cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In situ tem and iss studies of supported metal ‘SMSI’ catalysts

Supporting catalytic metals on reducible oxides may give rise to a special state termed ‘strong metal-support interaction’ (SMSI) after severe reduction. It is characterized by sharply reduced chemisorption, enhanced thermal sintering resistance and, in at least some instances, altered metal particle morphology. Proposed causes include electron donation from the support to the metal and encroachment of the support over the metal. We have sought evidence for its cause, applying ion beam surface analysis and in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) combined with electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) to Pt:TiO2. The support was prepared by hydrolyzing titanium isopropoxide; the Pt was applied by ion exchange from the tetramine hydroxide. Specimens were reduced from 473 K to 873 K in flowing, purified H2 and examined without intervening air exposure; some were also reduced in a special reaction cell on the TEM. Results of the ion beam surface analysis contradict the notion of support encroachment over the metal or metal migration into the support. However, in the SMSI state Pt becomes less ‘visible’. Both in situ and ex situ TEM showed no change of particle size or morphology accompanying SMSI. The EELS showed a decrease in the ratio of the titanium L3 edge to the L2 at the onset of SMSI. This result and the Pt ‘visibility’ change point to underlying electron structure changes, which presumedly are also responsible for the loss of chemisorption capacity. Further work is needed to elucidate just what these changes might be.
Excitons in a II-VI semiconductor microcavity in the strong-coupling regime.

Microcavities which contain Zn-Cd-Se quantum wells as the resonant medium have been fabricated and tested at blue-green wavelengths. We see clear evidence of coupled-mode behavior at the n=1 heavy-hole exciton in both angle and temperature tuning experiments, with anticrossing (vacuum-Rabi) splittings approaching 20 meV. The exciton-cavity interaction is consistent with predictions by theory in the strong-coupling regime, and illustrates the impact of the large oscillator strength available in II-VI compounds.
Motility disorders and stress.

The association between emotion and gastrointestinal dysfunction has been postulated for centuries, and all practicing clinicians have anecdotal experience of the association between stress and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, definite proof of an etiologic link between stress and gut motor dysfunction remains elusive, despite the large number of publications on this topic.
A rapid spot-plate technique for monitoring dehydrogenase activities following column chromatography

Abstract A simple spot-plate method for detection of dehydrogenase activities has been devised, using as its basis the development of color from the reaction of tetrazolium salts, nitroblue tetrazolium, or Thiazolyl blue with the generated NADH.
Bayesian fusion of multiple sensors for reliable heart rate detection

Automatic patient monitoring is an essential resource in hospitals for a good health care management. While alarms due to abnormal physiological conditions are important to deliver fast treatment, it can be also a source of unnecessary noise due to false alarms caused by electromagnetic interference or motion artifacts. This condition leads to stress, sleep disorders in patients and desensitization in staff. One significant source of false alarms are those related to heart rate, which is triggered when the heart rhythm of the patient is too fast or too slow. Other types of cardiac arrhythmia alarms also relies on a good detection of the HR. In order to avoid false alarms, it is important to create systems for reliable heart rate calculation. In this paper, the fusion of different physiological sensors is used o create a robust heart rate estimation. The algorithm uses a bayesian approach to fuse information from electrocardiogram, arterial blood pressure and photoplethysmogram. To validate this system, it was used twenty selected recordings from MIMIC database. A white gaussian noise was added in each waveform to simulate the worst case scenario. The proposed algorithm was compared with two other techniques (HRV index and majority voter) in addition to the individual analysis of each source. Results show that this bayesian fusion presents the lower error of 23%, while the other evaluated techniques presents an error rate of 35% (ECG Only), 40% (ABP Only), 41% (PPG Only), 37% (HRV Index) and 31% (Majority Voter). Therefore, the system shows good performance and requires simple computations, so it is very useful for real-time applications.
Optical Diffusometry Techniques and Applications in Biological Agent Detection

Optical diffusometry is a technique used for measuring diffusion. This work explores the possibility of directly measuring diffusion coefficients of submicron particles for pathogen detection. The diffusion coefficient of these particles is a function of the drag coefficient of the particle at constant temperatures. Particles introduced into a sample containing an analyte bind with the analyte if functionalized with the appropriate antibodies. This leads to an increase in the hydrodynamic drag of the particles and hence a decrease in their diffusion coefficient. This study uses the above principle to effectively measure the diffusion coefficient of the particles using two different experimental approaches. The measured reduction in the diffusion coefficient can be correlated to the amount of analyte present and thus forms the basis of biological agent detection. Sensitivity to experimental conditions is analyzed. It is observed that alternative techniques such as optical trapping hold promise: the diffusive behavior of particles in optical traps is found to be quantitatively different from that of a free particle. Hence preconditions are identified to make optical trapping appropriate for agent detection. DOI: 10.1115/1.2969430
A case study in computational science

The purpose of this paper is to present the close relationship between mathematical modeling and computer simulation as a paradigm of computational science, by reviewing a case study in mathematical biology.
Cardiac function during protein malnutrition and refeeding in the isolated rat heart.

In an attempt to elucidate the effect of protein restriction and subsequent refeeding on cardiac muscle function, 133 rat hearts were studied on a Langendorff perfusion apparatus: 19 normal controls, 55 rats during 6 weeks of protein restriction, and 59 rats during 6 weeks of refeeding following starvation.During starvation animals lost 14.3% of body weight and 12.8% in heart weight, both to be gained upon refeeding.Both developed force and force velocity tended to decrease in starving rats compared to control or refeeding rats. This trend was present at time 0, but more so after 60 min of perfusion. Furthermore, these differences became even more obvious and significantly different at the higher heart rates of 300 and 400 beats/min, and less so at 100 or 200 beats/min.These protein malnutrition-associated cardiac function derangements reversed almost completely to normal upon refeeding. (Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 10:470-473, 1986)
A combination of directing groups and chiral anion phase-transfer catalysis for enantioselective fluorination of alkenes

We report a catalytic enantioselective electrophilic fluorination of alkenes to form tertiary and quaternary C(sp3)-F bonds and generate β-amino- and β-aryl-allylic fluorides. The reaction takes advantage of the ability of chiral phosphate anions to serve as solid–liquid phase transfer catalysts and hydrogen bond with directing groups on the substrate. A variety of heterocyclic, carbocyclic, and acyclic alkenes react with good to excellent yields and high enantioselectivities. Further, we demonstrate a one-pot, tandem dihalogenation–cyclization reaction, using the same catalytic system twice in series, with an analogous electrophilic brominating reagent in the second step.
NMR and optical activity observations on the helix-coil transition in poly(gamma-benzyl L-glutamate) solutions.

The helix–coil transition of poly(γ-benzyl L-glutamate) was studied by comparing proton magnetic relaxation behavior with optical activity studies. The transition temperature as determined by magnetic relaxation was lower than that obtained by optical activity. The concentration dependence of the transition was also studied. The relationship of these experiments with previous NMR studies and also with calorimetric investigation of the transition is developed.
“I Didn’t Know It Existed Before You Called”: Protestant Clergy Experience, Education and Perceptions Regarding Genetics

Despite the intrinsic role religious/spiritual (hereafter, R/S) beliefs have in patient clinical decision-making and crisis coping, there is little research exploring the relationship that exists between clergy (professionals who provide R/S counsel and guidance) and genetic counseling patients. This qualitative, exploratory study was designed to explore Protestant clergy (N = 8) perceptions of and experience with genetics-related issues. Data analysis revealed that a wide range of R/S perceptions regarding genetics-related issues exist within Protestantism, Protestant clergy have a basic understanding of genetic testing and conditions, and while directive counseling is inherent to Protestant clergy counseling, there appears to exist two opposing styles: unbiased and biased. Based on this information, there are two main implications for genetic counseling clinical practice. First, R/S assessments need to be increasingly implemented into genetic counseling sessions, so that the psychosocial needs of patients with specific R/S beliefs can be identified and addressed. An increase in R/S assessments may be accomplished by increased exposure in genetic counselor training, continuing education opportunities, and by establishing relationships with board-certified, professional chaplains. Second, genetic counselors can influence the genetic education and experience of clergy by raising awareness within their own R/S assemblies. Doing so can also serve to further educate genetic counselors in the R/S beliefs of their own traditions, thus increasing sensitivity, empathy and the quality of care provided.
Temporal Organization in Avian Reproduction

Recent studies have demonstrated that biological rhythms have important roles in avian reproduction. In the photoperiodic stimulation of the reproductive complex, there are two systems involved in the interpretation of day length. One system is entrained by the photoperiod, probably by dawn. This entrained system in turn entrains two light-sensitive phases which occur later in the day. If the photoperi od is long enough, it is present during the sensitive phases when it can induce the production of luteinzing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone. The interrenal gland appears to be a part of the entraining system inasmuch as injections of corticosterone can set a sensitive phase when light can induce gonadal development. The annual cycle of photosensitivity and photorefractoriness appeals to be controlled by the temporal relations between the daily rhythms of corticosterone and prolactin which change seasonally. When the hormonal relations of photosensitive and photorefractory birds are simulated by injections of the hormones, the appropriate conditions (photosensitivity or photorefractonness) can be produced. Seasonal changes in the hormonal relations are not direct reflections of changes in the photoperiod; they depend on more complex physiological experiences. The systems involved in egg laying and parental behavior may also have a temporal basis of biological rhythms. For example, the intensity of the pigeon cropsac response depends on the time of daily injections of prolactin relative to those of corticosterone. It is apparent that the daily rhythm constitutes the basic structuial unit in the temporal organizationtion of avian reproduction.
Classifying Data Displays with an Assessment of Displays Found in Popular Software

This article provides a scheme for classifying data tables and graphs and then uses this scheme to organize and assess the tables and graphs found in three commonly used software packages: Microsoft Excel, Minitab and SPSS. The classification and assessment is of one–, two– and three–dimensional displays.
Individual variation in the growth of captive infant gorillas.

Serial anthropometric data were obtained during the first year of life of six nursery-reared infant gorillas in the Columbus (Ohio) Zoo. Two of the infants are likely to be monozygotic twins as determined by DNA analysis. Growth curves were fitted to serial measures of cephalo-thoracic-abdominal length, arm length, leg length, head circumference, upper arm circumference, and weight from each gorilla, to describe individual patterns of variation in skeletal growth and body composition. Growth in skeletal measures tended to be curvilinear to varying degrees over the first year of life. Body composition varied more than skeletal measures throughout the first year as a consequence of individual health status. Individual growth and body composition variations appear to reflect both genetic and environmental influences in this small sample of captive infant gorillas.
Fiscal Constraints, Trust, and the Need for a New Politics/Administration Dichotomy:

Current personnel practices are counterproductive insofar as they engender a fear of change and align the self interest of public employees with the status quo. In moving to remedy this problem, however, we must take care not to overcompensate by losing important merit concepts such as career security which may be essential ingredients for a positive, productivity oriented, system of personnel management. Such a system, derived from both American and Japanese theory and prac tice, could involve a new dichotomy of personnel management activities between political and career executives.
Rectification between 370 and 105 K in Hexadecylquinolinium Tricyanoquinodimethanide

The through-film electrical conductivity of Langmuir−Blodgett monolayer films of hexadecylquinolinium tricyanoquinodimethanide was studied as a function of temperature. The current is usually smaller at low temperature. Electrical rectification, probably due to an intramolecular electron transfer, was observed between 370 and 105 K, with a rectification ratio as large at 105 K as it is at room temperature.
Geochemistry and the understanding of ground-water systems

Geochemistry has contributed significantly to the understanding of ground-water systems over the last 50 years. Historic advances include development of the hydrochemical facies concept, application of equilibrium theory, investigation of redox processes, and radiocarbon dating. Other hydrochemical concepts, tools, and techniques have helped elucidate mechanisms of flow and transport in ground-water systems, and have helped unlock an archive of paleoenvironmental information. Hydrochemical and isotopic information can be used to interpret the origin and mode of ground-water recharge, refine estimates of time scales of recharge and ground-water flow, decipher reactive processes, provide paleohydrological information, and calibrate ground-water flow models. Progress needs to be made in obtaining representative samples. Improvements are needed in the interpretation of the information obtained, and in the construction and interpretation of numerical models utilizing hydrochemical data. The best approach will ensure an optimized iterative process between field data collection and analysis, interpretation, and the application of forward, inverse, and statistical modeling tools. Advances are anticipated from microbiological investigations, the characterization of natural organics, isotopic fingerprinting, applications of dissolved gas measurements, and the fields of reaction kinetics and coupled processes. A thermodynamic perspective is offered that could facilitate the comparison and understanding of the multiple physical, chemical, and biological processes affecting ground-water systems.
Low Temperature Consolidation of Micro/Nanosilver Die-Attach Preforms

Organically passivated silver nanopowder paste-based sintering is considered a promising solution for die-attach in high temperature power and sensing electronic devices. However, oxygen requirements during burnout and inherently high shrinkage rates limit their use to small die sizes. This work reports an alternative fabrication method that resolves decomposition and shrinkage issues of the die-attach by utilizing a prestressed optimized tape cast mixture of micro- and nanosilver particles with a polypropylene carbonate binder. The effects of prestressing, micro/nanosilver bimodal distribution, and polymer content on resulting microstructure and shear strength were investigated. Prior to application as a die-attach, uniaxial compression of the tape was found to significantly decrease shrinkage and improve green strength. This pre-stressing strategy allows for a decoupling of the resulting die-attach materials properties from the pressure applied during assembly. Bimodal mixtures consisting of 1–3 μm spherical powders with nanosilver resulted in shear strengths comparable to those of pure nanosilver. Shear strength decreased as bimodal particle size increased above 5 μm. A polymer content of ∼10 wt.% polypropylene carbonate combined with prestressing was identified as optimal for maximizing die-attach shear strength while still maintaining pliability and formability. Tape casts that were prestressed to 212 MPa by uniaxially compression and formulated with 10 wt.% of polypropylene carbonate resulted in a die-attach material with a shear strength of 54 MPa when sintered. These materials were used to demonstrate void-free 25-mm2 die-attach assemblies, suggesting that tape cast micro/nanosilver materials may be a promising die-attach method for high temperature and large-area electronics devices.
Communicating and Organizing in Time: A Meso-Level Model of Organizational Temporality.

The authors propose a theoretical framework identifying how work group members’ experience of time is created and sustained through task-related communication structures. The model addresses 10 dimensions of time—separation, scheduling, precision, pace, present time perspective, future time perspective, flexibility, linearity, scarcity, and urgency—and proposes how three communication structures central to organizational work—coordination methods, workplace technologies, and feedback cycles—contribute to members’ temporal experience. The model incorporates the complex interplay among cultural, environmental, and individual factors as well. Testable propositions intended to guide future research are offered.
Theory and practice of writing processes for technical writers

An approach to teaching writing ability is described that involves having students examining their present writing behaviors, experience very diverse writing processes, and research writing processes. An appendix provides an extensive listing of selected resources on writing.
The MIT Mobile Device Speaker Verification Corpus: Data Collection and Preliminary Experiments

In this paper we discuss data collection and preliminary experiments for a new speaker verification corpus collected on a small handheld device in multiple environments using multiple microphones. This corpus, which has been made publically available by MIT, is intended for explorations of the problem of robust speaker verification on handheld devices in noisy environments with limited training data. To provide a set of preliminary results, we examine text-dependent speaker verification under a variety of cross-conditional environment and microphone training constraints. Our preliminary results indicate that the presence of noise in the training data improves the robustness of our speaker verification models even when tested in mismatched environments.
Effect of three-body dispersion interactions on the surface dynamics of Ar(111)

Abstract Molecular dynamics simulations were performed for Ar(111) using an accurate two-body potential developed by Barker and co-workers and the Axilrod-Teller three-body dispersion interaction. The decay of surface order parameters accompany surface premelting at approximately 0.78 T m for the two-body potential alone, while inclusion of the three-body potential raises the premelting temperature to approximately 0.85 T m . Prior to surface premelting, a discontinuity is observed in the slope of the Arrhenius plot of the surface layer's mass transfer diffusivity at about 0.67 T m for the two-body potential alone, with inclusion of three-body potential raising this transition temperature to about 0.77 T m . The partial quenching of surface premelting induced by addition of the three-body dispersion interaction arises despite a significant increase in the degree of outward surface relaxation.
Airborne lidar measurements of ozone flux downwind of Houston and Dallas

[1] We use airborne lidar measurements of ozone collected during the Texas Air Quality Study (TexAQS) 2000 and TexAQS 2006 field campaigns to compute the horizontal flux of ozone downwind of the Houston and Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan areas. Fluxes are computed for each aircraft transect by integrating excess ozone (plume ozone minus background ozone) in the urban plumes and multiplying the result by the horizontal wind speed provided by radar wind profilers. In addition, we use the lidar data to estimate ozone production rates and ozone enhancements in the Houston and Dallas/Fort Worth plumes. We found that the average horizontal flux of ozone emanating from the Houston area based on data from six research flights was 3.2 · 1026 molecules per second. This was significantly higher than the flux measured downwind of Dallas/Fort Worth during a single flight. The Houston fluxes exhibited a strong dependence on wind direction. Under southerly or northerly flow, ozone fluxes were about twice as large as under westerly or easterly flow conditions. We estimate that a day's worth of export of ozone from the Houston area could raise regional background ozone by about 10 ppbv over a 40,000 km2 area. This has important ramifications for air quality in communities downwind of Houston as it could raise background ozone levels enough that regions with little or no local pollution sources of their own may violate the federally mandated ozone standard.
Understanding Influence on Corporate Reputation: An Examination of Public Relations Efforts, Media Coverage, Public Opinion, and Financial Performance From an Agenda-Building and Agenda-Setting Perspective

Seeking to extend research on public relations evaluation, this study investigates the influence of public relations efforts and media coverage on corporate reputation and financial performance through the theoretical grounding of first- and second-level agenda-building and agenda-setting. A triangulation of research methods compared public relations content, news media coverage, public opinion, and corporate financial performance for 28 U.S. companies from the annual Harris Interactive (2005) Reputation Quotient. Evidence for agenda-building and agenda-setting propositions was found, which work to inform strategies of public relations practitioners. The implications of the findings are discussed.
Patterning the zebrafish heart tube: acquisition of anteroposterior polarity.

The patterning of an internal organ, like the heart, is little understood. Central to this patterning is the formation, or the acquisition, of an anteroposterior (A-P) axis. We have approached the question of how the heart tube acquires polarity in the zebrafish, Brachydanio rerio, which offers numerous advantages for studying cardiac morphogenesis. During the early stages of organogenesis in the fish, the heart tube lies in an A-P orientation with the venous end lying anteriorly and the arterial end lying posteriorly. High doses (10−6–10−5 M) of retinoic acid (RA) cause truncation of the body axis, as they do in Xenopus. Low doses of retinoic acid (10−8–10−7 M), which do not appear to affect the rest of the embryo, have pronounced effects upon heart tube morphogenesis, causing it to shrink progressively along the A-P axis. To investigate this further, we identified monoclonal antibodies that distinguish between the zebrafish cardiac chambers and used them to show that the RA-induced cardiac truncation always begins at the arterial end of the heart tube. There is a continuous gradient of sensitivity from the arterial to the venous end, such that increasing RA exposure causes the progressive and sequential deletion first of the bulbus arteriosus and then, in order, of the ventricle, the atrium, and the sinus venosus. As exposure increases, parts of chambers are deleted before entire chambers; thus, the sensitivity to RA appears to be independent of chamber boundaries. The analysis of the heart tube's sensitivity to RA and its timing suggest that polarity is established during or shortly after initial commitment to the cardiac lineage.
Morphologic features of the ductus arteriosus after prostaglandin E1administration for ductus-dependent congenital heart defects

Histologic evidence of damage to the ductus arteriosus after the infusion of prostaglandin E1has been reported in neonates with ductus-dependent congenital heart defects. The reported changes suggested structural weakening of the ductus that might render it prone to laceration or rupture. The morphologic features of ductus arteriosi were studied in two groups of neonates with ductus-dependent congenital heart defects. Group 1 (prostaglandin E1group) comprised 12 neonates who received prostaglandin E1and died while receiving it or within 4 days after its administration was discontinued; the mean duration of prostaglandin E1administration was 18 hours (range 30 minutes to 40 hours). Group 2 (control group) comprised 10 neonates who did not receive prostaglandin E1and were matched with group 1 for weight, type of congenital heart defect and age at death. The length of the ductus and its internal diameter at the aortic end were greater in group 1 than in group 2, but the differences were not statistically significant. The internal diameter of the ductus at the pulmonary end was significantly greater in group 1 than in group 2 (p Cineangiograms obtained at the repeat cardiac catheterization up to 33 months after prostaglandin E1treatment in 28 infants showed no abnormality at the ductus area; in all but 1 infant, the ductus either spontaneously closed or had been surgically ligated uneventfully. In an additional 33 patients, clinical follow-up did not suggest any problems in the ductus. It is concluded that the administration of prostaglandin E1may delay the normal closing process or maturation of the ductus but does not have any significant deleterious morphologic or clinical effect, and that the ductus arteriosus closes normally after prostaglandin E1is discontinued. Prolonged administration of prostaglandin E1)more than 40 hours) may cause the histologic changes observed by others.
FACULTY REFLECT ON COURSE PLANNING

Faculty members' beliefs about educational purpose and the nature of their academic fields strongly influence how they plan introductory courses. Interviews with 89 faculty members teaching in diverse colleges and representing eight fields also identified faculty attention to student preparation, available textbooks, and locally important factors, but little attention to alternative instructional strategies during course planning. Based on the findings, the authors have developed a tentative general model of course design and related questions to guide future study.
Ouabain, Na(+)-free and K(+)-free solutions and relaxations to nitric oxide and nitrovasodilators.

1. 1. Experiments were designed to determine the effect of inhibition of Na+, K+ ATPase by ouabain, Na+-free and K+-free solutions on the relaxations induced by nitric oxide, nitroglycerin and sodium nitroprusside in coronary smooth muscle. 2. 2. Rings without endothelium of canine left anterior descending coronary artery were suspended for isometric tension recording in modified Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate solution, in the presence of indomethacin, propranolol, and phenoxybenzamine. The rings were incubated with ouabain, Na+-free or K+-free solutions prior to contractions with prostaglandin F2α. 3. 3. Nitric oxide induced transient relaxations which were significantly depressed by ouabain but were not affected by Na+- or K+-free solutions. Thus, the inhibitory effect of ouabain on relaxations to nitric oxide is not due to inhibition of the Na+, K+ pump. 4. 4. The relaxation induced by sodium nitroprusside was impaired both in the presence of ouabain and after incubation in Na+- or K+-free solution, suggesting that it may involve in part activation of Na+, K+ pumping. 5. 5. Only high concentration of ouabain and Na+-free solution decreased the relaxation evoked by nitroglycerin, indicating that the mechanism of action of nitroglycerin on vascular smooth muscle does not involve the Na+-K+ pump.
Thermal and morphological skin-core effects in processing of thermoplastic composites

Abstract During thermostamping, the processing method where preconsolidated laminates are preheated in an oven and then transferred to a ‘cold’ mould for forming and solidification, the transfer from the oven to the mould as well as the initial cooling upon contact with the mould surface may cause high and/or unbalanced cooling on the two sides of a part. These conditions generate internal stresses as well as corresponding morphological features. This work focused on analysing the morphology through the thickness of a part using our process simulated laminate ( psl ) technique, which allows evaluation of a laminate through its thickness in relation to the processing conditions employed. Specifically, the degree of crystallinity and storage shear moduli were examined as a function of thickness for balanced and unbalanced cooled peek /AS-4 process simulated laminates. The resulting curvature for the unbalanced cooled laminates was measured in order to estimate the process-induced stress level. A methodology is in place to assess the importance of these phenomena for a variety of manufacturing processes. Thus, this study reveals through both differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis that pronounced thermal and morphological ‘skin-core’ phenomena may be induced in thermoplastic composite laminates by high production rate processing techniques.
A Note on Z-numbers

Decisions are based on information. To be useful, information must be reliable. Basically, the concept of a Z-number relates to the issue of reliability of information. A Z-number, Z, has two components, Z=(A,B). The first component, A, is a restriction (constraint) on the values which a real-valued uncertain variable, X, is allowed to take. The second component, B, is a measure of reliability (certainty) of the first component. Typically, A and B are described in a natural language. Example: (about 45min, very sure). An important issue relates to computation with Z-numbers. Examples: What is the sum of (about 45min, very sure) and (about 30min, sure)? What is the square root of (approximately 100, likely)? Computation with Z-numbers falls within the province of Computing with Words (CW or CWW). In this note, the concept of a Z-number is introduced and methods of computation with Z-numbers are outlined. The concept of a Z-number has a potential for many applications, especially in the realms of economics, decision analysis, risk assessment, prediction, anticipation and rule-based characterization of imprecise functions and relations.
A two-phase compartments model for the selective oxidation of n-butane in a circulating fluidized bed reactor

Abstract A phenomenological model for the partial oxidation of n -butane to maleic anhydride (MAN) in a gas–solid riser reactor is proposed. The model captures the main transport–kinetic interactions at both the particle and reactor scale. Two different kinetic models from the literature that either include or neglect the role of solid-state diffusion of oxygen in the catalyst bulk are compared in terms of their impact on overall reactor performance. The use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) as a means of defining a macroscopic cell-type model for describing the flow patterns in an industrial-scale gas–solids riser is also described. Predictions for the conversion of n -butane and yield of MAN are presented as a function of selected operating variables, and the impact of the variable model parameters on the predictions is briefly assessed. It is shown that the predictions are particularly sensitive to the kinetic model. The relative importance of the interactions between the chemical kinetics and the hydrodynamics is also highlighted.
A qualitative analysis of leadership and quality improvement

Abstract The purpose of this study was to perform a qualitative, inductively-oriented investigation of leadership and quality improvement (QI) efforts. This approach was chosen given that there is relatively little evidence regarding the nature of effective leadership as organizations pursue QI, potential differences across managerial levels, and the persistence of leadership as QI efforts evolve. Our qualitative analyses involved the identification of relevant themes or categorical schemes, data collection in an open and somewhat unstructured manner, and theory development in line with the data collected. Based on the analyses, we develop a proposed model of alternative paths of leadership and managerial commitment in association with a QI process. One path involves continuing commitment toward QI efforts and results in a culture shift. In contrast, a second path involves wavering commitment and could lead to negative outcomes such as cynicism about the possibility of organizational change. In sum, this study demonstrates the potential value of pursuing an inductive approach in leadership research.
Handheld multispectral fluorescence lifetime imaging system for in vivo applications

There is an increasing interest in the application of fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) for medical diagnosis. Central to the clinical translation of FLIM technology is the development of compact and high-speed clinically compatible systems. We present a handheld probe design consisting of a small maneuverable box fitted with a rigid endoscope, capable of continuous lifetime imaging at multiple emission bands simultaneously. The system was characterized using standard fluorescent dyes. The performance was then further demonstrated by imaging a hamster cheek pouch in vivo, and oral mucosa tissue both ex vivo and in vivo, all using safe and permissible exposure levels. Such a design can greatly facilitate the evaluation of FLIM for oral cancer imaging in vivo.
The effects of methamphetamine and secobarbital on the contingent negative variation amplitude.

The amplitude of the contingent negative variation (CNV) was studied in twelve male subjects given oral doses of methamphetamine (10 mg), secobarbital (50 mg), and placebo on the three testing days separated by one week. Orders were balanced across subjects and testing conditions were double-blind. The mean amplitudes of the CNV elicited with methamphetamine were significantly greater than those obtained with secobarbital and placebo. Comparing secobarbital with placebo yielded no significant results, possibly due to the low secobarbital dosage. The sensitivity of the CNV amplitude to methamphetamine suggests that the CNV may be a sensitive measure of arousal and attention and could provide a reliable index for assessing the relative arousal effects of complex drugs on humans.
Joe L. Kincheloe: Embracing criticality in science education

This article reviews significant contributions made by Joe L. Kincheloe to critical research in science education, especially through a multimethodological, multitheoretical, and multidisciplinary informed lens that incorporates social, cultural, political, economic, and cognitive dynamics—the bricolage. Kincheloe’s ideas provide for a compelling understanding of, and insights into, the forces that shape the intricacies of teaching and learning science and science education. They have implications in improving science education policies, in developing actions that challenge and cultivate the intellect while operating in ways that are more understanding of difference and are socially just.
Embodied constraints as elements in attitude construction

Abstract Simonson holds that non-constructed “inherent preferences” influence many expressed attitudes as well as behavioral choices. These inherent preferences are not mentally represented, but amount to embodied constraints that (for example) make a person like a new product on an initial encounter. This article situates Simonson's argument in the social–psychological literature on attitudes. Existing evidence does suggest that people sometimes are surprised by their evaluations of experiences (failures of affective forecasting). However, the problematic concept of non-constructed inherent preferences need not be invoked to explain such effects; existing models of the role of direct experience in attitudes are adequate.
Inhibition of natural killer cell activity by IgA

Abstract The in vitro effect of IgA on natural killer (NK) activities of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells was investigated. Purified myeloma polymeric IgA2 (pIgA2) and secretory IgA (S-IgA) from human colostrum inhibited NK activity, while myeloma polymeric IgA 1 (pIgA 1), monomeric IgA1 (mIgA1), IgG, and IgM were ineffective. Inhibition was proportional to the concentration of pIgA2 (0.125–1 mg/ml) and was observed after as little as 1 hr of incubation at various effector to K562 target cell ratios. pIgA2 and S-IgA also inhibited NK activity of NK cell-enriched lymphoid cells and γ-interferon-treated effector cells, but did not interfere with effector-target cell binding. The inhibitory effect was slightly diminished after 24 hr culture in pIgA2-free medium. Inhibition of cytotoxicity was not due to direct toxicity on lymphoid cells by IgA because PBL treated with pokeweed mitogen in the presence of pIgA2 or S-IgA differentiated into immunoglobulin-producing cells. Viability after 24 hr of preculture with pIgA2 and S-IgA was comparable to that of untreated control cells. Morphological examination of effector cells cultured with pIgA2 or S-IgA showed a decrease in the number of granules, and the formation of cytoplasmic vacuoles. These morphological changes appeared to coincide with the depressed cytotoxicity of NK cells. The results demonstrate that purified pIgA2 and S-IgA have significant immunodulatory effects on human NK activity.
The loss of a polymorphic glycosylation site caused by Thr-927 → Ile is linked to a second polymorphic Val-816→ Ile substitution in lysosomal α-glucosidase of American blacks

Inherited deficiency of the lysosomal hydrolase [alpha]-glucosidase (acid maltase) causes lysosomal accumulation of glycogen, a condition known as glycogen storage disease type II (GSD II). The clinical phenotype is heterogeneous, and heterogeneity also exists at the molecular level. Point mutations were recently identified in two cases of severe infantile and one case of adult GSD II. In addition to mutations with a deleterious effect on enzyme function, several polymorphisms have been documented. Of note are those polymorphisms that relate to racial differences, but they can pose a problem when mutant alleles are being analyzed. An example of this was an American black patient with an adult form of GSD II (GM1935). Mutation analysis revealed three amino acid substitutions that were not encountered in the Caucasian population. The three substitutions were Asp-645 [r arrow] Glu (exon 14), Val-816 [r arrow] Ile (exon 17), and Thr-927 [r arrow] Ile (exon 19), and they were linked to the same allele . The Thr-927 [r arrow] Ile substitution deleting the most carboxyl-terminal N-linked glycosylation site was found to have no effect on enzyme function, in agreement with the studies on the role of the individual glycosylation sites. There were different opinions, however, with respectmore » to the effect of the other two substitutions. The Val-816 [r arrow] Ile substitution was reported by Martiniuk et al. to cause the lysosomal [alpha]-glucosidase deficiency, but the authors concluded on the basis of more extensive studies that the Asp-645[r arrow] Glu substitution was actually the deleterious mutation and the Val-816 [r arrow] Ile substitution a polymorphism. 8 refs., 1 fig.« less
Activation of peripheral delta-opioid receptors leads to anti-hyperalgesic responses in the masseter muscle of male and female rats.

Abstract In this project, we examined peripheral δ-opioid receptor (DOR)-mediated anti-hyperalgesic responses in the context of an acute orofacial muscle pain condition in both male and female rats. We also investigated whether the ATP-sensitive K + channel (KATP), a downstream target of OR signaling, contributes to DOR-mediated anti-hyperalgesic responses. Local pretreatment of the masseter with a DOR agonist, [ d -Pen 2 , d -Pen 5 ]-enkephalin (DPDPE), dose-dependently attenuated capsaicin-induced mechanical hypersensitivity in both male and female rats. However, there were sex differences in the potency of local DPDPE in that a 10-fold higher dose of DPDPE was required in female rats to produce the level of anti-hyperalgesia achieved in male rats. The sex differences in the DPDPE effect may not be fully explained by DOR expression level since there was no significant sex difference in DOR mRNA levels in trigeminal ganglia (TG). Finally, pretreatment of the masseter with the KATP antagonist, glibenclamide, significantly blocked the effects of DPDPE in male rats suggesting that the peripheral DOR effect is mediated by the KATP. These studies revealed novel information about sex differences with regards to peripherally localized DOR-mediated anti-hyperalgesia under an orofacial muscle pain condition.
Ability of tumor cells to resist humoral vs. cell mediated immune attack is controlled by different membrane physical properties

Abstract Adriamycin-treated P815 tumor cells are increased in their killing by antibody plus complement (Ab-C) but not cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). Conversely, mitomycin C-treated cells show increased killing by CTL but not by Ab-C. Hydrocortisone treatment decreases the killing of P815 cells by both Ab-C and CTL; epinephrine is ineffective in doing so. The drug and hormone effects are reversible. Adriamycin-treated P815 cells showed markedly increased plasma membrane fluidity. Mitomycin C-treated P815 cells showed markedly decreased net negative cell surface charge. Hydrocortisone-treated P815 cells showed decreased membrane fluidity and increased negative cell surface charge. There was no effect by mitomycin C on membrane fluidity, by adriamycin on surface charge, or by epinephrine on either membrane property. Reverted cells returned to control values of fluidity and cell surface charge. The results indicate that plasma membrane fluidity and cell surface charge are unique membrane physical properties that control tumor cell susceptibility to Ab-C and CTL killing, respectively.
A Lagrangian model for debris cloud dynamics simulation

Abstract A new modeling approach has been developed for computer simulation of hypervelocity impacts on multi-plate orbital debris shields. This approach links an Eulerian finite difference code for shield perforation calculations to a Lagrangian finite element code for debris cloud evolution simulations. Mixture theory is used to account for the presence of void space in the debris cloud.
Model Identification in Exercise Physiology

Model identification for respiratory control during exercise motivates a modeling perspective concerning input design, structure identification and statistical justification. From this perspective, a functional model is proposed and initially tested in two "quiet breathers" and two "noisy breathers" using a pulse input in cycle ergometer work-rate. The results indicate that an input design that yields a higher signal to noise ratio is needed to justify the model in the "noisy breathers." Implications for alternative input designs are discussed.
Early morphologic diagnosis of herpes simplex virus encephalitis: advantages of electron microscopy and immunoperoxidase staining.

The authors compared three morphologic techniques that can be used in the diagnosis of herpes simplex virus encephalitis. The pathologic material was derived from brain biopsy, autopsy, or both in ten culture-proven cases. On conventional light microscopic examination, typical intranuclear Cowdry type A inclusions were recorded as absent (one case), rare (six cases), or numerous (three cases). Electron microscopic evaluation, performed in nine cases, revealed intranuclear viral particles in five biopsy and two autopsy cases, including four cases in which inclusions were rare or absent on light microscopy. In one biopsy specimen, unequivocal virus particles could not be identified ul-trastructurally, although they were present in subsequent autopsy material. Immunoperoxidase staining using the peroxidase-antiper-oxidase (PAP) method and type-specific anti-herpes simplex type 1 antiserum, performed on paraffin-embedded tissue, demonstrated strongly positive specific immunoreactivity in all ten cases. The potential for rapid specimen preparation, the relative sensitivity of electron microscopy, and the extreme sensitivity and specificity of the PAP-immunoperoxidase method offer obvious advantages in the early morphologic diagnosis of herpes simplex virus encephalitis.
Leiomyosarcoma of the popliteal vein

Primary vascular leiomyosarcomas are rare tumors arising from the media of vessel walls, involving the extremities in about one third of reported cases, and the popliteal vein even less frequently. We report a case of popliteal vein leiomyosarcoma in a 62-year old man who presented with leg pain and edema 4 weeks following spine surgery. Findings on ultrasound, MRI and CT angiography are reviewed, with particular emphasis on the value of CT angiography in fully evaluating the extent of the mass and in assisting percutaneous biopsy.
Comment on Paul G. Lewis's “Can state review of local planning increase housing production?”

Abstract Many are looking to California and its state housing law for advice on how to deal with the affordability challenges affecting many metropolitan areas throughout the nation. It is thus critically important to go beyond the laws themselves and examine how state and municipal governance structure affects affordability, supply, and production. Some states give broad freedom to localities to develop policies that can potentially meet a range of goals and objectives. Others directly undermine those efforts by limiting local ability to pursue policy reforms while simultaneously failing to engage on the state level. The redefinition of federalism on the national level, coupled with continued resistance to growth from some localities, establishes the state as at least an equal partner in dealing with housing supply and affordability issues. Understanding these distinctions is important, and the housing community needs to take them into account as it moves on the state front.
Techniques for LAN Performance Analysis in a Real-TimeEnvironment

The Navy is a large user of real-time systems. A modern surface ship is deployed with hundreds of computers which are required for the ship to perform its mission. The Navy is moving away from using ’’niche‘‘ market components to meet its real-time computing needs and towards distributed processing using Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) computing components. The use of commercial real-time computing components requires careful evaluation to determine if they can meet the real-time requirements. This paper focuses on evaluating the communication resources for use aboard a Navy ship. Presented are: (1) Key performance metrics for assessing the communication capabilities of computers for use aboard Navy ships; (2) An assessment of existing methods for determining these metrics; (3) A methodology for collecting data to evaluate a particular component‘s performance related to these; (4) Examples of applying the methodology; and (5) Examples of quantitative analysis using the metrics.