cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High-Frequency Single-Switch ZVS Inverter for Driving Capacitive Loads

This paper introduces a new switched-mode ZVS inverter that is suited to operate at high frequencies with rapid transitions. This topology includes small passive storage elements, low-voltage stress, and fast dynamic response. The single-switch inverter, which has a ground-ended transistor, can be implemented to achieve zero-voltage switching at switching frequencies of several MHz. A tuned resonant network is utilized to alleviate switch voltage stress. The resonant network, which has the desired drain-source impedance, shapes the switch voltage into a quasi-rectangular waveform. The principle of operation, design procedure, and power loss analysis of the proposed circuit are given. The new circuit prototype is designed, simulated, and built at 20 MHz. The performance of the topology is also demonstrated via experimental results. The proposed circuit can be used as a gate-drive circuit for high frequency applications.
Like, Share, Retweet: Testing Competing Models of the Theory of Planned Behavior to Predict Slacktivism Engagement

Token support for social causes has been increasingly studied and commented on in recent years. Campaigns such as the Livestrong bracelet, the pink breast cancer ribbons, the Kony 2012 video, the A...
Social Justice: Historical and Theoretical Considerations

Abstract Social justice, generally considered a type or subcategory of justice, has been variously defined. Some authors consider it equivalent to ‘distributive justice’ while others differentiate it from both general justice and distributive justice. In the latter approach, social justice is seen as a unique type of justice characterized by a focus on the ‘common good’ and the individual's obligation and right to make a contribution to that (hence, sometimes called ‘contributive’ justice) while acknowledging the role of the state and civil society to remove barriers that prevent individuals from so doing. Defining it theoretically and determining how it can be advanced empirically, as well as questioning its usefulness in both arenas, are the focus of much contemporary attention.
Unethical Pro-organizational Behavior and Positive Leader–Employee Relationships

Unethical pro-organizational behaviors (UPB) are unethical, but prosocially-motivated, acts intended to benefit one’s organization. This study examines the extent to which employees are willing to perform UPB to benefit a liked leader. Based on social exchange theory, we hypothesized that LMX would mediate the association of interpersonal justice with UPB willingness. Moral identity and positive reciprocity beliefs were examined as moderators. Higher LMX was significantly and positively related to UPB willingness, and the indirect effect of interpersonal justice on UPB via LMX was significant and positive. These findings suggest that LMX and interpersonal justice could have a previously-unexplored dark side. Moral identity had a negative direct relationship with UPB, but it did not moderate the relationship of LMX with UPB. Thus, LMX facilitates UPB willingness even when employees are high in moral identity. LMX is associated with many positive outcomes, but our results show that high LMX may also increase willingness to perform unethical behaviors to benefit one’s leader. These results contribute to the literature by identifying a potential negative outcome associated with high LMX.
On the spectral stability of kinks in some PT-symmetric variants of the classical Klein-Gordon Field Theories

In the present work we consider the introduction of -symmetric terms in the context of classical Klein–Gordon field theories. We explore the implication of such terms on the spectral stability of coherent structures, namely kinks. We find that the conclusion critically depends on the location of the kink center relative to the center of the -symmetric term. The main result is that if these two points coincide, the kink's spectrum remains on the imaginary axis and the wave is spectrally stable. If the kink is centered on the “lossy side” of the medium, then it becomes stabilized. On the other hand, if it becomes centered on the “gain side” of the medium, then it is destabilized. The consequences of these two possibilities on the linearization (point and essential) spectrum are discussed in some detail.
Thinking Through Levees: How Political Agency Extends Beyond the Human Mind

Emerging new materialism scholarship provides an exciting theoretical space not only for challenging traditional conceptions of human agency but also for rethinking the role of the material world i...
Trends in hematologic markers after blunt splenic trauma: Risk factor or Epiphenomenon?

Abstract Background Most blunt splenic injuries (BSI) are treated with nonoperative management (NOM) or embolization (EMBO). Little is known about the hematologic changes associated with these treatments. We aim to assess the temporal changes of hematologic markers in trauma patients who undergo splenectomy (SPL), packing and splenorrhaphy (P/S), EMBO, or NOM. We hypothesize that differences in trends of hematologic markers exist in patients undergoing EMBO or SPL, compared to NOM. Methods An 8-year review of adult patients with BSI and underwent SPL, EMBO, P/S, or NOM. White blood cell count (WBC), hematocrit (HCT) and platelet count (PLT) at presentation to 14 days post-admission were analyzed; post-procedural complications were reviewed. Temporal trends were compared using linear mixed-effects models. Results 478 patients sustained BSI, 298 (62.3%) underwent NOM, 100 (29.2%) SPL, 42 (8.8%) EMBO, and 38 (8.0%) P/S. After adjustment for age, ISS and splenic injury grade, SPL patients had a significantly higher upward trend compared to other management strategies (p 16,000 cells/ml post-SPL had a positive predictive value (PPV) of 65.2% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 76.9% for infections. Among P/S, Day 6 WBC >10,200 cells/ml had a PPV = 50% and NPV = 86.7% for infections. Conclusions We observed distinct patterns of hematologic markers following BSI managed with SPL, EMBO, P/S, and NOM. Day 6 WBC increases after SPL or P/S should raise suspicion of infections and trigger a diagnostic investigation.
Speech Synthesis from Text

In this paper, we are concerned with describing a successful approach to the conversion of unrestricted English text to speech. Before taking up the details of this process, however, it is useful to place this task in context. Over the years, there has been an increasing need for speech generated from computers. In part, this has been due to the intrinsic nature of text, speech, and computing. Certainly speech is the fundamental language representation, present in all cultures (whether literate or not), so that if there is to be any communication means between the computer and its human users, then speech provides the most broadly useful modality, except for the needs of the deaf. While text (considered as a string of conventional symbols) is often considered to be more durable than speech and more reliably preserved, this is in many ways a manifestation of relatively early progress in printing technology, as opposed to the technology available for storing and manipulating speech. Furthermore, text-based interaction with computers requires typing (and often reading) skills which many potential users do not possess.
Anisotropic diffusion in Cyphochilus white beetle scales

Cyphochilus white beetles possess an exceptional ability to scatter visible light from their scales, which have anisotropic nanofibrillar network structures. We discover a striking effect that diffusely incident light on the beetle scales is preferentially channeled sideways and scattered backward on the average after traversing a vertical distance corresponding to only two scattering events. For normally incident light, the scattering is only slightly forward, resulting in close proximity between two optical characteristic lengths: scattering mean free path (1.78 µm) and effective transport mean free path (1.85 µm). We have used effective transport mean free path to properly describe the scattering strength in anisotropic random media. For improved description of light scattering in beetle scales, we apply complete solutions to the anisotropic diffusion equation, where the solution approach made use of optical boundary layer theory. Our method enables highly accurate determination of mean free paths and extrapolation length in the white beetle scales.
Predicting monoclonal antibody pharmacokinetics following subcutaneous administration via whole-body physiologically-based modeling

Use of the subcutaneous (SC) route for administering monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to treat chronic conditions has been hindered because of an incomplete understanding of fundamental mechanisms controlling mAb absorption from the SC site, and due to the limited translatability of preclinical studies. In this paper, we report on the development and evaluation of a whole-body physiologically-based model to predict mAb pharmacokinetics following SC administration. The circulatory model is based on the physiological processes governing mAb transport and includes two mAb-specific parameters representing differences in pinocytosis rate and the diffusive/convective transport rates among mAbs. At the SC administration site, two additional parameters are used to represent mAb differences in lymphatic capillary uptake and in pre-systemic clearance. Model development employed clinical intravenous (IV) plasma PK data from 20 mAbs and SC plasma PK data from 12 of these mAbs, as obtained from the literature. The resulting model reliably described both the IV and SC measured plasma concentration data. In addition, a metric based on the positive charge across the mAb's complementarity determining region vicinity was found to positively correlate with the model-based estimates of the mAb-specific parameter governing organ/tissue pinocytosis transport and with estimates of the mAb's SC lymphatic capillary clearance. These two relationships were incorporated into the model and accurately predicted the SC PK profiles of three out of four separate mAbs not included in model development. The whole-body physiologically-based model reported herein, provides a platform to characterize and predict the plasma disposition of monoclonal antibodies following SC administration in humans.
Political Polarization and Demonic Possession

American culture, framed in its most widely understood definition, is a culmination of the traditions, ideals, and behaviors of the people who live here. Naturally, the movies which are produced as a result of said culture would be direct representations of the social and politcal environments at any given time. The horror genre, specifically films which are representations of demonic possession, depict metaphors for the often disregarded yet incredibly influential factor of the American politcal environment called political polarization. This concept, which is understood as the divergence of political attitudes to ideological extremes, presents itself strongly within representations of demonic possession through metaphorical natural opposites such as good and evil, traditionalism and modernism, and conventional and unconventional defnitions of femininity. The inflitration of political polarization into a typically unpolitical genre such as horror suggest that it not only culturally haunts the politics of America but every other facet consumed by American citizens, including and especially pop culture.
Crude Oil Recovery with Duomeen CTM-Stabilized Supercritical CO2 Foams for HPHT and Ultrahigh-Salinity Carbonate Reservoirs

The compatibility of an amine-based foaming agent, Duomeen CTM [C12–14N(CH3)C3N(CH3)2], and crude oil on supercritical CO2 foam transport are evaluated for a carbonate reservoir with high pressure ...
Posttreatment FDG-PET-CT Response via PERCIST Criteria is Predictive of Tumor Prognosis in Anal Carcinoma.

Purpose/objective(s) We hypothesize that posttreatment F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (FDG PET-CT) is useful to evaluate metabolic response in patients with anal cancer, specifically via the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Response Criteria in Solid Tumors (PERCIST). Materials/methods This was a single-institution retrospective review of 62 patients treated with Nigro Regimen chemoradiation therapy for anal squamous cell carcinoma between 2008 and 2020. All patients had pretreatment PET-CT scan and were followed with posttreatment PET-CT scans and clinical examinations. PERCIST criteria was utilized to evaluate the treatment response to chemoradiation therapy. If a target lesion shows complete resolution of FDG uptake, the response is complete metabolic response (CMR). If the decrease from baseline to follow-up is greater than or equal to 30%, the response is partial metabolic response (PMR). If the decrease is less than 30% or if the lesion shows an increase of FDG uptake less than 30%, the response is stable metabolic disease (SMD). If the target lesion shows a 30% increase or higher FDG uptake, or if there is a new lesion, the response is disease progression (DP). Results The median follow-up was 38 months (range, 7-114 months). Pretreatment PET-CT detected the primary tumor in 62 cases (100%), the inguinal lymph nodes were FDG avid in 33 patients, and the pelvic lymph nodes were FDG avid in 39 patients. Initial posttreatment PET-CT was obtained on average 3 months after the last day of radiation. The evaluation of the primary anal tumor on initial follow-up PET-CT showed CMR in 31 patients (50%), PMR in 26 patients (42%), and SMD in 5 patients (8%). No patients showed disease progression (DP, 0%). The evaluation of the largest inguinal node on initial post treatment PET-CT showed CMR in 30 patients (91%), PMR in 3 patients (9%), without evidence of progression of groin lymphadenopathy. The evaluation of the largest pelvic node on initial post treatment PET-CT showed CMR in 36 patients (92%), PMR in 1 patient (3%), and SMD in 2 patients (5%), without evidence of progression of pelvic lymphadenopathy. Conclusion The PERCIST criteria is a reliable and useful technique in evaluating treatment response for the primary anal cancer as well as the inguinal and pelvic lymphadenopathy. The Nigro protocol is a promising combined chemoradiation therapy strategy for the anal cancer patients with most demonstrating complete metabolic response or partial metabolic response on the initial post treatment FDG PET-CT scan.
A retrospective evaluation of heparin product reactions in patients with alpha-gal allergies.

Abstract Background Alpha-gal allergy, also known as red meat allergy or alpha-gal syndrome, can present after bites of certain tick species that contain galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal) carbohydrate. Following this exposure, patients may develop an allergic reaction after mammalian meat consumption. Some heparin products are derived from porcine intestinal tissue, and it is therefore possible that administering these medications to a patient with an alpha-gal allergy may trigger a reaction. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of reactions to porcine heparin products in patients with an alpha-gal allergy. Methods A retrospective case series was conducted by review of electronic medical record data. Patients included were between the ages of 18 and 89 years, with a documented alpha-gal or red meat allergy and an admission to a hospital in the Sentara Healthcare system. The primary outcome was the incidence of allergic reactions upon exposure to heparin products in patients with a documented alpha-gal allergy. Results Patients with a documented alpha-gal allergy received a heparin product in 57 of 158 hospital visits (36.1%). Heparin products were tolerated in 56 of the 57 visits (98.3%). The incidence of an alpha-gal reaction to unfractionated heparin was 2.6% (1/39) while the incidence of an alpha-gal reaction to enoxaparin was 0% (0/22). Conclusion and Relevance Heparin products were associated with a low incidence of alpha-gal reactions among patients with documented alpha-gal allergy. It is possible that enoxaparin poses less of a risk for reaction in these patients compared to unfractionated heparin.
Excited Q-Balls.

Complex scalars in U(1)-symmetric potentials can form stable Q-balls, non-topological solitons that correspond to spherical bound-state solutions. If the U(1) charge of the Q-ball is large enough, it can support a tower of unstable radial excitations with increasing energy. We show how to approximately describe these excited states analytically and predict their global properties such as radius, energy, and charge.
Luis de Molina's De Iustitia et Iure

This book shows how threads of field research, economic reflection, natural law tradition, casuistry and the quest for justice weave together in Luis de Molina’s De Iustitia et Iure , thus forming a major work of Catholic moral theology.
Adenovirus Viremia in Adult CD34+ Selected Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipients: Low Incidence and High Clinical Impact

Adenovirus (ADV) infections after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) range in severity from self-limited to fatal. We have previously reported high mortality rates in CD34(+) selected T cell-depleted (TCD) HCT recipients using symptomatic testing and culture methods for ADV detection. We report rates and outcomes of ADV viremia in 215 adult recipients of TCD HCT using the CliniMACS CD34(+) selection system. This was a prospective observational study of adults transplanted from March 21, 2012 through November 30, 2014 at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. TCD was performed using CliniMACS CD34(+) cell selection. Patients were monitored for ADV by whole blood PCR assay from +14 to +100 days post-transplant. ADV viremia was defined as ≥1 PCR above the lower limit of quantitation. ADV disease was defined per European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation guidelines. Treatment for ADV was at the clinician's discretion. Competing risk regression analyses were used to identify predictors for ADV viremia and overall survival. The median age was 55 years (range, 22 to 72); 215 patients underwent TCD. All patients received myeloablative conditioning. Eighteen patients (8% of cohort) had ADV viremia at a median onset of 57 days (interquartile range [IQR], 23 to 79) and with a median viral load at first detection of 2.6 log10 copies/mL (IQR, 2.5 to 4.0). The median maximal viral load was 4.5 log10 copies/mL (IQR, 3.5 to 5.9). No significant risk factor was identified for ADV viremia by univariate analysis. Six patients (3% of total cohort, 33% of viremic patients) developed ADV disease (3 colitis, 2 nephritis/cystitis, 1 pneumonitis). ADV viremia preceded onset of ADV disease a median of 11 days from the first positive quantitative PCR (range, +3 to +37) except in 1 patient with nephritis. Overall, 12 of 18 viremic patients (67%) received antiviral treatment (5 cidofovir only, 7 brincidofovir ± cidofovir). All patients with ADV disease were treated, and 6 patients were preemptively treated for ADV. Among the 18 viremic patients, 8 (44%) died during the study period, and, of those, 4 (22%) died of ADV. Early ADV viremia was infrequent (8%) among adult HCT recipients of CD34(+) selected allografts. Among viremic patients, rate of ADV disease was 33% and ADV attributable mortality was 22%. Further studies are needed to assess the impact of preemptive treatment with brincidofovir on improving outcomes of ADV infections in this patient population.
Corporate Social Performance, Stakeholder Orientation, and Organizational Moral Development

This article begins with an explanation of how moral development for organizations has parallels to Kohlberg’s categorization of the levels of individual moral development. Then the levels of organizational moral development are integrated into the literature on corporate social performance by relating them to different stakeholder orientations. Finally, the authors propose a model of organizational moral development that emphasizes the role of top management in creating organizational processes that shape the organizational and institutional components of corporate social performance. This article represents one approach to linking the distinct streams of business ethics and business-and-society research into a more complete understanding of how managers and firms address complex ethical and social issues.
Ocean Acoustics and Signal Processing for Robust Detection and Estimation

Abstract : The long term goal of this project is to develop efficient inversion algorithms for successful estimation and detection by incorporating (fully or partially) the physics of the propagation medium. Algorithms will be designed for robust ASW localization and detection and also for geoacoustic inversion.
Secondary School Methods Course Goes Off-Campus.

(1978). Secondary School Methods Course Goes Off-Campus. Journal of Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 49, No. 9, pp. 64-65.
Center manifold computations in bifurcation analysis of large systems such as the power system

Methods for computing the center manifold in large systems are developed in this paper. Using results from nonlinear control theory, it is shown that the problem or formally computing a center manifold is equivalent to solving a sequence of Sylvester equations. These results prove that bifurcation analysis based on center manifold computations is practically feasible even in very large-scale systems such as the power system where the large dimensionality makes traditional symbolic computations almost impossible to implement. Algorithms are illustrated by center manifold based analysis of certain local and global bifurcations in an electrical power system model.
LAW REVIEW CIRCULATION

Many law reviews are required by law to publish accurate reports of basic information about their subscribers and circulation. But many do not -- do not report accurate information or do not report information at all. Perhaps this is in response to steep declines in subscriptions, which the available reports illustrate.
A Brief Research Report on Understanding the Meaning of Driving for Older Americans: A Korean's Perspective on Two Cultures

This discussion paper used a brief qualitative research report to understand the meaning of driving to older Americans from the perspective of a Korean researcher in order to increase cultural sensitivity. In-depth audio-recorded interviews were conducted with two older Americans by the Korean researcher. A conventional content analysis was performed, resulting in the conceptual model describing their meaning of driving according to life cycle. The Korean researcher’s auto-biographical journal, a coding scheme, peer debriefing, and thick description with quotes were utilized to ensure the trustworthiness of study findings. Participants described the meaning of driving throughout their lifespan as having four themes: Starting to be autonomous, Staying autonomous, Losing autonomy, and Regaining autonomy. Unlike older Koreans, having driving privileges greatly influences the feeling of autonomy among older Americans. In order to provide culturally-sensitive care for older Americans, it is imperative to recognize the loss of autonomy that results from losing their driving privileges.
An Improved Technique for Thyroidal 131I Determination in the Small Laboratory Animal1

A technique is described which enables thyroidal 131I measurements to be made with accuracy and reproducibility in the small laboratory animal. For proper positioning of the thyroid and shielding of the detector a lead housing with 2 components placed one above the other is used. The base of the upper unit is made planoconcave with respect to the lower lead shield containing the scintillation detector. Such an arrangement reduces body and background radiation substantially, thereby improving the counting-tobackground ratio. In vivo thyroidal 131I has been compared against in vitro thyroidal 131I in 43 rats under various levels of 131I activity with very good agreement in the corresponding determinations (r = +.99). By making In vivo thyroidal 131I measurements in 45 rats with a dual channel analyzer operating in different mode in each channel, the technique described has also been shown to be superior to the use of a radiation spectrometer for reducing body radiation at various intervals after 131I admini...
An Extinct Map Turtle Graptemys (Testudines, Emydidae) from the Late Pleistocene of Florida

ABSTRACT Graptemys kerneri, n. sp., from the Suwannee River drainage of north-central Florida, represents the most southeastern occurrence of the genus. This species is morphologically and geographically most similar to the extant Barbour's map turtle, Graptemys barbouri. G. kerneri exhibits sexual dimorphism similar to extant G. barbouri, G. ernsti, G. pulchra, and G. gibbonsi, with females being megacephalic and attaining a much larger size than males. The new species possesses a very wide skull and mandible, making it the most blunt-headed member of its clade. Specimens described here include a nearly complete skull, eight mandibles, two epiplastra, 34 neural bones, and an assortment of other shell fragments. Previously reported fossil material from Florida was collected in the 1960s along the Santa Fe River and referred to both the Pliocene and Pleistocene. Rare earth element (REE) analysis of this material is reinterpreted here as being Rancholabrean in age.
Spreadability and Hardness of Butter., I. Development of an Instrument for Measuring Spreadability

Summary An instrument has been developed to measure the spreadability of butter. Although the instrument was much more sensitive than consumers in detecting differences in spreadability, results obtained with it were closely correlated with those obtained from consumer-preference studies. Hardness, as obtained with a sectility apparatus, has been found to be closely related to spreadability.
Miniature linguistic systems as tests of the use of universal operating principles in second-language learning by children and adults

This study examined four universal operating principles for first language acquisition proposed by Slobin (1973) and MacWhinney (1978). The applicability of these principles to second-language acquisition was tested by teaching children and adults a miniature linguistic system. The results suggested that the four principles played a major role in the learning of the system by 5- to 7-year-olds but not by adults. Modifications were made in the standard miniature linguistic system technique in order in maximize linguistic naturalness and referentiality. The result was a complex system that could still be taught even to 5-year-olds in the space of a few hours.
The reaction of 4-substituted aroyl azides with NaBH4TFA

Abstract Treatment of 4-substituted aroyl azides (cf.1a-e) with NaBH 4 TFA leads to the corresponding, novel 4-substituted N,N-di(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)aniline derivatives (2a-e) in excellent yield except where electron-withdrawing groups are present (cf.1f-g).
Proximity to pulp and paper mills and wheezing symptoms among adolescents in North Carolina.

Abstract Using data from the North Carolina School Asthma Survey about the respiratory health of 64,432 adolescents attending public schools in North Carolina and data provided by school employees about the environmental health conditions of the school buildings, we assessed the prevalence of daytime wheezing during the past year among students estimated to be exposed to air pollutants arising from pulp and paper mills located near the schools. Of the schools the students attended, 14% (37/266) were located within 30 miles of one or more pulp and paper mills and odor from the mills was identified by survey respondents for 9 of the 266 schools. The prevalences of daytime wheezing in smokers and nonsmokers with household cigarette smoke exposure were elevated among students attending schools located within 30 miles of a pulp and paper mill, compared to the prevalence among students attending schools located beyond 30 miles (⩽10 miles, prevalence ratio (PR): 1.21, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.99, 1.43; 10–⩽30 miles, PR: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.96, 1.16) and among students attending schools with noticeable odor from a pulp and paper mill (PR: 1.12, 95% CI: 0.93, 1.31). These results indicate a possible association between paper mill location and wheezing symptoms among adolescents and suggest that community-based exposure to pulp and paper mill emissions may have a greater impact on smokers and individuals exposed to cigarette smoke in the home than on nonsmokers without such household exposure.
Finite element approximation of the Cahn–Hilliard equation on surfaces

Abstract In this paper, we consider the phase separation on general surfaces by solving the nonlinear Cahn–Hilliard equation using a finite element method. A fully discrete approximation scheme is introduced, and we establish a priori estimates for the discrete solution that does not rely on any knowledge of the exact solution beyond the initial time. This in turn leads to convergence and optimal error estimates of the discretization scheme. Numerical examples are also provided to substantiate the theoretical results.
Specific activity measurement of 64Cu: A comparison of methods

Abstract Effective specific activity of 64Cu (amount of radioactivity per µmol metal) is important in order to determine purity of a particular 64Cu lot and to assist in optimization of the purification process. Metal impurities can affect effective specific activity and therefore it is important to have a simple method that can measure trace amounts of metals. This work shows that ion chromatography (IC) yields similar results to ICP mass spectrometry for copper, nickel and iron contaminants in 64Cu production solutions.
A modal foundation for meta-variables

We report on work in progress regarding a foundation for the notion of meta-variable in logical frameworks and type theories. Our proposal is to treat meta-variables as modal variables in a modal type theory, which is logically clean and justifies several low-level implementation techniques for meta-variables. We also speculate on other logical extensions of our modal type theory, at present without clear applications.
The Effect of Expectations and Expectancy Confirmation/Disconfirmation on Motorists’ Satisfaction with State Highways

Over the past several years, scholars have asked how citizen satisfaction with public services might be affected by the expectations citizens have for service quality. Might satisfaction with public services be affected just not only by the perceived quality of those services but also by the quality citizens expect services to have? This line of questioning uses the so-called "expectancy disconfirmation" model drawn from private sector research, which views consumer satisfaction with privately provided goods and services as typically deriving from a comparison of perceived performance to expected performance. This article extends this research by examining the effects of expectations and expectancy confirmation/disconfirmation on motorists' satisfaction with road conditions, traffic flow, and safety on state highways in Georgia. Expectations were found to have consistently negative, though modest, effects on satisfaction, with satisfaction declining as expectations increase. Those effects obtain in addition to those of perceived performance, grades, and expectancy confirmation/disconfirmation, providing further support for the expectancy disconfirmation model and clarifying some mixed findings from prior research. The conclusions discuss what these findings suggest about possible future research. Language: en
The 3D Stress Field at the Edge of a Circular Hole and the Interface of a Laminated Composite Plate

The author in this paper investigates the 3D stress field in the immediate vicinity of a bonded interface and the free edge of a hole in a laminated composite plate The laminates are assumed to be of homogeneous and isotropic materials, but of different elastic properties As to loading, a uniform tensile load is applied in the plane of the plate and at points far remote from the hole (see Figure 1) In constructing the local asymptotic solution, the author assumes the 3D field in a cer- tain form which then permits a straightforward Williams approach for the determination of the stress singularities. The displacement and stress fields are recovered explicitly and a stress singularity is shown to exist for certain shear moduli ratios of G 1. In general, the stress singularity is shown to be a function of the respective ratios of the shear moduli and Poisson's Moreover, the presence of a second singularity is observed which has sig- nificant implications to the problem of adhesion An extension of the results to anisotropic layers is also discussed.
Assessment of an angulated laryngoscope for difficult paediatric intubation

Summary Angulated laryngoscopes with mirrors and prisms have been previously described for difficult tracheal intubation in adults, but not in children. We assessed the use of a recently described adult angulated laryngoscope (BelscopeTM) with or without prism, for difficult tracheal intubation in children. We use this laryngoscope as part of our difficult tracheal intubation regime before proceeding to other methods such as fibreoptic tracheal intubation. Children included were anticipated to be a difficult tracheal intubation from physical examination or previously had been difficult to intubate. Laryngoscopy was initially performed with a straight (Miller) or curved (Macintosh) laryngoscope. This was then repeated using the angulated laryngoscope, with prism if necessary. Degree of visualization of the larynx was scored with both methods. There was improvement in visualization in children with micrognathia, prominent maxillae or with an apparent ‘anterior larynx'. In children where there was no improvement, this laryngoscope did not actually cause a deterioration in grade of laryngoscopy.
Connected Components and Credential Hopping in Authentication Graphs

Modern enterprise computer networks rely on centrally managed authentication schemes that allow users to easily communicate access credentials to many computer systems and applications. The authentication events typically consist of a user connecting to a computer with an authorized credential. These credentials are often cached on the application servers which creates a risk that they may be stolen and used to hop between computers in the network. We examine computer network risk associated with credential hopping by creating and studying the structure of the authentication graph, a bipartite graph built from authentication events. We assume that an authentication graph with many short paths between computers represents a network that is more vulnerable to such attacks. Under this natural assumption, we use a measure of graph connectivity, namely the size of the largest connected component, to give a quantitative indicator of the network's susceptibility to such attacks. Motivated by graph theoretical results for component sizes in random intersection graphs, we propose a mitigation strategy, and perform experiments simulating an implementation using data from a large enterprise network. The results lead to realistic, actionable risk reduction strategies. To facilitate continued research opportunities we are also providing our authentication bipartite graph data set spanning 9 months and 708 million time-series edge records.
Nonconvulsive status epilepticus due to cefepime in a patient with normal renal function

Status epilepticus and encephalopathy have been reported with use of cephalosporins in patients with renal failure. We here report the case of a 79-year-old patient with normal renal function who developed subtle mental status changes during cefepime therapy for urinary tract infection. Emergent electroencephalography revealed evidence of nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE), which responded initially to lorazepam. Later, the patient's NCSE gradually resolved only after cefepime was discontinued, with mental status returning to baseline as the electroencephalography changes resolved. It should be recognized that cefepime therapy can cause NCSE even in the presence of normal renal function. Measurement of serum concentrations and changes in dosing guidelines can probably prevent NCSE during cefepime therapy.
Effect of glass reinforcement on burning rates of poly(methyl methacrylate) composite candles

Burning rates of glass-reinforced poly(methyl methacrylate) candles were measured under limiting conditions using an oxygen index apparatus modified to allow weighing of the candle as it burns. The limiting oxygen index was found to increase slightly with increasing concentration of glass in the candle for all samples tested. Burning rates were found to be a function of both glass concentration and orientation with respect to the propagating flame front. The burning rates of candles constructed from randomly oriented glass mats were found to increase with mat concentration by a factor of nearly 3 as mat content was increased to 70% by volume. The burning rates of candles constructed with unidirectionally oriented fibers, parallel to the flame propagation direction, were found to decrease by a factor of 2 as the glass concentration increased to 40% by volume. Erratic burning rates were observed for candles constructed with oriented fibers perpendicular to the flame propagation direction. These results are correlated by extension of existing thermally thin flame spread theories through consideration of composite solid-state energetics and the relative tendencies of the glass reinforcements to act as wicks for supplying the flame with degraded polymer liquid.
Space-time tradeoffs for orthogonal range queries

We investigate the question of (storage) space - (retrieval) time tradeoff for orthogonal range queries on a static database. Lower bounds on the product of retrieval time and storage space are obtained in the arithmetic and tree models.
Needle sterility during strabismus surgery.

Abstract Background: Infection after strabismus surgery is uncommon and its cause remains unanswered. The source of the bacteria and the manner in which it enters the eye is often unknown. Most pediatric ophthalmologists now use 5% providone-iodine to reduce the bacterial population before surgery. The needles used during strabismus surgery may be a source of bacterial contamination. Methods: One hundred six needles were cultured after their use in strabismus surgery. Results: Sixteen of 106 needles (15.1%) and 15 of 61 cases (24.6%) were culture positive. The organisms recovered closely resembled indigenous bacterial flora. Conclusion: This study suggests that the needles used during strabismus surgery may be the source of bacteria that can lead to infections after strabismus surgery.
Evaluating industrial modernization: methods, results, and insights from the Georgia Manufacturing Extension Alliance

This paper examines the experience of the Georgia Manufacturing Extension Alliance (GMEA) in implementing an evaluation of its industrial extension services. As part of the U.S. Manufacturing Extension partnership, GMEA provides assistance to manufacturers to resolve industrial and business problems and upgrade technology, training, and business performance, focusing primarily on firms within the state of Georgia. The program has established an evaluation component along with other assessment and review mechanisms. Several evaluation methods are employed, including customer surveys, economic analyses of benefits and costs, controlled studies, and logic-based case studies. The article examines the strengths and weaknesses of these different approaches, reviews the insights each method offers, and discusses how the resulting evaluative information is used.
Vector fields and transfers

For a smooth fibre bundle $$F\mathop \to \limits^i E\mathop \to \limits^p B$$ whereF is a compact manifold with or without boundary, a vertical vector fieldV gives rise to a transfer τV as anS-map. Our goal is to show these transfers satisfy an equation analogous to one that the index of vector fields satisfy. This equation gives results involving equivariant vector fields as well as a characterization of those transfers defined by vector fields in terms of the ordinary Euler-Poincare transfers.
Image quality evaluation of a desktop computed radiography system

The modulation transfer function (MTF), noise power spectrum (NPS), and detective quantum efficiency (DQE) of the Lumisys ACR-2000 desktop computed radiography (CR) reader were measured and compared to equivalent measurements acquired from a Fuji AC-3 CR system. The one-dimensional (1D) MTF was measured from an image of a sharp edge and the 1D NPS was derived from a 2D NPS measured from a uniform field exposure. The energy dependent ideal input signal to noise ratio of the incident x-ray beams was estimated using published x-ray spectra and attenuation coefficients. Measurements were acquired using Agfa, Fuji, and Kodak storage phosphor plates and it was concluded that use of the Fuji plates resulted in the highest system DQE for the ACR-2000. The DQE was measured using exposures of 0.10, 1.0, and 10.0 mR from 70 and 120 kVp x-ray beams filtered with aluminum. The DQE of the Lumisys ACR-2000 was lower than that of the Fuji AC-3.
New N2O laser band in the 10 μm wavelength region

Abstract Fifty new laser lines have been observed in continuous emission from an N 2 O laser by placing a hot N 2 O absorber cell inside the laser cavity to suppress the regular laser lines. The new lines are identified as rotation-vibration transitions of the (00 0 2–10 0 1) band of N 2 O.
Transforming Music Teacher Education Through Service Learning

Service-learning initiatives have become prevalent on the campuses of higher education. In teacher education, preservice teachers involved in educational partnerships that are service-learning base...
Effect of Δϵ on xyz coordinates

It is well known that the reference ellipsoid of the World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS 84) has the same semi-major axis length as that of the reference ellipsoid of the Geodetic Reference System 1980 (GRS 80) but that they differ in flattening values by 1·643×10−11. It is also well known that this minute difference is of no practical consequence in the change that it imparts to geodetic coordinates determined with the different reference ellipsoids, but no formal bounds appear to have been published. This short note presents an analysis that gives bounds on the coordinate changes, which are shown to depend on geodetic latitude but on neither ellipsoid height nor longitude. The analysis has relevance to geodetic-coordinate transformations between reference frames employing different reference ellipsoids; it supports the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s decision to continue to use the WGS 84 reference ellipsoid in upcoming realisations of the WGS 84 datum.
Formal [3 + 2] cycloadditions of donor-acceptor cyclopropanes and nitriles.

Donor−acceptor cyclopropanes activated with Me3SiOTf cleave to reactive intermediates that can be efficiently intercepted by nitriles in a formal [3 + 2] dipolar cycloaddition reaction. Aliphatic, aromatic, and α,β-unsaturated nitriles are excellent reaction partners, giving synthetically useful 2H-3,4-dihydropyrrole cycloaddition products in high yield.
The “Lotus Effect” Explained: Two Reasons Why Two Length Scales of Topography Are Important

Surfaces containing 4 × 8 × 40 μm staggered rhombus posts were hydrophobized using two methods. One, using a dimethyldichlorosilane reaction in the vapor phase, introduces a smooth modified layer, and the other, a solution reaction using methyltrichlorosilane, imparts a second (nanoscopic) length scale of topography. The smooth modified surface exhibits contact angles of θA/θR = 176°/156°. Arguments are made that the pinning of the receding contact line by the post tops (with θA/θR = 104°/103°) is responsible for the hysteresis. The second level of topography raises the contact angles of the post tops and the macroscopic sample to θA/θR = >176°/>176° and eliminates hysteresis. The increase in Laplace pressure due to the increase in the advancing contact angle of the post tops is a second reason that two length scales of topography are important.
How to build serious games

Like a discovery game that requires players to earn the right to take on new challenges, Immune Attack compels its players to learn the rules of the immune system before it reveals deeper biological insight.
A Status Report on Podcast Advertising

ABSTRACT Podcasting has begun to capture the public9s imagination. Content creators are now providing a growing stream of intriguing and diverse content for downloading on MP3 players or personal computers, allowing consumers to control the time and place of their viewing or listening. And even advertising is emerging as a presence in podcasts. This article examines the landscape of podcast advertising, providing an overview of podcasting9s development and current usage. New research explores current podcast advertising practices, such as quantity, type, placement, and just which companies are putting commercial messages on podcasts. Finally, the future direction of podcast advertising is anticipated.
Natural cytotoxicity in malignant and premalignant cervical neoplasia and enhancement of cytotoxicity with interferon

Natural cytotoxicity was measured in 70 women with cervical dysplasia or invasive cervical cancer and in 13 controls, using a short-term chromium release assay. A significant diminution in mean cytotoxicity was found in women with CIN III and with advanced cervical carcinoma. When the peripheral blood leukocytes of patients and controls were pretreated with interferon, there was significant enhancement of the mean cytotoxicity for all groups except those with advanced cervical carcinoma (stage IIB or worse). Our results have shown a significant defect in a potentially important immune surveillance mechanism in a group of patients with premalignant disease at risk for the development of invasive cancer. A possible role for interferon in the treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia is suggested.
Seeing is believing: visualization of transcriptional activity of p53.

Commentary to:Bioluminescent Molecular Imaging of Endogenous and Exogenous p53-Mediated Transcription In Vitro and In Vivo Using an HCT116 Human Colon Carcinoma Xenograft ModelWenge Wang and Wafik S. El-Deiry