cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multilevel-3D bit patterned magnetic media with 8 signal levels per nanocolumn.

This letter presents an experimental study that shows that a 3rd physical dimension may be used to further increase information packing density in magnetic storage devices. We demonstrate the feasibility of at least quadrupling the magnetic states of magnetic-based data storage devices by recording and reading information from nanopillars with three magnetically-decoupled layers. Magneto-optical Kerr effect microscopy and magnetic force microscopy analysis show that both continuous (thin film) and patterned triple-stack magnetic media can generate eight magnetically-stable states. This is in comparison to only two states in conventional magnetic recording. Our work further reveals that ferromagnetic interaction between magnetic layers can be reduced by combining Co/Pt and Co/Pd multilayers media. Finally, we are showing for the first time an MFM image of multilevel-3D bit patterned media with 8 discrete signal levels.
Hemodynamic Effects of Anemia with and without Plasma Volume Expansion

Hypervolemic anemia and normovolemic anemia were produced in dogs. Cardiac outputs increased comparably with similar degrees of anemia in the hypervolemic and normovolemic animals. No significant association between right atrial mean pressure and cardiac output was found. Right atrial and pulmonary arterial pressures increased in a degree comparable to blood volume increase. Systemic mean pressures did not change significantly; there was a significant decrease in total peripheral resistance. The results are consistent with the concept that the increase in cardiac output occurring with hypervolemic anemia is related primarily to the anemia and not to the increase in blood volume.
A stochastic model for chemotherapy: computer simulation

Abstract A stochastic version of a deterministic mathematical model for chemotherapy of Bellman et al. [4,5] was formulated by the authors (Math. Biosci.9, 105–117) for a one-organ biological system and, due to the random nature of diffusion of a drug from the blood plasma into the extracellular space in a capillary bed, resulted in a semi-stochastic integral equation with the concentration of drug in plasma leaving the heart at time t as the unknown function. In this article the diffusion of drug into the extracellular space of the organ is simulated using a two-dimensional diffusion process. Values of the concentration of drug entering the heart at time t are obtained and, using numerical integration, a realization of the semirandom solution of the semistochastic integral equation is found. The solution compares favorably with experimental results of Bassingthwaighte [1] and Bellman et al. [6].
On the Bid Price Curve of Intra-Urban Business

This paper is an attempt to generalize the bid price curve of urban firms by considering the production and demand oriented theories together. By applying the powerful envelope theorem, we derive the basic properties and the shape of the bid price curve. Contrary to Alonso, Mai and Richardson, we show that the bid price curve can be straightline, convex to the origin or concave to the origin.
Model licences and interlibrary loan/document delivery from electronic resources

Defines model licences and discusses their importance for both libraries and vendors. Describes several models in detail, and examines their ILL clauses; this chronological survey includes the PA/JISC and NESLI initiatives, the John Cox Associates model licence suite, and the CLIR/DLF/Liblicense model, among others. Discusses how model licences are being used by publishers and consortia, and offers suggestions for using them in the reader’s library
Esterase activity of 5′-adenosine monophosphate aminohydrolase☆

Abstract 5′-AMP aminohydrolase (EC 3.5.4.6) was found to hydrolyze p -nitrophenyl acetate. The enzyme shows a normal saturation curve with this substrate. The transient kinetics revealed two fast processes followed by the slower steady-state rate of phenoxide release. The data are consistent with a single pathway for ester hydrolysis with several longlived intermediates. The data suggest four active sites per mole of enzyme. The implications of these results for the mechanism of deamination of AMP are discussed.
A semi-empirical approach for predicting the performance of mixed matrix membranes containing selective flakes

Abstract A successful model for mixed matrix membrane performance must address the complex geometry of the problem and accurately treat the diffusion behavior of the host–guest systems being considered. Detailed calculations based on the Maxwell–Stefan equations provide a widely accepted means of treating the diffusion of gases within zeolites. However, a full numerical solution of these equations for a complex mixed matrix membrane geometry does not offer the convenience and transparency that comes with an analytical treatment. At the same time, existing analytical equations which were formulated specifically to address mixed matrix geometry do so under the assumption of very simplistic models for diffusion. Here, an approach is presented for predicting the permeability and selectivity of mixed matrix membranes containing zeolite flakes that combines well-known analytical expressions for mixed matrix membrane performance with Maxwell–Stefan modeling for zeolite diffusion. The constant permeabilities required by the analytical models are calculated by the Maxwell–Stefan equations as a function of operating conditions, and these calculated effective permeabilities are used to predict mixed matrix membrane performance at corresponding operating conditions. The method is illustrated through two case studies: normal- and iso-butane separation by a membrane containing silicalite-1 flakes and carbon dioxide/methane separation by membranes containing CHA-type zeolites. Predictions are compared to experimental results found in the literature for both cases. Also, the applicability of the Maxwell and Cussler analytical models for mixed matrix membrane performance is explored as a function of flake loading and aspect ratio.
Neuroprotective effects of the neuronal Ca2+ channel blockers, LY042826 and LY393615 in vivo

In the present studies, we have examined the effects of two new Ca2+ channel blockers, LY042826 (N-{2-[(2-methylphenyl)(phenyl)methoxy]ethyl}-1-butanamine hydrochloride) and LY393615 (N-{[5,5-bis(4-fluorophenyl)tetrahydro-2-furanyl]methyl}-1-butanamine hydrochloride) in the gerbil model of global and the endothelin-1 rat model of focal cerebral ischaemia in vivo. Results indicated that both LY042826 (P<0.01) and LY393615 (P<0.001) provided significant protection against ischaemia-induced hippocampal damage in global cerebral ischaemia when dosed at 15 mg/kg i.p. 30 min before and 2 h 30 min after occlusion. In further studies, LY042826 (P<0.05) and LY393615 (P<0.01) were also protective when administered at 15 mg/kg i.p. immediately after and 3 h post-occlusion. Both compounds also provided a significant reduction in the infarct volume following endothelin-1 middle cerebral artery occlusion in the rat when administered at 15 mg/kg i.p. immediately (P<0.05) after occlusion. This protection was similar to that observed with the NMDA receptor antagonist (5R,10S)-(+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine), MK-801 in this model. In conclusion and as a result of the present studies, we report that the novel Ca2+ channel blockers, LY042826 and LY393615 protect against ischaemia-induced brain injury in gerbils and rats. The compounds were neuroprotective when administered post-occlusion and may therefore be useful anti-ischaemic agents.
Frying stability of soybean and canola oils with modified fatty acid compositions

Pilot plant-processed samples of soybean and canola (lowerucic acid rapeseed) oil with fatty acid compositions modified by mutation breeding and/or hydrogenation were evaluated for frying stability. Linolenic acid contents were 6.2% for standard soybean oil, 3.7% for low-linolenic soybean oil and 0.4% for the hydrogenated low-linolenic soybean oil. The linolenic acid contents were 10.1% for standard canola oil, 1.7% for canola modified by breeding and 0.8% and 0.6% for oils modified by breeding and hydrogenation. All modified oils had significantly (P<0.05) less room odor intensity after initial heating tests at 190°C than the standard oils, as judged by a sensory panel. Panelists also judged standard oils to have significantly higher intensities for fishy, burnt, rubbery, smoky and acrid odors than the modified oils. Free fatty acids, polar compounds and foam heights during frying were significantly (P<0.05) less in the low-linolenic soy and canola oils than the corresponding unmodified oils after 5 h of frying. The flavor quality of french-fried potatoes was significantly (P<0.05) better for potatoes fried in modified oils than those fried in standard oils. The potatoes fried in standard canola oil were described by the sensory panel as fishy.
Assessing the association of walking with health services use and costs among socioeconomically disadvantaged older adults.

Abstract Background. The costs of physical inactivity are beginning to be recognized. Research to pinpoint these costs will provide needed information for researchers and policy-makers to develop cost-effective physical activity promotion programs. We present the association of walking with health services use and costs within a sample of 695 older, urban primary care patients. Methods. A survey provided most data, but utilization and cost data were obtained from a medical records system. Multivariate models were developed to assess the association of walking with health services use and costs, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, chronic disease, health status, and previous utilization. Results. Thirty-eight percent of respondents reported walking 0 minutes per week, 49% walked 1 to 119 minutes, and 13% walked 120 minutes or more. In the multivariate analyses, a report of walking 120 or more minutes was associated with a lower risk of emergency room visit and hospital stay in the subsequent year. No association was found between walking and primary care visits and total cost. Conclusion. These analyses suggest an association of walking 120 minutes or more with decreased emergency room visits (OR = 0.5, P = 0.046) and hospital stays (OR = 0.6, P = 0.034). This suggests that physical activity promotion among socioeconomically disadvantaged older adults has the potential to provide cost savings. This will not be known, however, until physical activity can be promoted and maintained among these adults.
Vapor Adsorption Index for Expansive Soil Classification

A laboratory index defined as gravimetric water content at ambient relative humidity of 75% ( w75 ) is proposed for qualitatively classifying the swelling potential of clays and clayey soils (e.g., low, moderate, high). The methodology is calibrated by comparison with existing plasticity-based and suction-based classification methodologies for a series of natural clays from Missouri and Colorado and clay mixtures prepared to represent a wide range of swelling potential. Procedures are described for obtaining w75 by placing samples in the headspace of an environmental chamber maintained under controlled humidity using a saturated NaCl solution. The proposed methodology has potential advantages over existing expansive soil classification methods because a large number of samples may be tested concurrently, no specialized testing equipment is required, and testing procedures may be readily automated. Measurements may be obtained in as little as 3–5 days with coefficients of variation ranging from 5 to 25%.
Temporal variation of residential pesticide use and comparison of two survey platforms: a longitudinal study among households with young children in Northern California

Pesticide use patterns are essential inputs into human pesticide exposure models. Currently, data included for modeling purposes have mostly been collected in cross-sectional surveys. However, it is questionable whether responses to one-time surveys are representative of pesticide use over longer periods, which is needed for assessment of health impact. This study was designed to evaluate population-wide temporal variations and within-household variations in reported residential pesticide use patterns and to compare alternative pesticide data collection methods – web surveys versus telephone interviews. A total of 481 households in Northern California provided up to 3 annual telephone interviews on residential pesticide use; 182 of these households provided up to 6 quarterly web surveys that covered the same topics for some of the same time periods. Information on frequency and areas of application were collected for outdoor and indoor sprays, indoor foggers, professional applications, and behind-the-neck treatments for pets. Population-wide temporal variation and within-household consistency were examined both within telephone surveys and within web surveys, and quantified using Generalized Estimating Equations and Mixed Effect Modeling. Reporting between the two methods, the telephone survey and the web survey, was also compared. Use prevalence of outdoor sprays across the population reported in both the annual telephone surveys and the quarterly web surveys decreased over time, as did behind-the-neck treatment of pets reported in the quarterly web survey. Similarly, frequencies of use of these products decreased in the quarterly web surveys. Indoor sprays showed no statistically significant population-wide temporal variation in either survey. Intraclass correlation coefficients indicated consistent use within a household for behind-the-neck treatment on pets and outdoor sprays but great variability for the use of indoor sprays. Indoor sprays were most consistently applied in the bathroom and kitchen. Outdoor sprays were consistently more often applied by male household members, while indoor sprays were not. The two survey approaches obtained fairly similar results on the prevalence of using pesticides, but found discrepancies in use frequencies. In addition, the number of products purchased was positively correlated with application frequency for outdoor sprays (R = 0.51, p = 0.0005) but not for indoor sprays. In this population, repeated surveys are necessary either to obtain a reliable estimate of the average household use of pesticides or to project potential temporal changes of pesticide use. Web surveys could collect comparable data to traditional telephone surveys for some information. However, researchers need to consider the internet acceptability among the target population and balance lower participant burden against the need for sufficiently accurate time-varying measurement, to improve subject retention in longitudinal surveys.
More on grouping coarseness in linear normal regression models

Abstract Recently, Cameron (1987) examined the estimation of regression models in which the dependent variable is grouped. One portion of her study considers the estimation of linear normal regression models. Cameron presents Monte Carlo evidence comparing least squares estimation to maximum likelihood estimation. This paper demonstrates that Cameron's Monte Carlo results for normal linear regression models can be obtained analytically by using approximations.
Niche Theory and Social Movements: A Population Ecology Approach

The application of niche theory to current theories of social movements makes it possible to combine some seemingly disparate hypotheses under a more comprehensive framework. Several major issues a...
Effects of the Sea on Radar Echo from Rain

Theoretical analyses are made to determine expected relative values of average radar cross section for idealized scatterers above the sea. Horizontal, vertical, and circular polarizations are considered along with various sea states and radar depression angles. The results are considered to be useful for providing insight into effects of the sea on the polarization dependence of rain return. Effects of the earth's curvature and atmospheric refraction are neglected.
Recursive programming in Fortran II

An oft-mentioned advantage of ALGOL over FORTRAN is the recursion capability of the former. FORTRAN adherents often belittle this advantage by claiming that all recursive relations can be reduced to recurrence or iterative relations, or that no recursive relations exist which are worth coding as recursive relations. The question of the truth of this must be left unanswered here. It is hoped that the technique described below will draw the poison from the FORTRANers' wounds by allowing them to recurse to their complete satisfaction. There is an hereditary resemblance between this technique and the MAD (Michigan Algorithm Decoder) recursion technique.
Serendipitous synthesis of alkyl trimethylsilyldithioformates by trapping of bis(trimethylsilyl)thione with alkanesulfenic acids. Synthesis of bis- and tris(trimethylsilyl)methanethiols.

Abstract Tris(trimethylsilyl)methanethiol, prepared from tris(trimethylsilyl)methane, can be easily converted into bis(trimethylsilyl)methanethiol and this to bis(trimethylsilyl)methyl alkanethiosulfinate esters; the latter upon heating afford alkyl trimethylsilyldithioformates via bis(trimethylsilyl)thione, which can be trapped with dienes.
Visible light-induced hole injection into rectifying molecular wires anchored on Co3O4 and SiO2 nanoparticles.

Tight control of charge transport from a visible light sensitizer to a metal oxide nanoparticle catalyst for water oxidation is a critical requirement for developing efficient artificial photosynthetic systems. By utilizing covalently anchored molecular wires for hole transport from sensitizer to the oxide surface, the challenge of high rate and unidirectionality of the charge flow can be addressed. Functionalized hole conducting molecular wires of type p-oligo(phenylenevinylene) (3 aryl units, abbreviated PV3) with various anchoring groups for the covalent attachment to Co3O4 catalyst nanoparticles were synthesized and two alternative methods for attachment to the oxide nanoparticle surface introduced. Covalent anchoring of intact PV3 molecules on Co3O4 nanoparticles (and on SiO2 nanoparticles for control purposes) was established by FT-Raman, FT-IR, and optical spectroscopy including observation, in some cases, of the vibrational signature of the anchored functionality. Direct monitoring of the kinetics...
N-cadherin-mediated cell contact regulates ovarian surface epithelial cell survival.

The present study shows that in cells derived from the rat ovarian surface epithelium (i.e. ROSE-179 cells) the adhesion protein, N-cadherin, binds to the receptor for fibroblast growth factor (FGF).
Effect of Muscle pH and Calcium Content on Quality of Pre‐and Postrigor Chicken Breast Muscle

Effects of calcium chloride and [ethylene-bis (oxymethylene-nitrile)] tetraacetic acid (EGTA) marination at pH 5.0 and 7.5 on quality of pre- and postrigor chicken muscles were determined. Marinade absorption was lower and shear resistance was higher for prerigor compared with postrigor muscles at both pH levels. Shear resistance of EGTA-pH 5.0 treated prerigor muscles was greater than those of all other prerigor muscles but that of EGTA-pH 7.5 treated prerigor muscles was similar to that of the controls. Calcium content and pH were related factors affecting muscle quality.
Diffuse Reflectance and Photoacoustic Fourier Transform Infrared Spectra of Silica Surfaces under Polarizable Gases

It has been reported that the use of an infrared transparent polarizable gas such as xenon enhances the FT-IR photoacoustic signal of some species adsorbed on a sample surface. Diffuse reflectance and photoacoustic FT-IR methods were used to obtain spectra of silica surfaces under helium, nitrogen, and xenon. Absence of the reported effect with both techniques is shown, and a tentative explanation for these results is given.
The Solidification of PEEK. Part I: Morphology:

The morphology of PEEK was explored using a combination of several microscopic and specimen preparation techniques: freely crystallized and cryogenic frac ture surfaces were investigated by scannin...
Yam is King! But Cassava is the Mother of all Crops: Farming, Culture, and Identity in Igbo Agrarian Economy

The history of Igbo scholarship has benefits from pioneer scholars such as Victor Uchendu, Ikenna Nzimiro, Don Ohadike, Michael Mbabuike, Ezenwa-Ohaeto, and Angela Uwalaka, among many others. Collectively, their scholarship defined the contours of Igbo political economy, anthropology, and sociology, and linguistic. As an agricultural people, the history of the Igbo people was defined by their relationship to the land and their ecology. These scholars, to whom I humbly devote this piece, have touched upon the changing nature of Igbo political economy as much as the link between Igbo agriculture and their identity.
Automated Geophone Deployment on Pavement for High Resolution Seismic Reflection Investigations in Support of Transportation Infrastructure Projects

Conventional seismic methods have long been used to image the near surface. However, deployment of equipment is labor intensive and time consuming. In many instances these factors combine making seismic reflection techniques uneconomical. To reduce the time requirements associated with seismic imaging, automated seismic surveying technology, the “autojuggie”, has been developed at the University of Kansas. The autojuggie quickly deploys geophones for 2D or 3D seismic reflection surveys allowing for efficient high-resolution shallow imaging of geologic materials and allows 3D surveys to be conducted nearly as quickly as a traditional 2D survey. Transportation engineers routinely address maintenance of aging infrastructure and planning new development. When assessing these conditions information pertaining to the subsurface can be crucial. Traditionally subsurface information is obtained by boreholes. High resolution seismic imaging can be used to map lateral changes and heterogeneity of the subsurface and can be of great significance to transportation engineers in discerning conditions between wellbore locations. In an effort to help address these problems the University of Kansas geophysics group adapted the autojuggie with the ability to deploy geophones on paved surfaces. A seismic reflection survey was undertaken on the west campus of the University of Kansas to test the applicability of these methods. Results show that high quality, high resolution seismic reflection images can be produced by deploying geophones mounted to iron base plates on paved surfaces. Additional results show that the autojuggie can significantly reduce acquisition times and be used to apply seismic reflection techniques to transportation related research.
African Americans and Welfare Time Limits: Comparative Analysis of State Time Limit Policies Under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity and Reconciliation Act of 1996

This study examines state lifetime limit policies for the receipt of cash assistance under the 1996 welfare reform law. It performs cross-tabulation and correlational analysis to determine whether a relationship exists between the racial composition of African Americans in a state and lifetime limit policies under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity and Reconciliation Act. Findings indicate a relationship and show that a majority of the states with a large population of African Americans have adopted some of the harshest lifetime limit policies for receipt of cash assistance.
Development of Clinical Guidelines for Management of Glomerular Disease in Dogs

Project b has been operating with the goal of developing a unique classification system for canine GD based on light, electron, and immunofluorescent microscopic imaging of the glomerular pathology. The outcome of this study has the potential to advance our understanding of GD in dogs to a new level, potentially opening many new options for improving our ability to diagnose and manage GD in dogs. The apparent association between GD and infectious diseases, such as borreliosis in selected areas within North America and leishmaniasis in the Mediterranean area of Europe, has also enhanced awareness of the importance of GD and potential value of proteinuria as a sentinel for
Rock-water interactions in hot dry rock geothermal systems: field investigations of in situ geochemical behavior

Abstract Two hot dry rock (HDR) geothermal energy reservoirs have been created by hydraulic fracturing of Precambrian granitic rock between two wells on the west flank of the Valles Caldera in the Jemez Mountains of northern New Mexico. Heat is extracted by injecting water into one well, flowing it through the fractured region and recovering the heated water from the second well. The produced fluid is cooled on the surface and reinjected into the system. The first reservoir was formed by fracturing the injection well at a depth of 2.75 km where the initial rock temperature was 185° C. A heat-extraction experiment conducted in this reservoir was run from January 27 to April 13, 1978. A second, larger reservoir was created after cementing the fracture-to-wellbore connections at 2.75 km in the injection well and refracturing 180 m deeper. This second reservoir was tested from October 23 to November 16, 1979. During each of these experiments, samples of the geothermal fluids and gases were collected at regular intervals from the injection wellhead, the production wellhead, and at the make-up pump which provided the water from storage ponds to replace the water lost downhole by permeation into the reservoir walls. Changes in the composition of the produced fluid provide a means for studying the reservoir behaviour under normal (recirculating) operating conditions. Certain of the dissolved species appear to be derived by displacement of an indigenous pore-fluid, while others appear to be derived by dissolving minerals known to be present in the reservoir rock. In this paper we describe the results of the chemical analysis of the geothermal fluids and relate the fluid and gas chemistry to geochemical processes that result from the heat- extraction experiments. In particular, the implications of the silica and NaKCa geothermometers and the pore-fluid displacement theory are examined for insight about the long-term effects of fluid geochemistry on heat extraction from HDR reservoirs.
Global trends in migraine care: results from the MAZE survey.

Introduction: Many patients with migraine do not consult a physician, or do not achieve adequate relief after consulting a physician because of undertreatment. The objective of the Migraine and Zomig1. Evaluation study was to provide insights into the management of migraine in the general population. Methods: In phase I, 5553 members of the general public in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and the US were interviewed by telephone and classified according to International Headache Society criteria. The Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS) questionnaire was used to assess the impact of migraine on work, home and social lives. In phase II, 516 patients with clinically diagnosed migraine were interviewed to assess the impact of migraine on daily life, attitudes towards migraine, perceptions of current treatments and aspirations for future treatments. Results: In phase I, the average prevalence of migraine over the five countries was 9%. Migraine posed a significant burden in terms of the impact on patients’ daily lives, and attack severity and frequency. However, medical consultation rates were low; reasons for this included patients not recognising that they had migraine or having low expectations about treatment benefits. On average, only 10% of patients who had consulted a physician had been prescribed a triptan. Only 22% of participants in phase II thought that migraine did not markedly affect their lives. In each of the five countries, ≥ 50% of patients required bed rest to manage migraine attacks, demonstrating the impact of migraine-related disability on patients’ lives. Assessment of MIDAS scores confirmed the debilitating effect of migraine; > 50% of respondents had a MIDAS grade of III or IV, indicating moderate or severe disability. Less than one-third of patients reported that their current medication was consistently effective and only 36% were ‘very satisfied’ with their current therapy. High efficacy and rapid pain relief were rated as the most important attributes of migraine medications. When asked which formulation they would like to see more of, most patients chose a tablet that dissolves in the mouth without the need to take liquids. Conclusions: These results show that migraine patients worldwide are still not receiving adequate treatment and there remains a significant unmet need in migraine care. The challenge for the future is to diagnose migraine early and offer patients effective migraine-specific therapies. Physicians particularly need to reach patients who do not realise they have migraine and those who have lapsed from care.
Impact of Abdominopelvic CT on Ewing Sarcoma Management

Rationale and Objectives Abdominopelvic computed tomography (APCT) is often performed in patients with skeletal Ewing sarcoma family of tumors during initial staging and for subsequent clinical indications, such as metastasis surveillance; however, its clinical impact is unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether these computed tomographic examinations alter oncologic management and therefore patient outcomes. Materials and Methods One hundred eight consecutive patients with skeletal Ewing sarcoma family of tumors seen from 1985 to 2008 were retrospectively reviewed to identify imaging workup, pathology, primary site, evidence of metastatic disease, and patient outcomes. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon's rank sum tests. Results Sixty-five of the 108 patients (60%) underwent 342 abdominopelvic computed tomographic examinations during a mean follow-up period of 8.9 years. During this time period, only one of the 65 patients (1.5%) who underwent APCT was discovered to have abdominal metastatic disease. There was no significant difference in the incidence of metastatic disease to the skeleton or chest between the groups without and with APCT (P = .10). There were 26 pelvic and lumbosacral primaries (24%) and 82 limb primaries (76%). Subgroup analysis performed on the 82 patients with limb primaries without (n = 36) and with (n = 46) APCT showed no significant differences in metastatic incidence to the skeleton or chest (P = .14). Conclusions This study indicates that APCT, associated with increased radiation exposure and health expenditure, has a limited role in initial staging and follow-up in patients with skeletal Ewing sarcoma, particularly in patients with limb primaries.
Gender Differences in the Use and Effectiveness of Personal Response Devices

The use of personal response devices (or “clickers”) in the classroom has increased in recent years. While few quantitative studies on the effectiveness of clickers have been published, it is generally reported that clickers have been well-received by the students who use them. Two separate populations (Winter 2006 and Spring 2006) of engineering students were given clickers to use during a general chemistry class. Clicker use was compared to student grades for each course. During both terms, a higher percentage of female students than male students “actively participated” in the lectures, where active participation was defined as answering more than 75% of the clicker questions over the course of the term. Active male students earned final grades about 10 points higher than non-active male students. Active female students, however, scored only about 5 points higher than non-active female students. Student learning was assessed by comparing performance on exam questions and clicker questions with similar content. Students who answered clicker questions correctly were 11–13% more likely to answer the corresponding exam questions correctly than were students who did not answer the clicker question. In this paper, we demonstrate the effectiveness of clicker use in the classroom and examine gender differences associated with this use.
Ethnopolitics, Strategic Bargaining, And Institutional Design: Setting The Rules Of Electoral Competition In Post-Soviet Central Asia

The purpose of this article is to explore the process by which elites in emerging, multi-ethnic states design new institutions or negotiate the new "rules of the game," combining the use of game theory and social-historical analysis. In doing so, it represents a first attempt to explain why state-builders in a multi-ethnic state exclude some groups while including others. I present my preliminary hypothesis that a new state creates inclusive or exclusive institutions based on its calculated perception of the threat posed by the respective bargaining strategies of the major ethnic groups residing within it, which I argue is directly influenced by the preceding state's institutional structure. In other words, those groups which pose a "credible threat" to the continued rule of present state leaders if excluded will be included, as well as those groups which can help to diffuse this threat. Yet, the assessment of this threat is based largely upon the legacy of the preceding state's institutions and policies. A detailed account of the development of electoral rules in the three newly-independent, multi-ethnic states of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan serve as a "critical test" of my hypothesis.
Energy minimization of ferromagnetic particles

In this paper, we present an energy-minimization theory of ferromagnetic particles to characterize the magnetization reversal and hysteresis loop of ferromagnetic polycrystals, with the inter-granular magneto-static interactions accounted for through the effective medium approximation. The energy-minimizing magnetization distribution is determined, and the remanence and coercivity are predicted.
Terahertz imaging and spectroscopy based on hot electron bolometer (HEB) heterodyne detection

Imaging and spectroscopy at terahertz frequencies have great potential for healthcare, plasma diagnostics, and homeland security applications. Terahertz frequencies correspond to energy level transitions of important molecules in biology and astrophysics. Terahertz radiation (T-rays) can penetrate clothing and, to some extent, can also penetrate biological materials. Because of their shorter wavelengths, they offer higher spatial resolution than do microwaves or millimeter waves. We are developing hot electron bolometer (HEB) mixer receivers for heterodyne detection at terahertz frequencies. HEB detectors provide unprecedented sensitivity and spectral resolution at terahertz frequencies. We describe the development of a two-pixel focal plane array (FPA) based on HEB technology. Furthermore, we have demonstrated a fully automated, two-dimensional scanning, passive imaging system based on our HEB technology operating at 0.85 THz. Our high spectral resolution terahertz imager has a total system noise equivalent temperature difference (NEΔT) value of better than 0.5 K and a spatial resolution of a few millimeters. HEB technology is becoming the basis for advanced terahertz imaging and spectroscopic technologies for the study of biological and chemical agents over the entire terahertz spectrum.
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap: A Darker Side to Crowdsourcing

Several recent studies have examined the merits of crowd sourcing to aid in completing repetitive or complex tasks requiring human computation. In comparison, scant attention has been placed on the use of crowd sourcing for the purpose of meeting unethical objectives, which may or may not be known to the participants. In this paper, we explore the potential for which crowd sourcing may be used to bypass commonly-established ethical standards for personal or professional gain.
Strain rate potential for metals and its application to minimum plastic work path calculations

Abstract In this work, a definition of the strain rate potential for plastically deforming metals is proposed. This potential is defined in six-dimensional deviatoric strain rate space, and its gradient provides deviatoric stresses in the flowing material. For isotropic FCC metals, it is shown that the plastic behavior predicted with this proposed phenomenological description is identical to the behavior predicted with the Taylor/Bishop and Hill polycrystal plasticity model. For orthotropic FCC metals, six material coefficients characterize the anisotropy. This potential provides a definition of the effective strain rate. Together with a work-hardening curve, this equation completely describes the plastic behavior of isotropically hardening metals. This definition is useful for the calculation of work along minimum plastic work paths, as is illustrated for an isotropic FCC metal and a strongly textured aluminum alloy, subjected both to pure shear and simple shear deformation modes.
Regulation of Mitochondrial Antiviral Signaling Pathways

Mitochondrial antiviral immunity involves the detection of viral RNA by intracellular pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) belonging to the RIG-I-like helicase family. The convergence of these and other signaling molecules to the outer mitochondrial membrane results in the rapid induction of antiviral cytokines including type-1 interferon. Here, we discuss recent studies describing new molecules implicated in the regulation of this antiviral response.
Massive hemoptysis due to broncholithiasis

Massive hemoptysis due to broncholithiasis is rare. Such a case is presented here, and the literature is reviewed. Surgical resection is the preferred definitive therapy, as a lack of bronchial artery collaterals limits the utility of bronchial artery embolization.
γ-Glutamyl cysteine and pyroglutamate in normal and glutathione-deficient erythrocytes of Corriedale sheep

Abstract Two types of glutathione-deficiency occur in sheep erythrocytes. The Corriedale-Merino type is presumably from decreased γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase activity. γ-Glutamylcysteine and pyroglutamate were measured in normal and glutathione-deficient erythrocytes of Corriedale sheep. γ-Glutamylcysteine was lower in glutathione-deficient cells (0.0952 μmoles/gram hemoglobin with a standard error of 0.0155) than in normal cells (0.266 ± 0.058). Pyroglutamate was also lower in glutathione-deficient cells (2.32 ± 0.286) than in normal cells (5.60 ± 0.406). The γ-glutamylcysteine/glutathione and pyroglutamate/glutathione ratio did not differ between normal and glutathione-deficient cells. The results support the hypothesis that Corriedale-Merino type of glutathione deficiency in sheep is due to decreased γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase activity possibly resulting from abnormal feedback control by glutathione. Pyroglutamate formed from γ-glutamylcysteine apparently is under some kinetic control.
A Proposed Integrative Model for Enhanced Career Development for Young Adults With Disabilities

Models of career development have been discussed as a matter of growth over the life span and in relation to social learning. An integrated approach using specified career development theories to assist young adults with disabilities will allow professionals to better understand the school-to-work transition and implement meaningful interventions.
Eddy Current Image Restoration by Constrained Gradient Descent

We present in this paper an image restoration method for recovering the geometry of a flaw in a conducting surface from an eddy current image. Image restoration is formulated as a maximum likelihood estimation problem and is solved using constrained iterative gradient descent. A novel frequency-domain constraint relaxation algorithm is used to control the iterative restoration process. The technique is applied to eddy current images generated by sampling the output of an absolute transducer on a dense grid, creating smoothly blurred images of crack-like flaws. The following results were obtained: (1) Images of a range of sizes of electrical discharge machined (EDM) slots in the surface of a non-ferrous block that encompassed the transducer coil diameter were successfully restored. (2) Excellent results were also obtained for synthetic flaw images with very low signal-to-noise ratios. (3) Synthetic images of multiple flaws spaced less than a coil diameter apart were restored. (4) synthetic images of “V” and pit-shaped flaws were successfully restored. The principal conclusions drawn from this work are: (1) Representing a nonlinear system with layers of linear blurs and non-linear point transformations is general, permitting efficient gradient descent on any analytic system function. (2) Smooth blurring functions in the gradient improve the stability of the algorithm. (3) The accuracy of the estimate is improved dramatically by restoring portions of estimate spectrum which correspond to the highest signal-to-noise ratio band in the observation spectrum first.
Reentrant magnetic ordering and percolation in a spin-crossover system

Spin-crossover compounds, which are characterized by magnetic ions showing low-spin and high-spin states at thermally accessible energies, are ubiquitous in nature. We here focus on the effect of an exchange interaction on the collective properties for the case of nonmagnetic low-spin ions, which applies to ${\text{Fe}}^{2+}$ compounds such as FeO under high pressure. Monte Carlo simulations are used to study a three-dimensional spin-crossover model for the full parameter range from essentially pure high spin to essentially pure low spin. We find that as the low-spin state becomes more favorable, the Curie temperature drops, the universality class deviates from the three-dimensional Heisenberg class, and the transition eventually changes to first order. A heat-bath algorithm that grows or shrinks low-spin and high-spin domains is developed to handle the first-order transition. When the ground state has low spin, a reentrant magnetic transition is found in a broad parameter range. We also observe a percolation transition of the high spins, which branches off the first-order magnetic transition.
Luminol-dependent chemiluminescence analysis of the variables of the phagocytic response by canine granulocytes.

Abstract Variables which influence the oxygen-dependent chemiluminescence (CL) response of canine polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) to zymosan were examined in a luminol-dependent CL assay system. Maximal CL responses were obtained when 5 × 106 canine PMN, isolated from heparinized blood, were assayed at 37° C in a Luminometer. The response was enhanced by the addition of 0.05 mM Luminol and inhibited by the addition of 0.06 mM sodium azide and 60 ug superoxide dismutase. Repeatability on a given day was very good; however, day to day variations in CL activity prevented direct comparison of phagocytic activity between days. Opsonization of zymosan in equine serum significantly reduced the CL response by canine PMN as compared to opsonization of zymosan in autologous or homologous canine serum and bovine serum. The present results show that luminol-dependent CL analysis can be used to measure phagocytosis by canine granulocytes in a luminometer and has potential use in clinical situations.
Two-dimensional lenses microfabricated in PDMS for integrated fluidic photonic devices

Focusing is demonstrated in fluid-filled microfabricated 2D lenses formed by an optical polymer. Such lenses can be integrated into fluidic photonic devices performing flow cytometry for increased detection efficiency and device functionality.
A Nonlocal Vector Calculus with Application to Nonlocal Boundary Value Problems

We develop a calculus for nonlocal operators that mimics Gauss's theorem and Green's identities of the classical vector calculus. The operators we define do not involve derivatives. We then apply the nonlocal calculus to define weak formulations of nonlocal “boundary-value” problems that mimic the Dirichlet and Neumann problems for second-order scalar elliptic partial differential equations. For the nonlocal problems, we derive a fundamental solution and Green's functions, demonstrate that weak formulations of the nonlocal “boundary-value” problems are well posed, and show how, under appropriate limits, the nonlocal problems reduce to their local analogues.
Crystallization of Chlorella deoxyuridine triphosphatase

Deoxyuridine triphosphatase (dUTPase) is a ubiquitous enzyme that has been widely studied owing to its function and evolutionary significance. The gene coding for the dUTPase from the Chlorella alga was codon-optimized and synthesized. The synthetic gene was expressed in Escherichia coli and recombinant core Chlorella dUTPase (chdUTPase) was purified. Crystallization of chdUTPase was performed by the repetitive hanging-drop vapor-diffusion method at 298 K with ammonium sulfate as the precipitant. In the presence of 2′-­deoxyuridine-5′-[(α,β)-imido]triphosphate and magnesium, the enzyme produced die-shaped hexagonal R3 crystals with unit-cell parameters a = b = 66.9, c = 93.6 A, γ = 120°. X-ray diffraction data for chdUTPase were collected to 1.6 A resolution. The crystallization of chdUTPase with manganese resulted in very fragile clusters of needles.
Richter syndrome: An unusual case of concurrent small lymphocytic lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, and anaplastic plasmacytoma

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) is a mature B-cell neoplasm that usually follows an indolent course. In a subset of cases (2-7%), transformation to a higher grade lymphoma occurs (Richter syndrome (RS)). Herein, we report an unusual case of Richter transformation to a composite classical Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL) and anaplastic plasmacytoma in the same left axillary lymph node from a patient who was diagnosed with CLL/SLL seven years prior. The diagnosis of CHL was based on the presence of Reed-Sternberg (R-S) cells and mononuclear variants that showed CD30 and CD15 staining in a membranous and Golgi pattern, weak PAX-5 staining, and negativity for CD20 and CD45. The anaplastic plasmacytoma component comprised of CD138+, CD20 − malignant cells with lambda light chain restriction. Due to the absence of available tissue, clonality studies could not be performed. However, a single clonal origin was highly suggested, as the CLL/SLL component (CD5+, CD19+, CD20+, CD23+, and partial FMC-7+) also demonstrated lambda light chain restriction by flow cytometric analysis. In this article, we describe the clinical and pathological characteristics of this unique case and review the pertinent literature.
Chronic episodic disorders in women.

Many of the chronic episodic disorders, such as major depression, migraine headache, irritable bowel, and fibromyalgia, are comorbid in a bidirectional manner. This comorbidity can lead to difficulties in diagnosis and may complicate treatment. The commonalities of these disorders have been referred to as affective spectrum disorders, the stress-related syndromes, or central sensitivity syndrome. These comorbid chronic episodic disorders have important commonalities, including an increased prevalence in women, an absence of classic anatomic pathology in the tissues, a lack of objective findings on physical examination, and a lack of specific abnormal findings by routine laboratory and radiologic tests. Patients with these disorders typically are treated by various medical specialists that fail to comprehensively target treatment to address the underlying similar pathophysiology of hypothalamic-pituitary-axis hyperactivity and central serotonin dysfunction. Attention by psychiatrists to the related physical and psychiatric symptoms that their patients endure may result in improved treatment and functioning of the individual.
Third-harmonic generation in phase-matched Rb vapor.

The generation of 0.3547-micron radiation was performed by tripling 1.064-micron radiation in a phase-matched mixture of rubidium vapor and xenon. A third-harmonic nonlinear susceptibility in Rb vapor is confirmed. It is about 100,000 times greater than that of He. This large susceptibility is due to the large oscillator strengths and resonant enhancements resulting from Rb transitions in the near infrared, visible, and UV.