cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cellulose spot fire ignition by hot metal particles

Abstract The ignition of natural combustible material by hot metal particles is an important fire ignition pathway by which wildland and urban spot fires are started. There are numerous cases reported of wild fires started by clashing power-lines or from sparks generated by machines or engines. Similarly there are many cases reported of industrial fires caused by grinding and welding sparks. In this work, the effect of metal type on the ability of hot metal particles to cause flaming ignition of powdered cellulose fuel beds is studied experimentally. The materials studied are stainless steel, aluminum, brass and copper. These metals are representative of clashing conductors (aluminum and copper) and those involved in machine friction and hot work such as welding (stainless steel and brass). Cellulose powder is used as a surrogate for natural fuel beds. Particles of various sizes from 2 to 11 mm in diameter are heated to various temperatures between 575 and 1100 ° C and dropped onto the fuel bed. The results show a hyperbolic relationship between particle size and temperature, with the larger particles requiring lower temperatures to ignite the cellulose than the smaller particles. For large particles of all the metals, the ignition boundary is not very sensitive to particle size. For small particles the ignition boundaries are similar for the different metals and sensitive to both energy and temperature. The thermal properties of the metal play a lesser role in determining ignition with exception of the energy release from melting when it occurs. It also appears that the controlling ignition mechanisms by large particles are different than those from the small particles. The former appears to be determined primarily by the particle surface temperature while the later by the particle energy and temperature.
Using shear wave amplitude patterns to detect metastable olivine in subducted slabs

[1] Olivine within the lowest temperature regions of subducting oceanic lithosphere may persist metastably to depths well below the equilibrium phase boundary for transformation to β phase. This may produce a tapering low seismic velocity wedge within the slab in the transition zone; transformational faulting of such metastable olivine has been proposed as a possible explanation of deep earthquakes. Detecting seismic velocity structure associated with metastable olivine within a slab using seismic wave arrival time information alone has proven problematic. Motivated by previous two-dimensional numerical calculations for upgoing and downgoing seismic waves, a three-dimensional Gaussian beam method is used to assess whether the azimuthally varying teleseismic amplitude signature produced by a slab with an internal wedge of metastable olivine is distinguishable from that for a slab with equilibrium transitions. Five slab velocity structures are considered: a thermal model with horizontal phase transitions at the same depths as in ambient mantle, two models incorporating equilibrium transitions within the slab, and two models with tongues of metastable olivine. A depth- and temperature-dependent thermal conductivity term and the effect of the latent heat of transformation of olivine to β phase are included in the thermal modeling. Three-dimensional dynamic ray tracing and Gaussian beam summation are performed for events located at different depths and lateral positions for each of the slab models. For sources near 400 km depth the presence of low-velocity metastable olivine produces relatively complex azimuthal shear wave amplitude patterns compared to thermal and equilibrium models. Comparison with observed amplitudes for four events in the Kurile slab indicates that allowing for internal slab velocity complexity in the transition zone provides better agreement with observations than simple thermal and equilibrium slab models. This indicates that careful modeling of teleseismic shear wave amplitude patterns may have the resolution to detect and characterize the presence of metastable olivine in deep slabs.
Actions of drugs on single neurons in the cat's retina

Abstract The effect of intraarterially and intravenously injected drugs on spontaneous and light-driven activity was investigated in 300 single retinal units. Neurons were excited by strychnine, l-glutamate, noradrenaline, d-amphetamine, acetylcholine and eserine. Strychnine did not abolish light-induced inhibition. Depression of activity was observed after gaba, serotonine, ergometrine, d-amphetamine, noradrenaline and acetylcholine. Cholinolytic and adrenolytic substances blocked the effect of injected acetylcholine resp. noradrenaline and d-phetamine, but did not influence normal spontanous or light-driven activity. Reserpine had no effect on light-inducted inhibitory and excitatory reactions. It is therefore concluded, that neither acetylcholine nor noradrenaline are the main and only transmitters of retinal excitation or inhibition.
Channel-based behavioral test synthesis for improved module reachability

We introduce a novel behavioral test synthesis methodology that attempts to increase module reachability, driven by powerful global design path analysis. Based on the notion of transparency channels, test justification and propagation bottlenecks are revealed for each module in the design. Subsequently the proposed behavioral test synthesis scheme eliminates during scheduling, allocation and binding, as many reachability bottlenecks, as possible. Furthermore, it identifies the control states and provides the templates required for translating each module's test into global design rest. We demonstrate our scheme on a representative example, unveiling the potential of path analysis based techniques to accurately identify and eliminate module reachability bottlenecks, thus guiding behavioral rest synthesis.
Multi-leadership as a teaching and therapeutic tool in group psychotherapy

Summary In summary, the chief disadvantages to a multi-leadership approach to groups seems to arise out of the competitive strivings of those participating. Competition may complicate the supervision and may assume the chief focus of the group interaction at times. The popularity of this kind of group organization has decreased the use of the silent recorder which many supervisors have regarded as a worthwhile teaching technic. On the other hand, the multi-leadership approach has demonstrated its value as a therapeutic and teaching tool: 1) It decreases anxiety in trainee therapists which has a direct bearing on their therapeutic efficiency. 2) The presence of more than one trained observer and participant enhances the perception of events in the group. 3) With the more seriously disturbed patient population, the multi-leader approach enhances the limit setting capability and the direct one to one help where needed. 4) The two-leader approach more closely approximates the family model for therapeutic working-through. 5) Co-leaders or co-therapists are able to provide a corrective emotional experience for patients in terms of respected figures acting and resolving differences in a constructive rather than destructive fashion. 6) As a teaching tool, the multi-leader approach seems to be a useful technique for promoting insight in the trainee into his counter-transference problems and peer relationships.
Application of matrix solid-phase dispersion in the determination of dibenzo[a,l]pyrene content of experimental animal diets used in a large-scale tumor study.

Abstract A method utilizing matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) was developed for isolation and determination of dibenzo[ a , l ]pyrene (DBP) in experimental rainbow-trout diets used in a large-scale carcinogenesis study. A 0.5 g sample of moist ration containing 0–225 ppm DBP (dry basis) was mixed with 2 g C 18 sorbent and benzo[ a ]pyrene internal standard was added to the mixture. Extraction and clean-up were accomplished in a single step by extracting the sample mixture with hexane–benzene 4:1 from a cartridge containing 2 g Florisil ® . DBP was quantified by HPLC on a C 8 bonded phase column with fluorescence detection. Mean analytical recovery of DBP from control diet spiked at three concentration levels was 101 to 107% with relative standard deviations of 1 to 7%. The limit of detection of DBP was equivalent to 0.014 ppm in the ration. Application of the method to verification of DBP levels in trout rations from the carcinogenesis study is described. Control ration (0 ppm DBP) was screened for possible DBP contamination and none was found. This is the first report on analysis of DBP in experimental animal diets.
Presumed appendiceal abscess discovered to be ruptured Meckel diverticulum following percutaneous drainage

A Meckel diverticulum is an embryonic remnant of the omphalomesenteric duct that occurs in approximately 2% of the population. Most are asymptomatic; however, they are vulnerable to inflammation with subsequent consequences including diverticulitis and perforation. We report an 11-year-old boy who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy for perforated appendicitis at an outside institution. During his convalescence he underwent percutaneous drainage of a presumed postoperative abscess. A follow-up drain study demonstrated an enteric fistula. The drain was slowly removed from the abdomen over a period of 1 week. Three weeks following drain removal the patient reported recurrent nausea and abdominal pain. A CT scan demonstrated a 3.7-cm rim-enhancing air-fluid level with dependent contrast consistent with persistent enteric fistula and abscess. Exploratory laparoscopy was performed, at which time a Meckel diverticulum was identified and resected. This case highlights the diagnostic challenge and limitations of conventional radiology in complicated Meckel diverticulum.
Immunoaffinity isolation of the lewis blood group antigens

Extraction, followed by immunoaffinity chromatography on a column of immobilized antibodies is described for the isolation of the Lewis blood group antigens. These affinity-isolated antigens are suitable in organ transplant immunology laboratories for screening potential donors and recipients for mismatch at the Lewis antigen loci.
Use of the interval work capacity test in the evaluation of severely disabled patients.

INTRODUCTION IN ORDER to evaluate the physical condition of the student, soldier, athlete or Olympian, we have at our disposal many tests elaborated upon in different laboratories around the world. The most common are the: Balke, Bergman, Bruce, Harvard Step, ‘Hop’, Letunov, Lian, Lorenz, Martinet, Master, Orange, Ruffier, Ten-Second, Schellong, Schneider Short-Step, Taylor Pack and Tuttle Tests. To load the body with a predetermined quantity of work, these investigators used a variety of machines which forced the subjects to work at either submaximal or maximal work levels. Machines such as treadmills, bicycle and hand ergometers, along with tasks like bench stepping at various levels, knee bends and running in place are commonly employed. It appears obvious that in performing these tests, the subject must be able-bodied and possess basic strength and endurance. A very disabled patient, severely affected by disease or injury, one with a low physical condition, poor strength and endurance, hemiplegia, emphysema, Parkinson’s disease, neuromuscular disease, amputations, or old age would not be able to run the treadmill, step high steps, perform knee bends or cycle the ergometer in the sitting position. In the process of reconditioning our patients, we are using the interval training method to increase their physical condition. To evaluate the patient’s condition at the beginning of the reconditioning program and to study the effect of such programs, we must have some test applicable to all our patients, regardless of their disability. Of the above-mentioned tests, none seemed appropriate in the hospital setting. We were forced to design a test which would satisfy our needs in the process of reconditioning severely disabled patients.
Evaluation of AaDOP2 Receptor Antagonists Reveals Antidepressants and Antipsychotics as Novel Lead Molecules for Control of the Yellow Fever Mosquito, Aedes aegypti

The yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, vectors disease-causing agents that adversely affect human health, most notably the viruses causing dengue and yellow fever. The efficacy of current mosquito control programs is challenged by the emergence of insecticide-resistant mosquito populations, suggesting an urgent need for the development of chemical insecticides with new mechanisms of action. One recently identified potential insecticide target is the A. aegypti D1-like dopamine receptor, AaDOP2. The focus of the present study was to evaluate AaDOP2 antagonism both in vitro and in vivo using assay technologies with increased throughput. The in vitro assays revealed AaDOP2 antagonism by four distinct chemical scaffolds from tricyclic antidepressant or antipsychotic chemical classes, and elucidated several structure-activity relationship trends that contributed to enhanced antagonist potency, including lipophilicity, halide substitution on the tricyclic core, and conformational rigidity. Six compounds displayed previously unparalleled potency for in vitro AaDOP2 antagonism, and among these, asenapine, methiothepin, and cis-(Z)-flupenthixol displayed subnanomolar IC50 values and caused rapid toxicity to A. aegypti larvae and/or adults in vivo. Our study revealed a significant correlation between in vitro potency for AaDOP2 antagonism and in vivo toxicity, suggesting viability of AaDOP2 as an insecticidal target. Taken together, this study expanded the repertoire of known AaDOP2 antagonists, enhanced our understanding of AaDOP2 pharmacology, provided further support for rational targeting of AaDOP2, and demonstrated the utility of efficiency-enhancing in vitro and in vivo assay technologies within our genome-to-lead pipeline for the discovery of next-generation insecticides.
Impact of Pulmonary Vein Isolation on Left Bundle Branch Block Following Tachycardia-induced Cardiomyopathy in a Patient with Persistent Atrial Fibrillation

A 61-year-old man was referred to our hospital with exertional dyspnea. Electrocardiography showed atrial fibrillation (AF) with a heart rate of 116 bpm and left bundle branch block (LBBB). Chest radiography demonstrated pulmonary congestion and cardiomegaly with a cardiothoracic ratio of 57%. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a severely reduced left ventricular systolic function (ejection fraction: 32%), suggesting tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy (TIC) due to AF. Following treatment for congestive heart failure and complete isolation of each pulmonary vein, the LBBB disappeared, with a complete recovery of the cardiac systolic function. This report describes a case of transient reversible LBBB associated with systolic dysfunction treated with catheter ablation.
Must Democracy Be Reasonable

Democratic theorists stress the importance of free and equal discussion and debate in a well-functioning democratic process. In this process, citizens attempt to persuade each other to support legislation by appealing to considerations of justice, liberty or the common good and are open to changing their minds when hearing the arguments of others. They are concerned to ground policy and legislation on the most defensible considerations of morality and the best empirical evidence. To be sure, majority rule remains important in democratic decision making because of the persistence of disagreement. But many have argued that debates over legislation that appeal to moral considerations ought to be given a much larger place in our understanding of the ideals of democracy than theorists have given them in the past. This emphasis on the importance of moral debate and discussion in democracy is characteristic of what I call the wide view of deliberative democracy.
Delamination resistance of two hybrid ceramic-composite laminates

Hybrid laminar composites that are comprised of alternating layers of ceramic sheets and fiber-reinforced ceramic-matrix composite (CMC) layers exhibit attractive mechanical properties, including a high first cracking stress and a high strain to failure. To achieve these properties, a strong bond must exist between the ceramic and CMC layers; otherwise, delamination will occur readily between the layers. The present study focuses on the delamination resistance of such laminates at ambient and elevated temperatures. The deamination resistance of interfaces that have been subjected to mixed-mode loading has been measured for two different hybrid composites by using edge-notched flexure specimens. At low temperatures, delamination occurs by a process that involves multiple matrix cracking within the CMC layers normal to the fibers, followed by cracking of the matrix parallel to the fibers at or near the ceramic/CMC interface. The corresponding fracture energies are typically in the range of {approximately} 100--300 J/m{sup 2}--comparable to the delamination resistance of the CMC itself. At elevated temperatures, delamination occurs via cavitation and rupture of the matrix within the CMC layers at or near the ceramic/CMC interface, with an attendant loss in toughness (to {approximately} 10--30 J/m{sup 2}). The loss in toughness occurs most rapidly at temperatures thatmore » are close to the strain point of the matrix phase; this represents the life-limiting temperature for this class of composites.« less
5000 Groove/mm multilayer-coated blazed grating with 33% efficiency in the 3rd order in the EUV wavelength range

We report on recent progress in developing diffraction gratings which can potentially provide extremely high spectral resolution of 105-106 in the EUV and soft x-ray photon energy ranges. Such a grating was fabricated by deposition of a multilayer on a substrate which consists of a 6-degree blazed grating with a high groove density. The fabrication of the substrate gratings was based on scanning interference lithography and anisotropic wet etch of silicon single crystals. The optimized fabrication process provided precise control of the grating periodicity, and the grating groove profile, together with very short anti-blazed facets, and near atomically smooth surface blazed facets. The blazed grating coated with 20 Mo/Si bilayers demonstrated a diffraction efficiency in the third order as high as 33% at an incidence angle of 11° and wavelength of 14.18 nm. This work was supported by the US Department of Energy under contract number DE-AC02-05CH11231.
The mask error factor in optical lithography

The primary cause of greater than unity mask error factor (MEF) is degradation of image integrity. Mathematical description of image formation reveals the gradual loss of image shape control by photomask features as the critical dimension decreases below 0.8(/spl lambda//NA). The growing contribution of mask critical dimension error to line-width variation prompts generalization of the conventional two-dimensional (2-D) exposure-defocus window (ED window) to a three-dimensional (3-D) mask-exposure-defocus volume (ED volume), adding mask tolerance to exposure latitude and depth-of-focus as the important parameters of a process. The increase in MEF with feature nesting means that the relative importance of sources of line-width variation changes with pattern pitch. Mask improvement is the most effective means to reduce line-width variation for dense features, but lens quality is the most significant factor affecting line-width control for sparse patterns. The approximately 20% higher MEF of dark-field masks, low MEF of alternating phase-shifting masks, and relatively high MEF of assist features all have ramifications on lithography strategies for printing sparse lines. The MEF does not simply indicate a need for high-quality masks, it also sheds light on the critical areas in which improvements are needed for successful lithography, and the disciplines that need to cooperate for successful device fabrication.
Medication Adherence in Cardiovascular Disease

A 66-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with crushing chest pain and ST-segment elevations on ECG. She has left ventricular systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction, 35%) after recent (6 days earlier) non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with percutaneous coronary intervention, including 2 drug-eluting stents. She is sent for emergent cardiac catheterization, is found to have in-stent thrombosis, and subsequently is revascularized. After being transferred to the coronary care unit, she undergoes further workup. Before her previous admission, her home medication regimen included aspirin, lisinopril, atenolol, atorvastatin, spironolactone, furosemide, potassium, and sublingual nitroglycerin. At the time of her latest discharge, her medication regimen consisted of an increased dose of aspirin, the addition of clopidogrel, and a change in atenolol dose, in addition to all other previous medications. During the history and physical examination, it is discovered that she had not filled any of her new prescriptions after discharge from the hospital 5 days ago. She explains, “I already had all my drugs in my medicine cabinet at home.” Nonadherence to medications has been documented to occur in >60% of cardiovascular patients.1 Self-reported adherence to cardiovascular medications in patients who have coronary artery disease is <40% for the combination of aspirin, β-blocker, and a lipid-lowering agent in both isolated and long-term follow-up surveys2 (Table 1). View this table: Table 1. Adherence Rates to Common Cardiovascular Medications The immediate discharge period is a time of high risk for nonadherence. Nearly 1 in 4 patients is partially or completely nonadherent in filling prescriptions after discharge.3 Of the patients who are initially adherent, up to 50% will discontinue antihypertensive medications within …
The critically ill child: acute hepatic failure.

The presumed causes of liver failure in 42 children are discussed. The aim of treatment (summarized in the Appendix) is to maintain the child until the liver function is improved. Other causes of coma must be investigated; hypoglycemia, infection, electrolyte imbalance, or gastrointestinal hemorrhage must be prevented if possible or promptly recognized and treated if they occur. Dietary protein is restricted, and alimentary protein breakdown by bacteria is decreased by oral antibiotics and purgatives. Glucocorticosteroids may be administered. If the deeply comatose child does not improve or deteriorates rapidly, procedures such as exchange blood transfusions should be used. All aspects of therapy may be required in the child recovering from the acute phase or in those with chronic liver failure. The mortality is high, and prevention or early detection of this syndrome is important.
Changing roles for the school mental health professional

Abstract Draws on the experience of an innovative school mental health project, emphasizing early detection and prevention of school adjustment problems, to describe emergent, needed roles for school psychologists. The later include: systematic screening of primary graders and parent interviewing to further early detection; consultation with teachers and other school personnel; and recruitment, training, and supervision of nonprofessional help-agents. Such roles bring early effective services to many children, in ways that optimize their educational and personal development.
DNA in Transcriptionally Silent Chromatin Assumes a Distinct Topology That Is Sensitive to Cell Cycle Progression

Transcriptionally silent regions of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome, the silent mating type loci and telomeres, represent the yeast equivalent of metazoan heterochromatin. To gain insight into the nature of silenced chromatin structure, we have examined the topology of DNA spanning the HML silent mating type locus by determining the superhelical density of mini-circles excised from HML (HML circles) by site-specific recombination. We observed that HML circles excised in a wild-type (SIR+) strain were more negatively supercoiled upon deproteinization than were the same circles excised in a sir- strain, in which silencing was abolished, even when HML alleles in which neither circle was transcriptionally competent were used. cis-acting sites flanking HML, called silencers, are required in the chromosome for establishment and inheritance of silencing. HML circles excised without silencers from cells arrested at any point in the cell cycle retained SIR-dependent differences in superhelical density. However, progression through the cell cycle converted SIR+ HML circles to a form resembling that of circles from sir- cells. This decay was not observed with circles carrying a silencer. These results establish that (i) DNA in transcriptionally silenced chromatin assumes a distinct topology reflecting a distinct organization of silenced versus active chromatin; (ii) the altered chromatin structure in silenced regions likely results from changes in packaging of individual nucleosomes, rather than changes in nucleosome density; and (iii) cell cycle progression disrupts the silenced chromatin structure, a process that is counteracted by silencers.
What a Difference a Ph.D. Makes: More than Three Little Letters *

Several hundred individuals holding a Ph.D. work for institutional money management companies. Gross performance of domestic equity investment products managed by Ph.D.s (Ph.D. products) is superior to the performance of non-Ph.D. products matched by objective, size, and past performance for several performance measures. Ph.D. product fees are lower than non-Ph.D. product fees. Investment flows to Ph.D. products substantially exceed the flows to the matched non-Ph.D. products. Ph.D.s outperform non-Ph.D.s both in pursuit of quantitative strategies and other strategies. Ph.D.s deliver particularly strong superior performance in bear and bull markets. Ph.D.s’ field of study and Ph.D. degree-granting institution ranking are related to performance. Ph.D.s’ publications in leading economics and finance journals further increase the performance gap.
Role-based trust management security policy analysis and correction environment (RT-SPACE)

This paper presents RT-SPACE, a tool suite for authoring, verifying, and correcting RT access control policies. RT is a role-based trust management framework well suited for use in systems that must protect the interests of multiple stakeholders in a decentralized environment.
An AI-based CAD/CAM approach to assess design methodology of a user-specific nonvocal communication device

The objective of this research is to develop an AI (artificial intelligence)-based CAD/CAM system which can systematically analyze the clinical, human, and design factors and automatically generate the specifications for the manufacture of a user-specific nonvocal communication device. AI techniques are integrated with standard CAD/CAM technologies to incorporate the system with both objective and subjective knowledge. This extends engineering analytical approaches beyond the systematic analysis of not only the system design factors, but also the clinical and human factors. It is expected this will lead to better design and lower production cost of the nonvocal communication devices for individuals with various disabling conditions. >
A preliminary archaeological survey of a Tupolev TB-3 (ANT-6) aircraft on Ostrov Rudol'fa, Zemlya Frantsa-Iosifa, Russia

The partially snow-covered wreck of specially-modified Arctic variant of the Tupolev TB-3 four-engine bomber was located at Buhkta Teplits [Teplits Bay], Ostrov Rudol'fa [Rudolf Island] in Zemlya Frantsa-Iosifa [Franz Josef Land]. From data gathered, the wreck was subsequently identified as TB-3 (ANT-6) No. 210. This aircraft was piloted by Boris Chukhnovsky during a failed search for another TB-3 (ANT-6), No. 209, which had been lost in August 1937 during an attempt to fly from Moscow over the north pole to the United States. The Teplits TB-3 (ANT-6) wreck represents both the primary aeronautical archaeology of the triumphs and disasters of the Soviet Union's air expeditions to the pole in 1937–1938 and, at 81°47.5'N, is the northernmost aircraft wreck yet identified.
A CORBA Commodity Grid Kit

SUMMARY This paper reports on an ongoing research project aimed at designing and deploying a CORBA Commodity Grid (CoG) Kit. The overall goal of this project is to enable the development of advanced Grid applications while adhering to state -of-the-art software engineering practices and reusing the existing Grid infrastructure. As part of this activity, we are investigating how CORBA can be used to support this software engineering task. In this paper, we outline the design of a CORBA Commodity Grid Kit that will provide a software development framework for building a CORBA "Grid domain." We also present our experiences in developing a prototype CORBA CoG Kit that support the development and deployment of CORBA applications on the Grid by providing them access to the Grid services provided by the Globus Toolkit.
Coulomb Stress Change Sensitivity due to Variability in Mainshock Source Models and Receiving Fault Parameters: A Case Study of the 2010–2011 Christchurch, New Zealand, Earthquakes

Strong aftershocks following major earthquakes present significant challenges for infrastructure recovery as well as for emergency rescue efforts. A tragic instance of this is the 22 February 2011 Mw 6.3 Christchurch aftershock in New Zealand, which caused more than 100 deaths while the 2010 Mw 7.1 Canterbury mainshock did not cause a single fatality (Figure 1). Therefore, substantial efforts have been directed toward understanding the generation mechanisms of aftershocks as well as mitigating hazards due to aftershocks. Among these efforts are the prediction of strong aftershocks, earthquake early warning, and aftershock probability assessment. Zhang et al. (1999) reported a successful case of strong aftershock prediction with precursory data such as changes in seismicity pattern, variation of b-value, and geomagnetic anomalies. However, official reports of such successful predictions in geophysical journals are extremely rare, implying that deterministic prediction of potentially damaging aftershocks is not necessarily more scientifically feasible than prediction of mainshocks.
Knowledge restructuring in the life sciences: A longitudinal study of conceptual change in biology

This study examined successive and progressive changes in the structural complexity of knowledge held by introductory, college-level biology students and how those changes are affected by the students' primary learning mode and gender. To examine the way learners restructure knowledge over the course of a semester, subjects constructed concept maps at 4-week intervals throughout the term. The maps were then evaluated for structural complexity and change based on the works of other investigators. Results suggest that a substantial amount of knowledge restructuring takes place and that much of it is incremental in nature; “accretion” and “tuning” accounting for 75% of the observed structural changes. Of potential importance, however, is that “radical” changes involving higher order, superordinate concepts are concentrated in the first 4 weeks of the semester. The observed relationships between knowledge restructuring and predominant learning mode and gender of students are potentially significant. The evidence suggests that students who use “active,” “deep” information processing strategies construct more elaborate, well-differentiated knowledge structures. Furthermore, it appears that gender may be an important mediator of meaningful learning. It is particularly notable that where gender differences were found, they tended to favor females. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Sci Ed 81:193–215, 1997.
Virtual Clinical Nutrition University: Nutrition in the elderly-artificial nutrition

Summary Enteral and parenteral nutrition are valid options in the malnourished elderly, both in the hospital and at home. Elderly patients share most indications and complications with adult patients, even though more focus needs to be put on function and quality of life than on mortality.
A TEST FOR DETECTION OF CLUSTERING OVER TIME

The use of the scan statistic in testing for clustering in time is discussed with particular reference to a reported clustering of trisomies in spontaneous abortions in New York City. The scan statistic is the maximum number of observed cases in an interval of preselected length, as the interval is allowed to scan, or slide along, the time frame of interest. A table of the lower tail of the distribution of this statistic is given.
Hexagonal boron nitride for deep ultraviolet photonic devices

This paper provides a brief overview on recent advances in tackling the doping and optical polarization issues involved in the development of high performance deep ultraviolet (DUV) light emitting devices. In particular, recent developments in the exploitation of a novel DUV emitter layer structure based on a hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) and AlGaN p–n junction and doping engineering to potentially overcome the intrinsic problem of low p-type conductivity (or low free hole concentration) in Al-rich AlGaN are summarized. By implementing the wide bandgap and highly conductive hBN p-type layer strategy in nitride DUV emitters, p-type conductivities and DUV transparency of the electron blocking layer and p-type contact layer will be dramatically increased. This will significantly improve the free hole injection and quantum efficiency, reduce the operating voltage and heat generation, and increase the device operating lifetime. The growth of undoped and Mg-doped p-type hBN via a metal organic chemical vapor deposition technique has been studied. Furthermore, p-hBN/n-AlGaN p–n junctions have been fabricated and characterized to demonstrate the feasibility and potential of p-hBN/n-AlGaN p–n heterostructure based DUV light emitting devices. Further improvements in material quality, p-type conductivity control and device processing procedures would enhance the properties of these p–n structures, which could ultimately pave the way towards the realization of high efficiency nitride DUV photonic devices.
CS-dependent response probability in an auditory masked-detection task: considerations based on models of Pavlovian conditioning.

Experimental studies were performed using a Pavlovian-conditioned eyeblink response to measure detection of a variable-sound-level tone (T) in a fixed-sound-level masking noise (N) in rabbits. Results showed an increase in the asymptotic probability of conditioned responses (CRs) to the reinforced TN trials and a decrease in the asymptotic rate of eyeblink responses to the nonreinforced N presentations as a function of the sound level of the T. These observations are consistent with expected behaviour in an auditory masked detection task, but they are not consistent with predictions from a traditional application of the Rescorla–Wagner or Pearce models of associative learning. To implement these models, one typically considers only the actual stimuli and reinforcement on each trial. We found that by considering perceptual interactions and concepts from signal detection theory, these models could predict the CS dependence on the sound level of the T. In these alternative implementations, the animal’s response probabilities were used as a guide in making assumptions about the “effective stimuli”.
Stabilizing Plutonium to Reduce Risk to the Public and Workers

At the end of the Cold War, the United States shut down its facilities for the production of nuclear weapons. Many materials, including plutonium, were left in conditions that were unsuitable for storage. Without proper packaging, metals will corrode, forming fine radioactive particles. Radioactive materials packaged with plastic or under humid conditions can pressurize and breach containers. These conditions could lead to radiological hazards.
Hypercube clock synchronization

Algorithms for synchronizing the times and frequencies of the clocks of Intel and Ncube hypercube multiprocessors are presented. Bounds for the error in estimating clock offsets and frequencies are formulated in terms of the clock read error and message transmission time. Clock and communication performance of the Ncube and Intel hypercubes are analysed, and performance of the synchronization algorithms is presented.
Hope for the short-term use of nanorough metallic implant formulations in the clinical arena.

Evaluation of: Webster TJ, Ejiofor JU: Increased osteoblast adhesion on nanophase metals: Ti, Ti6Al4V, and CoCrMo. Biomaterials 25, 4731–4739 (2004) [1]. This article reviews a recent paper published in the field of nanotechnology as related to orthopedic implant formulations. Webster and Ejiofor have developed and characterized metals with nanoroughness and have evaluated their efficacy in an in vitro (cellular) setting. The bone-adhesive properties of these materials were found to surpass material formulations that are used currently in the design of orthopedic implants, including hip replacements. Follow-up experiments should focus on other bone and competitive cell lines, examination of subsequent cell functions, such as bone deposition, and testing in the complex in vivo environment of the human body. If successful, this foundation set of experiments will undoubtedly revolutionize the field of bone tissue engineering and replacement.
Immobilization of enzymes on activated carbon: Properties of immobilized glucoamylase, glucose oxidase, and gluconolactonase

Apparent kinetics and pH–activity relationships have been determined for glucoamylase and glucose oxidase immobilized on activated carbon using a diimide method. Reaction rate expressions of Michaelis–Menten form adequately approximate the observed kinetics for both enzyme preparations over the ranges of substrate concentrations considered. Influences of external mass transfer as well as substrate and product adsorption on interpretation of the experimental data have been examined. Immobilization of a glucose oxidase–gluconolactonase enzyme mixture has been found to increase substantially the ratio of gluconolactonase to glucose oxidase activities compared to the corresponding activity ratio for these enzymes in solution.
Glutamate Synapses in Human Cognitive Disorders

Accumulating data, including those from large genetic association studies, indicate that alterations in glutamatergic synapse structure and function represent a common underlying pathology in many symptomatically distinct cognitive disorders. In this review, we discuss evidence from human genetic studies and data from animal models supporting a role for aberrant glutamatergic synapse function in the etiology of intellectual disability (ID), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and schizophrenia (SCZ), neurodevelopmental disorders that comprise a significant proportion of human cognitive disease and exact a substantial financial and social burden. The varied manifestations of impaired perceptual processing, executive function, social interaction, communication, and/or intellectual ability in ID, ASD, and SCZ appear to emerge from altered neural microstructure, function, and/or wiring rather than gross changes in neuron number or morphology. Here, we review evidence that these disorders may share a common underlying neuropathy: altered excitatory synapse function. We focus on the most promising candidate genes affecting glutamatergic synapse function, highlighting the likely disease-relevant functional consequences of each. We first present a brief overview of glutamatergic synapses and then explore the genetic and phenotypic evidence for altered glutamate signaling in ID, ASD, and SCZ.
Felt Authenticity and Demonstrating Transformational Leadership in Faith Communities

This study examined relations between felt authenticity and transformational leadership behaviors of 184 Christian faith community leaders. Felt authenticity was examined across 4 roles associated with transformational leadership behaviors: inspirational motivation in the visionary leader role, idealized influence in the positive role model role, intellectual stimulation in the champion of change role, and individualized consideration in the coach and mentor role. These roles were generally found to be positively related to specific behaviors of transformational leadership required for the role. Results also indicated that leaders exhibit different levels of transformational leadership behaviors within the same role with general consistency across roles.
Spectroscopy and Development of Solid State Lasers at NASA

NASA Langley has developed expeditious methods of evaluating new laser materials and laser systems using quantum mechanical and energy transfer models. Veracity of these models has been tested against measured spectroscopic parameters as well as measured laser amplifier performance. In particular, these methods have been applied to the development of 2.0 µm laser such as the Ho:Tm laser materials.
Sexual Orientation and Risk

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Sexual orientation and risk of pregnancy among New York City high-school students" by L.L. Lindley and K.M. Walsemann and published in a previous issue.
A demonstration of linked data source discovery and integration

The Linked Data cloud is an enormous repository of data, but it is difficult for users to find relevant data and integrate it into their datasets. Users can navigate datasets in the Linked Data cloud with ontologies, but they lack detailed characterization of datasets' contents. We present an approach that leverages r2rml mappings to characterize datasets. Our demonstration shows how users can easily create r2rml mappings for their datasets and then use these mappings to find data from the Linked Data cloud and integrate it into their datasets.
Thermal Stability Comparison of Nanocrystalline Fe-Based Binary Alloy Pairs

The widely recognized property improvements of nanocrystalline (NC) materials have generated significant interest; yet, they have been difficult to realize in engineering applications due to the propensity for grain growth in these interface-dominated systems. Although traditional pathways to thermal stabilization can slow the mobility of grain boundaries, recent theories suggest that solute segregation in NC alloys can reduce the grain boundary energy such that thermodynamic stabilization is achieved. Following the predictions of Murdoch et al., here we compare for the first time the thermal stability of a predicted NC stable alloy (Fe-10 at.% Mg) with a predicted non-NC stable alloy (Fe-10 at.% Cu) using the same processing and characterization methodologies. Results show improved thermal stability of the Fe-Mg alloy in comparison with the Fe-Cu, and thermally-evolved microstructures that are consistent with those predicted by Monte Carlo simulations.
Characterization and Engineering of the Adenylation Domain of a NRPS-Like Protein: A Potential Biocatalyst for Aldehyde Generation.

The adenylation (A) domain acts as the first “gate-keeper” to ensure the activation and thioesterification of the correct monomer to nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs). Our understanding of the specificity-conferring code and our ability to engineer A domains are critical for increasing the chemical diversity of nonribosomal peptides (NRPs). We recently discovered a novel NRPS-like protein (ATEG_03630) that can activate 5-methyl orsellinic acid (5-MOA) and reduce it to 2,4-dihydroxy-5,6-dimethyl benzaldehyde. A NRPS-like protein is much smaller than multidomain NRPSs, but it still represents the thioesterification half-reaction, which is otherwise missed from a stand-alone A domain. Therefore, a NRPS-like protein may serve as a better model system for A domain engineering. Here, we characterize the substrate specificity of ATEG_03630 and conclude that the hydrogen-bond donor at the 4-position is crucial for substrate recognition. Next, we show that the substrate specificity of ATEG_03630 can be engi...
Depression and Co-Occurring Health Determinants of Hispanic Men with HIV Infection in the U.S.-Mexico Border Region: A Pilot Study.

ABSTRACTHIV infection among Hispanic men is a public health concern. Certain factors have been identified that may contribute to the high rates of HIV infection among Hispanic men such as migration, acculturation, poverty, and depression. These men are at risk for additional co-occurring health issues. Given limited research, few studies have focused specifically on Hispanic men with HIV infection residing in a U.S.-Mexico border community. This pilot study surveyed participants (n = 39) to better understand co-occurrence of health determinants, especially depression among Hispanic men with HIV infections. The study's findings indicate that clinicians need to be aware that certain factors may influence depression among people with Hispanic men with HIV infection. Clinicians also need awareness of the impact of depression on adherence to HIV care and treatment among Hispanic men with HIV infection. More research is needed to explore the relationship of HIV-related stigma, HIV disclosure, social support, an...
The Water Cycle and Global Warming

Water naturally cycles through different reservoirs where it remains for various amounts of time (residence time) in each reservoir, giving the impression that there is plenty of water available. Most of the water, however, is either saline or stored in ice. The spatial distribution of the components of the cycle – precipitation and evaporation (including evapotranspiration) – shows its strong link to atmospheric circulation and, in turn, climate. Introduction Water is ubiquitous on the planet Earth, and within the solar system, Earth can be uniquely characterized as the water planet. The presence of water in its three states – solid, liquid, and water vapor – is a basic characteristic of Earth, a necessary requirement for life, and, to a large extent, a controlling factor of climate and the climate response to extraneous influences, including human activities. Most of the water on Earth is located in the oceans that cover more than 70% of the planetary surface. The oceans are where life originated about 3.5 billion years ago, and they remain home for a great many living species. The availability of fresh water, which makes life possible on Earth's continents, results from the cycling of water: evaporation from the ocean into the atmosphere, which leaves salt behind, and precipitation from the atmosphere back to the surface. The water falling over land is stored in surface water bodies like lakes or artificial reservoirs, runs off in rivers, or percolates through soil to fill underground reservoirs or aquifers where it can be extracted as the need arises.
Cerebrospinal fluid cytokines in the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis in infants

Bacterial meningitis poses diagnostic challenges in infants. Antibiotic pretreatment and low bacterial density diminish cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture yield, while laboratory parameters do not reliably identify bacterial meningitis. Pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines are elevated in bacterial meningitis and may be useful diagnostic adjuncts when CSF cultures are negative. In a prospective cohort study of infants, we used cytometric bead arrays to measure tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 (IL-1), IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-12 in CSF. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses and Principal component analysis (PCA) were used to determine cytokine combinations that identified bacterial meningitis. Six hundred and eighty four infants < 6 mo were included; 11 had culture-proven bacterial meningitis. IL-6 and IL-10 were the individual cytokines possessing greatest accuracy in diagnosis of culture proven bacterial meningitis (ROC analyses; area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) 0.91; 0.9103 respectively), and performed as well as, or better than combinations identified using ROC and PCA. CSF cytokines were highly correlated with each other and with CSF white blood cell count (WBC) counts in infants with meningitis. A subset of antibiotic pretreated culture-negative subjects demonstrated cytokine patterns similar to culture positive subjects. CSF cytokine levels may aid diagnosis of bacterial meningitis, and facilitate decision-making regarding treatment for culture negative meningitis.