cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A two zone model of flame propagation applied to H2 + air flames and HCL inhibited flames

This communication presents a two zone flame model which allows computation of flame propagation velocity and average properties in the radical generation region and fuel attack region of the flame. The approach is computationally simpler than formal flame theory calculations; however, it provides only limited information since detailed structural information is sacrificed for computational simplicity. The zonal approach to flame structure is described and justification is provided for the various approximations which characterize the model. The model is largely a chemical one; however, the balance maintained between the radical molecule attack reaction and diffusional transport of radicals into the reaction region controls the propagation rate. The model was tested on five H2 + air flames, and the computed propagation velocities compared favorably with experimental values. HCL inhibition of the stoichiometric H2 + air flame was investigated, and the zonal approach was found suitable for studying flame inhibition.
Rule induction in data mining: effect of ordinal scales

Abstract Many classification tasks can be viewed as ordinal. Use of numeric information usually provides possibilities for more powerful analysis than ordinal data. On the other hand, ordinal data allows more powerful analysis when compared to nominal data. It is therefore important not to overlook knowledge about ordinal dependencies in data sets used in data mining. This paper investigates data mining support available from ordinal data. The effect of considering ordinal dependencies in the data set on the overall results of constructing decision trees and induction rules is illustrated. The degree of improved prediction of ordinal over nominal data is demonstrated. When data was very representative and consistent, use of ordinal information reduced the number of final rules with a lower error rate. Data treatment alternatives are presented to deal with data sets having greater imperfections.
Effect of Topical Applications of Neutral Sodium Fluoride on Dental Caries in the Rat

A study on various regimens by which the same total amount of neutral sodium fluoride is applied to the teeth of rats showed that greater effects were observed after frequent application of 0.2% solutions than after less frequent application of more concentrated solutions.
Interpretation of the Spectra of CaF and SrF

The structure of the band spectra of the diatomic alkaline earth fluorides has been considered in the light of the quantum theory by Mecke, Jevons, Johnson, and Jenkins. Because of the closeness of the rotational structure it has proved impossible to obtain sufficient resolution for the application of the combination principle to the individual band lines except for BeF, which molecule has the smallest moment of inertia (Jenkins, loc . cit .). With the heavier molecules, assignments of vibrational quantum numbers were made from the positions and intensities of the band heads, and designations of the electronic terms were given, based on the evident similarity of certain band systems in this group of molecules. The 2Π→2Σ system, which lies in the ultra-violet for BeF and MgF, and in the visible for CaF, SrF and BaF, was shown in the case of BeF to possess the expected rotational structure. The system designated 2Σ→2Σ by Johnson is known only in CaF, SrF and BaF, and has a slightly higher frequency than 2Π→2Σ. In the course of a search for isotope effects in the spectra of CaF and SrF have obtained plates with the 21-foot concave grating showing the two systems mentioned above in both emission and absorption. For the absorption the method of Walters and Barratt was used. Although the study of these plates gave evidence of isotopes only in the case of SrF, certain observations on the modifications in structure between emission and absorption are important for the interpretation of the rotational structure of the bands of both molecules, a question which apparently can only be cleared up by indirect evidence of this kind.
Identification and localization of DNA alteration in Chinese hamster ovary cell mutants (Urd-) defective in the first three enzymes of de novo pyrimidine synthesis.

In animals, the first three enzymatic steps of de novo pyrimidine synthesis, carbamyl phosphate synthetase, aspartate transcarbamylase, and dihydroorotase, comprise the multifunctional protein known as the CAD protein. Mutants of Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO-K1, pro−) deficient in CAD protein activities require uridine for growth and are designated Urd− A mutants. To examine further the nature of the genetic alterations in Urd− A mutants and revertants, we have performed a detailed Southern blot hybridization analysis of DNA from wild-type, Urd− A, and revertant cells using as hybridization probes cDNAs complementary to CAD mRNA isolated from Syrian hamster. This has allowed us to identify an apparent alteration in the CAD gene in DNA from Urd− A cells. This alteration is in a region of the gene which appears to correspond to the region of the protein which is hypersensitive to proteases and which seems to be altered in the mutants. Only one of the two CAD alleles present appears to be altered in this way. Study of certain revertants of Urd− A strongly suggests that in some cases reversion has occurred by amplification of the mutant CAD allele.
Trehalose-protected lipid membranes for determining membrane protein structure and insertion.

Abstract Trehalose preserves lipid bilayers during dehydration and rehydration by replacing water to form hydrogen bonds between its own OH groups and lipid headgroups. We compare the lipid conformation and dynamics between trehalose-protected lyophilized membranes and hydrated membranes, to assess the suitability of the trehalose-containing membrane as a matrix for membrane protein structure determination. 31 P spectra indicate that the lipid headgroup of trehalose-protected dry POPC membrane (TRE-POPC) have an effective phase transition temperature that is ∼50 K higher than that of the hydrated POPC membrane. In contrast, the acyl chains have similar transition temperatures in the two membranes. Intramolecular lipid 13 C′– 31 P distances are the same in TRE-POPC and crystalline POPC, indicating that the lipid headgroup and glycerol backbone conformation is unaffected by trehalose incorporation. Intermolecular 13 C– 31 P distances between a membrane peptide and the lipid headgroups are 10% longer in the hydrated membrane at 226 K than in the trehalose-protected dry membrane at 253 K. This is attributed to residual motions in the hydrated membrane, manifested by the reduced 31 P chemical shift anisotropy, even at the low temperature of 226 K. Thus, trehalose lyoprotection facilitates the study of membrane protein structure by allowing experiments to be conducted at higher temperatures than possible with the hydrated membranes.
Measuring Domain Sizes and Compositional Heterogeneities in P3HT‐PCBM Bulk Heterojunction Thin Films with 1H Spin Diffusion NMR Spectroscopy

The application of 1H spin diffusion nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is expanded to polymer-fullerene blends for bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic photovoltaics (OPV) by developing a new experimental methodology for measuring the thin films used in poly-3-hexylthiophene–phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT-PCBM) OPV devices and by creating an analysis framework for estimating domain size distributions. It is shown that variations in common P3HT-PCBM BHJ processing parameters such as spin-coating speed and thermal annealing can significantly affect domain size distributions, which in turn affect power conversion efficiency. 1H spin diffusion NMR analysis reveals that films spin-cast at fast speeds in dichlorobenzene are primarily composed of small (<10 nm) domains of each component; these devices exhibit low power conversion efficiencies (η = 0.4%). Fast-cast films improve substantially by thermal annealing, which causes nanometer-scale coarsening leading to higher efficiency (η = 2.2%). Films spin-cast at slow speeds and then slowly dried exhibit larger domains and even higher efficiencies (η = 2.6%), but do not benefit from thermal annealing. The 1H spin diffusion NMR results show that a significant population of domains tens of nanometers in size is a common characteristic of samples with higher efficiencies.
Detectability of signals in Laplace noise

Closed-form expressions for the false-alarm and detection probabilities attained by the optimum and the linear detectors of a positive signal in n independent samples of noise having a bilateral exponential or Laplace distribution require lengthy computation when n is large, and those for the optimum detector suffer from round-off error because their terms alternate in sign. It is shown how the method of saddlepoint integration can be conveniently applied to compute these probabilities, and numerical comparisons of the accuracies of the methods are presented. The relative efficiency of the two detectors is calculated as a function of n and found to approach the asymptotic value of 2 very slowly. >
Canadian bank capital during the Great Depression of the 1930s: A comparison to the Basel III requirements

This article compares the new Basel III capital requirements to the capital holdings of Canadian banks during the Great Depression. The goal of Basel III is to make large international banks financially stable so that government bailouts will not be necessary in the future as they were during the 2008–2009 financial crises. In other words, the goal is to make banks as resilient as Canadian banks were during the Great Depression. We find that Basel III does not require banks to hold as much common equity Tier 1 as Canadian banks held during the 1930s. Comparisons regarding contingent and countercyclical capital were made, but conclusions are hard to draw because of differences in structure and purpose. We conclude that the capital buildup of Canadian banks during the 1920s, while their economy was growing, was a key element in preparing the Canadian banking system for the Great Depression to come.
Fabrication of porous Ti surface by femtosecond laser sintering of Ti powder

This study prepares Ti porous structure on a Ti substrate by femtosecond laser sintering and controls the pore size of the thin layers by varying irradiation energy. The appearance of the induced nanostructures accompanies with oxidation.
CAD of two‐port Gap‐coupled rectangular microstrip patches and linear series‐fed arrays

A CAD approach based on the multiport network model (MNM) has been developed for the design/analysis of rectangular microstrip patches gap-coupled to a microstrip feed line. Microstrip patches on thin substrates with and without a dielectric cover layer are considered. Results of the analysis for sample two-port patches are compared with experimental and moment method results. The agreement validates the proposed model and the analysis procedure. Application of the MNM approach to CAD of linear series-fed arrays of gap-coupled rectangular microstrip patches is also discussed, © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The medial olivocochlear reflex in children during active listening

AbstractObjective: To determine if active listening modulates the strength of the medial olivocochlear (MOC) reflex in children. Design: Click-evoked otoacoustic emissions (CEOAEs) were recorded from the right ear in quiet and in four test conditions: one with contralateral broadband noise (BBN) only, and three with active listening tasks wherein attention was directed to speech embedded in contralateral BBN. Study sample: Fifteen typically-developing children (ranging in age from 8 to14 years) with normal hearing. Results: CEOAE levels were reduced in every condition with contralateral acoustic stimulus (CAS) when compared to preceding quiet conditions. There was an additional systematic decrease in CEOAE level with increased listening task difficulty, although this effect was very small. These CEOAE level differences were most apparent in the 8–18 ms region after click onset. Conclusions: Active listening may change the strength of the MOC reflex in children, although the effects reported here are very ...
Harmonic excitation of mantle Rayleigh waves by the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo, Philippines

An unusually long (at least two hours) seismic wave train having periods of about 230 sec was recorded at many worldwide seismic stations during the major eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines on June 15, 1991. This wave train exhibits two sharp spectral peaks at 228 and 270 sec. The group velocity, phase velocity, and the particle motion of this wave train indicate that it is a Rayleigh wave. The most probable excitation mechanism is acoustic coupling of atmospheric oscillations that were set off by continuous thermal energy flux from the volcano. The two spectral peaks correspond to the characteristic periods of acoustic and gravity modes of the Earth's atmosphere. The magnitude of the vertical single force equivalent to the acoustic coupling is 1.6×10^(17) dynes over a frequency band of 0.003 to 0.01 Hz. The results suggest the possibility of using acoustically coupled Rayleigh waves for detection, characterization and quantification of volcanic eruptions. Acoustic coupling of the atmosphere and the solid Earth provides a unique seismic source with long duration.
Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Using a Transhumeral Approach to Fixation

A new technique for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using arthroscopically placed transhumeral sutures is presented. After an adequate acromioplasty is performed, a modified anterior cruciate ligament tibial drill guide is used to drill two or more transhumeral holes from the metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction of the humerus to the greater tuberosity. Sutures are then passed into these holes and through the rotator cuff using cannulated needles. The sutures are tied manually and the repair is inspected. The postoperative protocol is presented. The new technique may be superior to the current methods for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in that (1) the strength of fixation does not rely on the quality of the bone in the greater tuberosity of the humeral head (which can be quite poor) as suture anchor techniques do, (2) the sutures are easily passed through the rotator cuff without relying on complicated suture passing techniques, (3) the knots are tied without the aide of an arthroscopic knot-tying device, and (4) in cadaveric studies, the failure strength of this new repair was equal to the strength of a traditional open repair. Prospective studies are ongoing to assess the efficacy of this new technique.
New therapeutic approaches in asthma

66. Flavahan NA, Aarhus LL, Rimelo TJ, Van Houtte PM: Respiratory epithelium inhibits bronchial smooth muscle core. J Appl Physiol 58:834, 1985 67. Barnes PJ, Cuss FM, Palmer JB: The effect of airway epithelium of smooth muscle contractility in bovine trachea. Br J Pharmacol 86:685, 1985 68. Schlect H: iiber experbnentelle eosinophilie nach parenteraler zufuhr artfremden eiweipes und ijber die beziehungen der eosinophilie zur anaphyiaxie. Arch Exp Path01 Pharmakol 67:137, 1912 69. Weller PF, Wasserman SI, Austen KF: Selected enzymes preferentially present in the eosinophil. In Mahmoud AAF, Austen KF, editors: The eosinophil in health and disease. New York, 1980, Grune & Stratton Inc, p 115 70. Zeiger RS, Colten HR: Histaminase release from human eosinophils. J Immunol 118:540, 1977 71. Wasserman SI. Goetzl EJ, Austen KF: Inactivation of slowreacting substance of anaphylaxis by human eosinophil arylsulfatase. J Immunol 114:645, 1975 72. Kater LA, Goetzl EJ, Austen KF: Isolation of human eosinophil phospholipase D. J Clin Invest 57:1173, 1976 73. Weller PF: Functional and biochemical properties of selected protein constituents of human eosinophils. In Yoshida T, Torisu M, editors: The immunobiology of the eosinophil. New York, 1983, Elsevier, p 145 74. Gleich GJ, Olson GM, Loegering DA: The effect of ablation of eosinophils on immediate-type hypersensitivity reactions. Itnmunology 38:343, 1979 75. Goetzl EJ, Austen KF: Natural eosinophilotactic peptides: evidence of heterogeneity and studies of structure and function. In Mahmoud AAF, Austen KF, editors: The eosinophil in health and disease. New York, 1980, Grune & Stratton Inc, p 185 76. Henderson WR, Chi EY: Ultrastructural characterization and morphometric analysis of human eosinophil degradation. J Cell Sci 73:33, 1985 77. Fukuda T, Ackerman SJ, Reed CE, Peters MS, Dunnette SL, Gleich GJ: Calcium ionophore A23187 causes calcium-dependent cytolytic degranulation in human eosinophils. J Immunol 135:1349, 1985 78. Koch-Weser J: Beta adrenergic blockade and circulating eosinophils. Arch Intern Med 121:255, 1968 79. Ohman JL Jr, Lawrence M, Lowell FC: Effect of propranolol on the isoproterenol, responses of cortisol, isoproterenol, and aminophylline. J ALLERGY CLIN IMMUNOL 50:151, 1972 80. Schwartz HJ, Lowell FC, Melby JC: Steroid resistance in bronchial asthma. Ann Intern Med 69:493, 1968 8 1. Oliver RC, Glauert AM, Throne KJI: Mechanism of Fc-mediated interaction of eosinophils with immobilized immune complexes. I. Effects of inhibitors and activators of eosinophil function. J Cell Sci 56:337. 1982
Quantitative analysis of glutamate transporter mRNA expression in prefrontal and primary visual cortex in normal and schizophrenic brain.

Abnormalities of the glutamatergic system in schizophrenia have been identified in numerous studies, but little is known about the role of glutamate transporters and their messenger RNA (mRNA) expression. In addition, the abundances of the two major isoforms of human excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2) or its rat ortholog, glutamate transporter 1, have never been compared in a quantitative manner. Using quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, we established that the expression of the EAAT1, EAAT2a, EAAT2b, and EAAT3 transcripts was not different in the dorsolateral prefrontal and primary visual cortices of persons with schizophrenia relative to matched controls. EAAT2a expression was about 25-fold and 10-fold higher than EAAT2b in human and rat brain, respectively. The data provided no evidence of an effect of antipsychotic medications on the mRNA expression of the glutamate transporters. However, because most of the schizophrenic subjects in the cohort had been treated with antipsychotics for many years, it is still possible that changes in transporter expression were masked by medication effects.
Enantioselective Fluorescence Sensing of Chiral α-Amino Alcohols

1,8-Bis(3-tert-butyl-9-acridyl)naphthalene N,N′-dioxide, 1, has been synthesized in five steps from 3-tert-butylaniline and 2-chlorobenzoic acid in 29% overall yield. This C2-symmetric ligand forms a highly fluorescent scandium complex that can be used for enantioselective sensing of chiral amino alcohols. A fluorescence ligand displacement assay that allows accurate measurements of both the total amount and the enantiomeric excess of several amino alcohols at micromolar concentrations is reported.
Visualizing meltwater flow through snow at the centimetre‐to‐metre scale using a snow guillotine

Movement of liquid water through snowpacks remains one of the least understood aspects of snow hydrology. Liquid water movement through snowpacks is generally recognized to occur in distinct flow paths rather than as uniform flow through a homogeneous porous medium. Dye tracer experiments have been used in studies of meltwater flow through snow since the 1930s. Although dye tracer experiments have provided valuable qualitative information about meltwater pathways, quantitative descriptions of their spacing and location are not commonly available because of the difficulty in precisely excavating and measuring pathways. Here we provide a new proof-of-concept instrument we term a ‘snow guillotine’ that provides more quantitative information from dye tracer experiments conducted on melting snowpacks. Photographs are taken of each cross-section over a 1-m distance. Application of image processing and geostatistical analysis allows collection of high-resolution (1 cm3), three-dimensional data on meltwater flow through a snowpack. The results show preferential flowpaths, with the majority of vertical flow occurring in the upper 20–55 cm of the snowpack, while fewer preferential flowpaths are apparent below 100 cm. The number of vertical flowpaths in the upper half of the snowpack averaged almost 100 per m2, with the highest number of flowpaths reaching almost 300 per m2. Layer interfaces were found to significantly increase the volume of dye, indicating dominance by lateral flow at these boundaries. At each stratigraphic interface, the number of individual clusters decreased and it was more likely for a dyed pixel to be part of a large cluster. Geostatistical analyses showed that there were large increases in correlation lengths and the connectivity function at stratigraphic layers in contrast to low values between layers. For example, the buried ice layer in Experiment A at 169–170 cm showed separation distances of 20 cm. In contrast, two rows above this layer the separation distance was only 2 cm. Implementation of the snow guillotine provides the ability to conduct geostatistical analyses on field measurements of meltwater flow while providing three-dimensional, quantitative data of unprecedented spatial resolution. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Treatment of a spider phobia by in vivo and imaginal desensitization

Abstract The use of in vivo and imaginal desensitization procedures in the treatment of a spider phobia is described. A diversity of in vivo programs, following a thematic hierarchy paradigm, are discussed in detail to encourage more frequent attention to and utilization of easily arranged, controlled exposures.
Effects of Pressure and Temperature Variation in Vibratory Cavitation Damage Test

Vibratory cavitation damage tests (20 kHz, 2 mil (50·8 μm) double amplitude) have been conducted in water on SAE-660 bronze, over the temperature range 55°F to 250°F and with 1 to 4 atm static supp...
Techniques for optical and electron microscopy of titanium

Abstract Techniques found to yield the most successful results for the optical and transmission electron microscopy of titanium and titanium alloys are described. For optical microscopy both mechanical and electropolishing are employed; a special etching procedure is described for revealing grain sizes of the order of 1 micron. Both chemical polishing and electropolishing techniques are presented for preparing foils for transmission electron microscopy. Examples of the structures revealed by the various techniques are given.
Applicability of density functional theory in reproducing accurate vibrational spectra of surface bound species.

The structural equilibrium parameters, the adsorption energies, and the vibrational frequencies of the nitrogen molecule and the hydrogen atom adsorbed on the (111) surface of rhodium have been investigated using different generalized-gradient approximation (GGA), nonlocal correlation, meta-GGA, and hybrid functionals, namely, Perdew, Burke, and Ernzerhof (PBE), Revised-RPBE, vdW-DF, Tao, Perdew, Staroverov, and Scuseria functional (TPSS), and Heyd, Scuseria, and Ernzerhof (HSE06) functional in the plane wave formalism. Among the five tested functionals, nonlocal vdW-DF and meta-GGA TPSS functionals are most successful in describing energetics of dinitrogen physisorption to the Rh(111) surface, while the PBE functional provides the correct chemisorption energy for the hydrogen atom. It was also found that TPSS functional produces the best vibrational spectra of the nitrogen molecule and the hydrogen atom on rhodium within the harmonic formalism with the error of −2.62 and −1.1% for the NN stretching and RhH stretching frequency. Thus, TPSS functional was proposed as a method of choice for obtaining vibrational spectra of low weight adsorbates on metallic surfaces within the harmonic approximation. At the anharmonic level, by decoupling the RhH and NN stretching modes from the bulk phonons and by solving one- and two-dimensional Schrodinger equation associated with the RhH, RhN, and NN potential energy we calculated the anharmonic correction for NN and RhH stretching modes as −31 cm−1 and −77 cm−1 at PBE level. Anharmonic vibrational frequencies calculated with the use of the hybrid HSE06 function are in best agreement with available experiments. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In Situ Thermally Induced Attenuation in Sapphire Optical Fibers Heated to 1400°C

The purpose of this work was to determine the spectral loss of sapphire optical fibers as a function of temperature to determine the suitability of using sapphire optical fiber-based instrumentation in extremely high-temperature applications such as coal gasifers, or potentially in advanced high-temperature nuclear reactors. In this work, the broadband (450–2200 nm) optical attenuation of two commercially available sapphire optical fibers was monitored in situ as the fibers were heated in steps to temperatures up to 1400°C. The results presented in this work are the first known reporting of the broadband spectral loss in sapphire fibers (as opposed to bulk sapphire) as a function of temperature. The added attenuation in the sapphire fibers seemed to reach a steady-state at temperatures of 1300°C and below, and remained below 3.7 dB/m at all measurable wavelengths. At 1400°C, rapid increases in attenuation were observed that appeared to increase as the square root of heating time, indicating a diffusion-limited process. Cooling to room temperature in steps resulted in recovery of a large portion of the thermally induced attenuation, suggesting that the effects caused by heating at 1400°C introduced additional attenuation that was very temperature dependent. Based on comparison with previous work and on the spectral features of the added attenuation observed in this work, heating at 1400°C could have caused high-temperature oxidation of the sapphire fibers, which resulted in a temperature-dependent scattering loss mechanism.
Technological Modernization, the Internet, and Religion in Singapore

This study critically examines the ways in which technological modernization and religion co-exist and mutually reinforce one another within the Singaporean context. Interviews with religious leaders of a diverse set of faiths in Singapore about how they understand the role of information technology in religious practice reveal a broad-based acceptance of the Internet and other information technologies and little sense of a danger to religious faith. Contrary to the proposals of secularization theory, these findings suggest that various religious communities have adopted and in some cases embrace the Internet as part of their contemporary religious mission and strategy for growth. The findings further contribute to historical research on the social construction of technology and lend support to emergent research on the spiritual shaping of Internet technology by religious communities seeking to integrate the Internet into their everyday social and religious practices in wired contexts such as Singapore.
Processing and encapsulation of silver patterns by using reactive ion etch and ammonia anneal

Abstract Silver is a potential candidate for interconnect materials in advanced interconnect technology due to its excellent conductivity and better electromigration resistance than aluminium. In this study, the fabrication of 10 μm-linewidth silver patterns has been carried out by applying reactive ion etch in an oxygen plasma. The influence of rf-power supply and etch time on the etch effect has been investigated by the use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS). In this particular study, the etch condition of 50 W and 5 min can lead to complete removal of the Ag film (100 nm thick) uncovered by the photoresist. The etch mechanism has been discussed. The essential point for Ag etch in the oxygen plasma is that the Ag film is oxidized and then the oxidized Ag film flakes off due to the strain-induced cracking and ion bombardment. In an attempt to address some major existing issues of silver as a good interconnect material, an encapsulation process has been successfully implemented by annealing silver patterns (with Ti/SiO 2 /Si stack structure as substrate) in a flowing ammonia ambient. Upon anneal, the silver patterns are encapsulated with a thin TiN(O) layer due to the diffusion of the underlying Ti through the Ag layer to the surface and the reaction of Ti with ammonia. In the meantime, part of Ti reacts with SiO 2 to form Ti 5 Si 3 and Ti(O) at the original Ti/SiO 2 interface.
Wood fiber/polyolefin composites

Abstract Composites containing recycled plastics and wood fiber offer an interesting combination of properties, as well as lower cost than competitive materials, especially those based on synthetic fibers. By permitting use of moderately contaminated recycled plastics rather than requiring the use of virgin resin, these materials provide an additional market for recycled plastics, thereby helping to reduce waste disposal burdens. Composites can also be fabricated using recycled wood fiber, such as recovered paper fiber, providing an additional market outlet for recovered paper and thus further waste diversion benefits. Wood fiber/polyolefin composites are often unable to take full advantage of the potential of the fiber reinforcement, due to poor adhesion between the polymer matrix and the fiber. Use of additives to improve adhesion between the fibers and matrix can significantly improve performance.
Hearing preservation rates after microsurgical resection of vestibular schwannoma

Preservation of hearing is a major goal of surgery for patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS). We performed an analysis of the published literature on hearing outcome after microsurgery for VS. Our objective was to provide a comprehensive and unbiased description of published results. We completed a comprehensive search of the English language literature, most recently in October 2009, and identified a total of 62 studies publishing disaggregated hearing outcome data of patients undergoing microsurgical resection of VS. Inclusion criteria for articles were: (i) hearing preservation rates were reported specifically for VS; (ii) hearing status was reported using the American Association of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) or Gardner-Robertson (GR) classification; and (iii) initial tumor size was documented. We performed a multivariate step-wise logistic regression based on the results of univariate analysis, to determine factors which significantly impacted rates of hearing preservation in these patients. Of these, 49 articles involving 998 patients presented disaggregated data regarding the outcomes of individual patients, and were included in our analysis, with an over-all hearing preservation rate of 52%. In total, 286 patients underwent surgery by the middle cranial fossa (MCF) approach, and 702 patients underwent surgery via the retrosigmoid (RS) approach. The follow-up in these series ranged from 6 months to 7 years. Rates of hearing preservation in general declined with increasing age and tumor size. Patients undergoing surgery via the MCF had better hearing outcomes on univariate analysis than those undergoing the RS approach (63% vs. 47%, p 1.5 cm (odds ratio [OR] 2.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.59–4.95, p < 0.001), and the RS approach (OR 4.15, 95% CI = 1.97–8.77, p < 0.001) were independent significant risk factors for loss of serviceable hearing during VS surgery. Use of the MCF demonstrates superior hearing outcomes to the RS approach, even after correcting for the effect of the increased size of tumors addressed by the RS approach.
Goodness of fit tests for the multiple logistic regression model

Several test statistics are proposed for the purpose of assessing the goodness of fit of the multiple logistic regression model. The test statistics are obtained by applying a chi-square test for a contingency table in which the expected frequencies are determined using two different grouping strategies and two different sets of distributional assumptions. The null distributions of these statistics are examined by applying the theory for chi-square tests of Moore Spruill (1975) and through computer simulations. All statistics are shown to have a chi-square distribution or a distribution which can be well approximated by a chi-square. The degrees of freedom are shown to depend on the particular statistic and the distributional assumptions. The power of each of the proposed statistics is examined for the normal, linear, and exponential alternative models using computer simulations.
Yield Loss Assessment of Barley Yellow Dwarf Disease on Spring Oat in Illinois

The quantitative relationship between yield of spring oat cvs. Ogle and Noble and incidence of barley yellow dwarf (BYD) disease caused by barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV-PAV-IL) was studied. Field plots were infested with Rhopalosiphum padi vectoring BYDV-PAV-IL. A linear critical point regression model was developed that related percentage of maximum yield to BYD incidence, assessed by estimating the percentage of plants with BYD symptoms at Feekes growth stage 10.5 in each plot. The model y = 96.9 - 0.45x (r2 = 0.53) best explained the relationship. Test weight was unaffected by BYD. Although Noble consistently sustained higher disease incidence than Ogle, covariate analysis indicated that the effect of BYD on yield was similar for both cultivars. Studies of random versus focus inoculation of Noble oat, designed to determine the importance of compensation in reducing yield loss associated with BYD, indicated that compensation did not play an important role.
Defects in neutron irradiated molybdenum

Abstract Molybdenum of purity 99.965% has been examined by transmission electron microscopy and field ion microscopy before and after neutron irradiation to 1 × 1019 n.v.t. at reactor ambient temperature. The structure after 1 hr anneal at 760°C following irradiation was also investigated. Dark field strain contrast analysis has shown that the defects induced by irradiation are in the form of small (~100 A dia., grown to ~200 A dia. after the anneal) perfect prismatic dislocation loops of the {110} a 2 〈111〉 type. The loops are identified, within the limits of strain contrast theory, to be mostly interstitial in character. Field ion micrographs taken of specimens made from foils previously examined by electron microscopy, failed to reveal any vacancies, although images characteristic of interstitials and/or interstitial impurity atoms were obtained. The results are discussed in terms of the known irradiation behavior of molybdenum.
Sodium transport in turtle erythrocytes. Apparent stimulation of exchange diffusion by anaerobiosis.

Studies were performed on Na and K transport by red blood cells of the freshwater turtle under anaerobic and aerobic conditions. Although it had previously been assumed that cation transport in turtle red blood cells was dependent on respiration, the present data show greater Na efflux rates in N2 than in O2. However, ouabain inhibited Na transport by the same amount quantitatively in O2 and N2 gas phases. Thus there was no difference in ouabain-sensitive or "pump" Na transport rates. Na influx rates were higher in nitrogen than in air and potassium influx rates were not significantly different under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Moreover in the absence of sodium in the bathing medium no difference between air and nitrogen could be discovered. Finally with ethacrynic acid plus ouabain there was an additional decrease in Na efflux but there was a persisting difference between air and nitrogen. These studies do not rule out the existence of a ouabain-insensitive ethacrynic acid-inhibitable flux; however, they suggest that at least part of the activation of Na efflux observed in N2 was due to increased exchange diffusion.
Structure of Hybrid Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane Propyl Methacrylate Oligomers Using Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry and Molecular Mechanics

Ion mobility and molecular modeling methods were used to examine the gas phase conformational properties of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) propyl methacrylate (PMA) oligomers. MALDI was utilized to generate sodiated [(PMA)Cp7T8]xNa+ ions, x = 1, 2, and 3, and their collision cross-sections were measured in helium using ion mobility based methods. Experimental results indicate only one conformer for the Na+1-mer and Na+3-mer, but two or more conformers for the Na+2-mer. Theoretical modeling of the Na+1-mer using the AMBER suite of programs indicates only one family of low-energy structures is found, in which the sodium ion binds to the carbonyl oxygen on the PMA and 4 oxygens on one face of the POSS cage. The calculated cross-section of this family agrees very well with the experimental value, with <2% deviation. For the Na+2-mer, theory predicts three separate conformer families based on whether the backbone attachments to the two POSS cages are “cis”, “extended trans” (larger), or “trans” (...
Some Stylistic Features of Business and Technical Writing: The Functions of Passive Voice, Nominalization, and Agency

By studying a selection of business and technical texts, one can determine the functions of and the interactions between passive voice, nominalizations, and expressions of agency. One discovers tha...
An analysis of slow reactions in a porous particle

A one-parameter volume reaction model is developed by a simplified analytical approach to describe reaction of a gas and a consumble solid in a porous particle. In this model, a modified Thiele modulus M is introduced to take into account the effect of solid reactant depletion during the reaction. Experimental results of an isothermal carbon-carbon dioxide reaction in the temperature range from 1 130° to 1 365°K under atmospheric pressure were analyzed by the working diagrams derived from this model. A satisfactory agreement between the experimental results and those predicted by the model indicated the applicability of this model.
CONTROLLED GROWTH OF ISOLATED VANADIUM NANOSTRUCTURES VIA PULSED LASER ABLATION

Utilizing pulsed laser ablation we show that it is possible to grow isolated nanostructures of vanadium whose shape and size are controllable simply by changing the background pressure of an inert gas in the growth chamber. The nanostructures obtained are characterized through scanning electron microscopy measurements. The range of nanostructures obtained by a simple one parameter control suggest that further synthesis of more sophisticated nanoscale composite structures should be possible if multistep growth and processing are employed.
A 52% tuning range QVCO with a reduced noise coupling scheme and a minimum FOM T of 196dBc/Hz

A wide-tuning range QVCO with a novel complimentary-coupling scheme is presented. Two NMOS-only VCOs are coupled via complimentary PMOS injection transistors. This shifts the injection current away from the zero-crossings of the output voltage, thereby reducing the sensitivity of the VCO to injection noise, which results in significant phase-noise improvement. Phase-shift is achieved without frequency-dependent phase-shifting networks, allowing robust coupling over a wide tuning range. As a proof-of-concept, a prototype is designed in TSMC 65nm process with 4-bits of discrete tuning spanning the frequency range 4.6–7.8 GHz (52% tuning range). The prototype operates from 0.5V supply, with a power consumption ranging from 7.4mW–11mW, while achieving a minimum figure-of-merit (FOM) of 181.6dBc/Hz, and a minimum figure-of-merit with tuning-range (FOM T ) of 196dBc/Hz.
Integrating answer set programming and constraint logic programming

We introduce a knowledge representation language ${\cal AC(C)}$ extending the syntax and semantics of ASP and CR-Prolog, give some examples of its use, and present an algorithm, $\mathcal{AC}\!solver$ , for computing answer sets of ${\cal AC(C)}$ programs. The algorithm does not require full grounding of a program and combines "classical" ASP solving methods with constraint logic programming techniques and CR-Prolog based abduction. The ${\cal AC(C)}$ based approach often allows to solve problems which are impossible to solve by more traditional ASP solving techniques. We believe that further investigation of the language and development of more efficient and reliable solvers for its programs can help to substantially expand the domain of applicability of the answer set programming paradigm.
Kinetics of a carbamazepine‐ethosuximide interaction

Carbamazepine and ethosuximide are used together to treat epileptic mixed-seizure patterns. Since carbamazepine has been shown to induce drug-metabolizing enzyme(s) in the liver, it follows that carbamazepine may alter ethosuximide disposition. Six normal subjects took one 250-mg ethosuximide capsule twice each day for 55 consecutive doses (study days 1 to 28) and one 200-mg carbamazepine tablet each evening from study days 11 to 27. Plasma samples were collected on study days 10, 17, 21, and 28. Mean steady-state concentrations of ethosuximide declined by 17% from a preinduction (study day 10) level of 32.2 ± 5.6 μg/ml to a postinduction level of 26.8 ± 5.2 μg/ml on study day 28. Ethosuximide clearance increased (α = 0.05) between study days 10 and 28 from 0.664 ± 0.120 to 0.800 ± 0.0154 l/hr. The time course of induction was analyzed using a kinetic induction theory. Ethosuximide half-life was lowered from x = 53.7 ± 11.5 hr (before induction) to x = 44.6 ± 10.7 hr (after induction); the difference between some subjects was large. These data show that ethosuximide disposition is altered by carbamazepine. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1980) 28, 646–651; doi:10.1038/clpt.1980.216
Optimal screening for geriatric assessment in older allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation candidates.

Abstract Objective Older patients who receive hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) may be at risk for adverse outcomes due to age-related conditions or frailty. Geriatric assessment (GA) has been used to evaluate HCT candidates but can be time-consuming. We therefore sought to determine the predictive ability of two screening tools, the Vulnerable Elders Survey (VES-13) and the G8, for abnormal GA or frailty. Materials and Methods We enrolled 50 allogeneic HCT candidates age ≥ 60 years. The GA included measures of medical, physical, functional, and social health. Frailty was defined as 3 or more abnormalities on grip strength, gait speed, weight loss, exhaustion, and activity. We associated baseline characteristics and abnormal GA or frailty. We determined the sensitivity and predictive ability of the VES-13 and G8 for GA and frailty. Results Overall, 33 (66%) patients (mean age 65.4 years) had an abnormal GA, and11 patients (22%) were frail. The G8 screening tool had a higher sensitivity for an abnormal GA (69.7%), and the VES-13 had a higher specificity (100%). Both tools had similar discriminatory ability. Conclusions Older HCT candidates had a significant number of deficits on baseline GA and a high prevalence of frailty. Existing screening tools may not be able to replace a full GA.
A Guide to Safe Sysop-ing: the Church of Scientology, Sysops & on-Line Service Providers

In the past two years, computer bulletin board (BBS) system operators ("sysops") have been repeatedly held liable for the civil and criminal violations of their BBS users. The emerging cases have created three different standards of liability depending on the underlying complaint – copyright or defamation – and the court's jurisdiction. One of the more interesting cases involved the Church of Scientology suing an alleged copyright infringer, the sysop of the BBS where the message was posted, and the Internet provider. The article argues that this case blurs the distinction between copyright and defamation and does not fit easily within any of the current modes of analysis.
Prophylactic topical cefamandole in radical hysterectomy

Abstract From July 1, 1978 to June 30, 1984, 45 radical abdominal hysterectomies were performed by the authors at Tripler Army Medical Center. Management was uniform except for the use of prophylactic antibiotics. Three patterns of practice were identified: Group I, no antibiotics were used; Group II, intravenous (i.v.) antibiotics were given in the induction room and for less than 48 h post-surgery; Group III, prophylactic i.v. antibiotics were given and the surgical site was also irrigated with a cefamandole and saline solution. The three groups were found to be similar with regard to age, parity, weight-height index, pre- and postoperative hematocrit, pre-operative white blood cell count, operative and anesthesia times, estimated blood loss, and amount of blood transfused. Groups I and II had a higher surgical site infection rate (87.5% and 63.6%, respectively) than Group III (3.8%). The mean 10-day fever index in degree hours was 109 for Group I, 71 for Group II, and 30 for Group III (P
Binding and immunological properties of a synthetic peptide corresponding to the phosphorylcholine-binding region of C-reactive protein

A synthetic peptide corresponding to amino acid residues 47-63 of human C-reactive protein (CRP) was synthesized and evaluated for its ability to bind phosphorylcholine (PC) and to react with mAb specific for the PC-binding region of CRP. The PC-binding peptide displayed Ca2(+)-independent binding specific for PC and was able to compete against CRP for PC in the presence of Ca2+ ions. The synthetic peptide, like CRP, binds to the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin and the basement membrane protein laminin. The PC-binding peptide was recognized by those mAb generated against the intact CRP molecule that bind at, or near, the functional PC-binding region. In addition, several mAb to the T-15 idiotype present on mouse antibodies specific for PC, recognize an epitope(s) on the PC-binding peptide. Therefore, the 17 amino acid synthetic peptide shares both functional binding activity and antigenicity with the corresponding functional region within the CRP molecule.
Multiphoton in vivo flow cytometry

Flow cytometry using two-photon excitation is demonstrated for detection of particles and cells circulating in the blood stream of a live mouse. With appropriate dye labeling, two-photon excitation enables quantitative cytometry in vivo.
Predicting oxide stability in high-temperature water vapor

The importance of understanding and predicting the interactions of oxides with water vapor at high temperatures is demonstrated in this article. Methods for observing volatilization phenomena and identifying the chemical formulae for volatile metal hydroxides are discussed. In addition, techniques for obtaining accurate thermodynamic data for gaseous metal hydroxide species are described. Detailed examples of the stability of the principle structural and/or protective oxides chromia (Cr2O3), silica (SiO2), and alumina (Al2O3) in high-temperature water vapor are included.