cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mainstreaming: Music Educators' Participation and Professional Needs:

The study examined music educators' involvement with disabled students, their knowledge of legislation regarding the handicapped, and their needs in developing and implementing music education prog...
Concurrent Reading While Writing

The problem of asynchronous processes reading shared data while the data are being modified by another process is considered. This problem differs from the standard readers/writers problem in that concurrent reading while writing is allowed. The model used here strongly limits the use and size of the shared variables. If multiple copies of the shared data are allowed, then simple, efficient solutions are found. In general, solutions which are more time efficient because they avoid waiting are seen to require more copies of the shared data. The number of copies used by all algorithms is shown to be the best possible. The main solution demonstrates that any system of processes which uses large distributed variables can be strongly simulated by a system which uses only binary distributed variables. 9 references.
On the analysis of nucleon-nucleon scattering experiments

A method of perturbation calculation, especially adapted to nucleon-nucleon scattering problems, is described. Any contribution to the energy of the system which is relatively small where the nuclear potential is large may be treated as the perturbation. Two principal examples are discussed. (1) Energy as the perturbation: An expansion of the phase shifts in powers of the energy is written down which extends earlier results of Schwinger, Blatt, and Jackson. (2) The Coulomb field as the perturbation in the proton-proton problem: Expansions are given which relate the nuclear phase shifts in a combined nuclear and Coulomb field to the corresponding phase shifts for a purely nuclear problem. Attention is confined to central forces throughout.
Some theoretical considerations concerning the relation between functional gain and insertion gain.

Three examples in which insertion gain and functional gain measures of hearing aid response do not agree are illustrated. In two of the cases, functional gain measures overestimate the true real-ea...
Palmtop computerized reminding devices: the effectiveness of the temporal properties of warning signals

An intention requires us to carry out an action at a certain time or in an unscheduled time frame. In recent years, palmtop computerized devices with special functions have been developed that enable individuals to better remember their intentions. People record their intention in the device and are later reminded of their intention by a warning signal, such as an audible beep, that is presented along with a message about what is to be done. The present research investigated the psychological effects of the warning signals provided by palmtop reminding devices. Four experiments demonstrated that the effectiveness of an audible warning signal in the form of a signal was greatest early in the day. The interval between the signal and time to carry out the act, called here the anticipatory lag, did not significantly influence the timeliness of responses and remembering.
Molecular indicators of redox and marine photoautotroph composition in the late Middle Ordovician of Iowa, U.S.A.

Abstract Saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons were used to evaluate depositional redox conditions and marine photoautotroph contributions to Middle Caradocian strata of the central United States (IA). At the base of the Spechts Ferry Member of the Decorah Formation, 13C-enriched aryl isoprenoids, derivatives of green sulfur bacteria, become abundant, indicating the development of photic-zone anoxia. This is coincident with the disappearance of the organic-walled microfossil Gloeocapsomorpha prisca and a marked decrease in the relative abundances of cyanobacterial biomarkers. The development of dysoxic to anoxic conditions and/or associated changes in basin circulation potentially affected the distributions and abundances of these organisms. In the overlying Guttenberg Member, G. prisca-derived organic matter becomes dominant, but relative cyanobacteria abundances remain low. In addition, the percentage total organic carbon is greater than 20%, even though selected biomarker ratios (pristane/phytane ratios greater than 3, and homohopane indices less than 0.5) and the presence of bioturbation indicate that bottom waters were oxygenated. It is suggested that deposition of G. prisca affected both organic matter preservation and depositional redox conditions. Observed variations in redox indicators and marine photoautotroph contributions are associated with changes in siliciclastic deposition, reported macrofauna turnover and with evidence for oceanic cooling and a change in circulation patterns documented in the eastern United States.
Metabolic Complications Associated with the Use of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy in HIV-1–Infected Adults

ABSTRACT The availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has resulted in dramatic declines in morbidity and mortality in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1). However, the success of HAART has been tempered by the recognition of adverse metabolic effects clearly associated with its use. These “metabolic complications” include dyslipidemia, changes in body fat distribution, insulin resistance and glucose intolerance, metabolic bone disease, and lactic acidosis. Guidelines to assist clinicians in the management of these complications have been put forth by various organizations, including the International AIDS Society, the HIV Medicine Association of the Infectious Disease Society of America, and the Adult AIDS Clinical Trials Group.
IL-21 Is an Immune Activator That also Mediates Suppression via IL-10

Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a pleiotropic type I cytokine that is produced predominantly by CD4(+) T cells and natural killer T (NKT) cells. Although IL-21 production is relatively restricted to these two populations of immune cells, its targets are numerous, including multiple lympho-hematopoietic as well as non-hematopoietic lineages. The effects of IL-21 are specific not only to the target cell type, but also depend on the developmental stage of the target cell as well as the available co-stimulatory signals. Accordingly, IL-21 functions not only as a strong inducer of differentiation and proliferation but also as a pro-apoptotic factor. Although most of the effects of IL-21 are immunostimulatory, it has become clear that one of the cytokines that is potently induced by IL-21 in a number of lymphoid lineages is interleukin-10 (IL-10), one of the most immunosuppressive cytokines. The seemingly contradictory actions of IL-21 and IL-10 and the consequences of their co-expression are currently being explored in numerous infectious models, autoimmune diseases, and tumor responses. This review seeks to critically evaluate the evidence concerning the regulation of IL-10 by IL-21 in a number of lineage subsets as well as to discuss the potential positive versus deleterious roles that this co-expression may play in a range of disease models.
Reconstitution of the iron-sulfur clusters in the isolated FA/FB protein: EPR spectral characterization of same-species and cross-species Photosystem I complexes

The ESR spectra of the F A /F B iron-sulfur clusters in spinach and Synechococcus sp. PCC 6301 Photosystem I complexes differ slightly, but characteristically. In the fully reduced state, the spinach F A /F B resonances appear at g = 2.051, 1.941, 1.923, 1.887, while the Synechococcus sp. PCC 6301 F A /F B resonances appear at g = 2.047, 1.937, 1.917 and 1.879; both are independent of the details of Photosystem I isolation or the method of reduction. When the spinach or Synechococcus sp. PCC 6301 F A /F B holoprotein is removed from the thylakoid membrane by solvent extraction, the ESR resonances broaden and the iron-sulfur clusters become labile, degrading rapidly to the level of zero-valence sulfur. We show that the clusters can be reinserted in vitro by incubating the isolated F A /F B apoprotein for 12 h with FeCl 3 and Na 2 S in the presence of β-mercaptoethanol under strictly anaerobic conditions. Upon chemical reduction with Na 2 S 2 O 4 at pH 10, the rebuilt spinach F A /F B protein shows the broadened resonances of F A and F B , but when rebound to a Synechococcus sp. PCC 6301 Photosystem I core protein, the hybrid spinach- Synechococcus Photosystem I complex shows sharpened resonances with g -values of 2.052, 1.941, 1.922 and 1.886. These g -values are similar to those of the native spinach Photosystem I complex. In contrast, when a spinach or Synechococcus sp. PCC 6301 F A /F B holoprotein is rebound to a Photosystem I core protein from the same species, the F A /F B resonances appear identical to their respective control Photosystem I complexes. These results indicate that the altered ESR spectrum reported earlier on reconstitution of a solvent-extracted spinach F A /F B holoprotein with a Synechococcus sp. PCC 6301 Photosystem I core protein (Golbeck et al. (1988) FEBS Lett. 240, 9–14) is a consequence of the cross-species reconstitution and does not result from damage to the F A /F B holoprotein incurred during isolation. This in vitro reconstitution protocol circumvents the need to isolate the labile F A /F B holoprotein, and makes possible reinsertion of the iron-sulfur clusters following modification of the F A /F B apoprotein or the psaC gene.
ETHNIC DIFFERENCE IN THE EFFECTS OF COERCION ON MENTAL HEALTH AND THE USE OF THERAPY

The present study investigated ethnic differences in the relationships between partner violence victimization, mental health symptoms and the use of mental health services. Participants (N = 560) were asked if they had experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) and/or mental health symptoms, and if they had used mental health services. Bivariate analyses revealed that White respondents were more likely to use mental health services but the relationship between experiencing higher rates of partner violence with higher prevalence of mental health symptoms was stronger among ethnic minority respondents. Multivariate analyses revealed that both White and minority respondents who reported using professional mental health services were more likely to have reported higher prevalence of mental health symptoms. However, significant relationships between past coercion violence and the use of mental health services were found only among minority respondents and not among White participants. Taken together, these fi...
Correlation of in vitro cytotoxicity with paracellular permeability in mortal rat intestinal cells.

Abstract Introduction : The rat small intestinal cell line, IEC-18, was used as an in vitro model to differentiate between acute cytotoxicity (AC) and paracellular permeability (PP) of selected chemicals. Methods : This study compares the low resistance rat intestinal mortal cell line, IEC-18 (transepithelial electrical resistance, TEER = 160 ± 10 Ω cm 2 ) with the high resistance human intestinal cell line, Caco-2 (TEER = 900 ± 100 Ω cm 2 ). The two cell lines differ in state of differentiation, TEER and paracellular permeability characteristics. The IEC-18 cell line is originated from the ileum and resembles more closely the small intestine than the Caco-2. Cytotoxicity was carried out using MTT cell viability assay in 96-well plates for 24-h exposure time. PP was measured using TEER (membrane integrity indicator) and PP markers such as [ 3 H]- d -mannitol, lucifer yellow (LY) and FITC-dextran (fluorescein-dextran) on cells grown on inserts. Results : The data showed that there is a high correlation ( R 2 = 0.99) between MTT and TEER using IEC-18 cell for 24-h exposure time. IEC-18 is as sensitive as Caco-2 for both MTT and TEER measurements. Decrease in TEER is inversely proportional with increase in PP of tight junction indicators. There is a good correlation between IC 50 's MTT, TEER and Registry of Cytotoxicity (RC) data. Discussion : Based on the results from the experiments, IEC-18 can be used as an in vitro model to differentiate between concentrations needed for AC and those required for PP.
Advances in ultrasonic slurry graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

Ultrasonic slurry graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry is a useful technique for automated direct analysis of solids. The effectiveness of ultrasonic agitation for mixing samples is demonstrated. This analytical approach is evaluated to identify sources of imprecision. Strategies for optimizing slurry preparations are discussed, focusing on particle size, density, analyte partitioning, and sampling limitations. Finally, a teflon bead method is presented for grinding biological and botanical samples. An optimized general approach for ultrasonic slurry sampling is presented.
Cognitive penetrability, rationality and restricted simulation

Heal (1996a) maintains that evidence of cognitive penetrability doesn't determine whether stimulation theory or theory theory wins. Given the wide variety of mechanisms and processes that get called 'simulation', we argue that it's not useful to ask 'who wins?'. The label 'simulation' picks out no natural or theoretically interesting category. We propose a more fine-grained taxonomy and argue that some processes that have been labelled 'simulation', e.g., 'actual-situation-simulation', clearly do exist, while other processes labelled 'simulation', e.g., 'pretence-driven-off-line-simulation' are quite controversial. We do concede that evidence of cognitive penetrability isn't decisive evidence against pretence-driven-off-line-simulation. Nonetheless, advocates of pretence-driven-off-line-simulation need to provide some explanation of the experimental evidence of penetrability. We argue that Heal's suggestion that simulation is restricted to 'rational' processes is unprincipled, and we offer an alternative proposal for restricted simulation.
C5H4: Pyramidane and Its Low-Lying Isomers

The chemistry of the C5H4 singlet potential energy surface was investigated at sophisticated levels of theory with a focus on the stability of pyramidane (tetracyclo[2.1.0.01,302,5]pentane or [3.3....
Business with China — current information sources

This paper identifies and discusses the current information sources on doing business with China. It is limited to English language serial publications published in various countries including China, Hong Kong, England, and the United States. Newspapers, magazines and journals, government publications, international organisations' publications are all included in this selected group of serials. Information provided by these serials range from news items, trading opportunities, trading techniques, and statistical data to law and regulations. The Appendix section lists all publications alphabetically and provides the current subscription prices whenever available.
A VLSI architecture for a universal high-speed multirate FIR digital filter with selectable power-of-two decimation/interpolation ratios

A universal architecture for decimation/interpolation digital filtering applications is proposed for custom VLSI implementation to accommodate real-time signal processing at throughput rates in excess of 100 MHz. The main innovation of this architecture is that it allows a single chip to selectively perform decimation or interpolation filtering with selectable conversion ratios of 2/sup 1/,2/sup 2/,. . .2/sup N/. The key feature of the proposed architecture is that a single decimate/interpolate-by-two half-band digital filter is used as the computational engine, and the output samples are simply recycled through the same filter after each decimation/interpolation stage for further filtering. A delicate timing allocation scheme for this half-band filter to be shared among each decimation/interpolation stage plays a critical role in allowing the filter to have selectable conversion ratios and still accommodate throughput rates in excess of 100 MHz. >
Introduction To The Theory And Application Of Wave Propagation And Scattering In Random Media

In recent years major advances have been made in the theory of wave propagation and scattering in random media. Examples are optical beam propagation through the atmospheric turbulence, ocean acoustic and optical fluctuations, wave scintillations in the planetary atmospheres, ultrasound scattering in biological media, and wave scattering in geophysical media. This paper presents an introduction to the theory of waves in random media with some applications. The media may be divided into random continuum, randomly distributed particles, and random surfaces. General formulations are given with a unified point of view. First-order scatter model, multiple scattering model, transport theory, and diffusion model are discussed together with their range of validity. The mutual coherence function formulation and its relationship with other formulations is discussed. Both cw and pulse cases are presented, and the relationships with coherence bandwidth and coherence time are clarified. Rough surface scattering is also discussed using the perturbation theory and the Kirchhoff formulation.
Effects of irrigation fluid temperature on core body temperature during transurethral resection of the prostate.

Abstract Objectives. To determine the effect irrigation fluid temperature has on core body temperature changes in patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Methods. Fifty-six male patients (mean age 71.2 ± 8.2 years) scheduled for TURP were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomized to one of two groups. Group 1 consisted of 27 patients who received room temperature irrigation fluid (70°F) throughout TURP; group 2 consisted of 29 patients whose procedure was performed with warmed irrigation fluid (91.5°F). The irrigation fluid used for both groups was glycine. The baseline temperature, final temperature, total time in the operating room, and amount of irrigation fluid used during the procedure were recorded for each patient. Results. No significant difference in the average time spent in the operating room or in the total irrigation fluid used between the two groups was observed. Of the 27 patients who received room temperature irrigation fluid, 15 (55.6%) had a decrease in body temperature. A decrease in temperature was observed in 21 (72.4%) of the 29 patients who received warm irrigation fluid. Groups 1 and 2 had 12 (44.4%) of 27 and 8 (27.6%) of 29 patients, respectively, who demonstrated an elevation in their core body temperature. Conclusions. The results of our study suggest that irrigation fluid temperature is not a factor responsible for altering the core body temperature in patients undergoing TURP.
Thermodynamics of Nucleic Acid “Shape Readout” by an Aminosugar

Recognition of nucleic acids is important for our understanding of nucleic acid structure as well as for our understanding of nucleic acid-protein interactions. In addition to the direct readout mechanisms of nucleic acids such as H-bonding, shape recognition of nucleic acids is being increasingly recognized as playing an equally important role in DNA recognition. Competition dialysis, UV, flourescent intercalator displacement (FID), computational docking, and calorimetry studies were conducted to study the interaction of neomycin with a variety of nucleic acid conformations (shapes). At pH 5.5, the results suggest the following. (1) Neomycin binds three RNA structures [16S A site rRNA, poly(rA)·poly(rA), and poly(rA)·poly(rU)] with high affinities (K(a) ~ 10(7) M(-1)). (2) The binding of neomycin to A-form GC-rich oligomer d(A(2)G(15)C(15)T(2))(2) has an affinity comparable to those of RNA structures. (3) The binding of neomycin to DNA·RNA hybrids shows a 3-fold variance that can be attributed to their structural differences [for poly(dA)·poly(rU), K(a) = 9.4 × 10(6) M(-1), and for poly(rA)·poly(dT), K(a) = 3.1 × 10(6) M(-1)]. (4) The interaction of neomycin with DNA triplex poly(dA)·2poly(dT) yields a binding affinity (K(a)) of 2.4 × 10(5) M(-1). (5) Poly(dA-dT)(2) shows the lowest association constant for all nucleic acids studied (K(a) poly(dA)·poly(rU) > poly(rA)·poly(dT) > T·A-T triplex, G-quadruplex, B-form AT-rich, or GC-rich DNA sequences. The results illustrate the first example of a small molecule-based "shape readout" of different nucleic acid conformations.
Potential influence of timing of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol evaluation in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Objective. To determine the significance of timing of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol evaluation in patients with chest pain as it relates to subsequent National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) treatment decisions. Design. Prospective, observational study. Setting. A university-affiliated tertiary care hospital. Patients. Sixty-two patients with coronary heart disease who were not receiving lipid-lowering therapy and whose LDL levels were obtained 25–48 hours after onset of chest pain. Intervention. We evaluated laboratory test results of patients with chest pain admitted to the cardiac care unit to determine risk to patients when LDL levels obtained inappropriately are used to make decisions regarding antihyperlipidemic therapy. Measurements and Main Results. Inpatient and outpatient LDL levels were compared, and changes in NCEP treatment decisions analyzed. Differences between inpatient and outpatient LDL levels were significant (p<0.05), which frequently resulted in changes in therapy using the NCEP guidelines. The LDL levels of most inpatients were consistent with NCEP goals for patients with coronary heart disease, whereas the outpatient levels showed a need for drug therapy. Conclusion. Lipid values obtained 25–48 hours after hospital admission in patients with acute coronary syndromes do not represent baseline values and may significantly alter the treatment approach; thus, they should not be used to direct drug therapy.
Studies on the low temperature induced biogenesis of glycerol by adult Protophormia terranovae

Physiological and biochemical changes accompanying cold stress in the diapausing adult arctic blowfly, Protophormia terranovae, have been observed. In the laboratory, this insect survives prolonged periods at temperatures in the range of −1°C to +4°C. Concentrations of free glycerol in excess of 10% of fresh body weight have been measured and the rate of its synthesis is greater at +1°C to +4°C than at −1°C to 0°C. Under these conditions Protophormia also undergoes significant weight loss (up to 58% over 39 days) presumably in part due to dehydration. Its respiration rate decreases as expected when first shifted from 20°C to 0°C but the rate declines an additional 70% after exposure to 0°C for 24 hr. This lowest rate, which is then maintained, when considered with the initial faster one suggests positive thermal modulation is coupled to inverse thermal compensation during cold stress. This was not observed with nondiapausing Protophormia. Increments in free glycerol are accompanied by decreases in the insect's total glycogen reserves but upon rewarming, they return to pre-cold stress levels. While pre-stress glycogen stores are insufficient to provide for most of the free glycerol which accumulates, ingested carbohydrate present in the crop provides sufficient quantities. Studies with [14C] glucose indicate it is also metabolically active at low temperature. Neutral glyceride glycerol cannot contribute to net synthesis of free glycerol in significant amounts since the steady state concentrations present in pre-cold stressed insects decrease only slightly during cold stress. Furthermore, the specific radioactivity of acyl glyceride glycerol labelled in vivo with 2-[3H] glycerol before cold stress, remains unchanged during hibernation indicating that acyl glycerides are not turning over glycerol units produced by catabolism of hexose. The results of these studies argue that carbohydrate and not lipid glycerol is the source of the free glycerol which accumulates in Protophormia at low temperatures. The relationship of the above results to possible mechanisms which should permit glycerol accumulation under aerobic conditions are discussed.
Topology optimization of compliant mechanisms with multiple outputs

A procedure for the topology design of compliant mechanisms with multiple output requirements is presented. Two methods for handling the multiple output requirements are developed, a combined virtual load method and a weighted sum of objectives method. The problem formulations and numerical solution procedures are discussed and illustrated by design examples. The examples illustrate the capabilities of the design procedure, the effect of the direction of the output deflection requirements on the solution, as well as computational issues such as the effect of the starting point and effect of the material resource constraint.
Comparison of constrained linear inversion and an iterative nonlinear algorithm applied to the indirect estimation of particle size distributions

Abstract Particle size distributions in the atmosphere are not smooth, and the application of the usual smoothing constraints to the inversion of indirect measurements of such distributions is unsuccessful for this reason, even though the method used is successful for hypothetical (but unreal) distributions. It is shown that nonlinear iterative procedures can be applied successfully in either situation.
A Simple Estimate of the Cost of Software Project Failures and the Breakeven Effectiveness of Project Risk Management

Based on easily obtained data, a rough (but simple) estimate of the cost to an enterprise of software project failures can be formed. Using similar analysis, it is possible to estimate the effectiveness that a software quality improvement project will need to have upon the project failure rate in order to break even economically. This provides an informal calculation that can be used to cost-justify either a more complete investigation or risk management.
Microcomputer bus architectures

in this paper, the bus architecture of microcomputers based on the Intel 80/spl times/86 family of microprocessors will be explored. Specifically, the Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) will be introduced and its role in subsequent architecture designs will be examined. Bus architectures including the Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA), Micro-Channel Architecture (MCA), Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) Local Bus Architecture, and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) standards will be analyzed. The dependence of early bus designs on the host processor, as well as the effect of bus architecture design development of hardware and software will be discussed.
Major Steps Forward in the Scientific Study of War

The Steps to War: An Empirical Study. By Paul D. Senese, John A. Vasquez. New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 2008. 314 pp., $26.95 paperback (ISBN-13: 978-0-691-13892-3). This is a major work of scholarship. Written from a scientific perspective, this book is an authoritative treatment of the causes of interstate war in the post-Napoleonic era. Senese and Vasquez present the “steps-to-war explanation” as an alternative to realism in both theory and practice (p. 15). The book's thesis is that a developmental model, with pride of place reserved for territorial issues, offers the best chance to account for interstate war. The explanation is cast at the dyadic level, in keeping with the standard focus of modeling efforts about interstate war over the last three decades. Throughout the book, careful attention is paid to concerns about sequence and order among the presumed steps-to-war: territorial as opposed to other issues, outside allies, enduring rivalry and arms races. Data on Militarized Interstate Disputes (MIDs) from 1816 to 2001 is used to test variations of the basic model that focus on the period as a whole, along with sub-periods of 1816–1945, 1946–1989, and 1990–2001. As will become apparent, the Cold War stands out in a number of ways and provides justification for the analysis of sub-periods as well as the data set as a whole. This work goes beyond Vasquez's prior exegesis of the causes of war, with territorial claims at the foundation of the steps up the ladder of escalation. Essential to moving forward is an entire chapter that sorts through the …
A Study of Feedback and Errors in Sequential Machines

The object of this paper is to study feedback in sequential machines, to classify (according to their seriousness) and analyze errors which arise in the state transitions of machines, and to establish some relations between feedback and errors. It is shown that the previously developed algebraic methods1,2 supply the necessary tools and a rigorous basis for this theory, and relate these new results to previously obtained results about the structure of sequential machines. For example, this work yields the necessary methods to detect the existence of a decomposition of machines into component machines so that the most ``serious'' errors of the computation can occur only in an isolated component machine. This leads to the possibility of imposing selectively different reliability conditions on the component machines to achieve high over-all reliability of the realizations.
Red Turn Arrow: Safety Analysis

Although use of red turn arrows in traffic signals has been adopted by the Manual On Uniform Traffic Control Devices, a review of literature shows that there is great reluctance on the part of jurisdictions in using red turn arrow. This reluctance is rooted in the fear that the red arrow is an ambiguous and inherently unsafe traffic control device. Earlier studies of the red arrow did not present conclusive evidence of the parity or superiority of the red arrow in any traffic control setting. Based on observed violations of the red arrow and red ball at fifteen intersections of different types, located in different geographical areas, and more than 17,900 observed signal cycles, the study concludes that there is no evidence that the red arrow is less safe or more ambiguous than the red ball when used in equivalent traffic control settings. The study shows that the red arrow receives significantly less violations than the red ball, and appears to be more effective for exclusive turn control at T‐type inter...
Thermal and Mass Balance in Reactive Thermal Processing of Nickel Aluminide Coatings on Steel Substrates

Nickel aluminide coatings were produced on steel substrates by reactive thermal processing of pre-plated precursor layers of nickel and aluminum using plasma arc as the heat source. Controlled rapid heating melted the outer aluminum layer, which then dissolved nickel to facilitate the nucleation and growth of a nickel aluminide. The resultant coating microstructures varied from a duplex or triplex structure, consisting of either NiAl 3 and a eutectic; Ni 2 Al 3 , NiAl 3 and a eutectic; to a fully monolithic Ni 2 Al 3 structure, with the latter resulting at high heat input rates and/or low heat-source traverse rates. The temperature of the reaction layer was simulated for the experimental conditions by a numerical model based on Green's function analysis. The nickel concentration at the liquid-solid interface just before any nickel aluminide nucleation was calculated by assuming local equilibrium interface conditions between the liquid layer and the fcc nickel-rich solution. The depth of nickel dissolution, which consequently determines the extent of nickel aluminide growth, was also predicted by the model. Numerical results of the nickel dissolution compared well with experimental observations.
From Awareness to Advocacy: Understanding Nonprofit Communication, Participation, and Support

This article explores public support for nonprofit organizations by studying a specific fundraising event, Relay For Life, benefiting the American Cancer Society. Using an online survey of undergraduates (N = 514), this research employs the situational theory of publics and the theory of reasoned action to explore communication and participation behaviors related to the health issue and organization. Multiple analyses show how the variables combine to represent a new variable or a continuum that may help explain nonprofit support.
The natural history of idiopathic cardiomegaly

T he entity of idiopathic hypertrophy of the heart has aroused increasing interest in recent years, and much speculation has arisen with regard to its etiology. Many factors have been suggested, but whether this is essentially a congenital defect or whether it is an acquired disease has never been clearly established, since little is known about the state of these hearts prior to overt heart failure. The majority of reports and reviews on the subject are vague as to the onset of cardiomegaly, primarily because this specific information is difficult to obtain. Since this knowledge, that is, whether these patients had always had cardiomegaly or whether they acquired it later in life, appears to be an important void in our understanding of this condition, an attempt was made to investigate it. Cases studied at a Veterans Administration Hospital are ideally suited for this purpose, because all patients, in order to qualify for admission to a Veterans Administration institution, must, at one time or another, have successfully passed an Armed Forces Physical Examination; thus, previous health records, including data concerning chest x-ray films, are available. The purpose of this communication, therefore, is to establish some evidence in regard to the natural history of idiopathic hypertrophy of the heart, prior to the onset of overt heart failure. No attempt is made to review the clinical course of this condition after the onset of symptomatic heart disease, since this has already been done in a number of excellent and detailed publications.r-8 Only autopsy-proved cases were included in this series, and, specifically, only those in which the total heart weight was over 500 grams, and in which there was no evidence of coronary artery disease or abnormality, myocardial fibrosis or infarction, or valvular alteration. Similarly, a history of significant or permanent hypertension, rheumatic and other carditis caused exclusion. Cases which at autopsy showed extensive endocardial fibrosis, thus suggesting the diagnosis of fibroelastosis, were also eliminated from the series. As a result of this rather strict selection, only 11 cases were admitted to this study, from an autopsy experience of 10 years at the Veterans Administration Hospital, East Orange, New Jersey. After review of the autopsy and clinical findings, the Veterans Administration claims folders of these patients were studied. These included, in all instances, the original induction and discharge physical examinations, as well as a statement in regard to the chest x-ray films taken at those times. Unfortunately, the actual x-ray films were not available in enough
Seems stupid until you try it: press coverage of Twitter, 2006-9:

While critics of Twitter, the most popular microblogging application, dismiss the service as frivolous, proponents tout a variety of educational, political and commercial uses. Drawing from social construction theories of technology, this research uses the grounded theory approach to analyze press coverage of this emerging technology from 2006 through the first months of 2009. While the specifics of Twitter may be new, this research demonstrates that the public response to this web tool is similar to the public reaction to earlier communication technologies including the telegraph, radio and the internet. Despite vocal skepticism from some, the research shows newspapers, magazines and blogs have promoted and actively encouraged Twitter’s diffusion.
Personality testing and epilepsy: comparison of two MMPI-2 correction procedures

Abstract The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) is widely used for assessing psychopathology. However, its reliability in people with neurologic disease has been questioned. This concern is especially true for epilepsy, a disease with symptoms, i.e., seizures, that frequently include experiences likely to suggest psychopathology. Correction procedures, in which select items are removed and the test is rescored, may improve MMPI-2 specificity. The MMPI-2 was administered to 27 subjects with epilepsy, and the results were compared before and after application of three correction procedures: rational, statistical, and combined. The statistical correction resulted in clinically significant T -score changes (⩾5 points) in two MMPI-2 clinical scales, while a combined correction procedure produced clinically significant changes in three scales. In the subgroup of patients with intractable epilepsy, two noncorrected scale T -scores ⩾65 fell to the normal range with both the statistical and combined procedures. These results suggest cautious interpretation of standard MMPI-2 scores in patients with epilepsy.
Fabrication of Ceramic Microscale Structures

Ceramics are attractive materials for engineering applications involving high temperatures and corrosive chemicals. Here, an inexpensive and reproducible ceramic microfabrication technology was used to fabricate high-density alumina structures for applications in microchemical systems. The new method is based on the gelcasting procedure, but key drying and sintering steps have been adjusted to avoid warpage and cracking of the final structures. Centimeter-scale ceramic structures with submillimeter features can be accurately replicated from an elastomeric mold. Further study of the effect of alumina particle size, Dp, on the smallest achievable and reproducible feature size showed that excellent replication of patterns can be achieved as long as the dimensions of features in the mold are greater than 30Dp for the range of Dp from 0.3 to 3.0 μm.
From designs to practical realizations: The benefits of analytical models

A variety of recent analytical solutions of source and scattering problems that have led to efficient electrically small resonant systems, including efficient electrically-small antennas and CNP lasers, were discussed. Examples of these analytical results and how they have guided more detailed numerical calculations will be emphasized in my presentation.
Multicarrier multiuser modulation performance in severely fading channels

In this paper, we investigate the performance of two popular multicarrier transmission schemes, OFDMA, and MC-DS-CDMA, on severely fading channels. Channel models are drawn from our experimental work measuring the wireless channel in the 5 GHz band, around airport surface areas. Results indicate that multicarrier schemes can outperform their single-carrier counterparts, particularly when configured to account for the channel characteristics
Detecting and Using Critical Paths at Runtime in Message Driven Parallel Programs

Detecting critical paths in traditional message passing parallel programs can be useful for post-mortem performance analysis. This paper presents an efficient online algorithm for detecting critical paths for message-driven parallel programs. Initial implementations of the algorithm have been created in three message-driven parallel languages: Charm++, Charisma, and Structured Dagger. Not only does this work describe a novel implementation of critical path detection for the message-driven programs, but also the resulting critical paths are successfully used as the program runs for automatic performance tuning. The actionable information provided by the critical path is shown to be useful for online performance tuning within the context of the message driven parallel model, whereas it has never been used for online purposes within the traditional message passing model.
"A View From the Top": Crafting the Male "Domdentity" in Domestic Discipline Relationships

Domestic discipline (DD) is a relationship approach that advocates wifely submission and male dominance through the use of disciplinary tactics such as spanking. Because DD is seen as a deviant behavioral approach to relationships, men often turn to blogs to chronicle their experiences with DD. These blogs provide insight regarding their identity as a Dominant (Dom), or what they refer to as their “Domdentity.” The purpose of our study is to investigate how Doms socially construct and perform their Domdentity. The Domdentity is constructed through a dialectic of discipline and love in the DD relationship, continuously working to maintain the DD relationship, and actively participating, and questioning their roles, in the DD relationship.
Experimental and Computational Analysis of Film Cooling Hole Performance on a High Temperature Test Rig

Demand for more power from a gas turbine causes rotor inlet temperature to increase and in order to restrict the metal temperature in hot gas path components within a safe working limit, a better cooling system must be employed. This paper focuses on evaluating the performance of a film cooling hole in engine like conditions. Lab-scale experiments conducted prior to this study have established that tripod holes provide higher effectiveness compared to cylindrical and shaped holes while consuming only half the coolant. In spite of showing potential, it still has to yield superior cooling at engine like conditions. The high temperature test rig facility at NETL can raise the mainstream gas temperature as high as 1175 °C. Coolant temperature is adjusted to study film cooling performance at density ratio 2.8. This study presents results of baseline coupon testing. Metal coupons are made of Haynes230 alloy and are fabricated with cylindrical holes. Surface temperature is recorded using an IR thermographic camera which was calibrated using thermocouples, for different blowing ratios (0.5–2.0). Alongside experiment, a numerical model was also developed in an attempt to provide additional insight on the distribution of surface temperature and overall effectiveness downstream of cooling hole. It was observed that film cooling is effective at M=2.0 and 1.5 and this was associated with high inlet turbulence and swirling velocities disrupting the film cooling performance at lower blowing ratios. CFD predictions seemed to match better at M 1.0 but were found to deviate considerably at other blowing ratios.© 2014 ASME
Customer Experience Management

Customer Experience Management (CEM) ist der Prozess des strategischen Managements aller Erlebnisse des Kunden mit einer Marke an samtlichen Kontaktpunkten. CEM ist ein kundenorientiertes Konzept, d.h. im Mittelpunkt stehen der Kunde und die Analyse des Kundenerlebnisses, aus der das Management eine kundenzentrierte Strategie und Implementierungen entwickelt.
Expert Meeting Report: Retrofit Implementation - A Neighborhood at a Time

This report provides information about a Building America expert meeting hosted by research team Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings (CARB) on October 25, 2011, in New York City. The meeting discussed several community residential retrofit projects underway across the United States, and included representatives from utilities, energy program implementation firms, affordable housing agencies, and the financing industry.
History as Therapy. Alternative History and Nationalist Imaginings in Russia, 1991–2014

Sheiko and Brown position their volume as an updated version of their earlier book that focused on the phenomenon of alternative history that exploded in Russia. The introduction contextualises the...
A Food and Drug Administration-Approved Antiviral Agent that Inhibits Adenylyl Cyclase Type 5 Protects the Ischemic Heart Even When Administered after Reperfusion

A Food and Drug Administration-approved antiviral agent, known as vidarabine or adenine 9-β-D-arabinofuranoside (AraA), has features of inhibiting adenylyl cyclase type 5 (AC5) and protects against chronic coronary artery occlusion (CAO). The goal of this investigation was to determine whether AraA protects against myocardial ischemia, even when delivered after coronary artery reperfusion (CAR). AraA, delivered after CAR in wild-type mice, reduced infarct size by 55% compared with vehicle-treated controls, whereas an equal dose of adenosine reduced infarct size only when administered before CAR. A 5-fold greater dose of adenosine was required to reduce infarct size when delivered after CAR, which also reduced arterial pressure by 15%, whereas AraA did not affect pressure. The reduction in infarct size with AraA was prevented by a MEK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase blocker, a pathway also involved in the mechanism of protection of the AC5 knockout (KO) model. Infarct size was also reduced in cardiac-specific AC5 KO mice similarly in the presence and absence of AraA, further suggesting that AraA protection involves the AC5 pathway. AraA reduced infarct size in chronically instrumented conscious pigs when delivered after CAR, and in this model, it also reduced post-CAR coronary hyperemia, which could be another mechanism for cardioprotection (i.e., by reducing oxidative stress during CAR). Thus, AraA inhibits AC5 and exhibits unique cardioprotection when delivered after CAR, which is critical for clinical translation.
Effect of Cyanide on Respiration of the Protozoan, Colpidium Campylum

The claim of Lund1 that Paramecium is insensitive to KCN though questioned by Hyman2 has been confirmed by Gerard and Hyman.3 A similar insensitivity of an alga, Chlorella, was described by Warburg and by Emerson,4 and an even more striking resistance to cyanide by a bacterium, Sarcina lutea, has been reported by Gerard.5 It seemed desirable to extend observations as to cyanide sensitivity to other protozoa, The present work is limited to the Protozoan, Colpidium campylum.Methods. Pure cultures of colpidia were obtained from a single individual, and cultured on a spring water rye infusion seeded with the coccus Achromobacter candicans grown on agar slants for 2 days at 350°C. The colpidia were added 24 hours after the bacteria and grown for 48 hours before use. The cultures were prepared for respiration studies by gentle centrifuging, removing the bacterial layer, washing the lower sediment of protozoa and bacteria with spring water and recentrifuging, repeated 5 to 7 times. At the end the colpidia were p...
The conceptualization of God as seen in adjective ratings.

Previous studies have identified several dimensions reflecting the concepts used by religious people in describing God. Semantic Differential research has also found adjectival factors which apply to numerous concepts, including that of God. The present study sought to identify replicable factors in the conceptualization of the deity from both areas of previous research. Adjectives of possible applicability to the concept of "God" were included in a hierarchical factor analysis. A general factor of the Traditional Christian concept appeared along with factors previously identified (Deisticness, Eternality, Evaluation, Kindliness, Omni-ness, and Wrathfulness) as well as several new dimensions (e.g., Irrelevancy and Potently Passive). The internal consistency of each scale resulting from the factor analysis was determined in another sample of subjects and indicated that most of the factors could be easily measured.
Sand-bath and thermal-shock testing of plated-through-holes

Thermal stressing of plated-through-holes (PTH) is an everyday occurrence in the manufacture of multilayer circuit cards. Thermal shock produced by manufacturing processes such as wave solder and component rework has been responsible for mechanical failures in PTH.
A 60GHz Class-E Power Amplifier in SiGe

A millimeter-wave Class-E tuned power amplifier is realized in 0.13 mum SiGe BiCMOS technology. To accomplish switching-mode operation at 60GHz, the transmission line input impedance transformation network provides a low real source impedance rather than optimum power match. The prototype IC is a single-ended single stage design that operates from a 1.2V supply and employs an area of 0.98mm2. Measurement results show a saturated output power >11.1dBm with peak PAE>15% from 55-60GHz. At 58GHz it achieves a peak PAE of 20.9%, peak power gain of 4.2dB and saturated output power of 11.7dBm.