make a unique contribution to the prediction of success in beginning instrumental music.
Cultural Trait Transmission and Missing Data as Sources of Bias in Cross-Cultural Survey Research Explanations of Polygyny Re-examined

Ember, Ember, and Low (2007) recently reported male mortality in warfare and environmental pathogen stress as statistically significant predictors of nonsororal polygyny. Two sources of bias can be...
IT professional development and helpdesk support on a shoestring budget or renewable resources

Ever tried to find innovative ways of providing professional development opportunities to your support staff with little or no additional budget for the activities? Ever tried to implement a new technology, like a portal, with no additional budget for support staff? Pima Community College developed two different plans to address the needs of the institution and offer training opportunities to IT technicians and specialists. The Tech Swap program is completely voluntary and provides entry level IT staff with cross training throughout the district. Each technician would spend a day at one of the host campuses to assist in projects, deployments, and troubleshooting. It allows the technician to get to know colleagues, learn how technology is managed at other locations, and in general, learn more about the college. Pima implemented a portal system in the fall of 2006. We had no idea how many phone calls or email messages we would receive from distressed students or employees. We did know that we would need to provide evening and weekend coverage beyond the normal business hours for the first few weeks of the semester. Once again, there was no budget to expand helpdesk support. Instead volunteer participants of IT technicians and computer lab managers worked evening and weekend shifts alongside district IT helpdesk staff to provide service. This presentation will demonstrate how we offered training opportunities to staff and support for a new technology at minimum cost to the institution.
Stereoacuity development for crossed and uncrossed disparities in human infants

The development of stereoacuity for crossed and uncrossed disparities was assessed by means of a preferential looking procedure in a cross-sectional sample of infants aged 2-12 months and by following a longitudinal sample over the first 8 months of life. Crossed stereoacuity was found to develop earlier but at approximately the same rate as uncrossed stereoacuity. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that there exist two binocular mechanisms, one subserving disparity detection and one for uncrossed disparity detection.
Pathology and differential diagnosis of chronic, noninfectious gastritis

The histologic finding of chronic inflammation in an endoscopic mucosal biopsy of the stomach (chronic gastritis) is very common and usually reflects the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection. However, infectious organisms are not always present in biopsy material, and some cases of chronic gastritis do not result from H. pylori infection. Thus, the differential diagnosis of this finding is an important one for pathologists to keep in mind. This review presents the three most common and clinically significant causes of chronic, noninfectious gastritis, namely, autoimmune atrophic gastritis, lymphocytic gastritis, and gastric involvement in the setting of inflammatory bowel disease, especially Crohn disease. For each entity, a brief discussion of its etiology and pathogenesis, a review of the clinical and endoscopic features, and a description of the microscopic findings are presented in the context of the differential diagnosis of chronic gastritis with emphasis on helpful histopathologic hints and long-term sequelae.
Does the gender of school personnel influence perceptions of leadership

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the gender of school building leaders (principals and assistant principals), teachers (including intervention specialist, vocational, literacy specialist, special education teacher, etc.) and other school-based roles (school counsellor, school psychologist, social worker, library media, etc.) influences the perceptions of leadership as measured by the Teacher Working Conditions (2008) Survey conducted in North Carolina Public Schools. The study used analysis of variance techniques on a sample that had been selected through data-mining and propensity score-matching techniques to minimise the effects of disparate cell sizes and multicollinearity of confounding variables with gender. The study revealed that the gender of the respondent did not have a significant difference on teacher perceptions of leadership among public schools in North Carolina although the role of the respondent was significant across all dimensions. The interaction effects between gen...
Irritation factors of sodium hypochlorite solutions in human skin

The recommended concentration for patch testing with sodium hypochlorite [NaOCl] (bleach) is 1%, generally obtained by diluting commercial bleach. In doing so, other active (potentially irritant) components of bleach, especially hypochlorous acid [HOCl] and sodium hydroxide [NaOH], are neglected. Magnitudes of potential irritant species other than NaOCl, such as alkalinity, are ordinarily not labeled on the product, though they may vary considerably between brands. Thus, patch testing with 1% hypochlorite obtained by diluting different brand bleaches can potentially elicit non-specific irritant responses, also depending upon the test volume applied. In this study, skin irritation induced by 24-h patch testing with 20 microliters or 100 microliters, with constant NaOCl concentration (1%) and different NaOH concentrations (0.01-1.0%), was studied in adult human volunteers, by means of visual scores and skin color reflectance measurements. No irritation was elicited by application of 20 microliters 1% OCl-, independent of the NaOH concentration. However, all solutions induced significant irritation in a volume of 100 microliters. Skin reactions did not show a straight pH dose response, a maximum reaction being seen to the solution containing 0.1% NaOH. Skin surface pH values had increased when monitored immediately after removal of the patch material. However, 24 h later, baseline values were again reached at most sites, demonstrating an efficient buffering capacity of human skin, even after challenge with alkaline solutions of pH 13.4. We suggest that a non-irritant concentration for diagnostic patch testing for allergic contact dermatitis with an aluminum chamber, using 17 microliters to 20 microliters test volume, could be as high as 1% NaOCl and 1% NaOH.
Variations in the radiosensitivity of oocyte chromosomes during meiosis in Drosophila melanogaster.

The synaptic stages of meiosis in Drosophila melanogaster females are very resistant to the induction of dominant lethal mutations by ionizing radiation. It is assumed that dominant lethals result from interstitial chromatid deletions, and that almost all potential chromatid breaks are repaired in synaptic cells. The type of dose response curve shown by oocytes at later developmental stages is a function of the degree of chromatid coiling and the presence or absence of an investing nuclear envelope.
Maximum Neutral Buoyancy Depth of Juvenile Chinook Salmon: Implications for Survival during Hydroturbine Passage

Abstract This study investigated the maximum depth at which juvenile Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha can acclimate by attaining neutral buoyancy. The depth of neutral buoyancy is dependent upon the volume of gas within the swim bladder, which greatly influences the occurrence of injuries to fish passing through hydroturbines. We used two methods to obtain maximum swim bladder volumes that were transformed into depth estimations—the increased excess mass test and the swim bladder rupture test. In the increased excess mass test, weights were surgically added to the exterior of the fish, requiring the fish to increase swim bladder volume in order to remain neutrally buoyant. The swim bladder rupture test entailed removing and artificially increasing swim bladder volume through decompression. From these tests, we estimate the maximum acclimation depth for juvenile Chinook salmon is a median of 6.7 m (range = 4.6–11.6 m). These findings have important implications to survival estimates, studies using t...
Development of a Predictive Collision Risk Estimation Scheme for Mixed Traffic

Driven by the emergence of autonomous/semi-autonomous driving technologies, the mixed situation of autonomous vehicles and human drivers is of considerable significance. Toward this end, it is necessary to better understand human driving characteristics so as to predict the actions of the other cars. In this regard, we develop a basic framework for modeling driver behaviors in view of human prediction ability. Through the game theoretic estimation of the counterpart’s behaviors and the corresponding time-evolution of unsafe collision areas, we compute an objective collision model. In turn, we design a human-like predictive perception model on collision with an adjacent vehicle based on the objective collision model and the driver’s subjective level of safety assurance. Since drivers have different safety requirements, the subjective estimate on the collision was designed as a region in which has less safety than the driver’s own safety requirement in the objective probabilistic collision prediction. The region that is subjectively perceived based on the driver’s own safety standard is regarded as a deterministic unsafe region for the driver. That is to say, the subjective perception acts as a collision area with the collision probability of 1 so that the driver should avoid while driving. In our subsequent work, we will address the issue of controller design to avoid the subjective collision estimation.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Countering selfish misbehavior in multi-channel MAC protocols

We address the problem of MAC-layer misbehavior in distributed multi-channel MAC protocols. We show that selfish users can manipulate the protocol parameters to gain an unfair share of the available bandwidth, while remaining undetected. We identify optimal misbehavior strategies that can lead to the isolation of a subset of frequency bands for exclusive use by the misbehaving nodes and evaluate their impact on performance and fairness. We develop corresponding detection and mitigation strategies that practically eliminate the misbehavior gains. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt in characterizing the impact of misbehavior on multi-channel MAC protocols.
The prophylaxis of depressive episodes in recurrent depression following discontinuation of drug therapy: integrating psychological and biological factors

Models of long-term treatment in recurrent unipolar illness ideally should integrate both psychological and biological factors. In earlier reports we noted that high treatment specificity (i.e. good-quality maintenance interpersonal psychotherapy) and high delta sleep ratio were each associated with significantly increased wellness intervals in the absence of pharmacotherapy among patients with recurrent unipolar depression. To determine how these specific factors when taken together are related to length of survival time, we examined the concurrent effects of treatment specificity and delta sleep ratio on wellness intervals using survival analysis. We found significant effects of both treatment specificity and delta ratio on survival time. Seventy-three per cent of the patients in the high treatment specificity/high delta ratio group survived the 3-year trial, while 44% of the patients in the low delta ratio but high treatment specificity group survived. None of those rated low on both variables survived. We also found an effect for individual clinicians on treatment specificity and survival time and noted that the prophylactic effect of treatment specificity was maintained even within subsets of therapists grouped by their patients' survival times. Secondary analyses revealed an effect of patient attitudes on treatment specificity and survival time, although, when taken together, treatment specificity was the only variable remaining significantly associated with outcome. We conclude that patients remain well the longest when pre-treatment delta sleep parameters more closely approximate those of non-depressed individuals and when monthly psychotherapy is of higher quality. The key finding is that high specificity is of significant prophylactic benefit even for patients with a biological vulnerability for recurrence. We also conclude that in addition to therapists, patient expectancies contribute to treatment specificity, and high treatment specificity is, in turn, reflected in longer times to recurrence.
The Correlates of Similarity Estimates Are Often Misleadingly Positive The Nature and Scope of the Problem, and Some Solutions

Research on similarity constructs (e.g., dyadic similarity, personality stability, judgment agreement and accuracy) frequently find them to be associated with positive outcomes. However, a methodological pitfall associated with common “overall similarity” indices, which we term the normative-desirability confound (NDC), will regularly result in similarity constructs apparently having more positive effects than they do in reality. In essence, when an individual is estimated to be similar to another person by common indices, this will strongly indicate that the individual has desirable characteristics. Consequently, the correlates of overall similarity indices can often be interpreted as indicating the beneficial effects of having desirable characteristics, without needing to attribute any additional salutary effect to similarity. We show that this confound is present in overall similarity estimates for a wide range of constructs (e.g., personality traits, attitudes, emotions, behaviors, values), how it can...
Survival and differentiation of adult rat-derived neural progenitor cells transplanted to the striatum of hemiparkinsonian rats

We investigated the survival, distribution and differentiation capabilities of adult rat hippocampus-derived progenitor cells (AHPs) by grafting them into either the intact or dopamine (DA)-denervated adult rat striatum (ST). Furthermore, we tested the effects of the in vivo administration of retinoic acid (RA) on the differentiation of the grafted cells. AHPs, prelabeled in vitro with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and primed with RA, were transplanted bilaterally into the ST of hemiparkinsonian rats. Twenty animals were divided in four groups: three groups received i.p. injections of RA (1.5 mg/kg/day) for 1, 2 or 4 weeks and one group received vehicle injections for 4 weeks. Approximately 60% of the implanted BrdU-immunoreactive (BrdU+) cells were present in either intact or lesioned ST after 5 weeks of transplantation, with a striking widespread radial distribution from the implantation site. The cells became morphologically integrated with the surrounding host tissue, with no evidence of tumor formation. Approximately 18% of the BrdU+ cells were immunoreactive for the glial precursor marker NG2 and occasionally BrdU+ cells co-expressed the neuronal marker TuJ1. This differentiation pattern was similar in the intact and DA-denervated ST. Although further research is needed to find more adequate methods to drive the differentiation of these cells toward the desired phenotypes, the survival, differentiation potential and widespread distribution throughout the ST observed in this study suggest that AHPs may be useful in treatment of degenerative disorders affecting the nervous system.
On the Accuracy of a Common Monte Carlo Surface Flux Grazing Approximation

Particle fluxes on surfaces are difficult to calculate with Monte Carlo codes because the score requires a division by the surface-crossing angle cosine, and grazing angles lead to inaccuracies. We revisit the standard practice of dividing by half of a cosine "cutoff" for particles whose surface-crossing cosines are below the cutoff. We concentrate on the flux crossing an external boundary, deriving the standard approach in a manner that explicitly points out three assumptions: (a) that the external boundary surface flux is isotropic or mostly isotropic, (b) that the cosine cutoff is small, and (c) that the minimum possible surface-crossing cosine is 0. We find that the requirement for accuracy of the standard surface flux estimate is more restrictive for external boundaries (a very isotropic surface flux) than for internal surfaces (an isotropic or linearly anisotropic surface flux). Numerical demonstrations involve analytic and semianalytic solutions for monoenergetic point sources irradiating surfaces with no scattering. We conclude with a discussion of potentially more robust approaches.
Carbonic Anhydrase Activity in the Mammalian Ovary, Fallopian Tube, and Uterus: Histochemical and Biochemical Studies

Carbonic anhydrase activity was localized histochemically in the ovary, fallopian tube, and uterine corpus of seven mammalian species: mouse, rat, guinea pig, rabbit, cat, dog, and human. The enzyme was present in fallopian tube and uterine epithelium and non-vascular smooth muscle, although there was considerable species variation. With the exception of the cat and rabbit, non-erythrocytic activity was seen in the granulosa cells of the ovary and in all species reaction product was present in the surface epithelium. In the cat, no other ovarian sites of activity were present, but, in the rabbit, the enzyme was demonstrated in the oocyte of maturing follicles. Biochemical assays confirmed the occurrence of nonerythrocytic carbonic anhydrase in the guinea pig ovary. The presence of the enzyme in multiple sites throughout the female reproductive tract suggests its importance in reproduction and raises the possibility that inhibitors given during particular stages of conception might be useful as antifectility agents.
LYα TRANSIT SPECTROSCOPY AND THE NEUTRAL HYDROGEN TAIL OF THE HOT NEPTUNE GJ 436b

To date, more than 750 planets have been discovered orbiting stars other than the Sun. Two sub-classes of these exoplanets, "hot Jupiters" and their less massive counterparts "hot Neptunes," provide a unique opportunity to study the extended atmospheres of planets outside of our solar system. We describe here the first far-ultraviolet transit study of a hot Neptune, specifically GJ 436b, for which we use Hubble Space Telescope/Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph Lyα spectra to measure stellar flux as a function of time, observing variations due to absorption from the planetary atmosphere during transit. This analysis permits us to derive information about atmospheric extent, mass-loss rate from the planet, and interactions between the star and planet. We observe an evolution of the Lyα lightcurve with a transit depth of GJ 436b from 8.8% ± 4.5% near mid-transit, to 22.9% ± 3.9% ~2 hr after the nominal geometric egress of the planet. Using data from the time-tag mode and considering astrophysical noise from stellar variability, we calculate a post-egress occultation of 23.7% ± 4.5%, demonstrating that the signature is statistically significant and of greater amplitude than can be attributed to stellar fluctuations alone. The extended egress absorption indicates the probable existence of a comet-like tail trailing the exoplanet. We calculate a mass-loss rate for GJ 436b in the range of 3.7 × 106-1.1 × 109 g s–1, corresponding to an atmospheric lifetime of 4 × 1011-2 × 1014 yr.
Synthesis of 3R-CuMO2+δ (M=Ga, Sc, In)

Abstract Improvements have been made in the single-phase synthesis of 3R CuScO 2 and CuInO 2 by the metathesis reaction between CuCl and AM O 2 ( A =Li, Na; M =Sc, In). A new flux-assisted procedure has also been devised for the preparation of single-phase CuGaO 2 at temperatures near 600°C. Oxygen insertion into CuScO 2 and CuInO 2 has been examined by heating samples in air to a temperature of 450°C. A single phase of composition CuInO 2.67 can be produced by this method, while oxygen uptake for CuScO 2 under similar conditions results in the production of CuO and Sc 2 O 3 .
Fast high-resolution 3D segmented echo planar imaging for dose mapping using a superheated emulsion chamber.

The superheated emulsion chamber (SEC) consists of superheated droplets of halocarbons in an aqueous gel. The gel resides in a pressure chamber. Brachytherapy sources can be implanted in the SEC for radiation dosimetry studies. Upon irradiation by ionizing radiation, the metastable droplets vaporize to form microbubbles. MRI can be used to determine the distribution of bubbles following irradiation of the SEC. In order to generate sufficient statistical accuracy in the determination of dose distributions around brachytherapy sources, it is necessary to use hundreds of irradiation cycles. Susceptibility-weighted images provide contrast between the gel and the vapor microbubbles. This article describes a 3D, blipped, double-sampled, segmented echo-planar imaging technique for rapidly imaging the SEC at 650 μm isotropic 3D resolution in about 2 min. This method was used with a pressure cycling SEC to acquire hundreds of images in several hours. Results are presented showing the 2D dose distribution generated by an 125I source as measured in the SEC using this new imaging method. Magn Reson Med 49:675–681, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Including Levels in MPC to Improve Distillation Control

This work examines the effects of including levels into MPC for distillation control via rigorous simulation of two different columns: a depropanizer and a propane/propylene splitter (C3 splitter). Three different MPC implementations for distillation control were compared: regular implementation in which the levels are controlled by PI regulatory controllers, direct implementation in which the levels are controlled by MPC directly by manipulating flow rates, and cascade implementation in which MPC moves the set points to the regulatory level controllers. The results show that directly including levels in MPC improves composition control performance significantly for fast-responding distillation columns. The cascade implementation is recommended for columns that exhibit ill-conditioning for the [L, V] control configuration or for columns that require a long time to obtain steady state.
A failure mechanism in AlSiC composites

Divecha et al. (1981) have discussed the advantages of materials obtained by adding silicon carbide whiskers to commercial aluminum alloys, taking into account also certain problems which are related to poor ductility and low fracture toughness. The present investigation has the objective to advance the understanding of the deformation at the whisker ends in reinforced aluminum composites through both observation and analysis. It is suggested that the low fracture toughness of the considered materials is the result of the rapid accumulation of damage at the whisker ends. It is pointed out that the whisker ends are sites of severe stress concentration and intense localized plastic strain. In connection with this situation, voids nucleate and grow at relatively low macroscopic stress levels. The reported studies include an examination of the deformation microstructure beneath the fracture surfaces of specimens with the aid of transmission electron microscopy.
An effective molecular orbital basis selection scheme to calculate resonant frequency-dependent polarizabilities and polarizability derivatives by time-dependent Hartee—Fock theory

Abstract A non-iterative method for calculating frequency-dependent polarizabilities is developed using time-dependent Hartrec—Fock theory. A simple procedure for selecting molecular orbitals and two-electron integrals in this method is proposed and shown to be effective in reducing computational effort.
Investigation of the response time of magnetorheological fluid dampers

The primary purpose of this paper is to investigate the response time of magnetorheological (MR) dampers and the effect of operating parameters. Rapid response time is desired for all real-time control applications. In this experimental study, a commercially available MR damper was tested and the response time was found for various operating conditions. The parameters considered include operating current, piston velocity, and system compliance. The authors define the response time as the time required to transition from the initial state to 63.2% of the final state, or one time constant. Using a triangle wave to maintain constant velocity across the damper, various operating currents ranging from 0.5 Amps to 2 Amps were applied and the resulting force was recorded. The results show that, for a given velocity, the response time remains constant as the operating current varies, indicating that the response time is not a function of the applied current. To evaluate the effect of piston velocity on response time, velocities ranging from 0.1 in/s to 3 in/s were tested. The results show that the response time decreases exponentially as the velocity increases, converging on some final value. Further analysis revealed that this result is an artifact of the compliance in the system. To confirm this, a series of tests were conducted in which the compliance of the system was artificially altered. The results of the compliance study indicate that compliance has a significant effect on the response time of the damper.
Contending Paradigms in Public Administration: A Sign of Crisis or Intellectual Vitality?

This brief article argues that contemporary public administration theory and practice can be well served by the competition between two opposing paradigms, each claiming the status of a disciplinary Weltanschauung. The two approaches in question, one reflecting pessimistic and the other optimistic views on the potential for societal betterment via the improvement of governmental administrative organizations and practices, are well reflected in the works of Vincent Ostrom and Robert T. Golembiewski and their respective kindred spirits. Because the issues that divide these two approaches are central to the question of proper democratic governance in the postindustrial age, the potential exists for a creative contribution to social life by public administration theory.
X1908+075: An X-Ray Binary with a 4.4 Day Period

X1908+075 is an optically unidentified and highly absorbed X-ray source that appeared in early surveys such as Uhuru, OSO 7, Ariel 5, HEAO-1, and the EXOSAT Galactic Plane Survey. These surveys measured a source intensity in the range 2-12 mcrab at 2-10 keV, and the position was localized to ~05. We use the Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) All-Sky Monitor (ASM) to confirm our expectation that a particular Einstein/IPC detection (1E 1908.4+0730) provides the correct position for X1908+075. The analysis of the coded mask shadows from the ASM for the position of 1E 1908.4+0730 yields a persistent intensity ~8 mcrab (1.5-12 keV) over a 3 yr interval beginning in 1996 February. Furthermore, we detect a period of 4.400 ± 0.001 days with a false-alarm probability less than 10-7. The folded light curve is roughly sinusoidal, with an amplitude that is 26% of the mean flux. The X-ray period may be attributed to the scattering and absorption of X-rays through a stellar wind combined with the orbital motion in a binary system. We suggest that X1908+075 is an X-ray binary with a high-mass companion star.
Differences in AIDS knowledge among Spanish and English speakers by socioeconomic status and ability to speak English.

Previous studies have shown that Hispanics know less about acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) than non-Hispanics, but few studies have examined the role of language or socioeconomic status. We used data from a 1998 populaiton-based sample survey of New Jersey adults to compare levels of AIDS knowledge among English and Spanish speakers, taking into account educational attainment and ability to speak English. Spanish speakers, especially those who filled out the questionnaire in Spanish, knew less about AIDS transmission, although their general AIDS knowledge was comparable to English speakers with similar educational attainment. Differences between Hispanics who speak primarily English and those who speak primarily Spanish underscore the idea that linguistic and cultural barriers vary within a cultural group and should be taken into account in the design of AIDS education programs.
Predicting Employee Retention Through Preemployment Assessment

Twenty-first century is seeing changes in the nature of work, the workforce, and employment practices. These changes, along with increased employer need to select employees who will have the best fit with particular jobs in order to increase return on investment, are leading employers toward greater use of preemployment assessments. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of one preemployment assessment tool, the Work Keys skill assessment battery, on employment retention. Participants in this study included 12 companies that had conducted at least 20 Work Keys preemployment assessments based on one job profile using a minimum of three tests. Findings suggest a higher retention rate for those companies utilizing Work Keys as a preemployment assessment tool. This research provides valuable information to employers about their selection and use of a testing instrument. It also should be of interest to community colleges, which often conduct skills assessments for employers.
Risk scores for 30-day mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention: new insights into causes and risk of death.

Abstract Objective To determine the causes and risk of death after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) and to compare the discriminatory ability of the New York State Risk Score (NYSRS) with the Mayo Clinic Risk Score (MCRS). Patients and Methods We studied in-hospital and 30-day mortality after PCI in 4898 patients treated at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, from January 1, 2007, through December 31, 2010, to validate the NYSRS equation with recalibrated predicted probabilities of death. Results Of the 4898 patients studied, 93 (1.9%) died during the index hospitalization, and 36 (0.7%) died within 30 days after discharge. For the in-hospital and 30-day mortality, respectively, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.92 and 0.88 for the NYSRS and 0.93 and 0.90 for the MCRS, indicating excellent discrimination. The NYSRS model underpredicted event rates when applied in Mayo Clinic data (2.6% observed [127 of 4898 patients] vs 2.3% predicted [114 of 4898 patients]), even after recalibration. The instantaneous hazard over time revealed the highest risk of death in the first 3 days after PCI (daily probability, >0.2%), declined to 0.1% until about day 12, and then decreased below 0.1%. Cardiac causes (mainly myocardial infarction) dominated in the first week (83 of 85 deaths [97.6%]) and then decreased to 59.5% (25 of 42 deaths) between 8 and 30 days after PCI. Conclusion The discriminatory ability of the NYSRS and the MCRS for in-hospital and 30-day mortality after PCI is roughly interchangeable. The risk of death is highest during the first 2 weeks and is dominated by cardiac causes of death.
Physicochemical method for determining the total volume fraction of carbides in annealed high-speed steels

Abstract A physicochemical method is described for determining the total volume fraction of carbides, υc, in annealed high-speed steels. The method requires determining the density of the steel (ϱ), the density of the ferrite matrix (ϱα), and the mass fraction of ferrite (mα), then utilizing the equation υc = 1.0 − mαϱ/ϱα. The υc values calculated for six grades of commercial high-speed steels using ϱ, ϱα, and mα data from three previous investigations were found to be much lower than ones obtained in the same investigations by light microscopy. Because values calculated according to the new method were consistent with steel densities and with specific gravities of the carbide aggregates (whereas those reported for metallographic methods were not), it was concluded that the new method yields the correct results.
Diesel particle mass concentration by optical techniques

Particle mass concentrations in the exhaust streams of a variety of Diesel engines have been measured using both a visible wavelength opacity meter and an IR photoacoustic device. We present real-time recordings of the emissions from vehicles operated over the Federal Test Procedure driving cycle. Steady-state mass concentrations of a few mg · m−3 can be measured by opacity and as low as 0.4 mg · m−3 by the photoacoustic technique, but the uncertainty is ~15% in both cases. An uncertainty of ~20% is found in the estimation of total mass emission rates over the Federal Test Procedure cycle by integration of the optical signals.
Delivery Drivers and Long-Haul Truckers: Traveling Serial Murderers

ABSTRACT The article examines the crimes and travels of 22 American, 4 European, and 1 Chinese serial killers employed as regional or long-distance truck drivers. The subjects selected were obtained through various database searches that included LexisNexis(r), Google(r) and the National Newspaper Index(r). The article provides an overview of the offenders, victims, geographic locations, modus operandi, and offender variables. Additionally, the article presents a set of strategies that might be implemented by the trucking industry and law enforcement to prevent or reduce the occurrence of these offenses.
Bruner's Theory of Instruction and Preprocedural Anxiety in the Pediatric Population

This article explores the use of J. S. Bruner's theory of instruction as it relates to preprocedural teaching and anxiety in children. The primary concept of the theory is representation, which is the ability to combine past experiences with current stimuli to translate an event into a model of the world. The enactive, iconic and symbolic modes are different stages of representation. Bruner's theory is compared with different levels of childhood development. From this comparison, a model for instruction is presented. Nurses can use this model for instruction to decrease children's anxiety concerning procedures. It directs nurses to combine a child's current developmental level with an appropriate teaching strategy and guides them in decreasing their clients' preprocedural anxiety levels.
[Bis(3-mesitylpyrazol-1-yl)(5-mesitylpyrazol-1-yl)borohydrido]dichloro(2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenolato)titanium toluene solvate

In the title complex, [Ti(C18H29O)Cl2(C36H40BN6)]·C7H8, the Ti atom is coordinated by three N atoms that are constrained to a facial arrangement by the TpMs* ligand [TpMs* = HB(3-mesitylpyrazol­yl)2(5-mesitylpyrazol­yl)], two chloride ligands and the sterically bulky 2,4,6-tBu3-phenolate ligand in a distorted octa­hedral geometry.
Inter-hemispheric oceanic exchange

The exchange of water between hemispheres is examined theoretically by looking at the behaviour of continuous (double frontal) abyssal currents situated on the bottom of a (parabolic) meridional channel. We used a reduced-gravity (fluid) model with an active lower layer on the bottom of the channel, and a passive infinitely deep upper layer on the top. The topography is the agent responsible for forcing the current across the equator. We first examined analytically the nonlinear, steady, frictionless case and, as a second step, we considered a nonlinear numerical simulation (of the Bleck and Boudra type). We then compared the results of these two (fluid) models to each other and to the solid-balls model of Borisov and Nof which examined the migration of particles in the same cross-equatorial channel. All three models show that, in general, the current (or a ‘cloud’ of solid particles) advances gradually toward the equator without much change to its structure. Upon reaching the vicinity of the equator, the current width (or the distance between neighbouring balls) decreases dramatically. The current (or cloud) then turns eastward, flows rapidly downslope, and rises on the eastern side. The flow (or cloud) ultimately splits into two parts, one progressing northward and the other recirculating and advancing southward. Remarkably good agreement is found between the detailed solid-particles analysis and the new numerical fluid simulations, indicating that the inter-hemispheric exchange is primarily an inertial process that depends mainly on the channel geometry. It is shown that the partition of mass flux between the two hemispheres depends on the way that the solid particles, or the current-jet, impinge on the eastern flank of the channel. In contrast to the very good agreement between the solid balls and the fluid simulations, poor agreement was found between the detailed analytical prediction for the cross-equatorial transport and the numerical solution (even when the viscosity was as small as we could use for numerical stability). However, the analytical solution does give the correct prediction for the position of the resulting currents and their general behaviour. It is argued that the disagreement between the analytically calculated fluid mass transports (which, in contrast to the balls, is subject to a potential-vorticity constraint) and the numerical computations is due to the alteration of potential vorticity. Specifically, the friction alters the potential vorticity of the flow and prevents it from acting as a constraint to the crossing. Though crucial to the crossing, the role of friction is, therefore, passive. It merely allows the fluid to alter its potential vorticity in such a manner that the flow can adapt to the crossing pattern imposed by the geometry. It is suggested that the observed recirculation of Antarctic Bottom Water in the vicinity of the equatorial Atlantic may be a result of our splitting process.
Dual-Excitation Computer-Recursion Method of Separating Raman Scattering from Fluorescence

A new, two-color, e.g., 476.5 versus 488.0 nm, excitation method of recursively separating fluorescence from Raman scattering is made practical by the use of modern computers. The method is first illustrated by a three-color (476.5, 488.0, 514.5 nm) example involving the Raman spectrum from pure water, compared to the total Raman plus fluorescence spectrum from an extremely dilute, red, fluorescent dye dissolved in water. In this case the Raman spectrum from water is visible, weakly, above the more intense fluorescence background from the dye. The method is next applied using two-color excitation, only, to the much more difficult case of a highly-fluorescent, opaque, black, solid diamond composite, whose Raman scattering is obscured, entirely, by intense fluorescence. The total experimental spectrum is dominated by the fluorescence contribution, but the pure Raman spectrum, when finally separated by computation using recursion equations, shows a broad, single peak from diamond, centered at 1330 cm-1, in a...
Utilizing Latent Building Thermal Mass for Dehumidification

Traditionally, attic space in buildings is perceived as a source of nuisance. In winter, moisture condensation on the attic ceiling encourages mildew growth. In summer, the heat buildup in the attic space increases the cooling load. However, if the attic is integrated in a holistic design and control strategy, it can function as a solar energy collector, a heat exchanger, and a desiccant.This research investigates energy saving by optimizing direct and indirect ventilation through the attic to precool buildings and to reduce humidity. The proposed energy saving strategies are examined in a double story house with an attic. The house is located in a moderate-humid climate. The built-up heat in the attic space and outside air ventilation is used to dry up roof construction materials during the day. When outside air cools down during the night but maintains high humidity, the indoor air is circulated through the attic space. The attic construction materials absorb moisture from the indoor air. Thus, indoor a...
Growth deficiency and malnutrition in Bloom syndrome.

Abstract Objectives: To describe the growth and nutritional status of a pediatric population with Bloom syndrome. Study design: Longitudinal growth data from 148 patients in the Bloom's Syndrome Registry (85 male, 63 female) were compiled retrospectively from physician and parent records to develop graphed statistics of weight-for-age, height-for-age, fronto-occipital circumference-for-age, and weight-for-height for both sexes with comparisons with the normal population. Results: Term birth measurements confirm that the growth deficiency of Bloom syndrome has prenatal onset. Stunting persists throughout life, and an adolescent growth spurt is not apparent from the smoothed data. Growth continues by at least 1 cm/yr until age 21 years for both sexes. More than half of children with Bloom syndrome are significantly wasted until age 8 years, which is not related to early death or underlying malignancy. The mean body mass index for adults with Bloom syndrome after age 25 years is low normal (n = 22, mean=20.2 kg/m 2 ). Conclusions: Children with Bloom syndrome have significant growth retardation and wasting. (J Pediatr 1999;134:472-9)
Does seasonal variation affect hallucinations in PD? A longitudinal study

The objective of this study was to examine the chronobiology of visual hallucinations in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients to test whether hallucinations are more severe during darker months (winter) than summer months. We extracted longitudinal data on the UPDRS Thought Disorder (TD) score, taken as part of regular patient management on sequential visits through a 1-year cycle in hallucinating PD patients. To reduce the confounding effects of medication adjustments, analysis was restricted to patients with a baseline evaluation that did not involve a medication change. The primary outcome was the seasonal change in hallucination severity, defined as a change in TD score or neuroleptic use. Using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, we compared the exacerbation of hallucination by season, focusing on winter (December through February) versus summer (June through August). A total of 51 hallucinating patients met entry criteria, and their longitudinal data were analyzed. There was no difference in hallucination severity with changing season; the level of wintertime exacerbation was no greater than summertime exacerbation (P = 0.42). Although hallucinations frequently develop in dimmed environments and evening hours, the darkness of wintertime does not exacerbate hallucinations in PD subjects on stable medications. Because we found no evidence of seasonal variations, we cannot recommend phototherapy or other strategies affecting chronobiological systems as research priorities to treat PD hallucinations. (c) 2006 Movement Disorder Society.
Recent advances in oxide-oxide composite technology

(1999). Recent advances in oxide-oxide composite technology. Advanced Composite Materials: Vol. 8, No. 1, pp. 17-23.
Polymorphisms in the Mitochondrial DNA Control Region and Frailty in Older Adults

Background Mitochondria contribute to the dynamics of cellular metabolism, the production of reactive oxygen species, and apoptotic pathways. Consequently, mitochondrial function has been hypothesized to influence functional decline and vulnerability to disease in later life. Mitochondrial genetic variation may contribute to altered susceptibility to the frailty syndrome in older adults.
Compartment of brain‐type cretine kinase and ubiquitous mitochondrial cretine kinase in neurons: Evidence for a cretine phosphate energy shuttle in adult rat brain

Multiple isoforms of cretine kinase (CK) are expressed in specific cell types as part of an energy delivery or shuttle system. To test hypothesis that neurons utilize a cretine phosphate energy shuttle, we examined the pattern of CK isoform expression and localization in adult rat brain. Two isoforms of CK are present in brain extracts, “brain-type,” or BCK, and the ubiquitin form of the mitochondrial CK (uMtCK), as detected by enzyme activity following nondenaturing electrophoresis and by Western blotting following denaturing electrophorsis. In formalin-fixed and parafinn-embedded sections of rat brain, uMtCK immunostaining is detected in the somata of all Golgi type I neurons in the cerebellum, pontine reticular formation, red nucleus, hippocampus, and cerebral cortex. Immunostainig for uMtCK appears throughout the cell body but not in nuclei. BCK immunostaining is also present in somata of Golgi type I neurons in the cerebellum, red nucleus, and pons and is distributed throughout the cell body and within nuclei. BCK immunostaining also appeared in neuronal processes and is concentrated in the molecular layers of the cerebellum and the hippocampus and in cortical pyramidal cell dendrites. These results demonstrate a coordinate pattern of expression and compartmentation of BCK and MtCK isoform in neurons, which provides an anatomic basis for the transfer of metabolic energy via a cretine phosphate energy shuttle. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.