cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High-Temperature Poly(phthalazinone ether ketone) Thin Films for Dielectric Energy Storage

The synthesis and characterization of poly(phthalazinone ether ketone) (PPEK) for high-temperature electric energy storage applications is described. It was found that PPEK displayed excellent stability of the dielectric properties over a broad frequency and temperature range. Little change in the breakdown field and discharge time has been observed in PPEK with the increase of temperature up to 190 °C. A linear correlation between the AC conductance and the angular frequency implied that the hopping as a dominant conduction process contributed to the dielectric loss. Superior energy densities, remarkable breakdown strengths, and fast discharge speeds have been demonstrated in PPEK at various temperatures.
Re-evaluation of a Programmed Method To Teach Generalized Identity Matching to Sample.

Programmed training in identity matching to sample was given to six participants who had severe mental retardation, mental age-equivalent scores of 3.0 years or less, and histories of failures in prior assessments and training attempts with standard procedures. An intermediate goal of the training program was to establish one-trial discrimination learning (OTDL), where new discriminations are acquired after a single training trial. OTDL was included because an analysis of the task requirements for identity matching suggested that it could be a prerequisite skill. One participant was eliminated from the experiment when stimulus control by prompting procedures broke down relatively early in training. Only one of the remaining participants achieved OTDL. When the program was modified to eliminate OTDL as an intermediate goal, four participants completed it and passed tests for generalized identity matching with high accuracy scores. The program was partially successful with the sixth participant in that it established highly accurate and reliable identity matching when different stimuli were displayed on every trial (nonconditional-function matching), but not when the same set of comparison stimuli was displayed on every trial (conditional-function matching). The results showed that (a) one-trial discrimination learning appears to be sufficient but not necessary for identity matching, and (b) the program successfully established identity matching in a majority of difficult-to-teach students who had well-documented failures to learn by standard teaching methods.
On the benefits and risks of focused commitment to suppliers

This paper discusses the merits of purchasing firms of pursuing a focused commitment strategy (FCS) with suppliers. An FCS involves committing long-term investments with a limited number of suppliers to achieve superior performance. Drawing upon transaction cost theory, agency theory and the knowledge-based view, a basis is provided for comparisons of the benefits and risks of such a strategy. Using data gathered from 224 US manufacturing firms, support for the hypothesized trade-offs associated with an FCS is examined. The findings support such trade-offs, suggesting that operational benefits accrue from increasing levels of focused commitment beyond unfocused levels — but only up to a point. The results indicate that firms pursuing above-average levels of focused commitment may be subject to risks that offset transactional and scale-related benefits. Detriments from too much focused commitment erode the firm's manufacturing-based competitive performance. In addition, the evidence indicates that profitab...
Multi-user capacity of M-ary PPM ultra-wideband communications

We study the information theoretic capacity of M-ary pulse position modulation (PPM) ultra-wideband (UWB) communications for the multi-user channels. Under certain assumptions, the multiple-access interference component at the receiver is modeled as Gaussian. An expression for the signal-to-noise ratio is developed for UWB utilizing rectangular pulses. The information theoretic capacity of the UWB system is studied as a function of number of users. A closed form expression and a lower bound are found for the case of binary PPM. An upper bound on the aggregate capacity is found for the case of large number of users.
Deep Vein Thrombosis in Intravenous Drug Abusers Presenting as a Systemic Illness

Upper extremity deep venous thrombosis occurred in two patients with a recent history of intravenous drug abuse. Both patients presented with complaints and physical findings consistent with a systemic illness. Evaluation revealed non-septic deep venous thrombosis, and both patients improved with intravenous heparin therapy alone. We propose that non-septic deep venous thrombosis of the upper extremity is another complication of intravenous drug abuse, and that its presentation may masquerade as one of the more well-recognized systemic illnesses associated with drug abuse.
Conversion of cyclohexene over Y-zeolites: a model reaction for hydrogen transfer

Abstract Cyclohexene was reacted at 523 °K over Y-zeolite catalysts with a unit cell constant in the range of 2423 to 2448 pm. The selectivity toward the hydrogen transfer products (cyclohexane plus methylcyclopentane) increases with the unit cell constant, while the selectivity toward isomerization products (methylcyclopentene plus methylcyclopentane) remains constant in the unit cell constant range of 2448 to 2427 pm and increases as the unit cell constant decreases to 2423 pm. The results are rationalized on the basis of acid site density and the nature of the reactions. Hydrogen transfer, being a bimolecular reaction, is favored by a high-acid site density, while isomerization of olefins, being a unimolecular reaction, is not dependent on site density but only on strength of the acid site. Thus, reaction of Cyclohexene can be used as a test reaction to measure hydrogen transfer properties of acid catalysts. The relevance of these results to product quality from catalytic cracking is discussed.
A comparative sensitometric x-ray film study

Abstract Eight films were subjected to an analysis of speed, latitude, and average gradient, with x-rays as the exposure medium. Separate sensitometric curves were created for each of the films under different combinations of related factors. The values thus derived indicated the effect of film type, exposure conditions, radiation quality, and all their combined interactions on each of the criteria.
Theory and design of a mechanical blackbody for solar radiation

Abstract A method of increasing the absorptivity of a metallic surface by a mechanical arrangement of the surface is discussed in the paper. The theoretical absorptivities obtained as a result of varying such physical parameters as surface length, distance between surfaces, surface absorptivity, and angle of incidence of radiation are stated. An experimental heat exchanger and a mechanical blackbody surface are evaluated relative to a comparative heat exchanger and a coated black suface. An apparent increase in absorptivity is seen as the net heat transfer rate occurring with the mechanical blackbody (material absorptivity of 0.5) is 90 per cent of the rate obtained with the black surface.
A sensitive thrust-measuring device

A centilevered beam with mounted strain gages is used to indirectly measure the velocity of a stream of drops by measuring the thrust produced by this stream. A design procedure is explained and implemented to determine a suitable geometry for this device. Sensitivity, frequency response and fragility are the factors considered in the design. Laboratory-test results show the usefulness of this device.
Natural resources and an optimum human population

The interdependencies of [the natural resources required to sustain human life] and their current and projected future status are analyzed in this paper. We propose an optimum population for the United States and the world based on a high standard of living while maintaining the sustainability of renewable resources and the environment. The goal is to determine the population size that will insure the possibility of individual prosperity for everyone while maintaining a quality environment. (EXCERPT)
Gas permeation resistance of a perfluoroalkoxy‐tetrafluoroethylene copolymer

The permeation resistance of perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) copolymer, to various gases was explored. The diffusion and permeability coefficients for hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and air were measured with extruded films using standard manometric techniques. For thicker films, transport properties were independent of film thickness. For the thinnest films, the diffusivity and permeability coefficients were slightly higher because of reduced crystallinity. The solubility of these apolar permeants in PFA was quite low and behaved ideally. Therefore, the permeation characteristics of air could be calculated from those of nitrogen and oxygen.
Maternal perspectives: qualitative responses about perceived barriers to care among children with orofacial clefts in North Carolina.

Objective: To examine maternal perceptions of barriers to care of children with orofacial clefts (OFC) in a population-based survey that solicited open-ended qualitative responses. Design and Setting: In 2006, a combination mail/phone survey was sent to all mothers of children with OFC. The questionnaire included 76 items. A final open-ended question was included for additional information about cleft-related care. The analysis included responses to the open-ended question and sociodemographic characteristics of the respondents. Qualitative responses were transcribed and entered into a qualitative software package for analysis, and common themes were elucidated. Participants/Patients: The North Carolina Birth Defects Monitoring Program was used to identify all resident infants born with OFC from 2001 to 2004. Of 478 eligible mothers, 52.9% (n = 248) responded to the survey, and 39.5% (n = 98) responded to the final open-ended question. Main Outcome Measures: Percentage reporting problems accessing car...
Reproductive barriers in Clarkia deflexa

Two population groups of the California speciesClarkia dejlexa appear to have developed an effective internal barrier to gene exchange. The data indicate that this barrier is the result of genetic and cytoplasmic differences operating during the early stages of embryo development. The occurrence of such a situation appears to be rare between populations so slightly differentiated as to be considered conspecific.
FPGA-based sonar processing

This paper presents the application of time-delay sonar beamforming and discusses a multi-board FPGA system for performing several variations of this beamforming method in real-time for realistic sonar arrays. Additionally, we show that our proposed FPGA system has a six to twelve times performance advantage over an equivalent system created using currently available, high-performance DSPs designed for multiprocessing systems. This performance advantage is due to the simplicity of the core calculation, the limitations of the the DSP's address calculation hardware, and the ability to customize the I/O of the FPGA to the application.
A comparison of methods for the quantification of assemblage zones

Abstract Several methods of quantitative biostratigraphy that are based on assemblage zones are examined utilizing three sets of faunal distribution data. Two of the data sets are structured simply and one is complex. Various types of cluster analysis and multidimensional scaling are applied to weighted and unweighted binary (presence/absence) data. For weighted data, the presences are multiplied by the relative biostratigraphic values (RBV) of the taxa. There are two options for calculating the RBV's. One method (RBV2) emphasizes timestratigraphic correlation, whereas the other is a compromise between time-stratigraphic correlation and biofacies correlation (RBV1). Results from lateral tracing also are examined. The case studies allow the formulation of a general strategy. Weighting is not appropriate if paleoecological groupings are sought. If biostratigraphic zonation is required, weighted data may produce clusters that are stratigraphically more homogeneous than those based on unweighted data. Also the RBV's can point out species that can be deleted from the analysis without losing significant biostratigraphic information. Range through data should be employed in most situations. Similarity matrices between samples can be calculated from various coefficients based on presences. Biostratigraphic zones are extracted from the similarity matrix by cluster analysis, multidimensional scaling and lateral tracing to produce an overall view of the data structure. Lines of correlation and fence diagrams can be constructed between the samples in adjacent stratigraphic sections using the same techniques.
Audiologic management of auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder in children: a systematic review of the literature.

Purpose This review summarizes current evidence related to the audiologic management of children with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD). Method A systematic search of the literature was conducted in 25 electronic databases (e.g., PubMed, CINAHL, and ERIC) using key words such as auditory neuropathy, auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder, auditory neuropathy/dyssynchrony, and hearing loss. Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria by addressing 1 or more of 8 clinical questions. Studies were evaluated for methodological quality, and data regarding participant, intervention, and outcome variables are reported. Results Fifteen of the 18 studies addressed the use of cochlear implantation, and 4 addressed conventional acoustic amplification. All participants demonstrated improved auditory performance; however, all 18 studies were considered exploratory, and many had methodological limitations. Conclusion The clinical evidence related to intervention for ANSD is at a very preliminary stage. Additio...
Total synthesis of the immunosupressant (-)-pironetin (PA48153C).

Total synthesis of the immunosuppresant pironetin has been achieved by a synthetic route in which the connections between starting materials and the desired structure are readily discerned. Key steps include a diastereoselective Lewis acid mediated crotylstannane aldehyde addition, a highly selective Lewis acid promoted Mukaiyama aldol reaction, an anti-selective SmI2 reduction of a β-hydroxyketone, and finally a lactone annulation reaction.
The Paschen-Back Effect. VI. The Spectrum of Neon

The methods developed in the previous paper have been applied to the spectrum of neon. The transformation coefficients in this spectrum can be easily determined since parameters have been calculated for several of its configurations. When applied to several lines of the ${p}^{5}p\ensuremath{-}{p}^{5}s$ and ${p}^{5}p\ensuremath{-}{p}^{5}d$ transitions, results are obtained which are in extremely good agreement with observed patterns.
Rapidity evolution of Wilson lines at the next-to-leading order: Balitsky–JIMWLK equation at NLO

Abstract Scattering amplitudes of proton–Nucleus or Nucleus–Nucleus collisions at high energy are described by matrix elements of Wilson line operators — infinite gauge factors ordered along the straight line trajectories of the fast moving particles. The energy dependence of such amplitudes is described by the evolution equation of Wilson lines with respect to the rapidity parameter — the Balitsky–JIMWLK evolution equation. Most of the current phenomenology of high-energy and high-density QCD is based on the leading-order evolution equation with only running coupling corrections. I will present the derivation of the Balitsky–JIMWLK evolution equation at the next-to-leading order.
Interjournalistic discourse about African Americans in television news coverage of Hurricane Katrina

This article examines how on-air conversations between journalists indicate how US television coverage of a race-related crisis can reflect racial ideology. Using critical discourse analysis, we examined interjournalistic discourse about African Americans in national network and cable news programs that aired after Hurricane Katrina reached New Orleans. While we expected conversational semantic items from conservative Fox News to reflect racial ideology, we also found such discursive elements from politically moderate and progressive news organizations such as CBS, CNN, and MSNBC. These findings are consistent with Anxiety Uncertainty Management theory, which predicts that exposure to stressors in unfamiliar settings causes individuals to think in ethnocentric, dichotomous, stereotypical ways. Our research underscores the impact of white privilege on language, communication, and news production, and the need for cultural competence training to enhance journalists’ ability to discuss racial matters with ease.
The Hill & Knowlton cases: A brief on the controversy

Abstract This study examines the ethical controversies raised by the Hill & Knowlton client list under the stewardship of Robert Keith Gray, and discusses the ethical issues in relation to three questions; Should clients be accepted on the basis of their ability to pay? Are all clients entitled to representation? Is it what is done on behalf of a client that comes under ethical consideration? It presents answers in terms of entrepreneurship, professionalism, ethical codes and guidelines. The third question is relevant to the clients cited, particularly in relation to Citizens for a Free Kuwait.
Making the World Real: Using a Civic Engagement Course to Bring Home Our Global Connections

ABSTRACT Civic engagement is an area ripe for increased pedagogical attention in the discipline of Political Science. However, almost all efforts are limited to courses on local, state, and national government. We teach about the often intricate connections between domestic and international politics, but opportunities for students to research and practice working within these connections in their local communities are lacking. This article presents a model for combining civic engagement and international relations through a service-learning technique in a class that maintains the traditional intellectual rigor and learning goals of the discipline. It argues that we can do more than just talk about the local impact of international relations in our classrooms by presenting students with structured opportunities to take their knowledge of international relations and use it for the benefit of their local community.
Phase II trial of sequential therapy with fludarabine followed by cyclophosphamide, mitoxantrone, vincristine, and prednisone for low-grade follicular lymphomas

Advanced follicular lymphomas, grades I and II, are indolent tumors but are not considered curable with standard therapy. Fludarabine has the highest single-agent response rates in this disease. However, fludarabine-based combination chemotherapy regimens have been associated with significant myelotoxicity. Data exist suggesting that the best way to combine partially non-cross-resistant agents may be to use them sequentially. Patients with bulky stage II, stage III, or stage IV follicular lymphoma (grade I or II) were entered on this protocol. Patients were treated with 3 cycles of fludarabine followed by 6-8 cycles of cyclophosphamide, mitoxantrone, vincristine, and prednisone (CNOP). Response was assessed after the 3(rd) cycle of fludarabine and after the 4(th), 6(th), and 8(th) cycles of CNOP. Twenty-seven patients were entered on the protocol. Median follow-up was 50 months. Eighteen patients (67%) attained a complete response (CR), and eight patients (30%) attained a partial response (PR), for an overall response rate of 97%. Median relapse-free survival was 34 months, and median overall survival was not reached for the entire cohort. While all patients who achieved only PR progressed, more than half of those in CR remain free of progression at 39-84 months of follow-up. The regimen was well tolerated. The sequential combination of fludarabine and CNOP appears to be active and well tolerated in patients with grade I and II follicular lymphoma. Patients who achieve CR fare best, and many remain disease-free long term. While these results are encouraging, the addition of other active agents such as rituximab to this regimen may further enhance efficacy and is under investigation.
The role of family caregivers in HIV medication adherence

This study examines the role that mid-life and older wives and mothers play in promoting medication adherence among their HIV-infected husbands or adult sons who require daily living assistance. Interviews were conducted with 112 caregiving dyads, with caregivers reporting on their own behaviours and attitudes towards medications, and care-recipients (persons living with HIV [PLH]) providing information about their own adherence practices. By examining how caregiver characteristics, behaviours, and attitudes may influence PLH adherence it is explicitly recognized that caregivers and PLH are linked within a caregiving dyad. Findings indicate that caregivers often remind PLH to take medications, but these reminders are not significantly associated with adherence. Caregivers also report strong attitudes about medication hassles, concerns over treatment failure and general concerns about adherence. Controlling for background characteristics, high perceived adherence hassles on the part of the caregiver were associated with low PLH adherence, providing evidence of shared influence within the caregiving dyad. Adherence interventions may maximize their effectiveness if they consider the role of the family caregiver because these data suggest that caregiver attitudes are linked with PLH adherence behaviours.
Utilizing the Developmental Influence of Peers in Middle School Groups.

The developmental importance of peers in early adolescence creates an opportunity for school counselors to utilize group work to promote development and achievement. This article will review research on peer relationships and demonstrate how developmental forces in early adolescence are consistent with and related to therapeutic factors in group work.
Growth factors in wound healing.

Abstract Normal wound healing requires the coordinated completion of a variety of cellular activities. The cellular activities involved in normal healing include phagocytosis, chemotaxis, mitogenesis, collagen synthesis, and the synthesis of other matrix components. After a wound is created, phagocytosis of bacteria and damaged tissue is a necessary prerequisite to most other healing processes. Neutrophils and macrophages are the primary phagocytic cells. Chemotaxis is the migration of cells against a gradient. Chemotactic agents for inflammatory cells, fibroblasts, and cells involved in angiogenesis contribute to the healing process. Mitogenesis-stimulating agents cause cells required for healing to divide. Mitogenesis generates more fibroblasts, epithelial cells, and angiogenic cells to carry out the healing process. New collagen and ground substance are required to give the healing wound strength and structure, and the synthesis of these proteins and glycoproteins, primarily by fibroblasts, is another critical component of the healing process. Wound contraction and scar remodeling are other major aspects of healing. These processes are most likely not purely cellular activities, though cells are required for wound contraction and scar remodeling to occur. All of these processes must be accomplished for a wound to heal.
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a potent, PKC selective, B-ring analog of bryostatin.

The first member of a new class of five-membered B-ring analogs of bryostatin has been synthesized and tested for its ability to bind and translocate protein kinase C (PKC). This synthesis extends the utility of our previously introduced macrotransacetalization strategy to the formation of five-membered dioxolane B-ring analogs. This analog exhibits potent, single-digit nanomolar affinity to PKC and selectively translocates novel PKC isozymes.
Allometry in the pliocene bivalveAstarte omalii: A new look at an old data set

The relationships between ontogeny and phylogeny have been studied for the bivalve Astarte omaliifrom the Lower, Middle, and Upper Pliocene of Belgium using canonical variates analysis, principal components in the form of multivariate allometry, and bivariate power functions or allometric equations. The results indicate that the three samples represent segments of a single evolutionary lineage which is characterized mainly by paedomorphosis where adult descendants are similar to juvenile ancestors. Recapitulation or peramorphosis is only observed for a single parameter. The Lower and Middle Pliocene samples are considered as Astarte omalii omalii,whereas the Upper Pliocene specimens are placed in A. omalii basteroti.The evolutionary trends most likely reflect changes in the living positions of the bivalves.
Crop classification with LANDSAT multispectral scanner data

Abstract The LANDSAT multispectral scanner (MSS) data have been analyzed with a view toward classification to identify wheat. The notion of spectral signature of a crop, a commonly used basis for classification, has been found to be inadequate. Data analysis has revealed that the MSS data from agricultural sites are essentially two-dimensional, and that the data from different sites and different acquisitions lie on parallel planes in the four-dimensional feature space. These results have been exploited to gain new insight into the data and to develop alternate models for classification. In particular, it has been found that the temporal pattern of change in the spectral response of a crop constitutes its signature and provides a basis for crop classification.
On the activation energy in the chemical-mechanical correlation model

Abstract The assumption that the Qc in the chemical-mechanical correlation model is the creep activation energy was verified. Verification was carried out by deriving values of Qc from stress corro...
Some refinements of the quasi-quantiles

Abstract R.D. Reiss's (1980) proposal of quasi-quantiles, i.e. certain kernel estimators of population quantiles Q(u), is extended using a mixing function h(u) and an asymmetric bandwidth function defined by endpoints γ(u) and δ(u). The second order terms in the expansions of the expected value and variance are used to determine h(u), γ(u) and δ(u) and thus refine quasi-quantiles.
Trends in family planning: the American-Egyptians case.

This is the first demographic study on Egyptian immigrants in the United States and is exploratory in nature. Although many studies have been done by Egyptian and foreign demographers on the Egyptian family in Egypt (Little 1967; Shanawany 1969; Crowley 1969; El-Badri 1965; Rizk 1963; … etc.) none dealt with Egyptian families in the United States. The main purpose of this study is to discover whether there is a significant change in the Egyptian family size in the United States in comparison with that in Egypt and to compare the family size of the present adult generation with that of their own parents and grandparents irrespective of location. (excerpt)
Targeting a Minority without Alienating the Majority: Advertising to Gays and Lesbians in Mainstream Media

ABSTRACT Although marketers generally consider homosexuals to be a desirable market segment, they are not targeted using mainstream media because it is expected that heterosexuals will react negatively to homosexual advertising messages. However, this study found that consumers9 response to heterosexual or homosexual advertising content was affected by the type of homosexual imagery used in the advertisement and the gender and sexual orientation of the consumer viewing the advertisement. The findings indicate that marketers advertising to homosexual consumers using the mainstream media should use advertising incorporating gay and lesbian subcultural symbolism whenever possible.
Understanding reasons for underuse: an approach to improve quality and reduce disparities in breast cancer treatment.

Objective: Effective adjuvant treatments proven to prolong survival for breast cancer exist, yet many women, particularly minority women, do not receive them. Little work has focused on improving the quality of, and reducing racial disparities in, cancer treatment. We describe the application of a conceptual model to direct, design, and implement trials to reduce underuse of effective adjuvant breast cancer treatments. Methods: Content analysis of extensive interviews and focus groups was used to construct a framework of patient, physician, and system-level reasons for underuse. Use of the model then directed development of targeted interventions aimed at ameliorating underlying causes. Results: The process of identifying patient, physician, and system-level reasons for underuse involved patients, surgeons, surgeon's office staff, and providers of patient assistance. Engaging these individuals both informed the design of our multi-focused interventions and generated interest in trial participation. All 38 surgeons in six unaffiliated institutions and all 25 patient assistance programs approached agreed to participate in the intervention trials. Interpretation: Identifying reasons for underuse by interviewing patients, physicians, physician office staff, and allied care providers about episodes in which needed care failed to occur helps engage key individuals, and can inform the design and implementation of interventions targeting barriers to delivering high quality breast cancer care to all. Mt Sinai J Med 75:23–30, 2008. © 2008 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Updated Meta-Analysis of Septal Alcohol Ablation Versus Myectomy for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Objectives The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies to compare outcomes of septal ablation (SA) with septal myectomy (SM) for treatment of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). Background SM is considered the gold standard for treatment of HOCM. However, SA has emerged as an attractive therapeutic alternative. Methods A Medline search using standard terms was conducted to determine eligible studies. Due to a lack of randomized control trials, we included observational studies for review. Results Twelve studies were found eligible for review. No significant differences between short-term (risk difference [RD]: 0.01; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.01 to 0.03) and long-term mortality (RD: 0.02; 95% CI: −0.05 to 0.09) were found between the SA and SM groups. In addition, no significant differences could be found in terms of post-intervention functional status as well as improvement in New York Heart Association functional class, ventricular arrhythmia occurrence, re-interventions performed, and post-procedure mitral regurgitation. However, SA was found to increase the risk of right bundle branch block (RBBB) (pooled odds ratio [OR]: 56.3; 95% CI: 11.6 to 273.9) along with need for permanent pacemaker implantation post-procedure (pooled OR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.7 to 3.9). Although the efficacy of both SA and SM in left ventricular outflow tract gradient (LVOTG) reduction seems comparable, there is a small yet significantly higher residual LVOTG amongst the SA group patients as compared with the SM group patients. Conclusion SA does seem to show promise in treatment of HOCM owing to similar mortality rates as well as functional status compared with SM; however, the caveat is increased conduction abnormalities and a higher post-intervention LVOTG. The choice of treatment strategy should be made after a thorough discussion of the procedures with the individual patient.
Long-term anticoagulant therapy in coronary disease.

An attempt has been made to evaluate the effectiveness of continuing the administration of anticoagulants over a period of years in the treatment of coronary heart disease. In a series of 521 patients there was a group of 408 with myocardial infarction, within which it was possible to make comparisons between 268 patients who kept up the anticoagulant treatment and 140 (pseudocontrols) who discontinued such treatment after three months to 10 years. Mortalities at both the 5-year and 10-year epochs were higher for the pseudocontrols (29 and 36%) than for those who continued the treatment (21 and 25%). The 5-year and 10-year mortality figures in the series available in the literature in which anticoagulants were not given (true controls) are 44 and 68 % respectively. The conclusion that anticoagulant therapy improved the prognosis for the patient was corroborated by other comparisons within this series as well as comparisons with data published by other investigators. Anticoagulants in the dosages here used caused 58 minor and several rather severe hemorrhagic episodes but no fatalities.
Fuzzy clustering approach to hierarchical molecular dynamics simulation of multiscale materials phenomena

Abstract A new algorithm is developed for large-scale, long-time molecular dynamics simulations of multiscale materials phenomenaby combining a hierarchy of subdynamics: (i) rigid-body cluster dynamics for global conformational changes; (ii) implicit integration of Newton's equations for the coalescence of the clusters; and (iii) normal-mode analysis of fast atomic oscillations. Fuzzy clustering is used to facilitate the seamless integration of the multiple levels of abstraction. The fuzzy-body/implicit-integration/normal-mode (FIN) scheme speeds up a simulation of nanocluster sintering by a factor of 28 over a conventional explicit integration scheme. A parallel implementation of the scheme achieves an efficiency of 0.94 for a 12.7 million-atom nanocrystalline solid on 64 nodes of an IBM SP2 computer.
Case report: A retrospective serological analysis indicating human exposure to tick-borne relapsing fever spirochetes in Texas.

1 Department of Pediatrics, Section of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States of America, 2 Texas State Guard, Medical Brigade, Uvalde, Texas, United States of America, 3 Department of Biological Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi, United States of America, 4 Department of Chemistry, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi, United States of America
A Novel Reactant Delivery System for PEM Fuel Cells

This paper deals with the use of microjets as a reactant delivery method for a PEM fuel cell. The flow physics of this technique have been adapted such that an even distribution of reactants over the membrane is achieved. A single cell based on this microjet delivery method has been built and tested using the fuel cell test station at SESEC. Polarization curves were obtained for a number of different operating conditions in which the relative humidity and supply pressure of the air supply were varied. Similar operating conditions were used to obtain polarization curves for a similarly sized commercially available fuel cell that utilizes commonly used serpentine flow channels for reactant delivery. Comparison of the polarization curves at similar operating conditions revealed that the microjet-based fuel cell was relatively unaffected by the changes in relative humidity and and positively affected by an increase in supply pressure, which was in stark contrast to what was observed for the commercial fuel cell.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
R69-24 Universal Logic Circuits and Their Modular Realizations

The integrated circuit technology is still in the process of growth and evolution. The full impact of this technology on future logical design methods is yet to come. At this point one can only wonder whether the future digital circuits will be designed in the form of strictly cellular arrays or in the form of IC circuit packages of standard "cell types" with customized metallization interconnection, or a hybrid combination of these together with cellular or noncellular "programmable logic arrays." Whatever might be the form, it seems rather certain that a basic problem common to all these approaches is the problem of designing complex logical building blocks. These blocks become the basic cells of the cellular arrays, the basic "functional units" for the customized interconnection schemes, and determine the terminal control signal sets in the programmable logic arrays. Yau and Tang have addressed themselves to this important problem without specifically stating these motivations in their paper.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Propionibacterium acnes Isolates from Shoulder Surgery

Orthopedic surgeons at our institution have noticed an increase in the number of infections due to Propionibacterium acnes, especially following operations on the shoulder. We collected P. acnes isolates from our hospital microbiology laboratory for 1 year and performed antimicrobial susceptibility testing on 28 strains from the shoulder. Antibiotics with the lowest MIC values against P. acnes (MIC50 and MIC90) included penicillin G (0.006, 0.125), cephalothin (0.047 and 0.094), and ceftriaxone (0.016, 0.045), while others also showed activity. Strains resistant to clindamycin were noted.
Fluid Flow Phenomena in Dusty Air

The purpose of this study was to obtain extensive experimental data on the effect of skin-friction drag by suspending solid particles in air. The investigation was divided into two parts: The first study consisted of obtaining extensive experimental data on the pressure gradients (which are proportional to skin friction) encountered in circular pipes when a mixture of air with solid particles suspended in it flows through the pipe. The second part deals with the skin friction as measured on a flat plate placed flush with the floor of a wind tunnel having a dusty sub-layer. These studies involved a large range of Reynolds numbers, particle sizes, and weight-flow ratios. A theory is also presented to try and explain some of the complex flow phenomena encountered in a two-phase flow system.
Foreign-Born Scientists

In their Policy Forum “Are the foreign born a source of strength for U.S. science?” ( Science 's Compass, 20 Aug., p. [1213][1]), Sharon G. Levin and Paula E. Stephan present a case to show that “individuals making exceptional contributions to [science and engineering] in the United States are
MOS capacitors with metal gate/high-k dielectrics on GaAs bulk substrate

This paper investigates the electrical characteristics at low temperatures through C–V, I–V and conductance measurements to understand the interface behavior of HfO2 and p-type GaAs bulk substrate. Room temperature interface state density, Dit, estimated for as-deposited Ti–Au/HfO2/GaAs capacitors was found to be 3.68 × 1011 cm−2 eV−1. Low temperature measurement suggests that only fast interface states contribute to the conduction process. When the characteristics of two different metal gates were compared, the accumulation capacitance density observed to be 1.4 and 8.98 fF/μm2 for Be–Au/HfO2/GaAs and Ti–Au/HfO2/GaAs, respectively at 1 MHz.
Contact stress and kinematic analysis of all-epiphyseal and over-the-top pediatric reconstruction techniques for the anterior cruciate ligament.

Background:Adult anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction techniques may be inappropriate to treat skeletally immature patients because of the risk of physeal complications. “Physeal-sparing” reconstruction techniques exist, but their ability to restore knee stability and contact mechanics is not well understood.Purpose:(1) To assess the ability of the all-epiphyseal (AE) and over-the-top (OT) reconstruction techniques to restore knee kinematics, (2) to assess whether these reconstruction techniques decrease the high posterior contact stresses seen with ACL deficiency, and (3) to determine whether the AE or OT technique produces abnormal tibiofemoral contact stresses.Study Design:Controlled laboratory study.Methods:Ten fresh-frozen human cadaveric knees were tested using a robotic manipulator. Tibiofemoral motions were recorded with the ACL intact, after sectioning the ACL, and after both reconstructions in each of the 10 specimens. The AE technique consisted of tunnels exclusively within the epiph...
Detection of volatile arsenic chloride species during hydride generation: a new prospectus

Volatile inorganic- and organo-arsenic chloride species were detected following hydride generation. Arsenic trichloride can be formed and sampled from the headspace of arsenate or arsenite solutions following simple acidification to 2–8 M HCl. Mono- and dimethylarsenic chloride species are formed during conventional hydride generation using sodium tetrahydroborate in a HCl medium. Increased HCl concentration in the sample solution promotes the formation of volatile chloride species in the hydride mixtures. The generated arsenic chloride species were characterized using electron impact ionization mass spectrometry.
An analysis of a new stable partitioned algorithm for FSI problems. Part II: Incompressible flow and structural shells

Stable partitioned algorithms for fluid–structure interaction (FSI) problems are developed and analyzed in this two-part paper. Part I describes an algorithm for incompressible flow coupled with compressible elastic solids, while Part II discusses an algorithm for incompressible flow coupled with structural shells. The numerical approach described here for structural shells uses Robin (mixed) interface conditions for the pressure and velocity in the fluid which are derived directly from the governing equations. The resulting added-mass partitioned (AMP) algorithm is stable even for very light structures, requires no sub-iterations per time step, and is second-order accurate. The stability and accuracy of the AMP algorithm is evaluated for linearized FSI model problems. A normal mode analysis is performed to show that the new AMP algorithm is stable, even for the case of very light structures when added-mass effects are large. Exact traveling wave solutions are derived for the FSI model problems, and these solutions are used to verify the stability and accuracy of the corresponding numerical results obtained from the AMP algorithm for the cases of light, medium and heavy structures. A summary comparison of the AMP algorithm developed here and the one in Part I is provided.
Standards in Gifted Education and Their Effects on Professional Competence

Educators need to know the professional standards in their field to maintain high levels of professional competence. This article focuses on four sets of teacher preparation standards in gifted edu...
Anti-microbial Activity of Urine after Ingestion of Cranberry: A Pilot Study.

We explore the anti-microbial activity of urine specimens after the ingestion of a commercial cranberry preparation. Twenty subjects without urinary infection, off antibiotics and all supplements or vitamins were recruited. The study was conducted in two phases: in phase 1, subjects collected the first morning urine prior to ingesting 900 mg of cranberry and then at 2, 4 and 6 h. In phase 2, subjects collected urine on 2 consecutive days: on Day 1 no cranberry was ingested (control specimens), on Day 2, cranberry was ingested. The pH of all urine specimens were adjusted to the same pH as that of the first morning urine specimen. Aliquots of each specimen were independently inoculated with Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae or Candida albicans. After incubation, colony forming units/ml (CFU ml−1) in the control specimen was compared with CFU ml−1 in specimens collected 2, 4 and 6 h later. Specimens showing ≥50% reduction in CFU ml−1 were considered as having ‘activity’ against the strains tested. In phase 1, 7/20 (35%) subjects had anti-microbial activity against E. coli, 13/20 (65%) against K. pneumoniae and 9/20 (45%) against C. albicans in specimens collected 2–6 h after ingestion of cranberry. In phase 2, 6/9 (67%) of the subjects had activity against K. pneumoniae. This pilot study demonstrates weak anti-microbial activity in urine specimens after ingestion of a single dose of commercial cranberry. Anti-microbial activity was noted only against K. pneumoniae 2–6 h after ingestion of the cranberry preparation.
Assessing Media Campaigns Linking Marijuana Non-Use with Autonomy and Aspirations: “Be Under Your Own Influence” and ONDCP’s “Above the Influence”

Two media-based interventions designed to reduce adolescent marijuana use ran concurrently from 2005 to 2009. Both interventions used similar message strategies, emphasizing marijuana’s inconsistency with personal aspirations and autonomy. “Be Under Your Own Influence” was a randomized community and school trial replicating and extending a successful earlier intervention of the same name (Slater et al. Health Education Research 21:157–167, 2006). “Above the Influence” is a continuing national television, radio, and print campaign sponsored by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). This study assessed the simultaneous impact of the interventions in the 20 U.S. communities. Results indicate that earlier effects of the “Be Under Your Own Influence” intervention replicated only in part and that the most plausible explanation of the weaker effects is high exposure to the similar but more extensive ONDCP “Above the Influence” national campaign. Self-reported exposure to the ONDCP campaign predicted reduced marijuana use, and analyses partially support indirect effects of the two campaigns via aspirations and autonomy.
Planning and Follow-up After Ablation of Hepatic Tumors: Imaging Evaluation

CTs or MRIs are essential for preablative therapy planning of hepatic tumors to identify accurate size, number, and location of tumors. Tumors larger than 5 cm and located near the major branches of the portal vein and hepatic vein have a higher potential for incomplete ablation. Postablative imaging studies are needed to determine if the entire tumors are included in the treatment zone to minimize the risk of local tumor recurrences. Complications of ablative therapy can be identified on post-treatment imaging studies.
A multi-function, microfluidic module for mutation detection

A multi-function, microfluidic module was designed, fabricated, and used for mutation detection using the ligase detection reaction (LDR) following amplification by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The module carried out four processing steps: (1) the PCR to amplify a target region in the K-ras gene of the human genome, which can lead to colorectal cancer; (2) the purification of the PCR products; (3) the mixing of the purified PCR products with an LDR reagent using a passive micromixer; and (4) the LDR to make florescent oligonucleotide products detectable by gel electrophoresis. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the K-ras gene were detected from a concentration ratio of mutant to normal genomic DNA of 1∶40 using the multi-function, microfluidic module.
Generalization and a framework for query modification

The rigidity and limited expressiveness of relational queries often require that a query be iteratively modified. An initial query is posed, and once it is discovered that the answer does not meet the additional constraints, which are not expressed in the relational query, it is necessary to modify the query in a way such that those constraints are satisfied. The aim of this work is to capture this iterative process by extending the query model. Extended queries, which express additional constraints on the answer set and designate some of the conditions in the relational query as flexible, are defined. The query modification operators modify flexible constraints to satisfy an extended query. The query modification operation, generalization, is described. The conditions under which generalization is applicable are identified. Rules of generalization are proposed, and an algorithm for picking a minimal generalization is suggested. >